Hollywood FL Travel
Hollywood Broadwalk: The 2.5-Mile Oceanfront Promenade You Need to Know
South Florida's best-kept secret is hiding in plain sight: the Hollywood Broadwalk is a 2.5-mile oceanfront promenade with zero cars, zero traffic lights, and an irresistible retro-beach energy — think neon-lit mom-and-pop motels, Cuban coffee, and live music spilling onto the sand every Sunday evening.
Key Takeaways
- The Hollywood Broadwalk stretches 2.5 miles along the oceanfront — entirely car-free for walkers, bikers, and roller-bladers.
- Dozens of affordable cafés, ice cream stands, and live-music bars line the route, with a distinctly Cuban/Caribbean retro atmosphere.
- Top stops include Nick's Bar & Grill, Giorgio's Bakery, Taco Beach Shack, and the legendary Le Tub Saloon nearby.
- Weekday mornings and Sunday evenings offer the best experience; avoid Spring Break and major holiday weekends if crowds aren't your thing.
- Parking garages at Johnson St and Van Buren run just $3–$5/hour, but the smartest move is staying close enough to bike or walk.
- Villa Hollywood is just 5 minutes from the Broadwalk's north end — guests can bike there in under 10 minutes.
What Makes It Special
- Completely car-free — you can walk, bike, roller-blade, or stroller-push with zero stress
- Oceanfront the entire length — not "oceanfront-adjacent," literally right on the sand
- Retro charm — neon signs from the '60s, mom-and-pop motels, and a distinct Cuban/Caribbean atmosphere
- Affordable — unlike South Beach, you don't need $30 to order a sandwich
The Best Stops
Food & Drink
- Nick's Bar & Grill — oceanfront burgers, live music
- Le Tub Saloon (on the Intracoastal side, a few blocks west) — "best burger in America"
- Taco Beach Shack — fish tacos, margaritas, sand between toes
- Giorgio's Bakery — Italian pastries, cortadito coffee
- The Kava Bar — herbal teas, beach yoga crowd
- Hot Dog Heaven — a Broadwalk institution
Pro Tip: Start your Broadwalk morning at Giorgio's Bakery for a cortadito — South Florida's answer to a double espresso, served Cuban-style with sweet foam. It's the perfect fuel before you hop on a cruiser bike and ride the full 2.5-mile stretch.
Activities
- Bike rentals — $10/hour at a dozen stands; cruisers work best
- Paddleboard/kayak rentals — launch directly from the beach
- Hollywood Beach Theater — free concerts several nights a week
- Charnow Park — playground for kids
- Hollywood Beach Marriott pool bar — open to the public, great spot for a drink
When to Go
TimeWhat to ExpectWeekday morningsQuietest, best light for photosSunday eveningsLive music, families everywhere — a local favoriteWinter (Jan–March)Snowbird season — full of energy without summer heatAvoidSpring Break weekends and major holiday weekends if you dislike crowds Parking & Access
- Garages at Johnson St and Van Buren — $3–$5/hour
- Metered street parking north and south of the main stretch
- Our tip — stay close enough to bike or walk. Our Villa Hollywood guests ride cruisers right to the Broadwalk in under 10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Arrive at the Johnson St garage by 4 PM on weekends to guarantee a spot before the evening crowd arrives for sunset and live music. Spots fill up fast on Sunday afternoons, especially during winter snowbird season.
The Local's Broadwalk Evening
Follow this itinerary for a perfect evening that beats anything in Miami — and comes in around $30 per person.
- Park at the Johnson St garage by 4 PM
- Walk south to Giorgio's for a cortadito coffee
- Rent bikes and ride the full 2.5 miles south to the Pompano end
- Bike back at sunset — the light over the Atlantic is something else
- Dinner at Taverna Opa
- Gelato at Kilwins
- Catch a free concert at the Hollywood Beach Theater if one's playing
Why Stay Near the Broadwalk
The Broadwalk is exactly why we recommend Hollywood over oceanfront Fort Lauderdale for first-time South Florida visitors. Villa Hollywood is just 5 minutes from the Broadwalk's north end — close enough to walk, bike, or Uber in 3 minutes. You get private villa amenities plus access to the most charming oceanfront promenade in the state. Compare Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale Beach →
Your Broadwalk Basecamp Awaits
Villa Hollywood puts you 5 minutes from the Broadwalk — bike there in under 10, return to a private waterfront villa where the only crowd is the one you invited. Luxury amenities, zero hotel-lobby chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Hollywood Broadwalk?
The Hollywood Broadwalk runs 2.5 miles along the oceanfront in Hollywood, Florida. It is entirely car-free, making it safe and relaxing for walkers, cyclists, roller-bladers, and stroller-pushing families the full length of the route.
Is parking free at the Hollywood Broadwalk?
Parking is not free, but it is affordable. Garages at Johnson St and Van Buren charge $3–$5/hour, and metered street parking is available north and south of the main stretch. The best option is staying nearby — Villa Hollywood guests can bike to the Broadwalk's north end in under 10 minutes.
What is the best time to visit the Hollywood Broadwalk?
Weekday mornings are the quietest and offer the best light. Sunday evenings are a local favorite for live music and family atmosphere. The winter months (January through March) bring snowbird energy without the oppressive summer heat. Avoid Spring Break weekends and major holiday weekends if you prefer a relaxed experience.
Are there free things to do on the Hollywood Broadwalk?
Yes — the Hollywood Beach Theater hosts free concerts several nights a week, the beach itself is free to enjoy, and walking or jogging the full 2.5 miles costs nothing. Bike rentals are available for around $10/hour if you'd like to cover more ground.
What are the best restaurants on the Hollywood Broadwalk?
Highlights include Nick's Bar & Grill for oceanfront burgers and live music, Taco Beach Shack for fish tacos and margaritas, Giorgio's Bakery for Italian pastries and cortadito coffee, and Kilwins for gelato. Le Tub Saloon — a few blocks west on the Intracoastal — is widely celebrated as home to one of the best burgers in America.
