Although Miami is known for its hot nightlife and beautiful beaches, it is also home to some incredible historic sites. The “Magic City” is home to a lively and diverse culture cultivated by the history behind every building and every settler that has made a home of Miami. Here are a few historic landmarks to check out in Miami that gave way to the city’s captivating life.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a well-talked about landmark among Miami natives and residents, though many have yet to step foot inside the gates of this grande mansion. Build by the late James Deering, Vizcaya is a significant representation of the beginning of cultivation of one of Miami’s most popular and loved neighborhoods, Coconut Grove. Known among the Miami natives as the perfect place to take Quinceniera, Bridal/Engagement, and other photos due to its natural beauty and landscape. With the building of this incredible house, many Bahamians and Europeans settled in Miami. This National Historic Landmark is now a museum open to all and is the perfect place to take a stroll.
The Freedom Tower is located on the popular boulevard of Biscayne Bay in the heart of Downtown Miami. Holding strong historic values, this tower played a huge role during the Cuban Refugee Crisis. It was previous used as a government facility where officials would process documentation of Cuban immigrants who sought refuge in Miami once Fidel Castro took control of Cuba in the mid 1900s. It is currently being used as a museum for contemporary art.
Known as South Miami residents as a swimming paradise, the Venetian Pool is Coral Gables’ most fames watering hole reaching to a total of 820,000 gallons of pool water. Built in the early 1900s, the pool is made of coral rock quarry and holdsItalian-style architecture. Perfect for families to enjoy on sunny weekends, this public swimming pool has waterfalls and caves, and gets its water from an underground spring water aquifer. The cold and refreshing water is perfect for Miami’s Summer sun!
While South Beach may be where the party is, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a hidden getaway on the island of Key Biscayne. The lighthouse perched at the very edge of the island is known as Miami’s oldest standing structure and makes for watching beautiful sunsets and sunrises. You can enjoy tours of the park, swimming, and kayaking through the beach and take the whole family to enjoy the cool breeze and landscape that this quiet park has to offer.