Historic Sites in University Park

"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."

"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 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."

"At this 5-acre gem in Coconut Grove is the oldest home in its original location in Miami-Dade County (1891), which once housed Ralph Middleton Munroe, an American yacht designer. You'll also see plenty of mesmerizing Spanish moss. A post shared by @lizz_ax3 on Feb 26, 2017 at 2:42pm PST"

"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."

"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."

"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."

"For breakfast or lunch (or dinner until 9 pm, November–April), this roadside cafeteria a quarter mile from the Miccosukee Indian Village provides...Read More"

"If you are a history buff or culture buff, then you will love the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. Here you’ll find many contemporary visual art exhibitions, live stage performances, educational facilities for aspiring local artists, and much more. Just be sure to check their website for listings and seasonal exhibitions that are so good."

"The Center, which is southeast of Young Circle, has a great reputation for presenting übercool contemporary art exhibitions and providing…"

"This place may look like a hole-in-the-wall to a passerby, but it's truly one of the best-kept secrets in Miami. Exotic dishes will keep you coming back for more. Reservations recommended, but not accepted on weekends; prepare for a long wait or try for a weekday."

"One of the most fun restaurants in Miami is Caffe Vialetto in Coral Gardens, where the lunch and dinner menus reveal a merger between Italian and Latin American cuisines."

"Authentic Italian fare including pasta & regional dishes in rustic space with terrace & martini bar. Address: 6900 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138, United States Phone: +1 786-615-2870 Website: Home Store Hours: Sunday: 12-10pm| Monday: 12-10pm| Tuesday: 12-10pm| Wednesday: 12-10pm| Thursday: 12-10pm| Friday: 12-10pm| Saturday: 12-10pm"

"Via Verdi was founded by Fabrizio and Nicola Carro who grew up loving food and cooking in their hometown of Alessandria in Northern Italy. After traveling and working in European restaurants they moved to Miami. In the end, they decided to open their own Italian restaurant Miami venue and offer fine Italian dining to the world."

"This fashionable Chinese bistro chain gets high marks with South Dade's trendier diners, who are all about the contemporary interior and eclectic menu. Start off with do-it-yourself lettuce wraps–these babies alone are worth the trip. Afterwards, go any route you like, from Szechwan or Hunan to Cantonese or Shanghai."