Most luxury travelers flying into Miami head straight to South Beach, Brickell, or Coral Gables. And there is nothing wrong with that. But just 20 minutes north of Miami Beach lies a stretch of coastline that offers something the busiest parts of Miami often cannot: wide, uncrowded beaches, a more relaxed pace, world-class dining and entertainment, and luxury villa options that rival anything further south, often at a fraction of the price.
Hallandale Beach and Hollywood, Florida are two adjacent cities on the Broward County coast that have quietly become some of the most desirable destinations for luxury travelers who want the full South Florida experience without the density and noise of Miami's core. The beaches are pristine. The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is one of the best oceanfront promenades in the state. The Gulfstream Park complex in Hallandale offers horse racing, high-end shopping, and nightlife. And the dining scene, while more intimate than Miami's, includes several restaurants that would hold their own in any major city.
For villa guests, the appeal is even stronger. Jatina Group manages properties within 15 minutes of Hallandale Beach and Hollywood, giving guests access to all of these attractions while returning each evening to a private compound with a pool, a full kitchen, and the space and privacy that define the villa lifestyle.
This guide covers everything you need to know about experiencing Hallandale Beach and Hollywood as a luxury traveler, from the best beaches and restaurants to the entertainment options and day trip possibilities that make this area a compelling base for a South Florida vacation.
The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a 2.5-mile paved promenade that runs along the oceanfront from Sherman Street in the south to Sheridan Street in the north. Often called one of the best boardwalks in America, the Broadwalk is wider, cleaner, and less crowded than its South Beach counterpart, with a family-friendly atmosphere that mixes fitness, dining, and oceanfront relaxation.
The Broadwalk is lined with restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and bars on its western edge, while the eastern side opens directly onto a wide, well-maintained beach. Unlike South Beach, where the energy skews young and nightlife-focused, the Hollywood Broadwalk attracts a diverse mix of families, couples, retirees, and fitness enthusiasts. On any given morning, you will see joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers, yoga practitioners, and dog walkers sharing the path in a relaxed, communal flow.
For dining on the Broadwalk, the standout is the GG's Waterfront Bar and Grill, which sits directly on the sand and serves fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and a memorable Sunday brunch. Hollywood Beach Tavern offers a more casual option with solid pub food and cold beer. And for a quick bite, the empanada and arepa vendors along the Broadwalk serve some of the best street food in Broward County.
The Broadwalk is accessible by bike (Broward B-Cycle stations are nearby), on foot, or by golf cart rental from several operators along the route. For villa guests, a morning Broadwalk walk followed by breakfast at a beachside cafe is a gentle, beautiful way to start the day.
Hallandale Beach sits immediately south of Hollywood, bordering the Miami-Dade County line. It is a compact, vibrant city with a major entertainment complex, excellent beaches, and a growing dining scene that reflects the area's diverse population.
Gulfstream Park and Village
Gulfstream Park is the centerpiece of Hallandale Beach entertainment. This sprawling complex combines a world-class horse racing track (home to the prestigious Pegasus World Cup in January and the Florida Derby in spring), a luxury outdoor shopping village, a casino, and over 20 restaurants and bars.
The Village at Gulfstream Park is an open-air shopping and dining destination with a curated mix of national brands and local boutiques. The dining options range from upscale steakhouses (The Yard House, Brimstone) to casual international cuisine (sushi, Mediterranean, Latin). The complex also features a bowling alley, a movie theater, and seasonal events including outdoor concerts and cultural festivals.
For horse racing enthusiasts, Gulfstream Park's season runs from December through April, with simulcast racing available year-round. The track's Pegasus World Cup, held annually in January, is one of the richest horse races in the world and draws an international crowd of racing aficionados and luxury travelers.
Hallandale Beach Itself
Hallandale Beach's public beach is a wide, clean stretch of sand with a more tranquil atmosphere than the beaches further south. The beach is served by a recently renovated public parking area and offers lifeguard service daily. The water is calm, clear, and excellent for swimming, and the relative lack of commercial development along the beachfront creates a peaceful, undeveloped feel that is increasingly rare in South Florida.
The dining scenes in Hallandale Beach and Hollywood have expanded significantly in recent years, driven by the area's growing population and the influx of residents from Miami, New York, and Latin America. While the restaurant density does not match Miami's, the quality at the top end is exceptional.
Diplomat Prime
Located inside the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Diplomat Prime is a world-class steakhouse with a wine list that has earned Wine Spectator recognition. The dry-aged steaks, the tableside Caesar salad, and the grand piano entertainment create a classic fine-dining experience that rivals any steakhouse in Miami.
Etaru
Also in the Diplomat Beach Resort, Etaru brings modern Japanese cuisine to the Hollywood waterfront. The robata grill program, the sushi bar, and the cocktail list are all excellent, and the outdoor terrace offers views of the Intracoastal Waterway that make a sunset dinner here feel special.
Jaxson's Ice Cream Parlor
A Dania Beach institution since 1956 (just minutes from Hollywood), Jaxson's is a legendary ice cream parlor that serves massive sundaes, homemade ice cream, and a nostalgia-driven atmosphere that delights families and adults alike. It is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Le Tub
A funky, oceanfront bar and grill on Hollywood Beach, Le Tub has been serving what many consider the best burgers in South Florida for over 40 years. The restaurant is built from repurposed bathtubs, toilets, and salvaged materials, and the oceanfront location makes it one of the most memorable casual dining experiences in the area. Arrive early, as the wait can exceed an hour during peak times.
Aventura and Nearby Options
Just south of Hallandale Beach, the city of Aventura offers additional upscale dining options including Corsair Kitchen and Bar at the Turnberry Isle Resort and the restaurants at Aventura Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the country.
The beaches in the Hallandale and Hollywood area are among the finest in South Florida, offering the same Atlantic Ocean waters and tropical climate as Miami Beach but with significantly fewer crowds and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach extends for several miles along the coast, with wide sand, consistent waves for body surfing, and a gentle slope that makes it safe for children. The beach is backed by the Broadwalk for its central stretch and by residential areas to the north and south. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available from vendors along the Broadwalk.
Hallandale Beach
Hallandale Beach offers a quieter alternative with fewer commercial facilities and a more natural, uncrowded feel. The beach is ideal for travelers who prioritize peace and solitude over nearby restaurants and services.
Water Activities
The area offers excellent water sports options, many of which can be arranged by your villa concierge:
One of the key advantages of the Hallandale Beach and Hollywood area for villa travelers is its accessibility from multiple Jatina Group villa neighborhoods. Several of the group's premier properties are located within 15 minutes of the best attractions in Hallandale and Hollywood, giving guests the flexibility to enjoy the area's offerings while returning to a luxury villa that provides the space, privacy, and amenities of a private estate.
Nearby Jatina Group villa neighborhoods include:
Each of these neighborhoods offers a different character and set of advantages. Your concierge can recommend the best villa location based on your group's interests, whether that means proximity to the beach, waterfront dock access, or a balance between the Hallandale-Hollywood area and Miami's core attractions further south.
Hallandale Beach and Hollywood are centrally positioned between Miami to the south and Fort Lauderdale to the north, making them an ideal base for day trips in both directions.
While the nightlife in Hallandale and Hollywood is more relaxed than Miami's high-energy club scene, there are compelling options for evening entertainment.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood is the area's premier nightlife destination. The guitar-shaped tower (one of the most iconic buildings in South Florida) houses a massive casino floor, multiple restaurants, a world-class spa, and a live entertainment venue that hosts top-tier concerts, comedy shows, and events throughout the year. The pool complex is open to hotel guests and day-pass holders, and the nightlife scene includes several bars and lounges with live music and DJs.
For a more intimate evening, the bars and restaurants along Hollywood's Young Circle (the downtown district) offer craft cocktail lounges, wine bars, and live music venues in a walkable, village-like setting. The monthly ArtsPark events at Young Circle feature outdoor concerts, art installations, and cultural programming.
And of course, Miami's world-famous nightclubs (LIV, E11EVEN, Story) are just 20 to 30 minutes south via I-95, making them easily accessible for a night out with a private driver arranged through your concierge.
How far is Hallandale Beach from Miami Beach?
Hallandale Beach is approximately 20 to 25 minutes from South Beach by car, depending on traffic. It sits at the border of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Is Hollywood Beach better than South Beach?
They offer different experiences. South Beach has more nightlife, dining, and cultural energy. Hollywood Beach is quieter, wider, less crowded, and more family-friendly. Many luxury travelers visit both during a single trip.
What is the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk?
The Broadwalk is a 2.5-mile paved oceanfront promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is wider and less crowded than the South Beach Boardwalk and is popular for walking, cycling, and beachside dining.
Are there luxury villas near Hallandale Beach?
Yes. Jatina Group manages villas in North Miami Beach, Aventura, and surrounding neighborhoods that are within 15 minutes of Hallandale Beach and Hollywood's top attractions.
What is Gulfstream Park?
Gulfstream Park is a world-class horse racing track and entertainment complex in Hallandale Beach, featuring racing, a casino, outdoor shopping, and over 20 restaurants and bars.
Is there good dining in Hollywood and Hallandale Beach?
Yes. Diplomat Prime (steakhouse), Etaru (Japanese), Le Tub (burgers), and several restaurants at Gulfstream Park Village offer high-quality dining. The scene is growing rapidly.
Can I take a day trip to Fort Lauderdale from this area?
Absolutely. Fort Lauderdale is just 15 to 20 minutes north of Hollywood and offers Las Olas Boulevard, the Intracoastal Waterway, museums, and excellent dining.
Is the area safe for families?
Yes. Hallandale Beach and Hollywood are well-patrolled, family-friendly communities with clean beaches, parks, and a welcoming atmosphere.
What water activities are available?
Jet ski rentals, paddleboarding, kayaking, parasailing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and Intracoastal boat tours are all available and can be arranged by your villa concierge.
Can I access Miami's nightlife from a villa near Hallandale?
Yes. Miami's top nightclubs and restaurants are 20 to 30 minutes south by car. Your concierge can arrange a private driver for the evening.
Hallandale Beach and Hollywood represent the best-kept secret on the South Florida coast for luxury travelers. The beaches are wide and uncrowded. The dining is sophisticated and growing. The entertainment options, from Gulfstream Park to the Hard Rock Hotel, rival anything in Miami. And the proximity to Jatina Group villas means you get all of this while returning each evening to a private estate with a pool, a full kitchen, and the space to spread out.
Jatina Group's concierge team coordinates all activities in the Hallandale-Hollywood area, from restaurant reservations and beach equipment to water sports bookings and event tickets. Whether you are spending a full day on the Broadwalk or combining a morning at the beach with an afternoon at Gulfstream Park, the concierge handles every detail.
Explore the Jatina Group villa collection, including properties in North Miami Beach, Aventura, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale. Browse available villas or contact the team to discuss your ideal location and dates.
For more South Florida travel guides, visit the Jatina Group blog.