Among America's Best Beach Boardwalks

Nestled between Fort Lauderdale and Miami is Hollywood, a classic Florida beachtown that's enchanted visitors since the 1920s. Hollywood Beach features a one-of-a-kind oceanfront promenade called the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk that stretches nearly two and a half miles along the Atlantic. Named one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks by Travel + Leisure magazine, this brick-paved thoroughfare is a haven for joggers, bicyclists, roller-bladers and all who'd prefer to take in the action from the comfort of one of the countless eateries and cafés along the way. The easy ocean access and village-like feel make this a can't miss destination with numerous highly-rated restaurants, small inns and hotels right on the broadwalk adding to its yesteryear charm. Family dining becomes stress-free, as Moms and Dads kick back to enjoy a seaside meal while their little ones entertain themselves in the sand just steps away. Two broadwalk parks attract kids of all ages to play paddleball at the historic Garfield Street courts or cool off in the whimsical dolphin play fountain. Locals rave about Josh's Organic Market which sets up shop on the south end of the Hollywood Broadwalk every weekend selling garden fresh produce and blending a variety of mouth-watering exotic, tropical smoothies from its seaside stand.

A convenient Trolley service runs Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. offering a nostalgic way to get to and from the best sites on the beach and downtown.

Highlights:
• 2.5 mile paved walking, jogging and biking path with eco-friendly lighting
• 7 miles of beach
• 10 consecutive years as a Blue Wave Certified Clean Beach by the Clean Beaches Council
• 2010 Travel + Leisure America's Best Beach Boardwalk
• 2009 Fodor Travel Guide "Best Beach for Families"
• Home to 28 of the 77 Hotels and Inns rated Superior Small Lodgings (SSLs) in Greater Fort Lauderdale
• Dozens of restaurants and shops
• 3 oceanfront parks featuring playgrounds, paddleball courts, ping pong tables, interactive water play fountain, picnic pavilions and restrooms
• Free outdoor concerts at the Hollywood Beach Theatre

Hollywood sits between Fort Lauderdale and Miami and has mostly escaped the new ritziness of the former and the trendiness of the latter. Yes, Hollywood Beach recently got a face-lift, including an attractive sea wall along the Broadwalk. But the people promenading are the same solid, hard-working, budget-minded folks -- many from Quebec -- who have been coming for years.

Hollywood is a little bit of Old Florida and definitely a family vacation place that would be familiar to anyone who spent childhood summers at the Jersey Shore. Take a stroll, eat some Italian water ice, catch the free concerts at the beachfront bandshell. In Hollywood, unlike Fort Lauderdale to the north, restaurants and shops run along what's called the Broadwalk, a wide 2-mile long paved path on the beach. (You can rent bikes and other pedaled vehicles to travel its length).

A few miles north is Dania Beach in John U. Lloyd State Park. Here, even when it's crowded, you feel removed from the world, with only ocean in front of you and trees behind you (hiding the parking lot). French Canadians play petanque (the French version of bocci) and, around 5 p.m. on weekends, cruise ships sail out from nearby Port Everglades.

Downtown Hollywood has become a pleasant place to spend an evening, with a wide variety of ethnic restaurants (including Turkish and Transylvanian) and some colorful characters. Young Circle Park and Amphitheater, a circular, 10-acre space with an ArtsPark, an interactive fountain, some exotic trees (check out the baobab) and a children's play area, has frequent weekend festivals.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is west of downtown along Florida's Turnpike. In addition to gambling, there are a number of restaurants, shops and a theater showcasing big-name acts. And during the day, children can watch the alligator presentation at the Seminole Okalee Village.

On Hollywood Beach and the narrow streets between the beach and A1A, rental apartments are more numerous than hotels. Many visitors come back to the same place year after year.