Feeling restless one Saturday and wanting to take advantage of the sun-filled sky, I headed south an hour to one of my favorite seaside cities.

Hollywood is an eclectic East Coast destination where you can kick back at the beach by day and live it up at a trendy bistro by night. I didn't have a plan, but I figured I'd hit the oceanfront Broadwalk before hopping a trolley to explore downtown's boutiques and restaurants.

Located off Interstate 95 between Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach, Hollywood is an easy in-state getaway. If you haven't visited the town, take a weekend to introduce yourself. If you have, take a few days to see what's new.

Like a scene from a postcard, Hollywood Beach's turquoise waves lapped onto the shore. Children built sandcastles. A couple napped under a cabana.

Beach Lovers, Nature Buffs

I'm a Florida girl, so the beach had to be my starting point. Like a scene from a postcard, Hollywood Beach's turquoise waves lapped onto the shore. Children built sandcastles. A couple napped under a cabana.

I laced up my rollerblades and set off on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a two-mile oceanfront path that's lined with shops, bars and restaurants. You can rent bikes or surreys at the Bike Shack, or simply stroll the brick-lined promenade.

I followed the aroma of garlic to Angelo's Corner, where the pizza was tasty and hot, and the drinks cold. After browsing the souvenir shops (Dolphin Jewelry seemed to be a hotspot for sea-themed accessories), I cooled off with an ice cream cone.

Down the path at Charnow Park, a green oasis right off the Broadwalk, I found three pavilions, picnic tables overlooking the ocean and a playground. (Renovations, expected to wrap up this summer, will add a picnic pavilion, performance pavilion, interactive fountain and other enhancements.) For a bigger dose of nature, visit the Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park – rent kayaks or hike trails to explore the 1,500-acre preserve.


Intracoastal Appeal

Back on the Broadwalk, I stowed my blades and headed for Le Tub Saloon, a cozy, seat-yourself kind of place on the Intracoastal Waterway with world-famous hamburgers. Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar" played on the jukebox as I shot – and lost – a game of pool.

There's plenty to do up and down the Intracoastal. Board a fishing charter or sit on the second-floor deck of Las Palmas Tropical Grille & Sushi and enjoy some fresh fish and a margarita. Other popular hangouts include Nikki Marina at Diplomat Landing, a waterfront bar where you can sip mojitos and watch mega yachts dock, and the upscale Elements Bistro, which serves Continental cuisine and Asian and Caribbean specialties. Sit outside for the best Intracoastal views.


Downtown Vibe

My next stop was the vibrant downtown district, just minutes from the beach. Historic Downtown Hollywood is a hip place to spend an afternoon, and it's a Wi-Fi hotspot to boot. I strolled through the ArtsPark at Young Circle, a 10-acre arts-themed park with a playground and visual arts pavilion displaying modern works.

I let the sidewalk lead me to art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. I admired the hand-blown glass in a gallery called Mosaica, then sat at the granite-topped bar and sipped a glass of chardonnay at Hollywood Vine (check out their free tastings on Tuesdays). For dinner, I enjoyed jazz and sushi at a Hollywood institution, Sushi Blues Cafe. Nearby, LaBaraca and PRL Euro Café are other favorites.

At night, catch a live performance at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center. Or drop by Spice Resto-Lounge, where merengue and bachata beats are infectious. Or check out two of the area's nightlife and entertainment staples: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Dave & Buster's.


Hollywood Happenings

There's always something happening in Hollywood, from festivals and street markets to concerts on the beach. On March 2, attend Vintage South Florida, a free event that will include book signings, live music and children's activities. This festival celebrating history and architecture will take place at ArtsPark at Young Circle and along Hollywood Boulevard.

For Easter, there will be a dramatic helicopter drop of 30,000 marshmallows on March 15 (plus a visit from the Easter Bunny). At the Seaside Craft Affair, a free event held April 26-27 on the Broadwalk, you can commission a piece of artwork or just browse. There will also be a Green Market with plants, handmade soaps, gourmet spices and more.

If you opt to stay overnight, you'll be greeted with accommodations as diverse as the town itself. For true luxury, check out the Westin Diplomat, a AAA Four Diamond property with ultra-modern flair. The Hollywood Beach Marriott, a new boutique-style resort on the Broadwalk, is another upscale option. There are also several Superior Small Lodgings, known for their solid amenities, affordability and service. Some to check out are Hollywood-by-the-Sea Bed and Breakfast, Tide Vacation Apartments and Villa Sinclair Beach Suites & Spa. The latter offers a Welcome Pineapple and a complimentary chocolate on the bed.

It's those kinds of touches that make Hollywood one of my favorite Florida cities.

For more information on planning your in-state getaway to Hollywood Beach, call 877-672-2468 or go to www.visithollywood.org.