Historic Sites in Di Lido Island

"Located just off South Dixie Highway in Homestead, the Coral Castle Museum is a unique outdoor attraction that was built by a local man entirely from local limestone. It’s still a mystery how he moved and manipulated the massive limestone blocks used in the castle’s construction; some have suggested he may have had extraterrestrial help. Though the verdict is still out on that claim, there’s no doubt that it’s a popular attraction with children and adults alike, and it’s one of those one-of-a-kind Florida attractions that you won’t see elsewhere."

"Unlike the Medditerian Revival mansions at Coral Gables or the Art Deco buildings of the South beach, The Coral Castle Museum is a singular structure. It is said that the 1,100-ton coral rock castle was built single-handedly by a man who lost his love. The structure alludes to mysteries like that of Stonehenge."

"‘You will be seeing unusual accomplishment,’ reads the inscription on the rough-hewn quarried wall. That’s an understatement. There is no greater temple to all that is weird and wacky about South Florida."

"The Barnacle Historic State Park offers an opportunity to relax in a serene atmosphere. Also, there are a few beautiful boutiques (The Showroom, First Flight Out, Nikki's Beachouse Boutique) on Commodore Plaza -beach style clothes, cosy decoration, design accessories. Fringed by trees and cafés with terraces, this district has a cool Caribbean vibe going on."

"3485 Main Hwy This historic Florida State Park is located in the Coconut Grove neighborhood and spans about 5 acres. Dade County’s oldest home resides on this five-acre site that overlooks the scenic Biscayne Bay. It was built by Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe in 1891."

"A mere 21 years after Miami was officially incorporated as a city, the mission-style "coral rock" building of the Plymouth Congregational Church was constructed in Miami's oldest neighborhood, Coconut Grove."

"As I stand outside and walk into this beautiful old church feelings coming to mind are; beauty, old, history, planning, stories, Spanish, love, unique,… read more ». Rating: 5 based on 5 reviews"

"The building opened in 1925 and became a US National Historic Landmark in 2008.* It’s an impressive landmark. It first started as headquarters for the newspaper Miami News. It now is a contemporary art museum."

"Spanish missionaries and treasure seekers first explored the Florida coast as far back as the 17th century, and the Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach is a fascinating bit of local and international history that dates back centuries before that when it was originally constructed in Spain. Inhabited by monks for nearly seven centuries, in the early 1920s, it was bought by American newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, disassembled, shipped to Florida, and reassembled on its current site. It has been open to the public since the mid-’60s, and for those who don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, the best way to experience it is by guided tour."

"Recognizing Miami as the crossroads for Latin American culture in the United States, Gary Nader, who moved from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. in 1981, opened the Gary Nader Art Centre located in Wynwood. Whether you appreciate historical or contemporary pieces, you will find both categories at the gallery. You can discover the beauty of the continent’s art by viewing the prestigious Gary Nader Private Collection, examining the Exhibition Gallery and walking through the haute Sculpture Park."

"Named for Dominican art expert Gary Nader, the Art Centre has been promoting Latin American artwork since 1985. It is the biggest private gallery in the world at 55,000 square feet of exhibitions, which include Nader’s private collection, Sculpture Park, and the Exhibition Gallery. Presentations at this Miami art museum have included the works of:"

"More of a cultural center than a museum, the space is both a comforting reminder for Haitian expats of their country’s art, history, music, movies, and literature and a fascinating look into a Caribbean nation that too few have been able to visit. Opened in 2004 to commemorate Haiti’s Bicentennial, the 60,000-square-foot museum is a one-of-a-kind experience just steps from Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, a location that makes it even more immersive ($10/adult). Find out more: http://www.haitianheritagemuseum.org/"

"Miami is an ideal restoration depot for art and creativity and David Castillo’s art gallery of Miami poses the perfect example of that. Established in 2005 by art dealer and art history educator David Castillo, this gallery showcases the enigma of contemporary artists of color, women, and queer artists of current time exhibiting more than 130 exhibitions within such a short time. David Castillo has also been named the best art dealer in 2010 and continues to finance projects and monograms."

"David Castillo is one of the most thoughtful, revered, and respected gallery owners in South Florida. His is one of the few galleries invited to Art Basel, and the artists he represents are all excellent contemporary artists, young and middle-aged, who have also established careers. David’s academic pedigree is extremely strong, but he remains a true gentleman and his opinions and recommendations are taken very seriously by art collectors and enthusiasts."

"Wander the 5,000-square-foot David Castillo Gallery, a neighborhood favorite featuring local and international emerging artists. At Bakehouse Art Complex, which houses more than 50 studios and 70 galleries, you’ll get a glimpse of the creative process and the product."

"Open for curbside pickup, Gran Paris Bakery’s menu is full of cakes, cupcakes, macaroons, specialty pastries, and more. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Gran Paris Bakery (@granparisbakery) on Apr 16, 2020 at 3:19pm PDT"

"South BeachWhat you're getting: Mint Chocolate CookieNot only does this fudge cookie with bright green mint chips in it recreate your favorite flavor of ice cream in a cookie, you can actually get ice cream between two of them, and have it delivered to your house until 3am."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Design District. Pastry chef Soraya Caraccioli-Kilgore’s playful dessert spot sells vibrant unicorn cakes, rich chocolate bark and soft-serve in unexpected flavors. Her ice cream, in varieties such as matcha and berry rhubarb, is already pretty special yet she always finds a way to kick it up a notch with add-ons like edible glitter, gold leaf, gold dust, cotton candy and fancy sprinkles—and we’re all the more grateful for it."

"Soraya Kilgore — best known as the pastry chef at restaurants like Brava and Alter — is the woman behind this palace of sweets in Miami's Design District. MadLab Creamery isn't just about the ice cream, however. This spot also entices young and old to create their own sweet-treat work of art via more than 30 toppings, including edible glitter, tufts of pink cotton candy, golden-sheet sprinkles, even a macaroon or two."

"This place has occupied its tiny little storefront on Sunset Drive for decades. Their milkshakes are so thick you can barely get them through a straw, and their chocolate malt shake is as classic as it gets. No fancy machines, no exotic flavors, just some of the best classic ice cream around, with generous scoops."

"Started in 1985, Whip ‘N Dip ranks as a long-time staple among the best Miami ice cream shops. Using locally sourced ingredients from partner suppliers, they make new flavors daily. Some must-trys include banana nut chip, heath bar brownie and chocolate-covered almond."

"A South Dade mainstay, this ever-popular ice cream stand has been serving homemade ice cream, cookies, and other sweets to the crowds for close to 30 years. Order online for in-store pick up."