Fellow Local Guides,
Allow me to share with you one of my absolute favorite places in The United States of America:
Tucked between Fort Lauderdale and Miami is Hollywood, Florida - a truly classic beachtown, featuring a one-of-a-kind oceanfront promenade that stretches nearly two and a half miles along the Atlantic Coast.
Maybe you’ve been to other oceanside boardwalks before (or, maybe this is your first - Lucky!)… But, chances are that you’ve never experienced anything quite like this before.
Let’s take note of all The Broadwalk offers:
1. International cuisine**.** You can find a restaurant that offers food from just about every corner of the globe and you really have to look hard to find the bad ones. The majority are locally owned and operated and strive to delight every customer. Some of my favorites include:
I make time for breakfast on the Broadwalk at Florio’s of Little Italy every time I visit. The service is always excellent, the food is always delicious. They make some darn good coffee, as well. Ask for extra seasoning on the home fries and you can thank me later
Nick’s Bar and Grill offers what I consider the perfect beach lunch, with it’s Turkey Chipotle Ranch wrap. It’s quite filling (enough to share on a sunny beach day), but doesn’t leave you feeling stuffed or bloated. Pro Tip: Add bacon for a crunchy blast of smoky flavor!
Al fresco dining at the wonderful Peruvian restaurant Pachamanka is also a favorite. The service is exemplary and the food is always cooked to perfection. I’ve never really associated french fries with quality dining, but they pair so well with the meat and sauce!
**2. Shopping.**There are beach toys and swimwear shops; sunglasses & t-shirt stores and convenience stores; trendy shops and souvenir/gift shops. There are bike rentals, chair and cabana rentals, hookah lounges, massage on the beach and so many more. There’s even a few liquor stores so you can pick a favorite!
3. Entertainment**.** There’s a good chance you’ll find live music at the Hollywood Stage or the patio of over a handful of bars and restaurants.
Volleyball nets are located every few blocks and there’s even a beach “fitness course” to utilize. The palm trees are always free for hammock hanging.
The Water Taxi boards just across the street and offers transportation to Miami or Ft Lauderdale. You’ve got plenty of options.
There’s even a surf water ride located directly on The Broadwalk.
4**. The beach****.** You won’t find many beaches in Florida that are as long, wide and filled with all day sun, like Hollywood Beach!
There’s always a breeze and the water stays pretty warm throughout the year and the sand is a beautiful off white. Many days the water is smooth as glass and crystal clear; others bring seaweed. Occasionally Portuguese Man of War washing up.
While other days bring huge, crashing waves.
The sunrises are world class. There’s even nesting sea turtles for a few months
5. The people watching**.** If you love it - This is a mecca.
If you don’t - Don’t judge or disturb those of us that enjoy it!
6. Charnow Park. A destination for all ages, Charnow Park offers beachside fun for all ages. There’s a Splash Pad, playground and picnic pavilions, making it a great spot for a shady lunch.
One of the newest additions to the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk landscape is the Memorial Fitness Zone. It’s an all weather outdoor fitness center, that allows people to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while staying healthy.
8. [The Paddle Ball Courts](http://Garfield%20Street Paddleball Courhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/zmbRhiGA7m91PPqo6).
These are a Hollywood Beach institution, with some of the best players in Florida! I’ve seen some very competitive and entertaining matches take place here. It’s busy place on the weekends, so go early or prepare to wait or join in.
9. The locals**.** I’ve met some of the happiest and friendliest people, on or along The Broadwalk. We’ve shared dinners, drinks and poolside hangovers and I’m always looking forward to meeting someone new.
Should you visit, make sure to wave “Hi!” to Kite Bike Peter or have a dance in front of Nick’s with Broadwalk Bob.
10. The Broadwalk**.** Named one of America’s Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine, this brick-paved “pedestrian street” is a draw for joggers, bicyclists, swimmers and more. Stretching almost 2.5 miles and lined with palm trees, guard shacks and everything you could possibly want to satisfy any of you or your family members senses. There are multiple lanes, so please make sure you don’t walk in the bike lane. If you hear a beep, kindly step back into the lane for for pedestrian traffic.
Now, this is where it gets rough… You’ve spent days walking this gem, taking in all the sights, sounds, smells and taste that the countless eateries and cafés you’ve encountered have to offer and you’ve loved every moment… And discovered that the vibe is truly ONE OF A KIND. Now, you’re faced with the hardest thing to do in Hollywood Beach - Leaving! Take those wonderful Broadwalk memories back with you and when they start to fade, guess that means it’s time to book a return trip?