Located on Florida’s east coast, the city of Hollywood should not be confused with its California namesake. While both share a vast coastline, they are distinct in both their visual appearance and innate character. Central to life in the Floridian city is the palm-dotted Hollywood Beach, but head inland and you’ll find a rich and ingrained cultural heritage. An outdoor ampitheater and fountain are just two of the city’s impressive landmarks, while the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood offers contemporary exhibitions and performances.
A view over a lake at sunset in Hollywood, Florida (Photo: M Graham via Flickr)
Whether it’s visiting cultural institutions or enjoying the great outdoors, there’s no shortage of attractions and activities to enjoy in Hollywood. Many of them are likely to appear in the tourist guide books, but others remain lesser known to outsiders. For those keen to get off the well-trodden tourist track, we’ve picked out 12 of the best things to see and do in Hollywood, including a sprinkling of unique options.
Get hands-on at a glass-making workshop
Glass blowing is an intricate and complex process, but anyone with an interest in this ancient art can learn the fundamentals at Hollywood Hot Glass. Here you can take part in group sessions, walk-in workshops or private lessons, where you’ll learn how to create everything from vases to ornaments to tumblers. You’ll even get to take away the perfect memento from the experience – your own unique piece of glass artwork. For more info, contact them at info@hollywoodhotglass.com or by calling 954-732-7231.
An impressive creation at Hollywood Hot Glass (Photo: Hollywood Hot Glass)
LOCATION One Young Circle HOURS Weds-Sat & Mon 2pm-10pm; Closed Sun & Tues
Join an artwalk
Once a month, Hollywood plays host to a popular artwalk that invites visitors to spend several entertaining hours exploring the city’s rich arts scene on foot. During the walk, you’ll visit numerous galleries and shops in the downtown district while enjoying street art, cultural entertainment, live art performances and more. Highlights include a look around an artisan market and a chance to learn about the stories behind the incredible Downtown Hollywood Mural Project.
HOURS Third Sat of every month 5pm–10pm
Go wildlife watching at Anne Kolb Nature Center
Florida is awash with wildlife and one of the greatest concentrations can be found at the Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood, a vast urban park boasting some 1,500 acres of coastal mangrove wetlands. The park is rich in native vegetation and wildlife, including a number of endangered species. There are numerous activities to enjoy here, including scaling a 68-foot observation tower, fishing off a pier, exploring an aquarium, walking and paddling trails, and biking and boating opportunities too.
The verdant environs of the Anne Kolb Nature Center (Photo: TierraLady via Flickr)
LOCATION 751 Sheridan Street HOURS Mon-Sun 8am-7.30pm
Fun for all the family at Flipper’s
Families visiting Hollywood have plenty to keep them entertained, but in the unlikely event of being stuck for something to do, a great place to head to is Flippers. A family entertainment centre with a movie theatre, a video-game arcade and a snack concession, Flippers is a time-honoured favourite with locals thanks to its array of blockbuster movies screenings and interactive activities, although somewhat off the radar of outsiders. Until now…
LOCATION 7001 Taft Street
Drink and dine at 5 o’Clock Somewhere
Located on the Intracoastal Waterway near Hollywood Beach, 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill is one of the city’s most unique watering holes. The rustic indoor-outdoor dockside bar serves up tasty snacks, an array of exotic drinks and live entertainment, all set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s sandy shoreline. There’s also a cosy firepit for keeping patrons snug once the sun’s gone down, as well as a water taxi stop where visitors can head for paddle boarding and kayak excursions.
LOCATION 1112 North Ocean Drive HOURS Mon-Sun 11am-10pm
The sandy exterior of 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill (Photo: 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill))
See Hollywood from a Segway
If you’re seeking a quirky and memorable way to explore Hollywood, then how about joining a Segway tour? Instead of being trapped behind the glass of a tour bus, you’ll get to traverse the city’s streets while enjoying the sensations of the wind in your hair. During the tour you’ll traverse Hollywood on a new second generation Segway i2, while an experienced guide gives you the scoop on the city’s rich history. There are 1 hour, 2 hour and evening tours available.
Guests on segways traverse Hollywood Beach Broadwalk (Photo: Ultimate Hollywood Tours))
Watch cabaret at Tatiana Club & Restaurant
For a raucous night out in Hollywood, there are few better places to head than Tatiana. This sprawling, glitzy supper club offers Eastern European-themed, cabaret-style entertainment deep into the early hours throughout the week. Acclaimed singers, dancers and DJs from all over the world feature on the bill, while a vast menu of Russian cuisine and beverages keep patrons well satiated.