An introduction to a classic
There’s a certain magic to Hollywood, Florida. Nestled between the high-octane glamour of Miami and the yachting grandeur of Fort Lauderdale, it possesses a character all its own—a blend of old-Florida charm, vibrant artistic energy, and unpretentious, sun-kissed relaxation. It’s a city that feels both timeless and constantly reinventing itself, a place where a legendary brick-paved Broadwalk meets a world-class collection of street art. Welcome to a city born from a single man’s audacious dream, now a beloved destination for travellers seeking an authentic slice of the Sunshine State.
A dreamer’s city – The history of Hollywood
To understand Hollywood, you must first understand its founder, Joseph Wesley Young. Arriving in South Florida in 1920, he saw not swampland, but the canvas for his “Dream City in Florida.” He purchased thousands of acres and, inspired by the name of California’s film capital, began to meticulously craft a city for everyone. Young’s vision was incredibly detailed, designing wide boulevards, grand traffic circles like Young Circle, and pre-zoned districts for business, schools, and parks. He didn’t just sell land; he built a complete community from the ground up. The 1920s were a boom time as Young, a master promoter, attracted buyers from across the country. He built the Hollywood Beach Hotel and a magnificent bathing casino on the ocean, and the city grew at a staggering pace. But this rise was met with a devastating blow on September 18, 1926, when a monster hurricane slammed into the coast, laying waste to much of what Young had built. The storm nearly washed the dream away. Yet, the city’s spirit endured. Young formed the Hollywood Relief Committee, and residents began to rebuild. Though the hurricane, followed by the Great Depression, cost Young his fortune, his vision was too strong to die. He even conceived of Port Everglades, a project critical to the region’s economy. Joseph Young died in 1934, but the city he dreamed into existence not only survived but eventually thrived, forever carrying the DNA of his original master plan.

The Broadwalk – a stretch of nostalgia
At the heart of the Hollywood experience is its most iconic feature: the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. This is a grand, brick-paved promenade stretching nearly two and a half miles along the sparkling Atlantic. Named one of America’s best beach boardwalks, it’s a car-free paradise that captures a unique, timeless vibe you won’t find anywhere else. A day on the Broadwalk is a sensory journey. It’s the whir of a bicycle’s wheels and rollerblades, the laughter from beach volleyball, and the gentle rhythm of waves. The path is bordered on one side by miles of sandy beach and on the other by a charming collection of boutique hotels, open-air cafes, souvenir shops, and ice cream parlours. The architecture is a delightful mix, but the overall feeling is relaxed and village-like. Families love the Broadwalk. Near Charnow Park, a whimsical dolphin fountain provides endless fun for children. Further down, the iconic Hollywood Beach Theatre at the Johnson Street Plaza hosts free live music most nights, its beachfront bandshell filling the evening air with everything from rock to reggae. It’s the perfect spot to grab a blanket, find a patch of sand, and enjoy a concert under the stars.

Downtown Hollywood – a canvas for creativity
Venture west from the beach, and you’ll discover a downtown that has undergone a remarkable renaissance, transforming itself into a vibrant hub for arts and culture. The epicentre of this movement is the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, an ambitious public art initiative that has turned building facades into a stunning outdoor art gallery. A walking tour of the downtown area reveals an incredible diversity of styles from renowned local and international artists. Each mural tells a story, adding a layer of colour and conversation to the urban landscape. These are powerful statements that have infused the entire district with a palpable creative energy. The artistic soul of downtown finds its nexus at the ArtsPark at Young Circle. This sprawling 10-acre park features a spectacular fountain, a playground, and the stunning ArtsPark Visual Arts Pavilion, where you can watch live glass-blowing demonstrations. The park’s amphitheatre hosts a packed calendar of concerts, cultural festivals, and movie nights, making it a constant hub of community activity.

Hollywood’s surrounding nature
While famous for its beach, Hollywood is a gateway to an astonishing variety of natural ecosystems. The crown jewel is the Anne Kolb Nature Center, a breathtaking 1,500-acre coastal mangrove wetland. Before you even hit the trails, spend time in the excellent exhibit hall to learn about the complex ecosystem you’re about to enter, home to species like the elusive mangrove cuckoo. Then, climb the five-story observation tower for a magnificent panorama where the green mangrove forests meet the blue Intracoastal. For true immersion, rent a kayak from the adjacent West Lake Park and paddle the serene, marked water trails. The only sounds are your paddle dipping in the water, the wind rustling the mangrove leaves, and the call of wading birds like the majestic Great Blue Heron or the brilliantly pink Roseate Spoonbill. Look closely at the mangrove roots to spot fiddler crabs scuttling just above the waterline in this vital nursery for countless marine species. For a different coastal experience, visit Hollywood North Beach Park. This barrier island park feels like a secret sanctuary. Its elevated dune crossovers protect the fragile, sea-oat-covered dunes as they lead you to a quieter stretch of sand. The park is a critical nesting ground for loggerhead, leatherback, and green sea turtles from March through October; seeing the marked-off nests is a powerful reminder of the wildness that coexists with the city. The 60-foot observation tower here offers a stunning view that captures the contrast of the wild Atlantic on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, with the urban skyline peeking in the distance. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching during spring and fall migrations. Just a short drive away in Dania Beach, the Secret Woods Nature Center transports you to an entirely different world. Here, three distinct trail systems guide you through a freshwater cypress-maple wetland, a pond apple slough, and a coastal hammock. The air is cooler under the dense tree canopy, and the star attractions are the majestic pond cypress trees and their knobby “knees” protruding from the dark, tannin-stained water. The sounds of the coast are replaced by the buzz of insects and the songs of woodland birds. Further north lies Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, a place of profound natural beauty and historical significance. As one of the last undeveloped coastal ecosystems in Broward County, it’s a haven for boaters and shore fishermen. Its long, tranquil beach offers solitude, while the jetty at the Port Everglades inlet provides a dramatic spot to watch massive cruise ships head out to sea. This park is named for the civil rights leaders who orchestrated “wade-in” protests to desegregate South Florida’s beaches, making any visit a tribute to both nature and history. Finally, for a classic day of family fun, Topeekeegee Yugnee (T.Y.) Park offers a sprawling green space with a two-mile paved loop perfect for biking and skating, countless picnic spots under shady trees, and the beloved Castaway Island water park, which provides a welcome respite from the summer heat.

A calendar packed with entertainment
Hollywood’s calendar is brimming with energy year-round. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival is a massive celebration that takes over the downtown area each March. In December, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk twinkles for the annual Candy Cane Parade, a beloved holiday tradition for generations. The city’s diverse culture is also on full display at events like the Hollywood Beach Latin Festival, which brings sizzling music, dance, and food to the shoreline. Of course, no mention of Hollywood entertainment is complete without the iconic Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Instantly recognizable by its magnificent 450-foot Guitar Hotel tower, this resort is a world-class destination for gaming, dining, and live performances. Catch a show by a legendary musician at the Hard Rock Live arena, try your luck in the expansive casino, or simply soak in the vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.
Your Hollywood story begins here
Hollywood, Florida, is a city of wonderful and authentic layers. It’s where the retro cool of the Broadwalk meets the contemporary edge of the Mural Project. It’s where you can spend your morning kayaking through ancient mangroves and your evening enjoying a free concert by the sea. It’s a city that honours its ambitious history while enthusiastically embracing the art, culture, and community of its present. After a day spent cycling the Broadwalk, discovering vibrant murals, or paddling through serene mangroves, coming home should feel just as magical. At Casiola, we believe your vacation home is more than just a place to sleep—it’s the heart of your holiday, where you’ll share laughter over dinner, plan the next day’s adventure, and create those sun-drenched memories that last a lifetime. Find your perfect Hollywood sanctuary with us, a comfortable and welcoming space to kick off your sandals and truly unwind, making your Florida story one you’ll want to tell again and again.
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