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The Best Places to Stay in Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood, Florida is one of those rare destinations that feels like it sits perfectly in the middle of everything. It has the laid-back beachfront energy travelers crave, but it’s also close enough to Miami and Fort Lauderdale that you can turn your trip into something bigger – more dining, more nightlife, more day trips, more variety.
What makes Hollywood special is that it doesn’t try too hard. It’s relaxed without being sleepy, polished without being flashy, and built for travelers who want to spend their days outdoors – walking the Broadwalk, cruising the canals, and catching sunset views that feel almost too cinematic to be real.
If you’re searching for the best places to stay in Hollywood, this guide breaks down the top areas to base yourself, the best experiences to plan, and the best luxury vacation rentals in Hollywood, Florida (and nearby) for a getaway you’ll never forget.
Why Hollywood Is One of Florida’s Best Beach Destinations
Hollywood has a different rhythm than Miami. The beach is wide and walkable, the vibe is more family-friendly, and the atmosphere is built around sunshine, water, and slow afternoons that stretch into warm evenings.
At the heart of the city is the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a lively oceanfront promenade lined with cafés, casual restaurants, beach bars, and shops. It’s one of the best places in South Florida to walk, bike, and explore without needing a packed itinerary.
Hollywood is also perfectly positioned for sightseeing. You can spend the morning on the beach, take a day trip to Miami’s Art Deco district, then return in time for a sunset swim – all without feeling like you’re constantly commuting.
Best Areas to Stay in Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood is compact enough that you’re never far from the water, but choosing the right area can completely shape your trip. Here are the best places to stay depending on your travel style.
Hollywood Beach (Best for Walkability and Classic Beach Days)
If you want to be close to the sand, restaurants, and the Broadwalk, Hollywood Beach is the obvious choice. It’s where the energy is, where you’ll find beach rentals and oceanfront cafés, and where the days feel effortlessly social.
This area is ideal for travelers who want:
quick beach access
sunset walks every evening
dining within walking distance
a true “vacation town” atmosphere
South Lake (Best for Waterfront Luxury and Canal Views)
South Lake is one of Hollywood’s most desirable neighborhoods for luxury travelers. It feels quieter and more residential, but it’s still close to the beach. The biggest appeal is the waterfront setting – canal views, private docks, and indoor-outdoor living that feels made for South Florida.
This is the best base if you want:
privacy and space
boating access
calm mornings by the water
a luxury villa feel
Nearby Fort Lauderdale (Best for Canal Culture and Upscale Dining)
Hollywood’s biggest advantage is its location. Fort Lauderdale is just minutes away, and for many travelers, staying just outside Hollywood gives you the best of both worlds: quiet canal-front living and easy access to Hollywood Beach.
This is ideal if you want:
upscale dining options
a slightly more refined atmosphere
quick access to both Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale beaches
luxury homes with private docks
The Best Luxury Vacation Rentals in Hollywood, Florida
When you’re choosing where to stay in Hollywood, the goal isn’t just to find a beautiful home – it’s to find the kind of space that makes the destination feel effortless.
From canal-front villas with private docks to homes designed for entertaining and multi-family trips, these are some of the best luxury vacation spots in Hollywood and nearby.
Wander Hollywood Beach Villa – 12 guests, 5 bedrooms
If your idea of a Florida vacation includes sleek architecture, water views, and days that flow easily from poolside lounging to sunset drinks on the balcony, Wander Hollywood Beach Villa delivers.
Set on a 100-foot waterfront lot in the exclusive South Lake neighborhood, this five-bedroom retreat sleeps up to twelve guests and is designed for elevated indoor-outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the canal views, while the chef’s kitchen and refined finishes make the entire home feel effortlessly polished.
This is the kind of stay that feels perfect for milestone trips – family gatherings, group getaways, or anyone who wants Hollywood Beach energy without giving up privacy.
Best for: groups, luxury travelers, multi-generational stays
Top highlights: private pool, waterfront views, balconies, upscale interiors
→ Book Wander Hollywood Beach Villa
Wander Hollywood Beach – 10 guests, 5 bedrooms
For travelers who want their stay to feel like its own destination, Wander Hollywood Beach is a standout.
This five-bedroom waterfront home sleeps up to ten guests and balances relaxation with built-in entertainment. Between the outdoor pool, hot tub, fire pit, and a dedicated game room and private movie theater, it’s a property designed for guests who want options – whether that’s a pool day, a movie night, or a laid-back evening outside.
It’s especially ideal for families traveling with kids or teens, since the home offers plenty to do without needing to plan every moment around outings.
Best for: families, groups, longer stays
Top highlights: pool + hot tub, theater, game room, outdoor entertaining space
Wander Fort Lauderdale Waterfront – 6 guests, 3 bedrooms
If you want a more intimate escape that still feels luxurious, Wander Fort Lauderdale Waterfront is a refined choice just a short drive from Hollywood’s beaches.
This three-bedroom retreat sleeps up to six guests and is designed around calm waterfront living. A private dock makes it perfect for travelers who want to kayak, fish, or simply enjoy canal views with morning coffee. The hot tub and BBQ area create an easy outdoor lifestyle, while indoor features like a cozy fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen make it feel just as comfortable at night.
This is a great option for couples traveling together or smaller families who want the South Florida lifestyle without the larger villa scale.
Best for: couples, small families, quieter luxury stays
Top highlights: private dock, hot tub, patio dining, canal views
→ Book Wander Fort Lauderdale Waterfront
Wander Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal – 8 guests, 4 bedrooms
Wander Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal is for travelers who want the full canal-front Florida experience – modern luxury, outdoor living, and the kind of home that makes every day feel relaxed and elevated.
This four-bedroom home sleeps up to eight guests and comes with a private boat dock, outdoor pool, hot tub, and spacious patio setup designed for al fresco dining. The interior is sleek and contemporary, with a chef-style kitchen and refined details throughout.
It’s a great option if you want to spend part of your trip exploring Hollywood Beach and the Broadwalk, but still want the dining and atmosphere of Fort Lauderdale within easy reach.
Best for: families, small groups, boat lovers
Top highlights: pool, hot tub, private dock, modern design
→ Book Wander Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal
Best Things to Do in Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood is the kind of destination where you can fill your itinerary – or keep it wonderfully simple. Either way, there’s plenty to explore.
Here are some of the best sightseeing and activity ideas for your stay.
Walk or Bike the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
This is Hollywood’s signature attraction – a beachfront promenade that stretches for miles, lined with casual dining, beach bars, shops, and endless ocean views.
Spend a Day at Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach is wide, clean, and less chaotic than Miami Beach. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, and slow afternoons that turn into sunset walks.
Explore Anne Kolb Nature Center
For a quieter change of pace, the Anne Kolb Nature Center offers trails and wildlife viewing in a beautiful coastal setting. It’s a great option for families and nature lovers.
Take a Boat Tour or Rent Kayaks
Hollywood’s waterways are one of its best hidden features. Canal tours, kayak rentals, and paddleboarding are all great ways to experience South Florida from a different angle.
Visit Nearby Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is close enough for an easy afternoon trip. Explore Las Olas Boulevard, take a water taxi, or enjoy a waterfront dinner with a more upscale vibe.
Day Trip to Miami
Hollywood is an ideal base for a Miami day trip – Wynwood, Little Havana, the Design District, and South Beach are all within reach.
→ Browse Wander’s luxury Miami vacation rentals
Travel Tips for Visiting Hollywood (Florida)
A little planning goes a long way in Hollywood, especially if you want your trip to feel smooth and luxurious.
1. Choose Your Season Carefully
Hollywood is beautiful year-round, but winter and spring are especially popular thanks to warm temperatures and lower humidity. Summer is hotter, but also offers a more relaxed pace.
2. Rent a Car for Maximum Flexibility
Hollywood is walkable near the beach, but a car makes it easier to explore Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and nearby nature parks.
3. Plan for Early Beach Mornings
The beach is calmest in the morning, and it’s also the best time for photos and sightseeing before the sun gets intense.
4. Build in Sunset Time
Hollywood sunsets are genuinely special. Whether you’re on the beach or on the water, plan at least one evening around golden hour.
Expert Tips for a Luxury Hollywood Stay
Luxury travel in Hollywood isn’t about packing your schedule – it’s about choosing the right experiences and letting the destination do the rest.
Lean into Indoor-Outdoor Living
South Florida is designed for outdoor time. Look for homes with pools, hot tubs, and waterfront patios, and plan meals outside whenever possible.
Make the Water Part of the Trip
Boat rentals, kayak outings, and canal cruises are some of the most memorable experiences in this area. Even if you don’t plan a full day on the water, a sunset cruise is worth it.
Use Hollywood as a Home Base
One of the smartest ways to do Hollywood is to treat it as your calm center – then explore Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Everglades in day-trip bursts.
Book Your Hollywood Escape with Wander
Hollywood, Florida offers the kind of vacation that feels effortlessly balanced. It’s beachy without being overly touristy, lively without being overwhelming, and close enough to South Florida’s biggest highlights that you can build a trip around both relaxation and exploration.
Whether you want a waterfront villa steps from Hollywood Beach, a home built for family entertainment, or a quieter canal-front retreat near Fort Lauderdale, Wander makes it easy to experience the best of the coast in comfort.
From the refined design of Wander Hollywood Beach Villa to the entertainment-packed charm of Wander Hollywood Beach, and the canal-front elegance of Fort Lauderdale’s luxury retreats, these stays offer the space, privacy, and amenities that elevate a Florida getaway into something unforgettable.
→ Explore luxury vacation rentals in Florida with Wander
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