Must See Sights and Landmarks in Pinecrest 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."

"‘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."

"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"

"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."

"The BEST and most beautiful church I’ve ever been to in my entire life. It’s in a hidden part of Coconut Grove near Mercy Hospital. This place is right by… read more »"

"I actually found this parish when I google searched on Miami Perpetual Adoration. It came up as the closest parish to Coconut Grove. The masses are mostly… read more »"

"4 out of 5 stars Restaurants Contemporary American Downtown. Overlooking Biscayne Bay from the covered deck of the Pérez Art Museum Miami, this simple eatery appears to be nothing more than a museum restaurant with a good view. But sit down and try one of Executive Chef Kaytlin Dangaran’s trendy plates—such as the butternut squash and fig pizza—and you’ll be tempted to stick around long after you’ve perused the art."

"Grab a seat at Verde’s expansive covered patio overlooking Biscayne Bay and dine on dishes like prosciutto pizza, its popular chicken under a brick, and grilled salmon. Of course leave room for dessert as its chef Hedy Goldsmith brings back her popular pastries to the restaurant."

"If you’re really looking to spice it up, Yardie’s your target. With Jamaican and Haitian delicacies to choose from, jerk chicken is just the beginning. We recommend you try the goat curry."

"Looking for some local small restaurants, this place came up on my search. They are open until 8pm but don't wait too long to…”more"

"Another gorgeous and self-guided trail, the Mahogany Hammock boardwalk is where you can find the largest living Mahogany tree in all the United States. Great for the whole family, this trail is relatively short (0.5-miles long) and totally easy and great for those that require a more accessible trail to follow. Read more: Fun things to do in Miami"

"This is a short 0.4-mile (0.64 km) easy rated loop trail that is flat and boarded. The elevated boardwalk trail goes directly over waterways of the national park while also giving chances to see wildlife. This is just one more quick trip into a better understanding of what is known as the Everglades."

"As the name suggests the trail gives you a glimpse into the Mahogany trees in the park including the largest one in the US. The 0.5 mile round trip trail is a boardwalk trail traversing through a hammock of trees."

"The Everglades Outpost houses, feeds and cares for wild animals that have been seized from illegal traders, abused, neglected or donated by people who could not care for them. Residents of the outpost include a..."

"Interactive and STEM-savvy exhibits accompany the classic kid-sized supermarket, animal clinic, and firefighter and police zones at the Miami Children’s Museum. The virtual aquarium animates kids’ drawings to become part of an undersea environment, while a musical staircase—where every step plays a different tune—leads to the gigantic cruise ship on the second floor, which kids can explore. Photo: Courtesy of Claire Sibonney"

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user qwesy qwesy used under CC BY 3.0. You may have visited many kids’ museums with your young ones, but this is not like the traditional ones you have seen before. It features an interactive playground for children and aims to help them attain their maximum potential."

"Don’t let the museum’s rather plain Mediterranean-style building and courtyard fool you: Inside, HistoryMiami paints a colorful portrait of how the city transformed itself from a mosquito-filled swampland to one of the country’s most vibrant urban areas. Located in Miami’s downtown, the museum is not one you’ll likely stumble upon while wandering the city—which is a good thing if you prefer quieter spaces ($10/adult). Find out more: https://www.historymiami.org/"

"The HistoryMiami Museum is the largest museum in Florida (and thus also Miami). Here you'll learn about the history of the city through various collections and exhibitions. Items of the collection on display here are, among several other types, visual materials, archives and manuscripts, and archaeological artifacts."

"The original Homestead Town Hall was built more than a century ago and has been converted into a museum boasting one of the area’s most complete collections of historic memorabilia related to the town. The items on display include vintage photographs, historical documents, and other unique tidbits of local interest; there’s even an old fire engine that was retired long ago. The Homestead Historic Town Hall Museum is located on North Krome Avenue and doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic, so it’s quite possible that visitors will have the place to themselves."