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Paddling With the Family in Broward: Kayak Spots Around Hollywood

Broward's waterways offer calm paddling for every skill level. Here are family-friendly kayak and paddleboard options around Hollywood and the Intracoastal.

By Nanci Gilbert, PA September 28, 2026
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Broward County is laced with water: the Intracoastal, the mangrove shorelines, and the slow canals behind them. For families, that means a kayak trip can be as short or as long as the children's patience allows. Several rental outfitters around Hollywood make it easy to be on the water within minutes of parking.

West Lake Park and Anne Kolb Nature Center

West Lake Park in Hollywood is one of Broward's best places to paddle. The county runs kayak rentals there, and the trails weave through mangrove-lined water that is calm enough for beginners. Wildlife, usually herons, egrets, and the occasional manatee, tends to appear within the first hour.

The Intracoastal near downtown Hollywood

For a paddle with views of the waterfront homes and the city skyline, the Intracoastal is the classic route. Waterway Adventures, near North Ocean Drive, offers rentals and guided trips along the waterway. Early mornings are the calmest, with the light soft and the boat traffic light.

Beach-side paddling at Hollywood Beach

Under the Sun Beach Services rents kayaks and paddleboards right along the beach, an easy option when the older children want to explore the water while the younger ones stay close to shore. The sheltered waters off the broadwalk are gentle on a clear morning.

What to bring and how to dress

Sunscreen, water in a sealed bottle, hats, and shoes that can get wet. Life jackets are provided with rentals, and children are generally required to wear them, which is a good habit anywhere. Check the wind forecast: light wind makes a far easier first paddle.

How Nanci can guide you to the right community

Nanci knows the neighborhoods that sit near Broward's best waterways, from Hollywood's beach corridors to the quieter canals of Miramar and Pembroke Pines. If a home near the water is part of your family's plan, she can guide you to the communities worth considering.

Nanci Gilbert, PA is a South Florida realtor who guides growing families, sellers, and buyers across Miami-Dade and Broward. Questions about this topic? She answers every message within one business day.