Finding a beach town that still feels “local” in South Florida is the ultimate travel win. While the headlines usually go to the neon lights of South Beach or the high-rises of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach has been sitting quietly in the middle, waiting for its moment. But the secret is officially out. Recently ranked among Tripadvisor’s 2026 Best of the Best U.S. beaches, Hollywood is currently undergoing a $1 billion transformation. It’s a place where historic charm—like the iconic 2.5-mile oceanfront Broadwalk—meets a new wave of wellness-centric luxury and world-class dining. For travelers looking for a smarter alternative to the intensity of its neighbors, Hollywood Beach is the emerging hotspot to book now.
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The $1 Billion Glow-Up and the Allure of the Broadwalk
Hollywood beach Florida broadwalk sunny morning USA	Julie Deshaies for Getty
Hollywood Beach has always had the fundamentals: beautiful beaches, great weather and a genuine sense of community. According to Raimundo Onetto, CEO of Alta Developers, “What’s changing is a broader recognition of its value and the lifestyle it naturally offers. That’s exactly why we saw it as the right moment to build GAIA here, to grow alongside a neighborhood that’s coming into its own.” You still get the full South Florida lifestyle, nestled between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but at a more approachable price point and relaxed pace. This authenticity is anchored by the Broadwalk, where Onetto notes you’ll see people out for a run, swimming or paddleboarding, giving the whole area a sense of movement and life. It all adds up to something that feels genuine in a way the more built-up markets don’t anymore.
Elevated Stays and the New Rules of Relaxation
Hollywood, FL, USA – September 26, 2021: Aerial drone photo of The Diplomat on Hollywood Beach FL	felixmizioznikov for Getty
Hollywood is moving away from being just a place you visit and becoming a complete lifestyle destination where fitness is built into the geography. As Onetto puts it, “Hollywood is maturing in a meaningful way. Full-service residential projects are emerging alongside lifestyle elements—fitness, dining, health—that make it feel like a complete place to live.”
That shift is visible in the new studios popping up blocks from the sand. At AMARÉ Wellness Studio, the vibe is less “performance pressure” and more community connection. You can drop in for everything from Reformer and Hot Pilates to Barre and even high-energy Kangoo Jump classes. As founder Shirley Shlafman explains, “There’s a growing interest here in places that support both movement and well-being… wellness is becoming part of the lifestyle, not just something occasional.” For those who want a more boutique, classical approach, the highly anticipated Hollywood Reforming is also joining the neighborhood this spring, bringing the kind of wait-listed Pilates expertise usually reserved for Miami’s private clubs.
Even the hotel scene is pivoting toward wellness as a way of life. Shlafman recommends The Diplomat—which is officially entering its new era as a Signia by Hilton this May—for a “polished South Florida resort feel,” and Lyfe Resort for a modern atmosphere that makes a trip to Hollywood Beach feel “a little more special.”
A Moveable Feast from the Intracoastal to the Farmers Market
crab claws	RobertoMontoya for Getty
The culinary landscape here is shifting just as quickly, with high-end hospitality concepts moving in to meet the new demand. New York’s iconic Patrizia’s officially opened its splashy new waterfront location in Hallandale Beach just last week (April 17), bringing its “dock-and-dine” party vibe and Neapolitan classics to the Intracoastal. Just minutes away, London’s glamorous Signor Sassi recently made its grand U.S. debut, introducing a level of international prestige and “refined polish” that is entirely new to the neighborhood.
For a more classic experience, Billy’s Stone Crab remains a mandatory stop. As Shlafman notes, “It sits right on the water, the service is consistently excellent and it delivers that classic South Florida experience. During stone crab season, it’s a must.” (Pro tip: You have until May 1st to catch the end of the fresh stone crab window.) For a deeper look into the local spirit, both experts point to the Yellow Green Farmers Market, a massive 100,000-square-foot open-air destination. Shlafman explains, “It’s not a restaurant, but it captures the spirit of the neighborhood better than most, with a wide mix of vendors and local offerings in one place.”
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Morning Rituals and Secret Coffee Stops
OcuDrone Aerial PhotographyCredit:	Robert DelVecchio – OcuDrone
The day in Hollywood often starts with a quiet morning bite at a local favorite. Shlafman highlights ZUKA as a top recommendation, noting, “It’s the kind of place I’d happily recommend to friends because it feels stylish, inviting and fits the more elevated lifestyle side of Hollywood that people are starting to notice more.” For those who prefer an old-school neighborhood feel, Onetto points to J.P.’s Bagel Place, which “has been around for decades and still carries that old-school neighborhood feel. It’s simple, consistent and a great way to start the day.” Another personal favorite is Farmer’s Milk, providing that perfect morning fuel before heading out to the ArtsPark at Young Circle or the newly renovated Hollywood Beach Golf Club, which recently underwent a $16 million reimagining to blend Golden Age architecture with modern performance.
Mangroves, Marinas, and the Quiet Side of the Coast
HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA, USA: Entrance to Anne Kolb Nature Center. Anne Kolb is a free Broward County public park with walking and paddling trails through mangroves, as seen on February 18, 2023.	JillianCain for Getty
Beyond the sand, the natural beauty of Hollywood offers a slower pace that stands in stark contrast to its busier neighbors. The Anne Kolb Nature Center is a must-do, offering mangrove trails, kayaking through the Intracoastal, and observation points overlooking a preserved landscape. Onetto describes the Intracoastal around sunset as “Hollywood’s quieter side, whether you’re walking the waterfront or lingering near the marinas.” This ability to move effortlessly between the beach, nature and the water—without it ever feeling dense or overbuilt—is exactly why Hollywood is trending. As Onetto puts it, “What makes Hollywood stand out is how effortlessly you move between settings—beach, nature, waterfront—without it ever feeling dense or overbuilt.” It is the ultimate alternative for those who want the South Florida dream without the South Florida intensity.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.