Villa Vizcaya is much more than a museum and historic center. Its dreamy gardens and spaces full of luxurious finishes transport visitors to an architectural work of art. It is part of Coconut Grove, Miami’s oldest bohemian neighborhood.
Founded in 1873 by a group of pioneers, intellectuals, artists and adventurers, Coconut Grove is today considered a hub of arts and entertainment. Ten minutes south of downtown Miami and close to Coral Gables, Coconut Grove enchants its visitors due to its great beauty, tranquility and harmony.
What to visit in Coconut Grove?
Coconut Grove is a place you can enjoy on weekends, in the afternoons and in the evenings. Some of the most recommended sites to visit for all they have to offer are the following:
Cocowalk and Streets of Mayfair
Before strolling through Villa Vizcaya you can go shopping at Streets of Mayfair or Cocowalk. Streets of Mayfair has a waterfall, vegetation and Spanish tiles that provide a cozy atmosphere to browse its shops.
For its part, the Cocowalk shopping center, with its outdoor areas, has a central courtyard full of cafes and shops ideal for sharing the best moments. It is common to find live music and you can also go to the movies.
The Barnacle
Another old and classic property, just like Villa Vizcaya, is The Bernacle. It was designed by Ralph Monroe, a nature-loving botanist. Thus, this house is surrounded by trees and a well-kept garden. When visiting it, it is also possible to enter its rooms. In these you will find antiques and classic pieces.
Hermitage of Charity
The building of the Hermitage of Charity has a conical shape that surprises and attracts visitors. It is very popular among Cuban exiles for being the sanctuary of the patron saint of believers.
It also has a mural that illustrates the history of the Catholic church with great beauty. Another Latin and picturesque option to live unforgettable experiences in Miami is The Little Havana, a Cuban heart in the middle of the city.
Peacock Park
Do you like to walk and enjoy the outdoors? Peacock Park is an ideal place to spend a day doing physical activity. It is connected to the marina and extends to the edge of the coast. It has everything you need for sports: a tennis court, a baseball field, a basketball court and a skate park.
In addition to touring these places, remember that Coconut Grove is also a perfect place to enjoy Art Deco in Miami.
Villa Vizcaya: museum, nature and beauty
The spectacular Villa Vizcaya, located at 3251 South Miami Avenue in Coconut Grove, was built between 1914 and 1928 by millionaire James Deering, after his retirement due to health problems.
Deering was inspired by an Italian villa to design Villa Vizcaya. In fact, they brought pieces from Italy to build it. However, at the time it was built it was difficult to move materials from Europe, according to the newspaper ABC (2016). So it is admirable that this project became a reality.
Finally, in 1953 it became a museum open to the public. With more than 200 thousand square meters, Villa Vizcaya has multiple attractions. It has more than 30 rooms in the main residence and more than three hectares of garden.
Attractions
Before entering Villa Vizcaya it is advisable to take a tour of the gardens. In this area you can see sculptures, trees, flowers, fountains and various natural scenarios. Then it will be necessary to visit the lagoon and its impressive stone boat. According to National Geographic (n.d.), this is inspired by Venice and is one of the favorite places of visitors. Touring the interior spaces of Villa Vizcaya will allow you to witness a luxury typical of European castles. In fact, some rooms have a rococo and neoclassical inspiration. In addition, its furniture and objects are one of the largest collections of Italian pieces in the United States.
Recommendations to visit it
So that you can walk around Villa Vizcaya in total comfort, wear shoes that allow you to walk quietly, pay attention to the guides, follow the safety rules and get ready to live a different day. Villa Vizcaya is an inspiring place where nature and human talent meet. It combines beauty, comfort and the possibility of knowing a fascinating history: live the best of Miami!
References
Campos, J. (2018). Villa Vizcaya: History and Legacy of Early Twentieth-Century Miami. Walking Miami.
Enjoy Miami. (n.d.). Coconut Grove.
Gómez, V. (2011). Villa Vizcaya: History and Gardens in Miami. Machbel.
National Geographic. (n.d.). Villa Vizcaya.
Travel Miami. (2020). Visit Vizcaya Museum.
Visit Miami. (2020). Coconut Grove: Miami’s bohemian neighborhood.
