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Exploring | Beaches | Where to Eat | Where to Stay | Nightlife | Sports and the Outdoors
Hollywood has had several face-lifts to shed its old-school image, but there’s still something delightfully retro about the city. Young Circle, once down-at-heel, is now Broward’s first Arts Park. On Hollywood’s western outskirts, the flamboyant Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has enlivened this previously downtrodden section of the State Road 7/U.S. 441 corridor, drawing local weekenders, architecture buffs, partiers, and gamblers. But Hollywood’s redevelopment efforts don’t end there: new shops, restaurants, and art galleries open at a persistent clip, and the city has continually spiffed up its boardwalk—a wide pedestrian walkway along the beach—where local joggers are as commonplace as sun-seeking snowbirds from the north. On the coast of Hallandale, the beach is backed by older, towering condominiums. Inland, Hallandale has been trying to get some business from neighboring Aventura and Sunny Isles in Dade County with the development of the high-end Village at Gulfstream Park, a luxury retail arcade anchored by a reinvented casino and racetrack.
Getting Here and Around
From Interstate 95, exit east on Sheridan Street or Hollywood Boulevard for Hollywood or Hallandale Beach Boulevard for either Hollywood or Hallandale.
Essentials
Visitor Information
Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency. | 954/924–2980 | www.visithollywoodfl.org.
Exploring
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood.
This is a visual- and performing-arts facility with an art reference library, a contemporary gallery exhibitions, an outdoor sculpture garden, and an arts school. It’s southeast of Young Circle, melding urban open space with a fountain, a 2,000-plus-seat amphitheater, and an indoor theater. Nearby, on Harrison Street and Hollywood Boulevard, are cute lunch places, bluesy entertainment spots, and shops. | 1650 Harrison St. | 954/921–3274 | www.artandculturecenter.org | $7 | Tues.–Fri. 10–5, weekends noon–4.
FAMILY | Arts Park at Young Circle.
This 10-acre urban park has completely transformed the run-down traffic circle linking downtown Hollywood with its beaches into a beautiful, lively public space. There’s no shortage of things to do here: a huge playground beckons for the little ones, a state-of-the-art amphitheater hosts regular concerts, and educational workshop spaces host regular events, like Friday glassblowing workshops and jewelry-making classes. | 1 Young Circle, Hollywood Blvd. and U.S. 1 | 954/921–3500 | www.visithollywoodfl.org/artspark.aspx.
DCOTA.
Though access is typically reserved strictly to those in the design biz, The Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) still permits visitors to browse the myriad showrooms, parading the latest and greatest in home furnishings and interior design. Note, however, that this is purely “window-shopping” as direct consumer sales do not take place here, but amazing window-shopping (and inspiration) it is! | 1855 Griffin Rd. | Dania Beach | 954/920–7997 | www.dcota.com | Weekdays 9–5.
Downtown Hollywood Art & Design District.
From 21st Avenue to Young Circle on Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street, the streets are peppered with boutiques, bistros, sidewalk cafés, and galleries featuring original artwork (eclectic paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media).
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum.
This creation of the International Game Fishing Association is a shrine to the sport. It has an extensive museum and research library where seven galleries feature fantasy fishing and other interactive displays. At the Catch Gallery, you can cast off virtually to reel in a marlin, sailfish, trout, tarpon, or bass. (If you suddenly get an urge to gear up for your own adventures, a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is next door.) | 300 Gulf Stream Way | Dania Beach | 954/922–4212 | www.igfa.org | $10 | Mon.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. noon–6.
FAMILY | West Lake Park.
Rent a canoe, kayak, or take the 40-minute boat tour at this park bordering the Intracoastal Waterway. At 1,500 acres, it is one of Florida’s largest urban nature facilities. Extensive boardwalks traverse mangrove forests that shelter endangered and threatened species. A 65-foot observation tower showcases the entire park. At the free Anne Kolb Nature Center, named after Broward’s late environmental advocate, there’s a 3,500-gallon aquarium. The center’s exhibit hall has 27 interactive displays. | 1200 Sheridan St. | 954/357–5161 | www.broward.org/parks/WestLakePark | Weekends $1.50, weekdays free | Park daily 9–6:30; Nature Center daily 9–5.
Beaches
FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | Hollywood Beach and Broadwalk.
The name might be Hollywood, but there’s nothing hip or chic about Hollywood North Beach Park, which sits at the north end of Hollywood (Route A1A and Sheridan Street), before the pedestrian Broadwalk begins. And that’s a good thing. It’s just a laid-back, old-fashioned place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The film Marley & Me, starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson and filmed in Greater Fort Lauderdale, spurred a comeback for dog beaches in South Florida, and ever since then, the year-round Dog Beach of Hollywood in North Beach Park has allowed dogs to enjoy fun in the sun from 3 pm to 7 pm Friday–Sunday (4 pm to 8 pm during Daylight Savings Time). Farther south on Hollywood beach, the 2.5-mile Broadwalk is a delightful throwback to the ‘50s, with mom-and-pop stores, ice-cream parlors, elderly couples going for long strolls, and families building sand castles on the beach. Thanks to millions in investment, this popular stretch of beach has spiffy features like a pristine pedestrian walkway, a concrete bike path, a crushed-shell jogging path, an 18-inch decorative wall separating the broadwalk from the sand, and places to shower off after a dip. Expect to hear French spoken throughout Hollywood, since its beaches have long been a favorite getaway for Quebecois. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets. Best for: sunrise; swimming; walking. | Rte. A1A from Dania Beach Blvd. to Halladale Beach Blvd. | Parking in public lots $1.50 per hr weekdays, $2 per hr weekends.
John U. Lloyd Beach State Park.
The once-pine-dotted natural area was restored to its natural state, thanks to government-driven efforts to pull out all but indigenous plants. Now native sea grape, gumbo-limbo, and other native plants offer shaded ambience. Nature trails and a marina are large draws as is canoeing on Whiskey Creek. The beaches are also excellent, but beware of mosquitoes in summer! On Wednesday and Friday in June and July, park rangers lead sea turtle awareness programs that include an educational presentation and a beach patrol to search for nesting loggerhead turtles. Advance reservations are required. Amenities: parking (fee); toilets. Best for: solitude; sunrise. | 6503 N. Ocean Dr. | 954/923–2833 | www.floridastateparks.org/lloydbeach | $6 per vehicle for 2–8 passengers, $4 for lone driver | Daily 8–sunset.
Where to Eat
Café Martorano.
$$$ | ITALIAN | Located within Seminole Hard Rock’s entertainment-and-restaurant zone, this Italian-American institution pays homage to anything and everything that has to do with the Godfather and impresses with humungous family-style portions. Dishes run the full Italian-American gamut, from the classic parmigianas to the lobster and snapper francaise. The homemade mozzarella and fried calamari are excellent choices for starters. It’s easy to gorge here since each dish is so succulent and savory. The ever-present Godfather motif is taken to the extreme—dinner is interrupted hourly with clips from the movie played on the surrounding flat screens. There’s an undeniable nightclub vibe to the joint, especially later into the night. | Average main: $27 | 5751 Seminole Way | 954/584–4450 | www.cafemartorano.com | No lunch.
Fodor’s Choice | Diplomat Prime.
$$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | Hollywood’s superlative choice for fine dining, the intimate 15-table Diplomat Prime is a classic American steak house done right. A living slice of golden age glamour, the restaurant’s ambience recalls a bygone era of dress-up dining in South Florida, where decked-out patrons are rightfully treated as VIPs. Perfected steak-house classics headline the menu: jumbo shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, onion soup gratinée, Caesar salad, 21-day dry-aged prime steaks including a 28-ounce prime porterhouse and an 18-ounce prime rib eye as well as a 3½-pound Maine lobster (yes, you read correctly!). All this is complemented by a wine list with more than 600 fine wines. It doesn’t get much better than this. Oh wait, it does! The key lime pie is a divine intervention of creamy tart pie, buttery crust, fresh whipped cream, and white chocolate. | Average main: $67 | Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood, 3555 S. Ocean Dr. | 954/602–8347 | www.hollywoodprime.com | Reservations essential | No lunch.
FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant.
$ | AMERICAN | This 1950s landmark whips up malts, shakes, and jumbo sundaes from ice creams prepared daily on premises, plus sandwiches and salads, amid an antique-license-plate decor. Owner Monroe Udell’s trademarked Kitchen Sink—a small sink full of ice cream, topped by sparklers—for parties of four or more goes for $12.95 per person (no sharing). Those wanting a sample before committing to a flavor, think again. The oh-so-popular Jaxson’s doesn’t give samples! | Average main: $15 | 128 S. Federal Hwy. | Dania Beach | 954/923–4445 | www.jaxsonsicecream.com.
Las Brisas.
$$ | ECLECTIC | Next to the beach, this cozy bistro offers seating inside or out, and the food is Argentine with Italian flair. A small pot, filled with chimichurri—a paste of oregano, parsley, olive oil, salt, garlic, and crushed pepper— sits on each table and is used to spice up your selection of meats. Grilled fish is a favorite, and the pasta entrées are popular but the best seller is the mammoth cazuella de pollo—a Spanish-style potted chicken for two in a stew of peppers, onions, mushrooms, potatoes, and tomatoes. | Average main: $19 | 600 N. Surf Rd. | 954/923–1500 | www.lasbrisasoceanview.com.
LeTub.
$ | AMERICAN | Once a Sunoco gas station, this quirky waterside saloon has an enduring affection for claw-foot bathtubs. Hand-painted porcelain is everywhere—under ficus, sea grape, and palm trees. If a potty doesn’t appeal, there’s a secluded swing facing the water north of the main dining area. Despite molasses-slow service and an abundance of flies at sundown, this eatery is favored by locals, and management seemed genuinely appalled when hordes of trend-seeking city slickers started jamming bar stools and tables after Oprah declared its thick, juicy Angus burgers the best around. A 13-ounce sirloin burger and small fries will run you around $15 (burger $11; small fries $3.50). TIP There’s no children’s menu and no children allowed after 8 pm. | Average main: $15 | 1100 N. Ocean Dr. | 954/921–9425 | www.theletub.com.
FAMILY | Taverna Opa.
$$$ | GREEK | It’s a Greek throwdown every night at this Hollywood institution, chock-full of loud music, belly dancers, napkin throwing, and most importantly, delectable Greek food. Expect a lively night of great eats (including amazing hot and cold meze, wood-fire grilled meats, and seafood), table-top dancing, and awkward moments (especially when suburban dads with two left feet decide to get in on the act). If you don’t have wheels, the restaurant is accessible by the public water taxi. TIP Best experienced with a large group and with plenty of alcohol. | Average main: $24 | 410 N. Ocean Dr. | 954/929–4010 | www.tavernaopa.com/hollywood.
Where to Stay
FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood.
$$$ | RESORT | This colossal 39-story, contemporary, triple-tower property—formerly a Westin and now part of Hilton’s “Curio Collection”—effectively brings style, sophistication, and pizzazz to Hollywood Beach with its massive, 60-foot-high atrium, casual-chic guest rooms, a 120-foot bridged infinity pool (extending from lobby to oceanfront), one of South Florida’s largest and most high-design spas, and a handful of excellent restaurants. Rooms are light and spacious, and most have private balconies with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. A 14,000-square-foot spa channels seaside glamour, nestling the Atlantic and offering a number of pampering treatments. The Diplomat’s beach underwent a renourishment project in 2012, meaning a longer, wider beachfront. The resort also offers excellent golf facilities with its championship 18-hole course managed by Troon Golf. Enjoy incredible steaks at Diplomat Prime, or head across to Rivals Waterfront Sports Grille for American fare. Pros: superbly comfortable beds; excellent gym; eye-popping architecture. Cons: large complex; numerous conventioneers; expensive parking. | Rooms from: $319 | 3555 S. Ocean Dr. | 954/602–6000 | www.diplomatresort.com | 902 rooms, 96 suites | No meals.
Manta Ray Inn.
$$ | RENTAL | Canadians Donna and Dwayne Boucher run this immaculate, affordable, circa-1940s, two-story complex of apartment units that sits right on the beach. The units have pale-pink tile in downstairs rooms and moss-green carpet in upstairs rooms, offering casual, comfortable beachfront accommodations with wicker or rattan furnishings, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and off-street parking. Kitchens are equipped with microwaves, pots, pans, and serving utensils. One-bedroom apartments have marble shower stalls, and two-bedroom units also have tubs. Manta Ray guests have access to the pool next door at the Enchanted Isle time-share. Pros: on the beach; low-key atmosphere. Cons: no restaurant; no pool (but access to one next door is included). | Rooms from: $209 | 1715 S. Surf Rd. | 954/921–9666, 800/255–0595 | www.mantarayinn.com | 12 units | No meals.
FAMILY | Sea Downs.
$ | RENTAL | Facing the boardwalk and ocean, this no-frills, three-story lodging is a good choice for families looking for budget accommodation, as one-bedroom units can be joined to create two-bedroom apartments. All but two units have ocean views, and all have been upgraded with new appliances, furnishings, and free high-speed Internet. Outside of rooms, there’s free Wi-Fi, to go with free parking—an increasing value in Hollywood. Kitchens are fully equipped, and most units have tub-showers and closets. Housekeeping is provided once a week, with fresh towels provided daily, and a coin washer and dryer are on-site. Pros: facing ocean; reasonable rates; great location for Hollywood. Cons: minimum stay often required; outdated decor; cash only. | Rooms from: $140 | 2900 N. Surf Rd. | 954/923–4968 | www.seadowns.com | 4 efficiencies, 8 1-bedroom apartments | No credit cards | No meals.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
$$ | HOTEL | On the industrial flatlands of western Hollywood, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino serves as a magnet for pulsating Vegas-style entertainment and folks looking for 24 hours of casino, clubbing, and hedonism. Poker unfolds at 40 tables, to the delight of spectators, near a phalanx of slot machines, including 1,000 penny slots! A theater just off the gaming floor hosts extravaganzas; and a 5,600-seat live-performance venue showcases top performers, touring bands, and championship boxing. But the casino is just part of the story. The 4½-acre-pool complex, where a rock mountain doubles as a backdrop to a 182-foot-long waterslide, makes jaws drop. Partially embracing this landscaping is a starkly white 12-story tower. Room amenities include luxurious pillow-top beds dressed in Egyptian cottons, minibars, baths with natural light, plus complimentary Wi-Fi. Rooms and suites were upgraded in 2012 to create a more modern, chic feel. Dining options stretch from the memorabilia-packed Hard Rock Cafe for wings and burgers to Council Oak serving steak, chops, and seafood. Pros: nonstop entertainment; plenty of activities; rooms renovated in 2012. Cons: in an unsavory neighborhood; no tourist sights in close proximity; rental car necessary. | Rooms from: $269 | 1 Seminole Way | 866/502–7529, 800/937–0010 | www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com | 395 rooms, 86 suites | No meals.
Nightlife
Although Hollywood has a sleepy, small-town feel in the east, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brings Vegas nights to South Florida.
Fodor’s Choice | Seminole Hard Rock Casino.
The glitzy, Vegas-style Seminole Hard Rock Casino is the superlative gaming and entertainment complex in Florida. Though located in a somewhat downtrodden area of inland Hollywood, once inside the Hard Rock enclave, you’ll be mesmerized by the excitement radiating from the 145,000-square-foot casino, the 5,500-seat arena (Hard Rock Live), a dozen restaurants, and near dozen bars and nightclubs. The casino has blackjack, baccarat, three-card poker, more than 2,500 gaming machines, and just under 100 tables. It’s open 24/7 and is connected to a hotel tower and entertainment complex, including great nightlife options such as an Improv Comedy Club, the multi-level Passion nightclub, a classic piano bar, and Bongo’s Cuban Cafe. While weekends are guaranteed party-hard mayhem, not all clubs are open on weekdays so check Hard Rock’s detailed, user-friendly website for schedules. TIP The Seminole Hard Rock is not to be confused with its neighbor, the smoky and seedy Seminole Casino of Hollywood. | 1 Seminole Way | 866/502–7529 | www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com.
Sports and the Outdoors
Fishing
FAMILY | Sea Legs III.
Sea Legs III goes out three times daily (except Monday), fishing for wahoo, yellowtail, grouper, and king fish. Two 4½-hour drift-fishing trips run during the day (one at 8:15 am, the other at 1:45 pm), and bottom-fishing trips run nightly from 7:15 pm to midnight. Fishing trips cost $45 per adult, $30 per child 12 and under, and includes rod rental. | 5398 N. Ocean Dr. | 954/923–2109 | www.deepseafishingsealegs.com.