Hooray for Hollywood ...Florida
Earning its nickname as the Diamond of the Gold Coast, the city of Hollywood enjoys a charm both rare and alluring. With seven miles of sparkling beaches, hundreds of acres of state parks and outdoor space, as well as a historic downtown vibrant with culture and entertainment, it’s easy to see why the area has captivated visitors and residents alike since the 1920s.
The Beachfront
At the center of Hollywood’s charm are its pristine beaches, which, for 10 consecutive years, have been designated Blue Wave Certified Clean Beaches by the Clean Beaches Council.
Along its miles of unsullied coastline, the family-friendly Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is found. This paved oceanfront promenade stretches nearly two and a half miles, acting as a haven for joggers, cyclists, pedestrians, and those opting to soak in the view from the myriad of shops, inns and cafes lining the walk.
The Hollywood Beach Theatre sits off North Broadwalk, treating concertgoers to free shows five evenings a week, with series like Beach Theatre Bandstand and Dancing Under the Moonlight set against the stunning backdrop of a shoreline sunset.
Parks and Rec
Across the beach are three oceanfront parks, ideal for taking in the vast environmental riches of Hollywood. North Beach Park provides 56 acres of beach and green space ideal for activities like swimming, fishing and boating, as well as relaxing by shaded picnic and grilling sites.
Coral reefs located just “200 kicks” offshore provide ample opportunity for undersea exploration, while a sea turtle hatchery serves the area’s endangered sea turtle population. Nearby, West Lake Park is home to the Anne Kolb Nature Center, which offers 1,500 acres of tidal channels and paddle trails through native mangrove forests. A short hike up a 68-foot observation tower grants visitors panoramic views of the city and shore.
North of West Lake, the 117 acres of John U. Lloyd State Beach Park are prime for canoeing, swimming, surf fishing and nature study. Further to the west is the Seminole Okalee Indian Village, where glimpses of traditional Native American life, craftsmanship, and history can be experienced. The remarkable breadth of natural and recreational space within Hollywood ensures there is an activity to appeal to nearly everyone.
Downtown Hollywood - Culture Center
In addition to its world of natural wonders, Hollywood has a thriving cultural center -- found Downtown. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the area is traversed by car, trolley, and pedestrian-friendly streets that offer easy access to the heart of the city. The Central Business District, The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, various shopping plazas, schools, restaurants, parks and even churches are located in this bustling city center.
Young Circle is home to ArtsPark, which features 10 acres of park space and a Visual Arts Pavilion hosting cultural events throughout the year. An area known as “The Meadow” has a promenade, playground, and outdoor game boards while “The Grove” is a shady oasis hosting smaller cinema and acoustic music events during the winter months.
Downtown Hollywood boasts a vibrant nightlife scene as well, with a burgeoning Dining & Entertainment District. Concentrated along Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Streets, scores of boutiques, galleries and shops provide options to satisfy any taste. Area restaurants and cafes span the culinary board, with an abundance of fresh seafood, Mediterranean bistros, Asian outposts, European and American fare, and more. Downtown bars and clubs also exhibit South Florida’s trademark international flare, with venues playing host to jazz, blues, R&B, Latin and rock music.
Where to Live
Residential options in Hollywood are as diverse as those who call it home, ranging from apartments and high-rise condominiums along North Beach, South Central Beach, and Downtown, to large single-family homes in popular neighborhoods like Hollywood Lakes, Royal Porciana, Parkside, and Hollywood Hills.
The city has something for everyone in the family, with numerous athletics programs, community centers, first-class shopping hubs, golf courses, and country clubs all within its borders.
Through its coveted combination of sun-kissed beaches, lush green space, a bustling downtown center, choice real estate and, of course, sunshine and warmth all year long, Hollywood truly does have it all. From high culture to great outdoor escapes, the warm sand of day giving way to the heat of electric nightlife, for singles or family folk, in this gem of a city living the good life just comes naturally.
