Hollywood, Florida: A 5-Day Women’s Getaway That’s Equal Parts Calm and Coastal Energy
If you’re looking for a beach destination that feels lively but not chaotic, polished but not pretentious, let me introduce you to one of my new favorites: Hollywood, Florida.
I recently spent five days there and stayed at the Marriott Hollywood Beach, and it was exactly the kind of women’s travel adventure I didn’t know I needed. Ocean views, long boardwalk walks, fresh air, great food, and just enough buzz to feel like something fun is always happening.
Here’s how I’d plan the perfect five-day girls’ getaway.
I recently spent five days there and stayed at the Marriott Hollywood Beach, and it was exactly the kind of women’s travel adventure I didn’t know I needed. Ocean views, long boardwalk walks, fresh air, great food, and just enough buzz to feel like something fun is always happening.
Here’s how I’d plan the perfect five-day girls’ getaway.
🏖 Where to Stay: Marriott Hollywood Beach
If you love waking up to the sound of waves and being steps from everything, this is your spot. The Marriott Hollywood Beach sits right along the iconic Hollywood Beach "Broadwalk" (that's not a typo!), which means:- Morning coffee with an ocean view- Easy beach access- Safe, well-lit evening walks- Restaurants and live music within strolling distance
The vibe is relaxed coastal with a touch of fun energy. It felt safe, walkable, and ideal for a women’s trip where you want both connection and breathing room.
Anxiety Girl tip: Being directly on the Broadwalk eliminated 90% of my “logistics stress.” No complicated driving. No parking anxiety. Just walk and go.
Day 1: Settle In + Sunset Broadwalk Stroll
Arrive, unpack (yes, I overpacked), and change into something breezy.The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk stretches about 2.5 miles along the ocean and is one of the best parts of the entire town. It’s wide, clean, and lined with palm trees, cafés, ice cream spots, and little beach shops.
Evening plan:- Casual dinner nearby- Sunset walk along the water- Toes in the sand moment- Early night or rooftop cocktail back at the hotel
There’s something grounding about your first ocean sunset of a trip. Instant nervous system reset.
Evening plan:- Casual dinner nearby- Sunset walk along the water- Toes in the sand moment- Early night or rooftop cocktail back at the hotel
There’s something grounding about your first ocean sunset of a trip. Instant nervous system reset.
Day 2: Beach Day + Boardwalk Energy
This is your full beach day. Set up chairs. Bring a good book. Rotate between:- Swimming- Sunbathing- Walking the shoreline- Deep conversations that only happen when everyone is relaxed
The beach itself is clean and spacious. It felt lively without being overwhelming. Families, friend groups, couples, solo walkers. Easy energy.
Midday break idea: Grab lunch on the Broadwalk so you’re not packing elaborate coolers. Keep it simple.
Evening:- Fresh seafood dinner- Nighttime walk on the Broadwalk (it’s well-lit and active, which felt comfortable and safe)- Maybe live music drifting through the air
It has that effortless Florida glow without the Miami intensity.
The beach itself is clean and spacious. It felt lively without being overwhelming. Families, friend groups, couples, solo walkers. Easy energy.
Midday break idea: Grab lunch on the Broadwalk so you’re not packing elaborate coolers. Keep it simple.
Evening:- Fresh seafood dinner- Nighttime walk on the Broadwalk (it’s well-lit and active, which felt comfortable and safe)- Maybe live music drifting through the air
It has that effortless Florida glow without the Miami intensity.
Day 3: Explore Beyond the Beach
Time to branch out a bit.Morning: Downtown HollywoodDowntown has a charming, artsy feel. Think:- Local boutiques- Coffee shops- Murals- A slower paceIt’s a nice contrast to the beachfront.
Afternoon: Pool or Spa ResetHead back to the hotel for:- Pool time- A spa appointment- Or simply lounging without an agenda
Anxiety Girl truth: Not every hour of a trip needs to be optimized. Schedule space for nothing.
Evening: Dress-Up Dinner NightOne night of the trip deserves:- A cute outfit- Group photos- A slightly fancier dinner
It doesn’t need to be over the top. Just that intentional “we are here and celebrating something” energy.
Afternoon: Pool or Spa ResetHead back to the hotel for:- Pool time- A spa appointment- Or simply lounging without an agenda
Anxiety Girl truth: Not every hour of a trip needs to be optimized. Schedule space for nothing.
Evening: Dress-Up Dinner NightOne night of the trip deserves:- A cute outfit- Group photos- A slightly fancier dinner
It doesn’t need to be over the top. Just that intentional “we are here and celebrating something” energy.
Day 4: Active Adventure (Your Way)
Choose your vibe:
Option 1: Bike the BroadwalkThere are bike rentals available, and riding along the ocean is such a fun, breezy way to explore more of the coastline.
Option 2: Water AdventureConsider:- Paddleboarding- Kayaking- Jet ski rentalDoing something slightly out of your comfort zone as a group? Core memory unlocked.
Option 3: Day Trip LiteIf you’re feeling adventurous, you’re within easy distance of:- Fort Lauderdale- A short drive toward MiamiBut honestly? Hollywood stands beautifully on its own.
Evening suggestion:Take one last intentional sunset walk. Gratitude lap. These moments go fast.
Option 1: Bike the BroadwalkThere are bike rentals available, and riding along the ocean is such a fun, breezy way to explore more of the coastline.
Option 2: Water AdventureConsider:- Paddleboarding- Kayaking- Jet ski rentalDoing something slightly out of your comfort zone as a group? Core memory unlocked.
Option 3: Day Trip LiteIf you’re feeling adventurous, you’re within easy distance of:- Fort Lauderdale- A short drive toward MiamiBut honestly? Hollywood stands beautifully on its own.
Evening suggestion:Take one last intentional sunset walk. Gratitude lap. These moments go fast.
Day 5: Slow Goodbye Morning
Don’t rush this.- Early coffee on the Broadwalk- One final beach walk- Photos with sandy feet- Reflect on the week
Travel has this way of shifting something internally. Even five days can create clarity.
Travel has this way of shifting something internally. Even five days can create clarity.