Beyond the Beach: Meet Davie, South Florida’s Western-Style “Cowboy Town”

Adventure Travel
By Ella Brown

Most people picture Florida as a land of beaches, theme parks, and ocean breezes. But tucked away in Broward County, the town of Davie has carved out a completely different identity—one built on rodeos, horseback trails, and genuine Western heritage. While the rest of South Florida chases waves, Davie saddles up and celebrates cowboy culture with pride, all while offering some of the most stunning sunsets you’ll find anywhere in the Sunshine State.

1. A Real Western-Theme Downtown (By Law), Plus A Mounted Police Unit

Walk through downtown Davie and you’ll notice something unusual: every building looks like it belongs in an old Western movie. That’s not by accident. The town established an official Western Theme District with strict design rules covering everything from building facades to signage, lighting, and even fencing styles.

Image Credit: Tamanoeconomico, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

These guidelines are documented in the Town’s Western Theme Design Manual and written into the local code, ensuring the frontier look stays authentic. Even the police embrace the theme—Davie’s Mounted Unit patrols on trained horses, blending law enforcement with cowboy tradition.

It’s a living commitment to Western heritage that goes far beyond decoration.

2. Bergeron Rodeo Grounds: Florida’s Rodeo Heartbeat

Since the 1920s and 1940s, Davie has been home to rodeo competitions that capture the spirit of the American West. The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds downtown stand as the town’s most iconic landmark and a living piece of Florida history.

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Today, the venue hosts Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit events, drawing competitors and fans from across the country. It’s not a seasonal attraction—the grounds buzz with activity year-round, keeping cowboy culture alive in the heart of suburbia.

For Davie, the rodeo isn’t just entertainment; it’s identity. The arena anchors the town’s Western soul.

3. Weekley Brothers Davie Pro Rodeo: An Award-Winning Show

Davie doesn’t just host any rodeo—it hosts one of the best in the nation. The Weekley Brothers Davie Pro Rodeo earned the title of Best Rodeo in North America in USA Today’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, a recognition that put the town on the map.

Image Credit: © Mehmet Ali / Pexels

This isn’t small-town pageantry. The event features top-tier riders, thrilling bull-riding, barrel racing, and all the drama that makes professional rodeo unforgettable. Families pack the stands, kids wear cowboy hats, and the energy feels electric.

It’s proof that Davie’s cowboy reputation is backed by world-class entertainment.

4. Horse-Friendly By Design: Miles Of Equestrian Trails

In most towns, horseback riding is a special occasion. In Davie, it’s part of everyday life. The town built an extensive network of equestrian trails that connect neighborhoods, parks, schools, and open spaces, making it easy for residents to travel by horse.

Image Credit: William “Patrick” Ma…, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

These trails aren’t just for show—they’re functional pathways woven into the fabric of the community. Families ride to school, neighbors meet on horseback, and the trails offer a peaceful alternative to car traffic.

Davie planned its infrastructure around horses, and that commitment makes it one of the most horse-friendly towns in America.

5. Nature, History… And Those Sunsets

Davie’s natural beauty rivals its Western charm. Flamingo Gardens offers 60 acres of botanical gardens and a wildlife sanctuary where rescued Florida panthers, eagles, and other native animals live—and yes, you can hand-feed flamingos.

Image Credit: Dtobias, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

For sunset chasers, Vista View Park sits atop Broward County’s highest man-made elevation at about 65 feet. The park even hosts the South Florida Sunset Challenge, a run and duathlon timed to finish right as the sun dips below the horizon.

Tree Tops Park adds a 28-foot observation tower overlooking restored wetlands and oak hammocks, perfect for panoramic views.