Vista View Park

Vista View Park is a 272-acre regional county park located at 4001 SW 142nd Ave in western Davie, Florida. Reclaimed from the former South Broward Landfill with assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency and opened to the public in 2003, the park features a 65-foot summit that stands as the highest manmade elevation in Broward County. Travelers, endurance athletes, and local families visit its rolling green hills for panoramic views extending from the Everglades Agricultural Area in the west to the downtown Fort Lauderdale and Miami skylines in the east.

What to Expect at Vista View Park

Unlike the flat coastal plains typical of South Florida, Vista View Park is defined by steep, grassy inclines and open meadows that create rare elevation gain for runners, road cyclists, and inline skaters. The park is divided into two primary ridges—the North Hill and the South Hill—ringed by a 2.3-mile paved multi-use fitness loop and a network of unpaved equestrian and hiking paths. On clear days, the breezy ridge tops attract non-motorized paragliders, hang gliders, and remote-control glider pilots who take advantage of the steady updrafts rising off the slopes.

At the base of the hills, wetlands and two freshwater lakes support catch-and-release fishing from a wooden pier and designated shoreline banks stocked with largemouth bass and bream. The surrounding grassy fields are a protected habitat for the Florida burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia floridana), a state-threatened species whose ground burrows are marked with protective T-perches and roped perimeters across the park. Families gather around the interactive Lilliputian Land splash pad, shaded playgrounds, basketball half-courts, and reservable picnic pavilions equipped with charcoal grills and water hookups.

• 65-Foot Summit Overlook: The highest manmade elevation in Broward County offers 360-degree views of western Davie ranches, the Everglades border, and distant coastal high-rises, especially during sunrise, sunset, and Fourth of July fireworks displays.
• Paved & Equestrian Trail Network: A 2.3-mile paved loop winds around the base and crests of the hills for cyclists and runners, complemented by a 3-mile crushed-shell and grass perimeter trail designed for horseback riders and hikers.
• Burrowing Owl Sanctuary: Dozens of roped-off ground nests throughout the open meadows protect one of Broward County’s largest populations of native Florida burrowing owls, making the park a prime location for wildlife photography.
• Lilliputian Land Playground & Splash Pad: A covered composite play structure sits beside a seasonal interactive water playground where children can cool off after walking the trails.
• Freshwater Lakes & Fishing Pier: Two manmade lakes along the western and southern edges of the property offer catch-and-release bank angling and an accessible wooden fishing dock frequented by herons, egrets, and ibises.

Vista View Park at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

Because the 65-foot hillsides are intentionally kept free of large trees to protect the underlying landfill cap and maintain open sightlines for paragliders, the upper trails have very little shade. Arrive right at the 8:00 AM opening or in the late afternoon to avoid midday heat, and carry water, sunscreen, and a hat. The easiest driving route is via Interstate 75 to the Griffin Road exit (Exit 13), heading east to SW 142nd Avenue (Bonaventure Boulevard) and turning north to the main entrance gate. Ample paved parking is available near the picnic shelters, playground, and trailheads, including designated spaces for horse trailers.

For visitors with mobility needs or strollers, the lower lakeside walkways, picnic shelters, fishing pier, restrooms, and playground area are flat and step-free, while the paved paths ascending the main hill have pronounced gradients that provide a strenuous workout for manual wheelchairs. After exploring Vista View Park, drive 10 minutes east along Orange Drive or Griffin Road to visit Flamingo Gardens, a 60-acre botanical garden and Everglades wildlife sanctuary, or connect with the nearby Palomino Park and the historic Old Davie School Historical Museum further east in town.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the operating hours and best times to visit Vista View Park?

Vista View Park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM during standard time, with hours typically extended to 7:30 PM during Daylight Saving Time. Early morning between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM is the best window for hill training and spotting burrowing owls outside their nests, while the hour before closing offers the best sunset views across the western Everglades.

How much does admission cost at Vista View Park?

Park entry is completely free Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays. On Saturdays, Sundays, and official holidays, Broward County Parks charges a gate fee of $3 per vehicle for up to eight passengers ($20 for vehicles with nine or more people) or $1.50 for pedestrians and cyclists, plus a modest weekend admission fee for the splash pad.

How much time should I budget for a visit?

Most visitors spend between 1.5 and 3 hours at the park. Walking or jogging the full 2.3-mile paved hill circuit and pausing at the 65-foot summit takes about 45 to 60 minutes, while families using the picnic shelters, playground, and fishing pier often stay for a half-day outing.

Are dogs and bicycles allowed at Vista View Park?

Yes, bicycles are welcome on the paved multi-use loop, and leashed dogs (on a maximum six-foot leash) are permitted on the park trails and open lawn areas. Owners must keep pets away from the roped-off burrowing owl habitats, playgrounds, and splash pad.

When planning your Pembroke Pines travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Pembroke Pines, pair this stop with standout local spots including Sawgrass Recreation Park, Capriccio Ristorante, Maple Street Biscuit Company, and Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center (1.9 km away).