Historical sites are an integral part of the city’s past. Many have had a significant impact on the city’s current state, and visiting them is an important way to learn more about the city. Miami is a relatively young city compared to New York, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, so it may seem like there aren’t many interesting historical sites. Most tourists associate it with the beach destination, but if you want learn about Miami’s iconic landmarks and see the city as more than just a great beach destination, this list is for you.
Coral Castle
28655 S. Dixie Highway
Homestead, Fl
(305) 248-6345
Monday, Thursday, Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last tour 5 p.m.)
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last tour 6 p.m.)
Coral Castle showcases dozens of stone structures created by Edward Leedskalnin. To create the monuments, Leedskalnin used primitive, handmade tools to handle and move stone slabs. Tour guide Andrea compares the castle built by one man, with the pyramids which were built by thousands.Here you can take a tour for $25 per person and enjoy a walk among the magnificent stone monuments.
Cauley Square Historic Village
22400 Old Dixie Hwy.
Miami, Fl
(305) 258-3543
Tuesday–Friday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The history of Cauley Square Historic Village dates back to the early 1900s, when agriculture and the railroad influenced the establishment of a settlement here, which was later destroyed by a hurricane. In 2001, Cauley Square Historic Village was purchased by the current owner, who began a restoration project. The area now features fountains, historic buildings, wheelchair-accessible trails, antique shops, a coffee shop and more. Cauley Square Historic Village can also be a special place for your wedding, birthday or other celebration, as it offers the opportunity to rent the area.
The Barnacle State Park
3485 Main Hwy.
Miami, Fl
(305) 442-6866
Friday–Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Barnacle State Park, located on Biscayne Bay, is the oldest house in Miami-Dade County, located on its original site, built by Ralph Middleton Munroe, a Miami pioneer. The house has a large waterfront area and is furnished inside with period furniture, which makes it interesting to see. Entrance to the area for pedestrians or cyclists costs $2. Tours are available Saturday through Wednesday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tours cost $1 for children (ages 6–12) and $3 for adults (ages 13 and up).
Freedom Tower
600 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, Fl
(305) 237-7700
Wednesday–Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Freedom Tower is an important historical landmark in Miami, considered Miami’s first skyscraper, it was built in 1925 as the headquarters of “The Miami News” newspaper. This tower had a direct impact on the city, since it served as a Cuban Refugee Center from 1962 to 1974. The people who arrived at this center later made many contributions to the development of the city. Now it is the property of Miami Dade College and is open for tours from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ticket price is $18, for youth (7-18) and students with ID the ticket price is $12. For seniors (62+) the ticket price is $14. You can purchase tickets on the website.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
3251 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, Fl
(305) 250-9133
Monday, Wednesday–Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a wonderful place with the main building containing many interesting period interior exhibits. The building was built between 1914 and 1922 in a Mediterranean style by industrialist James Deering as a winter residence, surrounded by beautiful green areas for walking, and was conceived and built in the style of an eighteenth-century Italian villa. Ticket prices: adult (from 13 years old) – $25, child (6–12 years old) – $10 and children under 5 years old are free.
