Hollywood, FL
Using “Diamond of the Gold Coast” as its nickname, Hollywood in Florida's Broward County is located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It is a major city of Miami's metropolitan area, and is the twelfth-largest city in the state.
Hollywood has approximately five to six miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront as well as seven golf courses, 60 parks, and a delightful average temperature of between 68 and 83 °F. Founder Joseph Wesley Young created his own “Dream City in Florida” in 1920 with a vision including the beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches, man-made lakes, the Intracoastal Waterway, large parks, golf courses, schools, churches, roads, and infrastructure.
Hollywood Beach, named Fodor's "Best Beach for Families," has a Broad-walk, which strolls for 2½ miles along the Atlantic Ocean. The pedestrian promenade is used for walking, jogging, and has a bike lane for bicycling and rollerblading. It is lined with hotels and restaurants, outdoor cafes, a theater, ice cream parlors, bicycle rental shops, souvenir shops, a children's playground, and a farmer's market.
The Great Southern Hotel was constructed in 1924 by Joseph Wesley Young and was in Young Circle between Harrison Street and Hollywood Blvd. It was one of two remaining hotels of the four built by Young. However, on February 11, 2020, it was demolished by the developer after the city determined there were unsafe conditions. Thankfully, a new life is ahead for parts of the landmark hotel because two walls, an interior section, and the facade will be spared, preserved, and incorporated into the new 19-story $80 million high-rise 229-apartment tower also with offices and shops that will be going up there in downtown Hollywood.
The Anne Kolb Nature Center was named for an environmentalist who was instrumental in saving the coastal West Lake Park's 1,500+ acres of coastal mangrove wetlands mangrove wetland from being developed. This is one of Florida's largest urban parks with native vegetation and wildlife, which includes many endangered and threatened species. The Center also features three miles of nature trails, a 68-foot five-level observation tower, a 3,500-gallon aquarium, and an exhibit hall with displays.
Sawgrass Mills is the largest value outlet and retail shopping destination in the nation with over 350 stores. There is luxury-brand outlet shopping at 70 exclusive stores and everything including jewelry, beauty products, home accessories, electronics, toys, sporting equipment, and more from a large selection of top brands.
Deluxe and Ultimate Distillery Tours and Tastings are at ZIAMI Distillery at 3030 N 29th Ave in Hollywood just minutes from Port Everglades and the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. Guests have a 20 to 40 minute guided tour of the distillery, find out how ZÍAMI Rum is made, and have a rum tasting, additional cocktails, and available souvenir items. ZIAMI Distillery produces a craft rum made from Florida-grown sugar cane and other local ingredients.