Must See Sights and Landmarks in Miami-Dade County 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."

"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."

"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"

"Intensely moving, this memorial created by artist-architect Kenneth Treister honors victims and offers solace to survivors of the horrors of the Holocaust of the Jewish people in Europe. Included in its design is an arbor that depicts the history of the Holocaust in black granite and a tunnel that opens up to "The Sculpture of Love and Anguish." This enormous bronze arm, with its base of writhing human forms, is variously interpreted as a symbol of despair or hope. The memorial also encompasses a reflecting pool and walls inscribed with the names of thousands of victims."

"Even for a Holocaust piece, this memorial is particularly powerful. With over 100 sculptures, its centerpiece is the Sculpture of Love and Anguish, an enormous, oxidized bronze arm that bears an Auschwitz tattoo... Top ChoiceHistoric Building in Coconut Grove"

"Florida has always been big racing country, and the Homestead-Miami Speedway has a long history of hosting Indy and NASCAR races that draw spectators from all over the state and nation. During racing season, a cool and festive vibe descends over the town, and the speedway’s grandstands get downright raucous with the sounds of roaring engines, squealing tires, and screaming fans. Many visitors find it exhilarating, but if you’re more into quiet time with a good book, then it’d be wise to steer clear of the speedway at such times."

"Option #3 – Homestead Miami Speedway The Redline Experience at Homestead Miami Speedway will fulfill your racecar dreams. Drive up to six exotic cars including Lamborghini, Audi, Ferrari, Porsche and Nissan as you wind around this professional track. Pre-ride instruction from in-car professionals is given to every participant. There’s nothing like a spin in a high-performance exotic supercar to make your daredevil dreams come true."

"1111 SW 1st Avenue, MiamiA former El Bulli employee, and recognized as one of the most talented chefs in the world, Diego Muñoz, has created one of the most interesting new restaurants in Miami, in the innovative 1111 Peruvian Bistro. Chef Muñoz travelled the world for work and for inspiration. This inspiration manifests itself food that hints of his global view, his mentors, and the places he has lived."

"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."

"Or you can experience the pulse of a multi-dimensional metropolis, exploring 1930s to 1950s Art Deco glamour in South Beach and Mid-Beach, big city sophistication in Downtown, avant-garde art installations in Wynwood, shopping in the Design District, and a melting pot of Latin heritage in Little Havana. Given short driving distances between these eclectic neighborhoods, it’s possible to explore Miami’s multiple identities in a weekend without feeling rushed."

"After seeing your fill of water views and tropical plants, make your way to Calle Ocho, in the heart of Little Havana. Stop by Versailles, a favorite Cuban restaurant, for a syrupy Cuban coffee, a guava-filled pastelito, or, if you’re already hungry, a meaty Cuban sandwich. Wander around Calle Ocho for some interesting street art, watch locals play dominos in Maximo Gomez Park, and pick up a hand-rolled cigar as a souvenir."

"Put some miles on your car; Little Havana calls. Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) is another world, and you’ll know it immediately by the language of the street signs. Salsa music pours out from storefronts onto the streets. The scent of fresh guava pastries is never far."

"Located in Fort Lauderdale, 30 miles north of Miami, a trip to Riverside Market is worth every second spent in I-95 traffic. What awaits is a selection of over 650 craft beer bottles carefully displayed in self-serve coolers around the shop and 20 drafts in constant rotation. It’s a thrilling game of hops-and-seek here—you never know what owner Julian Siegel has stocked on any given day."

"Much has changed since Wynwood Brewing Company opened its doors in 2013. The neighborhood, once home to warehouses and pop up art shows and galleries, has become a destination shopping and dining area. And though the city now has several breweries churning out unique beers, Wynwood was the first craft brewery in Miami, and it still ranks at the top of the list, pouring favorites like the Blonde Ale, barrel-aged Strong Ales, a changing roster of seasonal brews and its Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal-winning Pop’s Porter, a robust brew with hints of chocolate and coffee with a smooth, dry finish."

"If you couldn’t guess it, Wynwood Brewing Co. settles in the heart of the Wynwood Arts District. Wynwood Brewing Company was the first craft brewery in the area, founded by Luis Brigoni and his father, who transferred their Puerto-Rican pride into beer. They have award-winning beers Pop’s Porter and La Rubia (blonde ale)."

"You will have to go off the beaten path to find the Wynwood Brewing Company. It is located in a trendy yet chill area close to the Wynwood Walls, a couple blocks from the strip. This brewery holds the distinction of being the first craft brewery in Miami."

"Deep in stories and rich in history,NightLife Brewing captures Miami’s world-famous action inside their taproom. Nightlife also doesn’t fall short of their motto, “Producing amazing brews worthy of the magic city.” Some flagship beers include Spitfire Redhead (Rye Saison) and Daring Brunette (brown ale). NightLife settles in a 1,500 square foot taproom located outside Marlins Park in Little Havana."

"Little Havana's Nightlife Brewing Company, located at 1588 N.W. Seventh St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the brewery and venue/event space 4.5 stars out of 57 reviews."

"Pay a visit with your little ones to the Miami’s Children Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and learning materials related to arts, literacy, culture, community and communication. The museum is for sure one of the top fun museums in Miami for families, as it has also been awarded in the past as “Best Museum in Miami” by the Miami New Times and the “Best Children’s Museum” by South Florida Parenting Magazine. Families tend to enjoy this museum, as it is an “institution” where they can play, learn, imagine and create all together."

"This popular weekend spot is one of America’s largest kids’ museums – and every inch of the space is dedicated to teaching youngsters about the world around them. With 14 galleries spread over two floors, there’s an exhibit to spark every type of tot’s imagination ($22/adult). Find out more about Miami Children’s Museum"

"A free contemporary arts museum, the ICA sits in the midst of the Design District and hosts a good range of contemporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection pieces. The building, designed in 2017 by Aranguren & Gallegos architects, is especially beautiful, with its sharp geometric lines and large windows overlooking the back garden."

"This museum offers an array of exhibitions on South Florida's history, with Family Fun Days (think crafts, music, and storytelling) on the second Saturday of each month. But older kids will also like the off-site historical tours, including art walks of Miami neighborhoods, cruises of North Biscayne Bay, or even a "moon cruise" on the Miami River."

"HistoryMiami Museum, formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, was founded in 1940 and is the largest history museum in the state of Florida. The museum offers the community, its residents and visitors meaningful ways to connect with the rich past as well as the ever-evolving future of the region and its diverse inhabitants."

"Gathering, preserving, and celebrating Miami's history through exhibitions, city tours, collections and publications is the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.[Learn more]"

"Located a few blocks north of Miracle Mile in Coral Gables is Gusto Fino Italian Deli Café, is one of my favorite sandwich shops in the city. Serving a variety of classic Italian dishes and hot and cold sandwiches, the casual café, also offers a limited beer and wine list, as well as a breakfast menu. You’ll find delicious offerings like a classic New York Reuben sandwich or a hot pastrami sub."

"Joanna’s is a chic marketplace-café-bakery located between South Miami and Dadeland. Their motto – “Eat dessert first” – captures the bakery’s focus on fine pastries and freshly baked bread. For those who don’t have a sweet tooth, this 25-year-old establishment also offers a variety of sandwiches and hot foods, presented in front of a detailed chalk wall."

"This Pinecrest staple is more than just a market with specialty goods — there’s also a thriving bakery and cafe inside. Breads from the stone oven are available early each morning, as well as plenty of breakfast breads and pastries. Grab a dozen bagels or muffins on the way to a meeting or a dinner party to be a guaranteed hit."