Historic Sites in Key Biscayne

"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."

"‘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 legend: a Latvian gets snubbed at the altar. Comes to the USA and settles in Florida. Handcarves, unseen, in the dead of night, a monument to unrequited love."

"No one’s figured out how one diminutive mason managed to move the huge stones for this sculpture garden dedicated to his lost love."

"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."

"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."

"This museum offers an array of exhibitions on South Florida's history, with Family Fun Days (think crafts, music, and storytelling) on the second Saturday of each month. But older kids will also like the off-site historical tours, including art walks of Miami neighborhoods, cruises of North Biscayne Bay, or even a "moon cruise" on the Miami River."

"HistoryMiami Museum, formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, was founded in 1940 and is the largest history museum in the state of Florida. The museum offers the community, its residents and visitors meaningful ways to connect with the rich past as well as the ever-evolving future of the region and its diverse inhabitants."

"Narrow in on the history of Miami itself with this cool museum. For extra fun, head out on the second Saturday of the month for crafts, music, and more as part of Family Fun Days."

"4 out of 5 stars Restaurants Overtown. By day, this 30,000-square foot riverside station makes for the perfect family-friendly afternoon outing. With a carnival-like atmosphere, little ones will get a kick out of lawn games such as cornhole and ping pong, along with the live acts featured weekly."

"A riverfront drinking joint with a dock full of food trucks, The Wharf features samplings from Miami hot spots like Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market, Mojo Donuts & Fried Chicken, and Lung Yai Thai Tapas. Paired with lazy furniture and a water view, a jaunt at The Wharf is a happy hour dream. View this post on Instagram"

"The place has plenty of food trucks and a great view of the Miami River. Come in your best summer outfit and take some shots."

"Begin your day at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. This cultural hub, part gallery, part community space, offers first-rate shows of contemporary art by Caribbean artists from around the world. It has exhibited the works of noted Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrié and photos from Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Carl Juste."

"Experience fine art, live music and all things Cuban at the eclectic and elegant Cuba Ocho gallery cum nightclub in Little Havana. Located on Calle Ocho, Cuba Ocho is a sensory experience. Antiques fill the large entertainment space; elegant sofas and a mix of intimate seating invites you to enjoy whatever live band is playing on stage. There’s a lovely bar in the front of the house, with a New Orleans-style courtyard and fountain beyond."

"Cubaocho is for most the best place for live music in Miami. Fine Art Gallery with the largest Cuban Art Collection from 1800 to 1956, In Cubaocho you can find a collection of cigars and the largest collection of Rum with around 482 bottles of different brands. it was voted # 1 Tourist visitor in..."

"Over in Little Havana, check out Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center, which has earned four stars out of 96 reviews on Yelp. You can find the art museum and bar at 1465 S.W. Eighth St., Suite 106."

"Head first to CocoWalk, where there is ample covered parking. Stroll through CocoWalk’s colorful boutiques and kiosks. When hunger strikes, head for Chili’s, Fat Tuesdays, Duffy’s Sports Grill or the Cheesecake Factory. If you’re in the mood for Latin food, check out Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & LatAm Grill (next door to CocoWalk) or stroll over to the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel and sample excellent Peruvian fare at Panorama (located on the hotel’s 8th floor) which boasts a spectacular view of Dinner Key Marina sailboats and Biscayne Bay."

"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."

"Walk off your breakfast at the Aventura Mall, a beautiful locale with top brands like Chanel, Fendi and Givenchy, as well as mall staples like Zara and Anthropologie. For those of you who want a little more variety (or for those that don't like shopping), you can stop at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, where there is something for everyone. Guests have the option to enjoy the casino, horse racing, live entertainment and more."

"Tierra Santa Healing House Photo: Courtesy Faena Miami Beach. Though the name translates to “holy ground healing house,” you don’t have to be a soul-meets-body yogi to appreciate the experience at Faena Miami Beach’s 22,000-square-foot Tierra Santa Healing House spa. In fact, there are just as many beauty and skincare offerings as there are “healing arts.” The spa has partnered with both all-natural cult-favorite Naturopathica (cleansing facials are standouts) and French heritage brand Biologique Recherche (try the micro-needling treatment) to give its treatments a science-backed kick."