Places To Visit In Miami That I Love
There are many beautiful places to visit in Miami. It’s definitely more crowded and hot than it used to be. However it’s home to me and I’m sharing some places that I love! This is actually part two of a series where I share some very personal stuff HERE.
I took the photo below recently when I was driving home from some errands. It’s the street that we live on and I think shows off the beauty here in this tropical area. Although I’ve lived here most of my life when I stop to smell the roses or view the palms, I realize nature’s splendor. These palms are called Royal Palms and royal they are at about 60 feet tall. You don’t want to be standing under one when a palm frond drops!
Recently I wrote this post – 10 Free Things To Do In Miami. While not everything is free to visit here, parks are always free to the public in most cities. We are fortunate to have a large park just down the street and that might be one of my favorites. This park provides a lot of shade with the canopy of the trees.
The canal is the same one that winds it’s way behind our home. This park is a peaceful place to walk and I look forward to some cooler weather to do so.
All water in Miami leads to the ocean and below is Biscayne Bay, just a short walk from our home. Palm tree soldiers stand tall!
Places To Visit In Miami That I Love
Living in the suburbs, we don’t get into downtown Miami very often. Clearly most cities are more crowded nowadays then they were when we first moved to the suburbs, therefore it takes forever to get downtown. We prefer staying somewhat local and there’s lots to do if you seek it out. In South Miami things have changed and developed over the years. I remember when the main building here was a major bread making facility and the scent carried for miles! Now it’s absolutely gentrified with restaurants and shops and we head to dinner here often. This particular weekend was a car show and my husband brought my sweet little vintage 2 seater convertible to show.
Stormy skies over The Biltmore Hotel pool where I took my girls to lunch one day this summer. If you ever find yourself in Miami, this place is worth going to for the day or staying in the hotel. The pool isn’t free to use, but you can buy a day pass and it’s really stunning! The Biltmore is quintessential Coral Gables, opened in 1926 as one of the country’s most fashionable resorts. If you’re curious, then learn more about it’s rich history HERE.
One of my all-time favorite places to visit in Miami (not free) is Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Find out more about it HERE and without a doubt if you’re going to cruise out of Miami, take an extra day to see places like this!” Fairchild is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. We are one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation.”
Dale Chihuly previously had an amazing exhibit at Fairchild, but I don’t believe that it’s still there.
We have a personal connection to this incredible villa below called Villa Vizcaya. Vizcaya (as it’s known) was created as James Deering’s subtropical winter home in the 1910s and today it is a National Historic Landmark and accredited museum. My husband’s construction management business has been working for the Deering family for years.
Vizcaya is a treasure trove of all things European and unlike anything else in Miami. Pieces were curated and brought over mostly from Italy in the early 1900’s.
Marble, chandeliers, grand gates, artwork and more and I plan on going back for another visit this winter. Can you imagine living like this back in the day?
Drive over to Miami Beach along the causeways and see the cruise ships in port. I have driven on the causeway directly across many times and it’s definitely something worthwhile!
Last but not least are the beaches of Miami. We don’t get there too often, but without a doubt they are iconic. Head over to South Beach and you’ll find the Art Deco buildings, wide sandy beaches and lots of al fresco cafes. The beach below is actually closer to home and called Matheson Hammock.
If you’re looking to book a winter vacation there are so many wonderful places to visit in Miami…my hometown!
Please head over and visit my friends who are sharing today and thanks to Jennifer of Town & Country Living for hosting!
Town and Country Living / Finding Silver Pennies / Southern Hospitality
TUESDAY
My Sweet Savannah / Hymns and Verses / It All Started with Paint / The Happie Housie
WEDNESDAY
Creative Cain Cabin / In My Own Style / Duke Manor Farm / Hearth and Vine
Love it Janet!! I have lived in Homestead since I was six years old and have visited these beautiful places more times than I can count!! My senior pictures were taken at Vizcaya! Love Deering Estate and oh Fairchild Tropical Gardens is just a place for me to spend hours!! It’s crazy that I’ve lived here all these years and there are still places to see and things to do!! The beaches, Coconut Grove, and South Beach!! So many memories! It’s quite a bit more crowded and hot, but I’m truly going to miss South Florida when we move. However, seeing and living near our three grand babies is going to be a dream so I can deal with that! Thank you for sharing this post! 💕💕💕💕💕
There are always so many things to do here Babette, but I don’t blame you for wanting to be near your family. Good luck with your move!
The last time I was in Miami was leaving and returning from a cruise over 3 years ago, so it’s been a long while since I’ve been there. The palm trees sure capture the feel of Miami and that magnificent mansion you shared is spectactular, just like something out of Europe. I know you love where you live too and like us, we stay out of downtown and enjoy our little suburb.
Without a doubt one of my favorite places, you’re so lucky to live there, Janet!! I love the beach and the gorgeous palm trees on your street are so stately and elegant!
The last time I was in Miami was back in college as a layover from a trip to Haiti. I remember being so impressed by the beautiful buildings and beaches. It seemed to sparkle in the sun. The Vizcaya is amazing! I’d never heard about it until now. Thanks for sharing part of your home with us!!
Well you’ve really made Miami a place I want to visit Janet. Lovely article with gorgeous photos.
Going to add it to our bucket list! 😁
Oh you must visit Catherine. It’s a favorite destination of many Europeans like yourself and the beaches are wonderful!
Janet, what a wonderful place to live. Many people from my area in PA winter in Florida. My brother used to live in Miami but now he lives near me however he does maintain a nice condo in Hillsboro beach. Right now I’m okay with spending my winters in the north but I’m sure one day soon we’ll get the buy to head south for the winter.
Thanks Patti and I do feel blessed to call Miami home. Thankfully we don’t have “snowbirds” in my suburban area but they sure will be flocking down once the weather up north turns cold.
I love that you shared a whole different side of the Miami Beach area that I had no idea existed!!! Your town and community look just lovely!!! 🙂
If you make it down here again I would definitely check some of these places out Linda!
It was so fun reading your post and seeing all the places that my Mom and Grama used to visit. My family is in Florida so I get to see it often. It’s always a great place to visit especially in the winter when were buried in snow here, lol.
Thanks Dawn. Florida really is a state like no other and getting so crowded here now!!
Wow – what an amazing place to live and I would love to visit there one day! Thanks for all the off the beaten path tips, Janet!
Thanks Krista…appreciate you stopping by friend!
Janet, I’ve never been to Miami but would love to visit, especially the Biltmore, those gardens, and the historic homes. Thank you for sharing more about your town with us. xx
It’s still quite beautiful here Danielle, but you’d have to be prepared for the extreme humidity that this tropical area brings.