Located in Broward County, the city of Davie is one of the Miami metropolitan area’s principal components. Since it’s officially a town and not a city, it’s one of the largest of its kind in the country.
The town was founded in 1909, but before development began, much of the land on which the town now sits had to be drained, as it was swampland susceptible to seasonal flooding.
The town’s land area originally included nearly 30,000 acres, though it soon expanded beyond that.
Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Davie, Florida.
1. Davie Golf Club
Source: daviegolf.netHaving recently undergone a variety of remodeling and upgrade projects, the Davie Golf Club is now firmly entrenched as one of the area’s best value activities for locals and visitors alike.
Trees have been added to enhance the course’s aesthetics while making it more fun and challenging.
Many of the course’s greens are now multi-tiered as well, making them similar to those found on championship-level courses.
The course’s yardage is between 4,900 and nearly 6,400, depending on which tees you play from. Like nearly all of Florida’s golf destinations, tee times fill up quickly during peak times, so make reservations in advance if that’s when you’ll be playing.
2. Bergeron Rodeo Grounds
In many respects, South Florida is like the old west.
Many of its quaint and historic towns have been around for ages and are home to old cowpokes that remember when the area was just swamp and cattle ranches. It’s not surprising that rodeos are popular attractions, even in a state that most visitors only associate with white beaches and bikini-clad beauties.
For more than four decades, the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie has held annual rodeo events that feature a wide variety of family-friendly activities.
The facility also hosts an array of live entertainment, trade, and arts and crafts shows, so no matter when you’ll be in the area, there will likely be something going on that’s worth checking out.
3. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Source: booking.comBack in the day, casinos were the exclusive realm of the conspicuously wealthy, shady gangsters, and crooked politicians. While the last two categories are often one and the same, these days, casinos offer a huge variety of family-friendly activities that make them popular vacation hotspots.
From live entertainment and premium shopping venues to world-class clubs and restaurants, there’s usually a little something for everyone.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood offers guests the aforementioned amenities and many more. There’s plenty of -on-site lodging that’s relatively inexpensive, and many guests claim that the food is just as tasty as it is in Vegas.
4. Flamingo Gardens
Source: Angela N Perryman / shutterstockChock full of thousands of varieties of plants, trees, and flowers, Flamingo Gardens is an oasis of natural beauty and serenity surrounded by one of the country’s largest metropolitan areas.
A large section of the garden’s grounds are protected Everglades that are home to otters, gators, wading birds, and the park’s namesake flamingoes.
The gardens are comprised of nearly 60 acres, most of which are accessible by well-marked trails that lead to each distinct area.
The garden’s entrance is on Flamingo Road in Davie. Though parking is free, park admission isn’t, and they’re closed on most national and state holidays.
5. Billie Swamp Safari
Source: billieswamp.comThere’s no better way to explore swamps like the Everglades than by airboat.
They’re loud, powerful, and exhilarating machines that skim over shallow water and submerged grass that would stop traditional boats in their tracks.
Billie’s Swamp Safari is located on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation and offers a variety of tour packages that are sure to give visitors an intimate view of the amazing habitat and a variety of its wildlife, like raccoons, turtles, snakes, and alligators.
There’s also an -on-site reptile house, animal shows, and even live entertainment. It’s the kind of place a family could spend a whole day.
6. Old Davie School Historical Museum
Source: olddavieschool.orgLocated on Griffin Road in Davie, the Old Davie School Historical Museum is an interesting and educational community resource that’s conveniently located in town and inexpensive to visit.
The school building has been renovated over the years but still retains its authentic architectural elements; in many ways, it’s like a snapshot into the past.
The museum’s exhibits touch on history, culture, science, the natural world, and the Native American people and animals that called the area home for millennia before it was officially settled.
Guided group tours are available, but you’ll need to schedule them in advance.
7. Tree Tops Park
Source: facebook.comDavie’s Tree Tops Park was once a dairy farm, and had it not been for a group of determined citizens, it would’ve been turned into yet another golf course nearly four decades ago.
Now the site includes nearly 150 acres full of a unique mix of traditional forests and wetlands that is a biologically diverse oasis in the heart of the bustling metropolis.
Many of the park’s trails are shadowed by the massive old-growth oaks that form a nearly impenetrable canopy, making them the perfect places for a cool walk out of the reach of the Florida sun’s intense rays.
8. Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center
Source: Maxine Livingston / shutterstockFeaturing both indoor and outdoor areas, the Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center is perfect to visit rain or shine.
After parking, you’ll want to head to the visitor’s center; from there, you’ll get a thorough overview of all the things there are to see and do.
The indoor sections are full of interactive exhibits that delve into the worlds of plants, animals, history, and culture, with a focus on the Native American people that called the rugged swamps home for generations.
The outdoor paths lead to natural areas, a poignant memorial, and some interesting art pieces as well.
9. Butterfly Pavilion at Flamingo Road Nursery
Source: facebook.comLocated on Flamingo Road in Davie, Flamingo Road Nursery is part botanical garden, part traditional nursery, and part live entertainment venue.
As if that’s not enough, it’s also home to a unique and popular butterfly pavilion full of a variety of native butterfly species of varying sizes and colors.
Informative plaques are placed around the pavilion so you’ll learn about the life cycles of the butterflies you’re seeing, and there’s plenty of staff on-hand to answer questions.
The nursery is open every day, and there’s a farmer’s market on site. They often host live entertainment, so clear your schedule.
10. Buehler Planetarium and Observatory
Source: facebook.comOffering visitors a variety of free and inexpensive ways to view and explore the cosmos, the Buehler Planetarium and Observatory is the perfect place to spend a few hours, especially for families traveling with children.
The facility’s equipment is state of the art, and they offer regularly scheduled shows at different times during the week, all of which are surprisingly cheap.
Their weekend shows tend to fill up more quickly than the weekday ones, so if that’s when you’ll be visiting, it’d be wise to arrive early.
They also offer free outdoor viewings after some of their evening shows, but they’re dependent on good weather.
11. Young Art Museum
Source: facebook.comThe Young Art Museum in Davie packs a big punch when it comes to kid-friendly activities designed to engage, educate, and entertain little ones.
The museum’s exhibits encourage kids to think, play, and interact. In addition to art, they touch on science, history, culture, and the natural world.
The museum was designed with kids younger than 12 in mind, and many parents have noted that even after a few hours their kids weren’t ready to call it quits.
That’s pretty telling considering the notoriously short attention spans of most kids.
The museum is located on 121st Avenue in Davie.
12. Secret Woods Nature Center
Source: Kevin Barry Photography / shutterstockSince it lies slightly off the beaten path and is a bit difficult to find, Secret Woods Nature Center is aptly named.
Located just off Route 84 and Interstate 95 outside of town, it is full of a variety of trails leading through unique areas of forest and river.
The center also features plenty of indoor interpretive exhibit rooms that include live snakes, a thriving beehive, and other exhibits offering visitors an informative look into the area’s history and wildlife.
Butterfly Island is one of the center’s most popular exhibits and features more than 20 species of butterflies.
13. Happy Pony World
Source: happyponyworld.comLocated on SW 112th Avenue in Davie, Happy Pony World is a truly unique local business that provides a variety of alternative therapy and recreation options, all of which utilize horses and ponies.
On-site services included guided tours of the facility and horseback tours of the surrounding lake and forest.
For those without much horseback riding experience, you’ll get plenty of pre-trip training. The animals are patient and paired carefully with the skill level of their riders.
Regardless of age and ability, there’s likely an appropriate package, so check their website for a complete list of options.
14. Anne Kolb Nature Center
Source: Steve Weisberg / shutterstockThe Anne Kolb Nature Center is located on Sheridan Street in nearby Hollywood and is one of the area’s premier destinations for those interested in learning about the fascinating plants and animals that call South Florida home.
Half hour boat tours of the surrounding swamp are a favorite activity; in addition to seeing many local animals, visitors will get an idea of the amazing vastness of the Everglades.
The center is free to visit from Monday to Friday and features an elevated boardwalk that winds its way through mangroves and cypress swamps.
Don’t forget to bring a bottle of insect repellant if you’re bothered by gnats and mosquitos.
15. Revolution Live Sunday Jazz Brunch
Source: facebook.comLocated along Fort Lauderdale’s trendy and picturesque Riverwalk, the Revolution Live Sunday Jazz Brunch takes place on the first Sunday of the month and includes an idyllic setting and plenty of smooth jazz performed by local musicians.
Don’t expect a full-service restaurant; this is a bring-your-own-food and seating event.
There’s plenty of grassy areas to throw down a blanket, stretch out, and enjoy the music while nibbling away at sandwiches and sipping champagne.
It all takes place in the city’s Esplanade Park, and it’s even okay to bring well-behaved pets, but they must be kept on a leash. The event lasts from eleven until two.