Historic Sites in Highland Lakes

"The Barnacle Historic State Park is home to the oldest house in Miami|© William Silver / Shutterstock. Also in Coconut Grove, this fairly small park tops our list for having the oldest house in its original location in Miami. Visitors can tour the 1891 home, The Barnacle, to learn about the frontier life during the “Era of the Bay” at a time when all travel to the city was done by boat."

"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."

"Located in the neighbourhood of Miami on the Main Highway in Coconut Grove, Plymouth Congregational Church was built in 1917 and is one of the ancient churches in the city. Plymouth Congregational Church is architecture in mission revival style with inspiration from old city church in Mexico and is a part of the US National Register of Historic Places since 1974. The church is well known as a pretty wedding venue among locals."

"Fort Lauderdale has a rich history which may be overshadowed by the more modern an sophisticated metro area that it has become. Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum chronicles the city's history from the early Seminole era to World War II. It also offers information about the city's historic district and a chronology of its development. Other exhibits feature scale models of historic structures, including a recreation of a Seminole village complete with arts and crafts."

"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."

"Fort Lauderdale's rich history for African-Americans is presented in this inspiring museum. Many of the honors that are due to pioneers in the African-American community in Broward County are not recorded, but it is here through exhibits and lectures and special events that visitors and locals can learn more of this interesting and exciting chapter of local history. Built in 1924, this was the region's lone African-American school for children during segregation."

"Situated just five minutes away from Fort Lauderdale Beach, Gateway Shopping Center is one of the favorite malls in town. It features some leisure establishments like a cinema and several smaller retail options. If you are hungry, plenty of restaurants are also available, including an Italian restaurant."

"Malls8000 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33388MoreLess Info. Now known as Westfield Broward, Broward Mall is a 1,000,000 square foot shopping mall featuring over 110 major and boutique style retailers and restaurants, including several department stores. The mall is also home to a cinema."

"Grab the car and spend the afternoon in Coconut Grove strolling through the Tuscan-style pedestrian mall CocoWalk, which includes hundreds of shops, restaurants and bars. A hidden favorite down the road, Monty’s, is ideal for waterfront afternoon drinking and the occasional local band. Walk along the dock to admire boats of all shapes and sizes."

"In the heart of Coconut Grove lies this beautiful outdoor shopping complex. From shopping to seeing a movie, to enjoying nightly entertainment in the Courtyard, you can make a whole day of exploring the Cocowalk. Stores include Coco Cigars, Gap, Maui Nix Surf, Coco Sun, Sportive, Victoria’s Secret, and 305 Wireless & Accessories."

"A post shared by CocoWalk (@cocowalkmiami) on Aug 31, 2018 at 2:03pm PDT. In the heart of the Coconut Grove community is CocoWalk. Coconut Grove is one of the oldest communities in Miami and it has always tried to maintain its old school Miami aesthetic."

"Last but certainly not least is one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secrets: The Secret Woods Nature Center. Document your experience as you explore walking paths made from recycled materials. You’ll be able to observe a wide variety of Florida wildlife including reptiles,seabirds, and insects."

"Around 50-minutes from Miami, Shark Valley is one of the best places in the Everglades that’s within easy reach of Miami. Once here, you can explore the trails and the iconic Bobcat Boardwalk that’s totally stunning on a gorgeous sunny day. Though, take lots of water and sunblock with you – that humidity and mosquitos can be tough."

"Shark Valley sounds like it should be the headquarters for the villain in a James Bond movie, but it is in fact a slice of National Park Service grounds heavy with informative signs and knowledgeable rangers...."

"At the heart of what many call the “true Everglades” is the gem that is Shark Valley, the center of the Everglades’ freshwater ecosystem and haven of wildlife."

"An icon of Miami glitz and glamour, the Biltmore hosts the most famous brunch in the entire city. Once frequented by celebrities and socialites (think Judy Garland, Al Capone, the Vanderbilts and the Roosevelts), the hotel’s lavish courtyard is known for its Sunday brunch overflowing with a few of our favorites: Champagne, caviar, eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables; 305-913-3200 or biltmorehotel.com"

"The cozy restaurant with a Mediterranean flair demonstrates the carefully thought-out tasting menus of chef Gregory Pugin. Working in the tradition of French cuisine, Pugin rethinks classic dishes from cakes to terrines, modernly processing fresh seasonal ingredients."

"The Standard Spa hotel boasts an inspired fitness and wellness programmes in its popular spa. It features a Turkish hammam, do-it-yourself hydrotherapy treatments, saunas, yoga rooms and a series of outdoor mud baths. The spacious lobby opens up to a labyrinthine zen garden with hanging chairs and fire pits hidden amidst the hedges."

"Featuring a full-service spa, this adult-only Miami Beach hotel also boasts rooms with a view of the garden, Intracoastal Waterway, or outdoor pool. Guests will be 12 minutes' walk to Lincoln Road Mall and 5 minutes' drive to South Beach. Free WiFi and a flat-screen cable TV are featured in all rooms."

"Featuring a full-service spa, this adult-only Miami Beach hotel also boasts rooms with a view of the garden, Intracoastal Waterway, or outdoor pool. Guests will be 12 minutes' walk to Lincoln Road ..."