Historic Sites in Dodge Island

"‘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."

"‘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 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."

"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."

"If you are looking for authentic Italian cuisine that you can enjoy at home, you should check out what Palat has to offer and drop by soon. It is situated in the Buena Vista neighborhood of Miami close to the Design District. Do not miss out on the innovative and inspired Italian dishes which include homemade pasta, meat choices, and seafood dishes."

"Palat, located steps from the Design District in Miami's Buena Vista neighborhood, specializes in seafood but presents a range of Italian classics and contemporary creations for lu..."

"One of the best restaurants in Miami — Palat — is in the city's Buena Vista neighborhood. This neighborhood eatery serves comforting Italian food and offers an extensive wine list"

"Finally, there's Orange Blossom, a City Center favorite with four stars out of 539 reviews. Stop by 2000 Collins Ave., Suite 7, for cocktails and New American breakfast fare next time you're in the mood."

"From Business: Orange Blossom pays homage to our Miami roots and celebrates the city's growth into the thriving, vibrant cultural destination it is today."

"Head to Caffe Abbracci in Coral Gables for a classic rendition of southern Italy's spaghetti alla puttanesca. Here, it's made with a rough-and-ready combination of tomatoes, olive oil, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies. Caffe Abbracci offers an abundant portion of this lusty, tangy, and somewhat salty entrée, with enough flavor and texture to please the most demanding of palates ($22)."

"Be pampered at this fine Italian eatery, where the attentive staff treats each guest like family. The name of the restaurant is Italian for "hugs," and you'll feel the warmth and care that goes into each dish. High-profile locals and visiting celebrities can often be found here, and people watching is always fascinating in the colorful, upscale dining room."

"Although a little pricey, the atmosphere of this warm dining room with dark wood trim is worth the expense. Also enjoyable is the people-watching; celebs often dine here. While the regulars do get special treatment, it is worth it to get on that list."

"While you enter or exit the Homestead entrance, don’t forget to try the milkshakes at the fruit stand ‘Robert is Here’. We loved our Coconut shake and mango shake. You can even try some local tropical fruits here."

"For a more chilled beach day option, head to North Beach Oceanside Park, a serene destination, out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach’s hotels and restaurants. Pack your cooler to the brim, bring a Pub sub, and take in the blissful scene of the Atlantic Ocean. The park also features shaded walking trails, a bike path, and a dog park and playground to entertain the kids and fur babies."

"Located right on the waterfront, Bayside Marketplace offers a variety of shops, restaurant and entertainment options just steps away from downtown Miami. Shop for everything you need at stores like Express, Foot Locker, Sketchers, Sunglass Hut, Toy Factory, Harley Davidson, Miami Jet Ski, Magic Hut, M & R Sweet Candy Store, Guess, Havana Nines, GNC, Claire's, the Disney Store, Bath & Body Works, Baby Gap, and more. Dine at casual spots like the Hardrock Cafe, Hooters, Bavaria Haus Beerhall, Pizza Pizza, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Chili's, and more."

"Located in the heart of Downtown Miami, the bayside marketplace allows you to experience the best of Miami with delicious international cuisine, live music, and fine shops. The two-level, open-air center overlooking Miami’s waterfront is home to more than 150 national and unique retailers and tourist shops. Overlooking the yacht-filled marina, the Biscayne Boulevard is the place to enjoy live exotic musical performances along with various specialty food shops of international cuisine."