Whether your idea of a perfect vacation includes relaxing on the beach, gambling at casinos, partying at nightclubs, or experiencing the rush of amusement park rides, there’s a chance you’ll find what you are looking for in Hollywood Beach, Florida, according to Marc Eisenmann. Marc Eisenmann, a longtime businessman and owner of Hollywood Beach Hotels, says that the area around Hollywood Beach has experienced a resurgence over the course of the past few years, due in large part to a recently-built expansive boardwalk.
“Right now in this economy, a lot of people are choosing to stay at home rather than spend money on a vacation,” Eisenmann says. “But high-season tourism rates in Hollywood, Florida, were still up approximately 25% in 2009, and there is a reason why.” Eisenmann credits the variety of activities and beach rentals in Hollywood Beach with the public’s increased tourism rates, along with the budget-friendly prices and family-friendly atmosphere around the beach and boardwalk areas.
Casinos & Nightclubs
The problem with a lot of vacation destinations is that there is either nothing for the parents to do or nothing for the kids to do. That’s not the case with Hollywood Beach, however, where parents, teens, and younger kids can all find activities to suit their tastes.
“For parents in the evening, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is a no-brainer,” Eisenmann says. As one of the premiere casinos in the country, the Hard Rock frequently hosts celebrities and other A-list entertainers. “Adults have literally got everything to do under the sun in Hollywood Beach as far as nightclubs and casinos are concerned,” he says. “We have nightclubs and arenas with 5,000 seats, and then we have gambling and things like that, too. The really is everything to do here.”
Amusement Parks
When the kids aren’t at the pool, they usually want to be doing something else fun, Eisenmann says. Just a few minutes off of Hollywood Beach is Boomers Family Entertainment Center, an interactive amusement park with roller coasters, carnival rides, and miniature golf courses. “There is plenty for a family with kids of any ages to do at Boomers for at least a few hours,” says Eisenmann.
Everglades Trips
Eisenmann says that he is an especially big fan of Everglades trips, and that he always encourages families to take them while they’re in South Florida. “Everglades trips are really inexpensive, ” he says, “so you can have a lot of fun without spending much money at all.” Specifically, Eisenmann recommends checking out the Everglades tours offered through Holiday Park, which is about a 25-minute drive from Hollywood Beach. “You can just print a coupon online before you get there to save even more money,” he says. For a single price, visitors can take a one-hour airboat ride and watch a 10-minute alligator show. “The experience is just awesome, and people always have a good time,” he says.
Boating
Boat rentals are a particularly popular entertainment option up and down Hollywood Beach. Rentals can vary greatly in price depending on the size of the boat, with private charters averaging around $500 for a four-hour trip. Despite the price, Eisenmann says fishing and party boat rentals are a great entertainment option for vacationers in Hollywood Beach with kids of all ages.
Over the past few years, the Hollywood Beach community has put countless hours and funds towards the beautification of the area and improving the community for tourists of all types. In addition to a newly-built water park, the city has also put in a massive parking garage to make getting to the beach easier for families who might not necessarily be staying right on the boardwalk. The upcoming addition of a Margaritaville restaurant and bar, which is scheduled to come to the area within the next few years, will be yet another addition that increases interest in the community.
The fact that tourism rates in Hollywood Beach have gone up during the past year, even while the number of tourists in other nearby areas has dropped, speaks volumes about the increasing interest in Hollywood Beach. “My hotels are increasing in occupancy, but I don’t just think it’s because I am doing such a good job,” he says. “There is just a general increased focused toward Hollywood Beach as a vacation destination that is drawing more families here each year.”
In addition to the budget lodging options and countless boat and bicycle rentals along Hollywood Beach, Eisenmann says people are drawn to the community thanks to its close proximity to the Fort Lauderdale Airport. “Getting to Hollywood Beach couldn’t be any easier, with the airport just seven minutes away,” he says. “Everything that a family could want for a vacation is right here.”
