Must See Sights and Landmarks in Downtown Miami Area

"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."

"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."

"With its plentiful sun, abundant rain, and year-round growing season, Florida is one of the country’s largest produce growing states. The Knaus Berry Farm is one of South Florida’s most well-known family farms and has been around for more than half a century. Though they started small, their original roadside market has grown by leaps and bounds and now includes a variety of prepared food items like baked goods, ice cream, and packaged berries."

"A guide to the ultimate weekend in Miami, any time of year, with cocktails by the pool, art walks and Art Deco spotting, and a little Latin flavor."

"Hop aboard for a fun 90-minute sightseeing cruise that takes you past waterfront mansions, Port Miami, Fisher Island and other highlights. See captivating views of the Miami skyline while enjoying beverages and light snacks."

"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."

"Also in Sunset Harbour, Stiltsville Fish Bar is the brainchild of culinary power couple Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis of “Top Chef” and James Beard Award fame. This seafood spot with down-home Southern comfort food is popular with both locals and visitors. Delight in everything from local snapper ceviche to decadent sweet corn spoon bread topped with butter-poached lobster."

"They had a bathtub filled with fish and ice and we were able to pick on out and have them prepared for us!"

"Barnes Park is located on Bird Road near the Palmetto, offering a string of trails, peaceful enclaves, and various activities."

"Crandon Park Beach boasts some of the clearest waters Miami has to offer, thanks in part to a strict ban on floatation devices and its offshore sandbar — itself an idyllic place to bask like the Floridian lizard you are at heart. Not to worry though, there’s plenty else to keep the whole family entertained, including unique eco-adventure experiences, picnic and cookout areas, and concession stands. If the sun becomes too much, head to the Family Amusement Center open on weekends and holidays only to check out its restored carousel, beachfront playground, and splash fountain."

"Just a short drive to northern Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is an island park equipped with volleyball nets, cabanas for rent and pristine turquoise waters that beckon for a dip. Aside from the stunning beaches and pearly white sands, the park is also home to mangroves, dunes and a nature center that houses exotic fish and other wildlife. Just five minutes away from Crandon Park is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is home to the Cape Florida Light – the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami."

"An abandoned zoo on a subtropical island, ever since Dade County's main zoological park decamped to way down south, the Crandon Park Gardens, or just Crandon Gardens (both derivations are used) has sat and grown into a hidden, mysterious botanical garden with otherworldly follies (the former animal enclosures) scattered here and there."

"Head to this Doral spot if your offspring are fans of sushi and tempura or if you're still trying to persuade them to try it. They'll get crayons to color a paper build-your-own bento box menu, which lists options such as grilled chicken thigh ($9), whitefish tempura with Japanese tartar sauce ($11), skirt steak with. koji and potato salad ($11), and chicken breast"

"Inspired by traditional izakayas, Dragonfly features a bevy of Japanese comfort food dishes like Japanese seafood pancakes with shrimp, octopus, and squid; garlic blue crab fried rice; neck-to-tail chicken tasting menu; and plenty of seafood and traditional sushi rolls."

"Dragonfly offers a true catch-to-consumption experience featuring the freshest fish you can find in Miami. It is actually located behind a working fish market where they sell local..."

"In the Midtown Miami mall, Sakaya Kitchen offers creative fast-food takes on traditional Korean dishes. Don’t let counter service deter you; it’s a quick and easy way to order hassle-free before staking out a table. There are plenty of sharing options here, like house-made Dae-ji spicy pork croquetas and Bao steamed buns."

"The Zagat Rated, AAA Four Diamond Award Winning restaurant Hakkasan has much to brag about. This gem inside the world-renowned Fontainbleau Hotel on Miami Beach is known for its unique and authentic Cantonese dishes, including a weekend Dim Sum Lunch that high-rolling locals are raving about. Chef de Cuisine Jian Heng Loo has created incredibly delectable dishes including a Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin and a Crispy Duck Salad with Jasmine Tea-Smoked Ribs."

"Restaurants Chinese Miami Beach. This swanky Chinese restaurant inside the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel has the look of a sexy Asian parlor, though far less nefarious (unless it’s late-night, then anything goes). The food, however, is an above-board experience of expertly executed Cantonese dishes with a twist—think crispy duck salad and jamine-tea-smoked ribs."

"A classy showcase for contemporary Chinese cuisine, Hakkasan delivers incredible Cantonese fare in chic nightclub-like surroundings that will make you want to stay until the early hours."