Michael P.
Yelp
Imagine being persuaded to visit a little beach town in Florida that you've never heard of. You hop a flight and arrive at FLL, order your ride and wait with anticipation. As you get closer to your destination, you can smell the saltwater and feel the ocean breeze. You approach a bridge and lights begin to flash, then it begins to raise - A drawbridge! You pass over the Intercoastal and begin the final stretch of the drive to your destination: Hollywood Beach, Florida.
You pass a number of quaint low-rise hotels with a vintage, yet modern, feel. There are a few newly constructed hotels that rise above the rest, but nothing that looks tacky or out of place. There are a number of shops and beautiful restaurants lining the Intercoastal that catch your eye. You arrive at your desired destination and check in, eager to get your bags in the room and your feet in the sand!
As you leave your hotel, you head toward to beach and stumble upon one of the most magnificent sights you've seen - The Hollywood Broadwalk! Maybe you've been to other oceanside boardwalks before (or, maybe you this is your first - Lucky!)... But, the chances that you've experienced anything quite like this before - are slim to none.
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.
2. Shopping. There are beach toys and swimwear shops; sunglass 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 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. Some days the water is smooth as glass and crystal clear; others bring seaweed, Portuguese Man of War washing up and 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. 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.
7. The Broadwalk. 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 it has to offer and you've loved every moment. You've 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?