Davie, FL
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Davie is a suburban town in Broward County, Florida, known for its unique Western heritage and rural character, situated about 24 miles north of Miami.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Town of Davie .
- Administrative Role: Davie is a principal town of the Miami metropolitan area and is the most populous municipality labeled as a "town" in Florida . It is the county seat for Broward County, which is part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area, one of the largest and most culturally diverse regions in the United States .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Original Name: The town was originally named "Zona" when it was first settled . Within a few years, the townspeople renamed it to honor R.P. Davie .
- "The Western Town": Davie has a long-standing reputation as a "Western" town due to its historic buildings, many of which were built with "Wild West" architecture, and its significant population of horse owners and ranchers . This heritage is a core part of its identity.
Date of Foundation and Age
- Settlement: The area was first settled in 1909 after the state of Florida began draining the Everglades swampland .
- Incorporation: The town was officially incorporated on November 16, 1925 .
- Age: The town is currently 116 years old (founded 1909).
- Founder: The town is named after out-of-state businessman Robert Parsell Davie (R.P. Davie) , who purchased a large tract of land in the area to develop farms .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 26°04′53″N 80°16′49″W (26.081389, -80.280278) .
- Location: Davie is located in Broward County, approximately 24 miles (39 km) north of Miami and just west of Fort Lauderdale . It is situated on land that was once part of the Florida Everglades .
- Elevation: The town has a very low elevation, with the center at just 9 feet (2.1 to 2.7 meters) above sea level .
- Geographical Type: It is a suburban community, predominantly flat, characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and remaining rural and ranching areas.
Type of City and Economic Specialization
- Economic Hub: Davie functions as a residential suburb and an educational center. Its largest employer is Nova Southeastern University, followed by Broward College .
- Diversified Economy: Beyond education, major employers include the Broward County School Board, retail chains like Publix and Walmart, automotive groups like Rick Case, and healthcare/technology companies such as Teva/Actavis and Stryker .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 United States census, the town's population was 105,691 .
- Size Class: Davie is a large town, the most populous in the state of Florida . It is part of the Miami metropolitan area, which has over 6 million residents .
- Demographic Features: The town is highly diverse and has seen significant growth. As of 2020, the population was 39.5% Hispanic or Latino and 41.7% non-Hispanic White .
The City's "Business Card" (Briefly)
Davie is a unique blend of Old Florida and modern suburbia, known as the "Western town" of South Florida. Here, you can find horse trails and ranches alongside major universities and residential developments, all just minutes from the bustling energy of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Geography
Parks and Natural Areas
- Tree Tops Park: This 243.3-acre park offers a variety of recreational activities. A key feature is a 1,000-foot boardwalk that leads into a freshwater marsh and to Pine Island Ridge, the highest natural point in Broward County and an important archaeological site . The park also features a sculpture dedicated to the 19th-century Seminole leader Sam Jones (Abiaka) .
- Pine Island Ridge: This 101-acre area within Tree Tops Park holds significant historical and archaeological value. Artifacts found here date back 5,000 to 7,000 years, to the time of the Tequesta people . It serves as a reminder of the area's ancient past.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
- Climate Type: Davie has a tropical monsoon climate (Am in the Köppen climate classification), characterized by hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters .
- General Description: The weather is warm year-round, with a distinct wet season from late spring through early autumn. Winters are mild and pleasant, with much lower humidity .
Average Temperatures Throughout the Year
The average annual temperature is a warm 26.85°C (80.33°F) .
- Hottest Month: August is typically the warmest, with average daily temperatures reaching 30.4°C (86.7°F) .
- Coldest Month: January is the coolest, with average daily temperatures around 21.33°C (70.39°F) .
- Extreme Temperatures: The record high temperature is 36°C (96.8°F), and the record low is 8°C (46.4°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Rainfall: Davie receives a significant amount of rain, with annual precipitation around 1,174mm to 1,248mm (46-49 inches) .
- Wettest Month: September is the wettest month, with average rainfall reaching 205.7mm (8.1 inches) .
- Driest Month: March is the driest, with average rainfall of only 33.9mm (1.3 inches) .
- Humidity: Humidity levels average around 66% but can be much higher during the summer wet season .
Sunlight and UV Index
- Sunshine: Davie enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly during the drier winter and spring months. On average, the town experiences over 10 hours of sunshine per day from March through July .
- UV Index: The UV index in South Florida is high year-round. During the summer months, it regularly reaches extreme levels, requiring sun protection for any outdoor activity.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Best Time to Visit: The most comfortable time to visit Davie is during the dry season, which spans from December through April. During these months, temperatures are warm but not oppressive, and humidity is much lower .
- Winter (December-February): This is the peak tourist season. Weather is mild and sunny, with average highs in the low-to-mid 20s°C (mid-70s°F) and cooler nights . It's perfect for outdoor activities.
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures begin to rise, and while March and April remain relatively dry, May marks the beginning of the wetter season with an increase in rainfall . It's still a great time to visit before the summer heat peaks.
- Summer (June-September): This is the hot, humid, and rainy season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. While temperatures are high (averaging 30-31°C / 86-88°F), it's also a time of lush, green landscapes .
- Fall (October-November): The weather gradually becomes more comfortable as humidity and rainfall decrease. October remains warm, while November offers pleasant temperatures similar to spring, making it another good time to visit .
Specific Weather Phenomena
- Afternoon Thunderstorms: During the summer months, it is extremely common for brief, intense thunderstorms to develop almost daily in the late afternoon.
- Hurricane Season: Davie, like the rest of South Florida, is within the hurricane zone. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. The town has experienced significant impacts from major hurricanes in the past, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 .
Landmarks and Attractions
[Flamingo Gardens]
- Overview: Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, one of the most popular attractions in Davie .
- History: It was founded in 1927 by Floyd and Jane Wray as a citrus grove called "Flamingo Groves." The Wrays began collecting tropical plants, and their home, built in 1933, is now the Wray Home Museum. The gardens opened to the public in the 1930s .
- Location: 3750 South Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330 .
- Features:
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Houses native Florida wildlife, including a flock of Caribbean flamingos, alligators, black bears, Florida panthers, and otters . The sanctuary is home to "Josh," a rescued black bear .
- Wray Botanical Collection: Features over 3,000 plant species, including 23 "Champion Trees"—the largest of their species in Florida . A notable specimen is the multicolored Rainbow Eucalyptus tree .
- Everglades Aviary: A 25,000-square-foot aviary that is home to around 250 birds .
- Tram Tours: Narrated tram tours cover 46 acres of the property, providing an in-depth look at the gardens and history .
- Interesting Facts: The site once hosted the Miss Florida pageants in 1947 and 1949 . In 2025, the Everglades Outdoor Classroom opened to enhance its educational mission .
[Old Davie School Historical Museum]
- Name: The Old Davie School .
- History: Built in 1917 and designed by prominent South Florida architect August Geiger, the school opened its doors in 1918 with about 90 students . It was the first permanent school in the Everglades and is now the oldest surviving school building in Broward County . The building was used as a school continuously until 1980 .
- Location: It is now a historical museum, maintained by the Davie School Foundation and the Town of Davie. Two other historic buildings, the Viele House (c. 1912) and the Walsh-Osterhoudt House, have been moved to the property to create a small historic village .
- Significance: The museum showcases the history of Davie and the early pioneer life in the Everglades. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places .
Transport
Major Highways
Davie is a major transportation hub, located at the crossroads of several key highways .
- Interstate 75 (I-75): A major north-south interstate that connects Davie to Tampa and points north.
- Interstate 595 (I-595): An important east-west highway that connects I-75 and the western suburbs to Fort Lauderdale and the coast. It's where I-595 meets I-75 .
- Florida's Turnpike (State Road 91): A major toll road that provides a direct route through the state, connecting to Orlando and beyond.
- U.S. Highway 441 (US 441): A key north-south route running through the town.
Nearest Airport
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the closest major airport, located just a short distance from Davie . Its IATA code is FLL. The airport offers numerous domestic and international flights.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Bolivian Salteñas at The Wild Mug
Davie offers a unique culinary standout with Bolivian empanadas, known as Salteñas, which have become a local favorite . These are baked, not fried, and are made fresh in-house by the Arroyo family at The Wild Mug coffee bar . The fillings range from savory options like chicken curry to sweet varieties such as guava with cream cheese, and they also offer gluten-free and vegetarian choices . A traditional way to eat them is from the top, savoring the juicy filling inside . This spot provides a taste of Bolivian culture and is a perfect stop for a tasty snack or light meal .
The Local Food Scene
Davie's culinary scene is a vibrant mix of comfort food and international flavors, making it a "hidden gem for all things delicious" . The town offers a diverse range of dining experiences, from classic American breakfasts to inventive fusion dinners.
For breakfast and brunch, local spots are known for dishes like fluffy pancakes at Cafe 27, spicy avocado toast at The Roasted Bean, and a unique crab cake benedict at The Egg Spot . Lunch options include towering sandwiches at Sandwich Haven, where the Cuban sandwich is a must-try, and a taco wonderland at Taco Stop, famous for its fish tacos .
Dinner in Davie is equally diverse. The Rustic Fork serves hearty, homemade Italian pasta, while The Green Bamboo offers an Asian twist with its legendary sushi pizza . For steak lovers, Cowboy's Grill provides a rustic vibe with juicy, perfectly grilled steaks, and Burger Barn satisfies cravings with gourmet creations like the BBQ bacon burger .
Sweet Treats and Desserts
Davie's dessert scene is not to be missed. Sweet Sensations is known for its "dessert royalty" red velvet cupcakes . Chocolate Haven offers a warm and gooey molten lava cake, and for a cool treat on a hot Florida day, Scoops Ahoy serves artisanal, in-house made ice cream in flavors like honey lavender .
Museums
Young At Art Museum
A cornerstone of Davie's cultural offerings is the Young At Art Museum (YAA) , a unique, hands-on museum founded in 1987 with the belief that art is fundamental to a child's education . It is one of only eight Major Cultural Institutions in Broward County and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums . Housed in a 55,000 sq. ft. Gold LEED-certified building, the museum features five interactive exhibition galleries that use art as a tool for learning about history, culture, and the environment .
Exhibition highlights include:
- ARTSCAPES: A journey through time, place, and culture, featuring a "Cave Portal" and a "Portrait Salon" inspired by artists from Picasso to Basquiat .
- CULTURESCAPES: Explores diverse world cultures through the eyes of contemporary artists from Africa, Haiti, Asia, Latin America, and Native America .
- GREENSCAPES: Focuses on environmental issues, with areas like "Sandscapes" and a theater where children create with recycled marionettes .
- WONDERSCAPES: An Alice in Wonderland-themed world for early childhood development through art, literacy, and play .
The museum also features a YAA Art Institute, a Teen Center with a recording studio, a licensed Museum Preschool, and a public library operated by Broward County . It hosts numerous community initiatives and serves over 200,000 visitors annually .
Old Davie School Historical Museum
For a deep dive into local history, the Old Davie School Historical Museum is a must-visit . The Old Davie School, designed by August Geiger in 1918, is the oldest existing school building in Broward County and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 . It served as a school until 1980 . The museum complex, operated by the Davie School Foundation, also includes two additional historic houses: the Viele House (c. 1912) and the Walsh-Osterhoudt Home (c. 1914), which have been restored to depict pioneer life .
Other Cultural Venues
Davie is also home to the Buehler Planetarium, located on the campus of Broward College . Built in 1965 through a bequest from aviation pioneer Emil Buehler and renovated in 1988, it features a Zeiss M1015 star projector and presents astronomical shows to thousands of visitors each year . Additionally, Flamingo Gardens offers a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, featuring the historic 1930s Wray Home .
Sport and Sports Legends
Nova High School Baseball and Coach Pat McQuaid
The heart of Davie's sports legacy beats strongly at Nova High School, particularly on its baseball diamond. The Titans' baseball facility is so impressive—with its 1,000-seat stadium, indoor batting cages, and a state-of-the-art digital scoreboard—that it could be mistaken for a professional or collegiate field .
This program's success is inextricably linked with Hall of Fame coach Pat McQuaid, whose name has been synonymous with Nova Titans baseball for nearly 50 years . A Nova High alumnus himself (class of 1968), McQuaid returned to coach in 1974 and has built a legacy of excellence, with nearly two dozen championships, including two state titles and a national championship . Under his leadership, the program has produced several Major League Baseball players, including Michael Morse and Anthony Swarzak . The field was named in McQuaid's honor in 2002 .
Sporting Events and Venues
Davie hosts the annual Davie Rodeo, a professional rodeo event held in February at the Davie Pro Rodeo Arena, which is a significant local tradition . For outdoor recreation, the town boasts extensive facilities, including the Anne Kolb Nature Preserve, Tree Tops Park (with zip lines and rope courses), and the Pine Island Ridge Natural Area .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) - Davie Campus
Davie is a significant hub for higher education, hosting one of the largest campuses of Florida Atlantic University (FAU) . Established in 1990 on a 38-acre site, the FAU Davie campus is the university's second-largest campus by enrollment . It serves as a major educational center for Broward County, offering upper-division courses toward bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees . Students here can pursue studies in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, College of Business, College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, College of Education, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science . The campus is also the headquarters for FAU's environmental research initiatives focused on Everglades restoration .
FAU as a whole is classified as a research university by the Carnegie Foundation and has a total enrollment of over 23,000 students . Its 18 sports teams, nicknamed "The Owls," compete in NCAA Division I .
Broward College
Davie is also home to a campus of Broward College, a public community college that is part of the Broward County School District, providing further educational opportunities for residents .
Primary and Secondary Education
The public school system in Davie is part of the Broward County School District and includes highly ranked high schools such as Western High School and Nova High School .
Medical Facilities and Healthcare
HCA Florida University Hospital
Davie is served by a major state-of-the-art medical facility, HCA Florida University Hospital . This multi-specialty hospital, located adjacent to the Nova Southeastern University campus, provides a comprehensive range of advanced healthcare services to the Davie community and surrounding areas . It features all-private patient rooms and is equipped with enhanced technology to deliver exceptional care .
The hospital's wide array of services includes:
- 24/7 Emergency Care with board-certified emergency physicians .
- Maternity care with a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) .
- Orthopedics, including a Joint Replacement Program using advanced technology for total hip and total joint replacement surgery .
- Oncology, neurosciences, and diagnostic imaging .
- A full range of robotic and minimally invasive surgical services .
Baptist Health Urgent Care
For non-emergency medical needs, residents and visitors can access the Baptist Health Urgent Care center in Davie . Located on South University Drive, this facility treats minor illnesses and injuries such as colds, fevers, sprains, simple fractures, and skin conditions . They also offer digital x-rays, school and sports physicals, and flu shots, providing a convenient option for prompt medical attention .