Must See Sights and Landmarks in University Park 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."

"No one’s figured out how one diminutive mason managed to move the huge stones for this sculpture garden dedicated to his lost love."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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 »"

"If you are in Miami and want to catch a baseball game, head over to the brand new loanDepot park in Little Havana. Home to MLB’s Miami Marlins, this relatively small and new park features a retractable roof and one of the most modern designs in all of Major League Baseball. The park can hold over 36,000 fans, has great views of downtown Miami, and even has massive fish tanks along the backstop that remind you exactly what city you are in."

"Created by renowned Italian artist Claudio Ciaravolo to launch the SoBe is Love public art project a few Art Basels ago, this sculpture symbolizes the project’s message of love and community unity in light of post-election political divide and an epidemic of national gun violence and highlights intercultural principles of hope and faith. The SOBE sculpturer pays tribute to the late artist Robert Indiana, whose sculptures are universally recognized as symbolic of these same messages, and looks totally cute in pink."

"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."

"Parents love Candon Park for its gorgeous 2-mile beach, lifeguards, and picnic areas. But kids keep coming back for the vintage carousel, paved roller rink, and a seahorse fountain. Throw in the pretty arboretum and gardens and you've got one of the best spots in Miami for kids of all ages."

"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."

"There’s a reason the very southern tip of Miami Beach is the focus of countless photo spreads and selfies – the views of its resident pier jutting into the turquoise waves of the Atlantic are simply staggering. Free to visit, South Pointe Park is ideal for families, replete with manicured grass for lounging and warm, scrubbed-stone walkways, as well as a tiny water park for the kids."

"You’ll be snorkeling (or diving) on the Jose Cuervo Reef south of Second Street. The massive margarita bar was sunk over a decade ago in less than 20 feet of water, and today it’s home to a spectrum of sober sea creatures."

"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"

"While not shooting from the museum itself, head under the bridge and see why this is one of my favorite spots. Sunset and night are my favorite times at this awesome spot."

"Pérez Art Museum Miami is a modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art of the 20th and 21st centuries. They offer many programs for families including an art camp, art day for kids and after school programs. 1103 Biscayne Blvd.Miami, FLOnline: pamm.org"

"The Perez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science are both near Brickell, and they’re adjacent to the sprawling Museum Park. If you opt for the science museum, don’t miss the planetarium show!. Afterward, relax at Museum Park, and watch the cruise ships sail away between 4 pm and 6 pm."

"Located at 1103 Biscayne Blvd. downtown, the art museum and art gallery is the highest-rated art gallery in Miami, boasting four stars out of 342 reviews on Yelp."