Historic Sites in Westwood Lakes

"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."

"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 shallow and relatively calm waters make it the perfect location for your fur babies to have a carefree splash. If you’re feeling generous, you can even give them a bite of your arepa from the nearby concession stand. Lined with palm trees, there's always a place to cool off in the shade after a frolic in the sun, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could opt for a parasailing session from nearby Miami Watersports for $110 per person."

"Restaurants Coffee shops Coral Gables. This Gables favorite welcomes folks of all stripes: hip artists, businessmen on lunch break and viejos looking for something to sip on. You can opt for a sit-down lunch (a delicious one, at that) or grab your coffee to-go.Cafe Demetrio has a selection of wild creations like a salted caramel mocha alongside reliable favorites like your classic cortadito."

"Coffee and chess are the two most popular pastimes at Café Demetrio in Coral Gables. As one of Coral Gable’s first coffee houses, this quaint coffee shop and eatery was opened back in the early 1990’s by Demetrio and Vilma Pena. They were always big coffee lovers and dreamed of opening a place where patrons could come, relax in the Florida sunshine, and spend the afternoon playing chess with friends."

"For a quick breakfast or a leisurely meal, fuel up at this hip cafe and you'll be ready for a day of sightseeing, shopping, or business meetings. The cozy, comfortable room is perfect for perusing the morning paper or meeting up with friends. Or grab a table outside and relax as you enjoy an excellent cappuccino, espresso, or the favorite of the house, the Frappuccino Demetrio."

"Sometimes after a long night of vodka-sodas, you wake up seriously craving some diner food. And if you happen to live in Downtown or Brickell, that no longer means having to drag your hungover self through beach traffic to get it. This retro destination delivers a menu of over-the-top waffle flavors like bacon and cheddar and Oreo and Nutella alongside a waffle sandwich filled with ham, swiss, and fried eggs."

"Miami Diner, which already has a Downtown location, just opened in the old David’s Cafe space. They’ve got one of those very large diner menus, with burgers, breakfast, milkshakes, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more."

"Baccano is an intimate locally owned Italian café and wine bar located in the heart of Miami's booming Wynwood Art District. Formally known as Café Santa Miami, Baccano offers authentic wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, mouthwatering desserts, a unique selection of Italian wines and an assortment of local craft beer. Signature pizzas include Sausage and Friarielli (mozzarella cheese, sausage, broccoli), The Santa (bacon and egg), Sicily (smoked buffalo mozzarella and eggplant), and Vesuvius (mozzarella, ricotta, sauce, ham and eggplant)."

"Before donuts became hip and pastry chefs got their hands on them, they were the everyman’s breakfast pastry. Dandee Donuts is one of the few independent places where you can still grab an old-school, traditional donut. You can also sit down and have an omelet, a patty melt, or even a pizza here."