Davie, Florida

Davie, Florida sits at the edge of the Everglades and the suburban sprawl of Broward County, right in the middle of Southeast Florida. This is a town where horse trails meet sawgrass, and the western sky still feels a little bit wild. Davie isn’t a beach town, but it’s a place where you can spot a cowboy hat at a traffic light, ride under live oaks, and still get to the Atlantic in half an hour. If you’re looking for things to do in Davie, Florida, you’ll find a mix of outdoor parks, equestrian culture, and a slower, greener pace than the coast. Davie matters because it’s the rare place in South Florida that still feels like it remembers its roots – part rural, part suburban, and always a little bit untamed.

Davie anchors the western side of Broward County, just south of Plantation and west of Fort Lauderdale. It’s a practical base for exploring the region’s parks, trails, and historic sites, and it’s close enough to the beaches and the Everglades to make day trips easy. Davie’s story is about horses, history, and the ongoing tug between the wild and the developed – something you’ll feel as soon as you see its broad streets lined with ranch fences and saw palmettos.

What is Davie known for?

Davie is known for its equestrian identity and its stubborn streak of rural character in the shadow of South Florida’s growth. Unlike most of its neighbors, Davie has long protected horse trails, open spaces, and a western flavor – think feed stores, rodeo grounds, and neighborhoods where you’re as likely to see a horse trailer as a pickup. The town’s geography is shaped by its proximity to the Everglades, which means wide skies, canals, and plenty of green space. Davie’s role in Broward County is unique: it’s a suburban hub with a rural heart, a place where you can ride, hike, or paddle without leaving town. It stands apart from the coastal cities by leaning into its agricultural and outdoor heritage, making it a draw for those who want a break from the high-rise pace of Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood.

Best things to do in Davie

  • Explore local parks and trails: Davie’s park system is designed for both walkers and riders. You’ll find multi-use trails winding through neighborhoods and greenways, offering a taste of Old Florida under the shade of live oaks and cypress.
  • Experience the equestrian culture: Davie’s horse trails and riding centers are central to its identity. Even if you’re not in the saddle, you’ll see evidence of the town’s western roots everywhere – from hitching posts to local events.
  • Visit nearby state parks: While Davie itself is inland, it’s a short drive to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and John U. Lloyd Beach State Park (now Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park) in eastern Broward. These parks offer beach access, hiking, and paddling – making them some of the best places to visit in Davie’s orbit.
  • Walk or bike the greenways: Davie’s network of greenways connects neighborhoods, parks, and canals. It’s one of the best ways to see the town’s mix of suburban and rural landscapes.
  • Check out local history: Davie’s story is tied to the land and water. Explore the area’s agricultural past and its role as a western outpost in Broward County.
  • Day trip to the Everglades: Davie is a natural jumping-off point for Everglades exploration. The western edge of town gives you quick access to the wild side of Florida – airboat rides, wildlife viewing, and endless sawgrass.
  • Explore nearby museums and preserves: While not directly in Davie, the Museum of Coral Springs History and Richardson Historic Park and Preserve in Wilton Manors are within easy reach and offer a look at the region’s cultural and natural history.

Parks, beaches, trails, and outdoor places in Davie

Davie’s outdoor identity is built on its parks, greenways, and access to the Everglades rather than beaches. The town is known for its extensive trail system – many of which are open to both hikers and horseback riders. Local parks often feature wide open fields, shaded picnic areas, and access to canals for fishing or paddling. Davie’s greenways connect neighborhoods to nature, making it easy to spend a day outside without ever leaving town.

For those craving sand and surf, the Atlantic beaches are a short drive east. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and John U. Lloyd Beach State Park (Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park) are the closest major beach parks, offering swimming, fishing, and nature trails. These parks are technically outside Davie but are part of the outdoor circuit for locals and visitors alike.

Lesser-known local places worth knowing

Equestrian trails and rural corridors

Davie’s lesser-known strength is its network of equestrian trails and rural corridors. These paths wind through neighborhoods and along canals, offering a glimpse of what Broward County looked like before the boom. Even if you’re not riding, these greenways are open to walkers and cyclists, and they’re a quiet way to see the town’s natural side.

Canal access points

Davie’s canals are more than drainage – they’re local landmarks and practical access points for fishing, birdwatching, and paddling. Look for small parks or trailheads along the canals for a peaceful spot to cast a line or watch for herons and egrets.

Nearby cultural and historic sites

While Davie itself is light on traditional museums, the Museum of Coral Springs History and Richardson Historic Park and Preserve in Wilton Manors are within easy reach. These places help fill in the story of Broward County’s transformation from swampland to suburbia.

Nearby places to explore

Davie is surrounded by towns and neighborhoods that offer their own flavor. Fort Lauderdale is just to the east, with its beaches, arts scene, and waterfront dining. Plantation and Cooper City are close by, offering more parks and suburban stops. Head west, and you’ll hit the edge of the Everglades – one of Florida’s defining landscapes. Each of these places pairs naturally with Davie, if you are looking for a day at the beach, a stroll through a historic downtown, or a wild ride into the swamp.

How Davie fits into Broward County

Davie is Broward County’s suburban wild west – a place that keeps the county’s agricultural and equestrian history alive even as the suburbs close in. It’s not a coastal base or a resort town, but rather an inland hub where you can still find open land and a slower pace. Davie’s role is to balance the county’s rapid growth with a reminder of what came before: sawgrass, horses, and wide-open spaces. For more on the county’s mix of cultures, beaches, and backroads, see Broward County.

How Davie fits into Southeast Florida

Within Southeast Florida, Davie stands out for its rural character and outdoor access. While the region is best known for its beaches, nightlife, and high-rise skylines, Davie offers a different side of South Florida – one that’s closer to the land, with a nod to the area’s agricultural roots. It’s a reminder that Southeast Florida isn’t just about the coast; it’s also about the spaces where the city meets the wild.

Where to eat, stay, and base your visit

Davie doesn’t have a traditional downtown or a beachfront strip, but it does offer a range of practical places to base your visit. Most visitors choose to stay in suburban hotels or short-term rentals near the main roads, which offer easy access to parks, trails, and the highways leading to Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and the Everglades. If you’re looking for a quieter stay, consider areas near the town’s parks or greenways, where you’ll wake up to birdsong instead of traffic. For those seeking more amenities or nightlife, the coastal cities to the east offer plenty of options within a short drive.

How to plan a first visit

Davie is best for travelers who want to see a different side of South Florida – one that’s less about the beach and more about the land. If you’re into horseback riding, hiking, or just want to see what suburban Florida looked like before the condos, Davie is worth a day or two. Most visitors use Davie as a base for exploring parks, trails, and the Everglades, or as a quieter alternative to the coast. It works well as a day trip from Fort Lauderdale or Miami, but you could easily spend a weekend here if you want to explore the outdoors, visit nearby museums, and sample the local equestrian culture. Combine your visit with a trip to the Everglades or a day at the beach for the full Southeast Florida experience.

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FAQ: Davie, Florida

Is Davie, Florida worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you want to experience South Florida’s equestrian culture, explore parks and trails, or use it as a base for Everglades or beach day trips.

What is Davie known for?

Davie is known for its horse trails, rural character, and outdoor access – offering a different pace from the coastal cities of Broward County.

What are the best things to do in Davie?

Top activities include walking or riding the town’s trails, exploring local parks, visiting nearby state parks and beaches, and learn ing about the area’s agricultural history.

What county is Davie in?

Davie is in Broward County, Florida.

What region of Florida is Davie in?

Davie is part of Southeast Florida.

How many days do you need in Davie?

One to two days is enough to explore Davie’s parks, trails, and nearby attractions, but you can use it as a base for a longer stay in the region.