Road trip: Hollywood, Fla.

You may not see any paparazzi or movie stars in Hollywood, Fla., but you will see picture-perfect sands, stellar beaches and seemingly endless ocean waters.

“We have one of the bigger, prettier beaches around,” said Joan Mickelson, author of “A Guide to Historic Hollywood, Florida: A Tour Through Time and Place.” And Hollywood, which is the 12th largest city in the Sunshine State, has grown into a popular tourist town, full of eclectic, artsy, outdoor attractions, and laid-back natives. “And there is always some kind of activity going on,” Mickelson said.

Hollywood hasn’t always been a bustling town crawling with visitors. Almost a century ago, developer Joseph W. Young Jr., had a vision for the small patch of the then one-square-mile of land situated between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. His plan was to “start from scratch” and create the city of Hollywood, said Mickelson. He succeeded in his goal, and as time progressed, “People flocked in,” Mickelson said.

Don’t miss

Hollywood Beach

With a beach that is open to the public from one end to the other, tourists take advantage of the sand, sun and sea. The Clean Beaches Council designated Hollywood Beach as a Blue Wave Clean Beach. Along the beach or within walking distance are cafes, hotels, boutiques and music and entertainment events. Free. North Ocean Drive, Hollywood. 877-672-2468, www.visithollywoodfl.org.

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk

The newly-renovated Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a must-see. It’s not made of boards, so locales gave it the name “broadwalk” to better describe the strip of paved land located on Hollywood Beach. Ranked as one of USA Today's Top-10 Nostalgic Promenades in the United States, the 2-mile-long walkway welcomes joggers, bicyclists and sightseers. Boutiques and eateries line the way. Free. North Ocean Drive, Hollywood. 877-672-2468, www.visithollywoodfl.org.

Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park

Nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts enjoy the Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park. Activities include an observation tower for viewing nearby wetlands, walking trails, a catch-and-release fishing pier and an art gallery filled with local, nature-inspired photography and art. The center's namesake was an award-winning journalist and local environmental activist and land conservationist who died in 1981. Free. 751 Sheridan St. 954-926-2480, www.broward.org.

Downtown Hollywood Shopping

Downtown Hollywood is filled with more than 60 shops, ranging from pet stores to jewelry shops to clothing boutiques to art galleries to bakeries. Off of North Federal Highway. 954-921-3016, www.downtownhollywood.com.

ArtsPark at Young Circle

Located in downtown Hollywood, the ArtsPark at Young Circle consists of a 10-acre traffic circle with various attractions, including a children's play area, sculptures and water fountains. Weekly activities take place here, including concerts and dances under the stars. Guests also can enjoy entertainment from glass blowers, musicians, puppeteers and jugglers. Free. 2600 Hollywood Boulevard. 954-921-3474, www.hollywoodfl.org/artspark.

If you go

Getting there

Hollywood is about 650 miles from Atlanta. The drive south on I-75, Florida's Turnpike south and I-95 south takes about 10 hours.

Where to stay

Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Hotel. Opened in 2007, its amenities include beach access and a fitness center. $244-$549. 4000 South Ocean Drive. 954-454-4334, www.cphollywoodbeach.com

The DeSoto Ocean View. This hotel consists of six one-bedroom apartment-style rooms. $99-$150. 315 DeSoto St. 954-923-7210, www.thedesoto.com.

Where to eat

Vedu's Fish and Burger Shack. Hungry tourists can come straight in from the sandy beach, dressed in flip-flops, shorts and T-shirts, and order anything from calamari or fried clams to fish tacos, corn fritters and Key lime pie. Entrees $11-$19. 1500 N. Broadwalk Drive. 954-925-1656.