Hollywood, FL
- About the City
- Landmarks
- Climate and Weather
- Transport
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions and Services
Hollywood, Florida, known as the "Diamond of the Gold Coast," is a planned city between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, famed for its beachfront Broadwalk, historic downtown, and the iconic Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the city is Hollywood, Florida. It is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States . Hollywood is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan area, one of the largest and most dynamic metropolitan regions in the southeastern U.S., known for its cultural diversity, international trade, and tourism .
Historical Names and Nicknames
Hollywood is widely known by its official nickname, the "Diamond of the Gold Coast," a reflection of its value and prime location on Florida's prestigious southeastern coast . The city was originally founded as "Hollywood by the Sea" by its creator, Joseph Wesley Young, to distinguish it from his other real estate venture, "Hollywood in the Hills," in New York .
Date of Foundation and Age
Hollywood was founded on February 18, 1921, by developer Joseph Wesley Young, who envisioned it as his "Dream City in Florida" . The city was officially incorporated on November 28, 1925 . As of 2026, the city is 105 years old.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Hollywood is located in southeastern Florida at geographic coordinates 26°1′17″N 80°10′30″W . The city is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and includes approximately 5 to 6 miles (8.0 to 9.7 km) of beach . It is positioned between Fort Lauderdale (about 8 miles north) and Miami (about 20 miles south) . The elevation of the city center is just 9 feet (3 meters) above sea level, classifying it as a low-lying coastal city .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Hollywood is a diverse coastal city with a strong focus on tourism and hospitality, driven by its beaches and the massive Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood . It also functions as a significant residential suburb within the Miami metropolitan area. Its economy is further diversified by major employers in healthcare, such as the Memorial Healthcare System, and its strategic location near major transport arteries like Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), making it a hub for logistics and commercial real estate .
Population and Demographics
As of 2023, the population of Hollywood was estimated at 152,935, making it the 12th-largest city in Florida . By population size, it is classified as a large city. It is a vibrant and diverse community, with a significant foreign-born population (38.8% as of 2023) and a large Hispanic community (42.9% of residents) .
City's "Business Card" (In Brief)
Hollywood, Florida, offers a classic South Florida beach town experience with a vibrant, walkable historic downtown. Known for the 2.5-mile oceanfront Broadwalk and the world-renowned guitar-shaped hotel of the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, the city perfectly blends laid-back coastal charm with world-class entertainment and gaming .
Landmarks
Hollywood Beach Broadwalk
The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a iconic, 2.5-mile (4 km) promenade along the Atlantic Ocean, separate from the beach itself . Lined with over 30 shops, casual cafes, restaurants, and parks, it is a vibrant pedestrian and cyclist-friendly zone. It's the heart of the city's beachfront activity, hosting a weekly live music series and offering a classic, energetic Florida atmosphere .
Historic Downtown Hollywood
Located along Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street, Historic Downtown Hollywood is the city's charming cultural core . It is known for its picturesque streets, art galleries, boutiques, and a diverse dining scene. A key attraction is the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, featuring over a dozen large-scale murals by local and international artists. The self-guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour allows visitors to explore the area's many historically significant spots .
ArtsPark at Young Circle
Located in the heart of the city at 1 Young Circle, the ArtsPark at Young Circle is a vibrant 10-acre urban park transformed from a traffic circle . It serves as a community hub, featuring an amphitheater for concerts and events, an interactive fountain, a playground, and an arts and crafts center. It's also home to Hollywood Hot Glass, an innovative glassblowing studio where visitors can watch live demonstrations .
Anne Kolb Nature Center
The Anne Kolb Nature Center is a 1,501-acre coastal mangrove wetland, offering a pristine natural escape within the city . Located at 751 Sheridan St, it features walking trails, a fishing pier, picnic areas, and an observation tower, allowing visitors to explore a rich ecosystem teeming with native wildlife. It's a perfect destination for nature lovers and bird watchers .
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
One of the most distinctive landmarks in South Florida, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood features the world-famous, 450-foot-tall Guitar Hotel . This AAA Four Diamond resort complex includes a massive casino with over 3,000 slot machines, numerous high-end restaurants, bars, a concert venue, and a pool with a man-made lake. It's a major entertainment destination that has redefined the city's skyline .
Climate and Weather
Type of Climate and General Characteristics
Hollywood has a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen climate classification Af), characterized by long, hot, and humid summers and short, warm, and dry winters . The city experiences distinct wet and dry seasons, with the majority of its rainfall occurring from May through October .
Average Temperatures by Month
The climate is warm year-round. The average annual temperature is 26.6°C (79.9°F) .
- Hottest Month: July, with an average daily temperature of 30.35°C (86.6°F) .
- Coldest Month: January, with an average daily temperature of 21.43°C (70.6°F) .
- Record High: 34°C (93.2°F) .
- Record Low: 9°C (48.2°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
Hollywood receives an average of 68.88 mm (2.71 inches) of precipitation annually .
- Wettest Month: August, with an average of 132.58 mm (5.22 inches) of rain .
- Driest Month: March, with an average of 21.4 mm (0.84 inches) of rain .
- Humidity: The average annual relative humidity is 68.25%, making it feel humid, especially during the summer months .
Best Time for a Visit
The best time to visit Hollywood is during the dry and mild season from November through April. During these months, temperatures are at their coolest and most comfortable, and the chance of rain is lowest, making it ideal for enjoying the beach and outdoor attractions .
Specific Weather Phenomena
The primary weather concern in Hollywood, as with the rest of South Florida, is the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30. During this period, there is a risk of tropical storms and hurricanes, which can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge .
Transport
Main Airports
Hollywood is uniquely positioned between two major international airports.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located just north of the city and serves as the primary airport for the immediate area. It is a major hub for domestic and international travel and is often a more affordable alternative to Miami's airport . Its IATA code is FLL.
- Miami International Airport (MIA), one of the busiest in the United States, is located approximately 20 miles south and offers a vast array of international connections . Its IATA code is MIA.
Other Airports
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in West Palm Beach is another alternative, located further north, and may be used by some travelers .
Major Highways
Hollywood is served by several major highways, providing seamless connectivity:
- I-95 (Interstate 95): The main north-south interstate on the East Coast, running directly through the city .
- Florida's Turnpike: A major toll road that provides another key north-south route .
- US-1 (Federal Highway): A major north-south arterial road running through the city's eastern sections.
Seaports
- Port Everglades is located just north of Hollywood in Fort Lauderdale . It is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and a major cargo port, offering significant logistical advantages and cruise opportunities for Hollywood residents and visitors .
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Hollywood and the surrounding region is provided by Broward County Transit (BCT) , which operates an extensive network of bus routes throughout the city and county. Additionally, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) operates the Tri-Rail commuter rail system, which connects Hollywood to West Palm Beach to the north and Miami to the south, with a station serving the city .
Museums
Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts (WMODA)
A world-class museum celebrating the "Fired Arts" of ceramics and glass, the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts (WMODA) is a standout attraction in Hollywood . After relocating to the city, the museum reopened in its new home in the heart of the South Florida Design & Commerce Center. The collection spans centuries and continents, offering an immersive experience that challenges the notion of decorative arts as stuffy or old-fashioned. As the museum's Executive Director puts it, "Ceramics are cool and glass is hot at WMODA!" .
The museum's highlights include:
- Hot Glass Gallery: Showcases works by modern masters, including the renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly .
- Ceramic Art Galleries: Features celebrated British potters such as Wedgwood and Royal Doulton, transporting visitors through the history of ceramic design .
- Art Movements: The museum places its collections in context, with a focus on innovative design movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Art Nouveau and Art Deco .
- Location & Contact: 3250 North 29th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020 | www.wmoda.com | 954-376-6690 .
Art and Culture Center/Hollywood
Founded in 1975, the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is one of South Florida's leading multi-disciplinary arts organizations and a Major Cultural Institution in Broward County . The Center is uniquely housed in the historic Kagey Home, a beautiful example of Mediterranean Revival architecture built in 1924, which is designated as a significant historical structure by the State of Florida .
The Center's programming is diverse and impactful:
- Contemporary Art Galleries: Located in the historic Kagey Home, the galleries present rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, showcasing innovative work from local and national artists .
- Arts School: An adjacent building at 1626 Harrison Street provides studio space for youth and adult arts education classes .
- Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center: The Center manages this 500-seat theater at 1770 Monroe Street, hosting live stage performances, films, and other events .
- Community Impact: The Center impacts over 40,000 people annually and offers free admission to its galleries on the third Sunday of most months . A new 5,000-square-foot Arts Education Wing is also in the works, funded by a City grant .
- Location: 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020 .
Sport and Sports Legends
Hollywood West Sports Fields
For residents and visitors looking to engage in local sports, the City of Hollywood provides excellent public facilities. The Hollywood West Sports Fields are a dynamic athletic complex where the essence of baseball, soccer, and football comes together . Key features include:
- Facilities: Well-maintained fields for baseball, soccer, and football, including synthetic turf for soccer and football .
- Amenities: The park is ADA accessible, with a concession stand, gazebo, picnic areas, restrooms, and open green spaces .
- Spectator-Friendly: Designated areas allow friends and family to cheer on local teams in an electric atmosphere .
- Reservations: While fields are available on a first-come, first-served basis for casual use, organized games, tournaments, and practices require a permit rental from the city .
Angel City FC: Hollywood's Home Team
While not based in Hollywood, Florida, it's worth noting the powerful cultural connection between "Hollywood" and sports through Angel City Football Club (Angel City FC) . This Los Angeles-based professional women's soccer team has deliberately cultivated an identity as "Hollywood’s home team," attracting a deep bench of celebrity owners and a passionate, inclusive fanbase . With high-profile investors like Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Garner, and now controlling owners Willow Bay (Dean of USC Annenberg) and her husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger, the club exemplifies the intersection of sports and entertainment . The team plays at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles and is known for its affordable tickets, stylish branding, and commitment to social causes, making it a cultural phenomenon that transcends the game itself .
Universities and Educational Institutions
While Hollywood, Florida itself does not host a large, traditional university campus, it is situated in a region rich with higher education opportunities. The city benefits from its proximity to institutions in the greater South Florida area. For example, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) , though on the opposite coast, offers a course titled "Hollywood and Beyond: Gender, Race, and Sex in the Movies" (WGSS 216), highlighting how "Hollywood" as a cultural concept is studied in academic settings . More locally, Hollywood residents have access to a wide range of colleges and universities in nearby Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Healthcare Institutions and Services
HCA Florida Aventura Hospital
Located just south of Hollywood in Aventura, HCA Florida Aventura Hospital is a major healthcare provider serving the Hollywood community and the northern Miami-Dade County area . This 493-bed acute care hospital has a long history in the region, dating back to its founding in 1965. It has grown into a comprehensive medical and surgical center with significant capabilities:
- Trauma Center: The hospital is home to a designated Level II Trauma Center, providing critical care for severe injuries in collaboration with local EMS partners .
- Teaching Hospital: It is recognized as a statutory teaching hospital by the state of Florida, with extensive Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs training over 190 future physicians in specialties like cardiology, emergency medicine, general surgery, and psychiatry .
- Specialized Institutes: The hospital features specialized centers, including the Orthopedic and Spine Institute located in a new, modern East Tower that offers 60 private patient rooms .
- Extensive Network: With over 2,000 employees and more than 700 physicians, the hospital treats tens of thousands of patients annually, including a high volume of emergency visits .
Memorial Healthcare System
Hollywood is also home to facilities within the Memorial Healthcare System, a large public healthcare network in South Florida. Notably, the system provides specialized care through clinics like the Memorial Physician Group Infectious Diseases Clinic at 5647 Hollywood Blvd and the Memorial Medical Office Centre at 1150 N 35th Ave . These clinics offer essential services, including participation in the Ryan White Program for HIV/AIDS care, and accept a range of insurance options including Medicaid, making them a critical resource for the community .