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Hollywood seemed like a convenient base for exploring the greater Fort Lauderdale area, but I didn’t expect much from the city itself. It’s just sun and sand, right? How little I knew.
This itinerary is short and sweet, making it perfect before or after a cruise or as part of a longer Fort Lauderdale vacation. Without factoring in time for swimming, lounging, or heading to downtown, here’s how to spend 24 hours on Hollywood Beach Florida.
What to Do in Hollywood Florida in Just One Day
4:00 p.m.: Ride the Waves at Margaritaville
After surfing in Nicaragua and Southern California, I thought surfing in a Flowrider would be a piece of cake. But with constant 35mph “waves”, this surf simulator is harder than it looks. Sessions start with bodyboarding (on your belly) and kneeboarding, both of which were simple and a ton of fun. As soon as it came to standing up, though, I lost my balance.
Unlike traditional surfing, the wave is at full speed the whole time, and I found it really hard to maintain my balance. Luckily it’s fun even when you fly backward…after all, it’s like a reverse waterslide!
Try it Out: Book a 1-hour session at Margaritaville (you don’t have to be a guest to try the Flowrider). You’ll likely have a crowd watching from the adjacent Broadwalk and in the bar upstairs, so ladies a one-piece suit or quick-dry top will keep you proper! (Need other ideas for things to do near Margaritaville? See this post!).
5:30 p.m.: Toast to Your New Skills at Taco Spot
Nothing says vacation like a frozen drink served directly in a pineapple. The Taco Spot serves up your choice of icy cocktail (my vote: Miami Vice, a layered version of pina colada and strawberry daiquiri) in an extra large serving size. Sound too sweet? The coco loco is coconut water and rum in…you guessed it…a coconut!
The other huge draw to this restaurant and bar is its location right on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. While you’re sipping away on your drink, you’re treated to great people-watching and a lovely view of the waves rolling into the beach.
Order Up: My friends ordered the lobster tacos and Korean tofu tacos and said they were great. But the star of the show looked like the grilled corn on the cob, which comes brushed with cilantro pesto and parmesan cheese.
7:30 p.m.: Take a Seat at the Hollywood Beach Theatre
I’m not one for concerts, but when they’re free, I start to get more interested. Almost every night, there’s live music at the outdoor Hollywood Beach Theatre right on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Music styles vary throughout the week, giving everyone a taste of something they’ll like.
Many spectators stumble upon the music as they’re walking along the beach and just stay for a song or two, standing in the back. Others watch from the Landshark Bar above, where there are great views from the tables along the rail.
TIP: Concerts are typically 7:30-9:00; if you plan on staying for the whole show, arrive early to claim a seat on one of the benches.
9:00 p.m.: Settle Into Your Room
Margaritaville has a tremendously convenient location, great breakfasts at their signature restaurant, and three awesome pools. If that’s out of your price range, I can vouch for the Costa Beach Resort which is a few doors down and about half the cost for a room twice as big.
That said, if you’re looking for somewhere quieter to stay, check out the Diplomat Resort & Spa. I didn’t spend the night, but the property is beautiful and service was great at dinner (and in the lobby bar). It’s about three miles south of the action, but it’s still oceanfront and it’s right on the Hollywood trolley route so you don’t have to worry about driving.
7:00 a.m.: Wake Up for Sunrise
Florida is the sunshine state, but Hollywood is the best place I’ve found for watching the sun rise. The colors were phenomenal, day after day. In fact, after accidentally seeing sunrise one day, I made an effort to get up early each day after that to see it again.
Sleep in (sorta): If you’re not a morning person, visit from mid-October through late February when sunset is at a reasonable hour. The rest of the year, you’ll have to get up a little earlier.
7:30 a.m.: Practice Yoga on the Beach
Several yoga studios in Hollywood offer classes on the beach, but days and times vary with each instructor. If the schedule doesn’t work for you, there’s no reason you can’t practice on your own. With the waves as your soundtrack, it’s easy to slip into a relaxing pose.
I pack a travel yoga mat and watch videos from the Peloton app (free trial for new users with my link).
Accessorize: Keep your phone close at hand in a waterproof phone case.
9:00 a.m.: Stop for Breakfast
I was drawn to Cafe Club for their veggie juices, since I desperately crave a way to add greens back into my diet while traveling. But, realistically, I won’t judge if you instead order smoked salmon sandwiches or cinnamon french toast with your cappucino on vacation.
This small coffee shop is on a side street rather than the main drag, so you won’t accidentally stumble upon it while looking for restaurants.
Free Wi-Fi: There are no Starbucks on the Broadwalk, but this is a good option for iced coffee and a connection, if you need it.
10:30 a.m.: Cover Some Ground
The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is 2.5 miles long, so just about anyone can cover the full length of it if you wish to. Rent a bike or surrey or walk in the designated pedestrian area…I got a little crazy with their jumping boots but normal sets of wheels are far more common. Hollywood Beach Trikke offers all types of rentals.
12:30 p.m.: Shop Til You Drop
There are 30+ stores along the Hollywood Broadwalk, most of which have an assortment of t-shirts, beach toys, and other souvenirs. Even though I’m not a shopper, it wouldn’t be a beach trip without popping into a few of these stores to try on funky sunglasses and look for seashell magnets.
Keep an eye out for a cute jewelry store, which I can’t remember the name of for the life of me. Just means you’ll have to look for your own discoveries!
Save Your Money: The Broadwalk shops are fun, but if you need sunscreen and other essentials, head into town to visit a standard drugstore instead of paying premium prices.
2:00 p.m.: Feed Your Growling Belly
Hollywood Beach has restaurants to fit any type of desire. Most recently, I made my way to Billy’s Stone Crab to try the namesake stone crabs, a South Florida specialty in season from mid-October through late April. This is a more upscale restaurant with prime views and admittedly higher prices.
For an entirely opposite experience, Le Tub is a former gas station now decorated with bathtubs and toilet seats. In short, it’s not the type of place you’d normally go to for lunch, and that’s precisely why it’s interesting. This place is a dive in the best of ways, though it’s right on the Intracoastal Waterway for lovely views. Order the burger or ribs and save room for key lime pie. And expect a wait for your food.
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Do you have time for more Hollywood Beach Florida things to do?
With more time, plan a day at the beach for swimming and wave jumping (but watch for jellyfish), take a side trip to kayak at Whiskey Creek Hideout, or head into Greater Fort Lauderdale for water sports and action-packed fun! Check out some fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale that you’ve never heard of!
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Many thanks to The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau for my stay at Margaritaville. Since then, I’ve returned independently (and on my own dime). I blended the best of my trips to create a perfect itinerary, just for you. As always, all opinions are my own.
Wow that wave looks fun to try reminds me of the static river wave in Munich Germany we have seen people surfing. I would love to try those bounce shoes that would be way fun
Looks like a fun place to hang. Sadly I saw little of Hollywood when at TBEX but I know there’s so much to do in the region. Love the Kangoo jumpers too!
I love a beach location where there is plenty to do – especially if a lot of it seems to revolve around food. I’m also a total sucker for any beach with a beautiful sunrise or sunset, so I’m definitely sold!
@Jo, Those sunrises were surreal! Happy travels 🙂
As I look at the snow outside in Colorado I’m wishing I was right here. I love the beach and it looks like there’s so much to do. Kangoo Jumps would be awesome to try!
@Alyssa, I always think it’s funny that when it’s snowing I want to head to the beach, but when it’s warm out, I crave the snow!
I’ll be there soon and this article helps so much!!! I’ve been trying to hunt down a place (searching online) for a whole coconut with coconut water that you can sip from with a straw… and the coco loco at The Taco Spot sounds perfect! Also, your recommendation for a waterproof phone case is great; I have that on my shopping list now so I can enjoy time at the beach without worrying and maybe even take it into the water with me a little bit! My biggest hurdle has been choosing a place to stay. I’ll check out Diplomat Resort & Spa, but it may be out of the budget. Thanks for the tips!
@Nancy – The Diplomat prices change a LOT depending on whether it’s high season or if there’s a conference in town. It’s worth checking since sometimes it’s a bargain but I understand it can be a splurge sometimes.
A great article about my hometown. I’ve lived in the same home 7 blocks west of the Broad walk for 56 years. Grew up on Hollywood Beach. So proud of it & Downtown Hollywood. We have been able to maintain our “small town” feel.
Even we residents go over to the beach for a stay-cation!!!!!!
Come on down Y’all???
@Jackie, Thanks for the great hospitality!
I’ve actually never heard of Hollywood, Florida. I’m glad you shared it with us. It looks like a really fun place.
@Bill, Give it a shot if you’re in the neighborhood!
How were those kangaroo boots? Looks like they’d be hard on the ankles, especially if you hit the sand.
@Scott, They were a lot of fun – easy on the ankles believe it or not.
This would be an excellent place for me to vacation, so many fun things to check out. I live in South West Florida, so I could drive to this beach in less than a day.
@Carlee, I wish I lived that close!
Love this! Looks like a lot of fun was had in a short amount of time 🙂
Ahhh…. Fort Lauderdale. I wish I could say this Grandma is anxious for a ride on the waves but I’m more of a yoga girl. So while I’m checking out the Yoga with Adriene videos, my grandkids are going to have a blast at Margaritaville. We’ll all come together at the Hollywood Beach Theatre!
@Cathi, I think you captured the area well…great for everyone in very different ways!
I would say a day at Gulfstream Park is a super fun way to spend your time, too! It’s a very short drive from Hollywood to Hallandale Beach. It’s free admission most of the time. There’s live horse racing most days, a casino, bars, restaurants and it’s part of a shopping mall. Ice cream store, more restaurants, and shopping! Beautiful place, too.
@Robin, That sounds fabulous! Thanks for sharing!