by D. Raposa

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Hooray for Hollywood...Y'all. Yes, there's another city named Hollywood in the USA, but this one is on the other side of the country and even further south - Hollywood Florida. Located between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood is an attractive, neighborhoody piece of South Florida, boasting one of the most beautiful and bustling beachfronts on the East Coast.

The Broadwalk (yes, that's the name, it's not a typo) is the 2-mile stretch of colorful pavers and old-time globe lighting running along Hollywood Beach. Take a leisurely stroll along the main promenade. Bring your own bicycle or rollerblades for an exhilarating ride along the crushed-shell bike path. Try something new and rent a surrey cycle (looks like a golfcart that you peddle) or lowrider beachcruiser (where you're practically laying down as you peddle) from one of the local bike shops.

Hang out at Charnow Park, a newly redeveloped playground featuring (rather odd) climbing columns and swingsets. Picnic under the chickee huts while watching fierce competition at the Paddleball Courts. Non-ocean lovers can still get wet when running through the interactive Fountain.

Visit the Bandshell on Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday nights for live music, featuring everything from swing to hard rock. Other concerts are held here throughout the month, as well as some famous festivals like the Red, White & Bluegrass and the Hollywood Beach Clambake.

There are many shops along the beach. Commemorate your trip with a funny t-shirt or souvenir keychain. Treat yourself to some higher-end swimwear. Or adorn your body with henna or temporary tattoos.

Hope you're hungry because beach restaurants feature cuisine from the Middle East, Italy, Armenia...you name it, it's being served somewhere. Try a dolphinfish sandwich (don't worry, it's not Flipper but a completely different species of sea creature). Breakfast on biscuits-and-gravy or homemade grits. There's always the tried-and-true slice of deep-dish pizza available.

Ahhh, relaxing on Hollywood Beach. Read a book while sitting under a palm tree or giant beach umbrella. Nap comfortably on a rented beach lounge. Cabanas are available for a little more privacy. Build sand castles, play volleyball, peoplewatch...it's all good at the beach!

If you are staying in the area for a while, there are some "just-like-home" services available. Shop for organic produce at the Sunday morning farmer's market. Don't forget your quarters for the wash-and-dry at the local laundromat. Pick up a nice bottle of wine or appertif at the local liquorstore (some of the restaurants let you bring in your own for a corking fee).

No looming sign and certainly no hills, but this recently named All-America City on Florida's Gold Coast offers one of the most exciting and busy beachfronts in the country. Next time you're thinking of somewhere fun to go, consider doing Hollywood...southern style.

Learn more about this author, D. Raposa.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.