Top 14 Activities and Attractions in Southwest Ranches, FL

Where urban development integrates with the Everglades, Southwest Ranches presents a unique landscape distinct from Greater Miami.

The town’s incorporation in 2000 aimed to prevent annexation by bordering Pembroke Pines, thereby conserving its rural character and equestrian heritage.

Horses remain integral to the community, with a multitude of stables, equestrian farms, and related businesses. Southwest Ranches boasts extensive riding trails, and its main public park even features an equestrian arena.

Due to the town’s unusual layout, a variety of public parks, shopping, and attractions in neighboring areas are always within reach.

1. Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours and Rides

Located on the edge of the Everglades, this attraction is one of South Florida’s premier airboat tour operators.

In mere minutes from Southwest Ranches, visitors can navigate the renowned wetlands, approaching some of the Everglades’ most iconic wildlife.

The special covered airboats offer a diverse selection of tour experiences. I participated in the stand tour, which traverses the sawgrass and cypress swamp for an hour, complemented by engaging narration from the captain.

During the journey, I observed a few alligators, numerous birds, an abundance of fish, and some vibrantly colored iguanas. This experience also features a 20-minute alligator handling demonstration led by the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team.

2. Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park

The equestrian lifestyle thrives in Southwest Ranches, evidenced by Sunshine Ranches Equestrian Park, dedicated to horse-related activities.

This park spans ten acres and features a collection of trails, troughs, washing areas, pens, and an arena.

A standout feature is the Equestrian Oasis, an artistically designed area for watering horses or enjoying a moment of tranquility.

Trails are also accessible for hikers and dog walkers (on leashes), with a delightful children’s playground inspired by farming themes.

3. Flamingo Gardens

A remarkable destination neighboring Southwest Ranches, this botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary is a must-see. Occupying a 60-acre estate originally established in the 1920s as a couple’s weekend residence, it offers a tropical oasis.

Floyd L. and Jane Wray cultivated an impressive variety of tropical and subtropical plants from around the globe, resulting in over 3,000 plant species, including some of Florida’s oldest and largest trees. The original residence is preserved as it appeared in the 1930s.

Alongside the iconic American flamingo pond, the garden showcases a remarkable array of native species.

Of particular interest is the expansive aviary, featuring one of the largest bird collections in the nation, with 250 birds from nearly 50 species in various habitats.

4. Chapel Trail Nature Preserve

Adjacent to Southwest Ranches lies the 450-acre Chapel Trail Nature Preserve, managed by Pembroke Pines. Like many local natural areas, this preserve features wetlands that are primarily accessible via boardwalks.

The boardwalk extends over 1,600 feet through the marshland and includes interpretive signs. Visitors are encouraged to take their time to appreciate the over 120 documented animal species inhabiting the area.

Wildlife sightings may include snakes, alligators, turtles, colorful songbirds, frogs, and the famous wading birds of South Florida, particularly memorable during the hour before dusk when insects are less active.

5. C.B. Smith Park

C.B. Smith Park, situated adjacent to Pembroke Lakes Mall, is a Broward County Park overflowing with recreational options in a picturesque setting.

The park features over 70 fully-equipped RV sites for camping enthusiasts.

Paradise Cove represents the waterpark component, complete with numerous slides, water play areas for children, and a 410-foot lazy river.

The AllGolf center includes a miniature golf course and a driving range, complemented by a large special events area accommodating up to 22,500 attendees. Additional amenities encompass picnic areas, tennis/pickleball courts, exercise facilities, fishing spots, and basketball courts.

6. The Shops at Pembroke Gardens

Featuring numerous upscale stores along palm-lined walkways, this lifestyle center opened in 2007 in Pembroke Pines, immediately adjacent to Southwest Ranches. The Shops at Pembroke Gardens presents a blend of international chains and unique boutiques.

Notable retailers include Barnes & Noble, Ann Taylor, the Nike Factory Store, Banana Republic, LOFT, Soma, Sephora, and Lululemon.

This venue is primarily a dining destination, with establishments such as Havana 1957, Cheesecake Factory, Häagen-Dazs, Fuddruckers, Brimstone Woodfire Grill, and RA Sushi BA among its offerings. Evening visits may require navigating crowded parking, but valet service is available for convenience.

7. Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center

Located west of Flamingo Gardens, this 160-acre natural area showcases a scenic elevated oak hammock.

Historically, Long Key comprised a series of islands enveloped by the wetlands of the Everglades until the 20th century.

Beyond its captivating natural features, the area possesses significant historical and archaeological importance, having been a key site for the Tequesta and later the Seminole cultures, with evidence of human settlement dating back three millennia.

While exploring the serene, oak-shaded trails, allocate time to visit the Long Key Nature Center, which exhibits the history of the Tequesta and Seminole Native Americans, along with a concise video featuring Long Key’s natural history.

8. Tree Tops Park

The public parks surrounding Southwest Ranches are among the finest observed, exemplified by Tree Tops Park, located just minutes away in Davie.

This park features an exquisite oak hammock and a restored freshwater marsh, serving as an excellent location for horseback riding. An observation tower enables visitors to appreciate the canopy while spotting birds perched on moss-draped branches.

It is no surprise that these oak woods have become a favored backdrop for wedding photography and ceremonies.

Additionally, the park includes a fishing lake with paddleboats, a children’s playground, a well-equipped fitness area, and ample picnic spots.

9. East Everglades Levee Trail

The striking expanse of water and sawgrass observable from the Everglades Holiday Park inspires many to seek adventure. The South Florida Water Management has established a series of straight trails atop the levees that regulate waterflow within the Everglades.

These trails provide outstanding vistas, albeit with little tree cover. However, visiting during the months when the sun is less intense allows glimpse into the wild, with native species ranging from sandhill cranes to alligators.

Even for those hesitant about biking through the Everglades, the trailhead at sunset offers an enchanting experience. The sky exhibits an otherworldly beauty at this time, reflected in the serene waters of the canals.

10. South Florida Hindu Temple

Situated along Griffin Road, this impressive Shiva temple is difficult to overlook, especially following its recent expansion.

Since its inaugural services in 1998, this beautiful edifice has become a worship site for over 1,000 individuals. It is open daily for practicing Hindus to perform pujas and offers various educational classes, including religious and language studies.

The schedule includes Hanuman Chalisa, Rudra Abhishekam, and a monthly hava. Moreover, those of different faiths are welcome at many non-religious programs, which feature activities such as yoga classes.

Guided tours can be arranged by appointment, or visitors may enter the grounds outside of services to admire the intricately detailed exterior as well as the lush landscape inhabited by peacocks.

11. Ocean Park Beach, Dania Beach

For those fortunate enough to navigate traffic successfully, the nearest public beach park lies just 20 minutes away. To the east, Dania Beach offers an inviting coastal experience.

With pristine white sands, lively Atlantic waves, a fishing pier, and less extensive commercial development compared to nearby regions, Dania Beach satisfies various outdoor desires.

Depending on prevailing conditions, surfable waves are typically present, and many of the facilities at Ocean Beach Park underwent renovations in the early 2020s.

Furthermore, the boardwalk leads north into Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, a formerly segregated beach that possesses a rich and complex history that ultimately inspires and uplifts.

12. Pembroke Lakes Mall

The brick-and-mortar retail industry thrives in South Florida, supported by the convenience of enclosed malls amidst the region’s climate. One of the area’s most popular shopping destinations, Pembroke Lakes Mall, is in close proximity.

At the time of writing, the mall houses over 150 tenants, without vacancies noticeable. The ambience is upscale, which can be attributed to its prime location.

A cross-section of retailers includes Guess, Michael Kors, Vans, rue21, Hot Topic, Muy Mucho, Foot Locker, along with anchor stores such as JCPenney, Dillard’s, and Macy’s.

Additionally, a remarkable anchor, Round One Entertainment, opened its doors in 2022. As part of a Japanese chain, this establishment serves as a family entertainment center, featuring an arcade, karaoke, bowling, sports games, and dining options.

13. Vista View Park

A distinctive feature within the region is Vista View Park, which boasts a substantial manmade hill that rises majestically above the flat landscape. This landfill-constructed summit reaches heights of 65 feet above sea level, creating impressive vistas from its peak, especially during the early and late hours of the day.

This elevation also provides advantageous wind conditions, making Vista View Park a premier location for kite flying and model airplane activities.

Additional amenities such as an equestrian trail, fitness facilities, playgrounds, a splash pad, and designated areas for special events enhance the park’s appeal. Notably, the park serves as a habitat for burrowing owls that nest here during the spring season.

14. Cinemark Paradise 24 and XD

Cinemark Paradise 24 and XD is a standout cinema that opened in 1999 and has been recognized as one of the most stunning movie theaters in the country.

This venue draws inspiration from classic movie palaces, designed to resemble an Ancient Egyptian temple. Imposing columns greet visitors in the lobby, complemented by various fun Egyptian motifs throughout.

Following multiple updates in the quarter-century since its inauguration, Cinemark Paradise now features two XD screens essential for major Hollywood releases alongside plush leather recliners throughout the theater.