Did you know that Miami is home to one of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere? Or that Miami boasts one of the most impressive collections of Art Deco architecture in the country? And that you can swim in a gigantic freshwater spring in a coral stone quarry? This data may surprise you, but Miami is packed with incredible historic structures and attractions. In fact, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Miami’s eclectic history, its architecture, geography, and unique historical parks are great places to start.
Old architecture blends with modern in Miami Beach
Known as the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere, the Old Spanish Monastery is a hidden historical treasure located north of Miami Beach. The structure hasn’t always been in Florida. Originally built in Segovia, Spain, in 1141, Cistercian monks occupied the building for nearly 700 years. After a social revolution in the 1830s, the cloisters of the Monastery were taken, sold and converted into a barn and stable.
In 1925, media mogul William Randolph Hearst bought the monastery’s cloisters and outbuildings, dismantled them stone by stone in Spain, packaged the pieces into more than 11,000 wooden boxes, and shipped them to the United States. Nearly 30 years later, Miami developers took on the painstaking project of rebuilding the monastery where it stands today: and there is no other building like it.
Miami Beach is also home to the famous Art Deco Historic District, where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture. The structures, which feature white facades, neon lights and elegant design, constitute one of the most exciting streets in the United States: Ocean Drive. Here, you’ll discover some of the most iconic and photographed boutique hotels. These include those who have appeared in films such as Scarface and Bad Boys.
Head to Collins Avenue, where you’ll find the Delano and The Raleigh hotels, two South Beach favorites that have attracted Hollywood’s elite for decades. Design Preservation League offers walking tours departing daily from Art Deco Welcome Center.
Near Meridian Avenue, the Holocaust Memorial is a stunning tribute to the six million Jewish victims of Nazi terrorism during World War II. Celebrated architect Kenneth Treister designed the gardens and sculpture of the memorial.
Historic Homes in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables
Just across from Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove is home to the magnificent Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark that was once the winter home of agricultural industrialist, James Deering. Nestled on 4 hectares of coastline and located directly on the water, the mansion has been perfectly restored to its Gilded Age look. European antiques and art adorn the main house and lush tropical gardens surround the property. After a tour, enjoy lunch at Vizcaya Cafe and Shop.
Located a few miles away, Barnacle Historic State Park is another charming historic home to visit. Not as extravagant as Vizcaya, but with equally stunning water views, Ralph Munroe, pioneer in Coconut Grove, built the house in 1891. Today, Barnacle is a Florida state park and hosts several special events throughout the year, including traditional dances and family picnics.
Not far from Coconut Grove, Coral Gables Merrick House is the restored home where George E. Merrick, the founder of the city of Coral Gables, spent his childhood. Inside the twenties house, you’ll find a tribute to the real estate developer who built one of the country’s first planned communities, with its streets lined with large banyan trees and luxurious residences. No wonder Coral Gables is known as “the City of Beauty.”
Also located in Coral Gables, Venetian Pool is a historical landmark and a pool carved from coral stone with picturesque waterfalls and stone bridges. It’s the ideal place to kick back and relax with a dip in the pool before preparing for your next historical adventure.
The taste of nostalgia in old Florida
Travel south on Old Dixie Highway and you’ll come across the charming Cauley Square Historic Village. Travel back in time and visit the Village Chalet and Tea Room restaurants, replete with fine china, crystal and lace. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and paths, and browse the old shops and specialty boutiques.
For an outdoor experience, tour Deering Estate in Cutler with its 180 acres of nature preserve in Biscayne Bay. Rent a canoe for the day and take a guided nature hike where you can see butterflies and native wildlife. Take a tour of the two historic homes on the property: Stone House and Richmond Cottage.
Get ready for another adventure and head west into the Everglades to experience the dynamic culture and history of the Miccosukee tribe at Miccosukee Indian Village & Boat Ride. Members of the tribe demonstrate live alligators, teach craft and basketry classes, as well as lead scenic airboat rides through the Everglades.
A modern world wonder justifies the trip south to the Coral Castle Museum in Homestead. As a tribute to a lost love, a small Latvian immigrant, weighing just over 45 kilograms, moved and sculpted more than 1000 tons of coral stone for about 30 years, until the project was completed in 1951. The feat has puzzled scientists and engineers for years.
Insider Tip: The GoMiamiCard is a multi-attraction pass that gives you access to select Miami tours and museums, as well as discounts at shopping malls and restaurants. Visit attractions, such as Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and Coral Castle Museum, for free with the card.
Fountain: https://espanol.miamiandbeaches.com/
