Historic Sites in Sunset Islands

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Back in Coral Gables we have yet another French bistro for you to add to your daily rotation. Frenchie’s Diner has been serving up the classic lunch and dinner staples every day but Sunday and Monday. This charming locale has everything you want from a neighborhood Brasserie–from a low-key diner atmosphere, an owner that knows you by name, and solid comfort food that never fails."

"Restaurants French Coral Gables"

"Beginning distribution in 2014, Biscayne Bay Brewing Company didn’t open with a 3,400 square-foot taproom until 2016. Lucky for Doral drinkers, it keeps 15 rotating beers on tap, a handful of which are its own brews. Unique to its competition, this brewery has a temperature-controlled barrel-aging room that allows it to create whiskey barrel-aged beers like La Salida, El Roble and Buenas Noches."

"Breweries and children don’t tend to go hand-in-hand, but at Biscayne Bay Brewing every Saturday kids under 12 eat for free off a menu, which features a cheese pizza, grilled cheese sandwich, and chicken fingers. Available from noon to 3 p.m. View this post on Instagram"

"Bars Breweries Doral. Happy hour: Yes, Mon–Fri 3–7pm. Standout beer: La Colada"

"Focal Brewing Co.is a locally owned brewery right in the heart of Little River. Stop in for the daily happy hour (starts at 5 pm) with fantastic music. It’s great for pop, rock, and jazz listeners!"

"Bars Breweries Little River. Happy hour: Yes, Fri 4–7:30pm. Standout beer: Honey Blonde"

"Entirely hidden from the nearby Rickenbacker Causeway, Alice Wainwright Park is a simple waterfront park with swaying palms on a tree-lined residential street, with the added feature of Coral Gables' magnificent cliffs."

"The domino park is located in Máximo Gómez Park on SW 15th ave. As you walk along Calle Ocho, you should be able to spot it. This is the perfect place to visit if you love traditional and authentic vibes!"

"#GoNative tip:Before you leave the ’hood, at least stroll by “Domino Park,” where old-timers join to play frequently and the clatter of dominoes can be heard down the street."

"Head to Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) to watch the heated competition at Domino Park or shop for a quality stogie. Plan to stay:2-3 hours"