Unlike many of South Florida's state parks, Barnacle State Historic Park is centrally located and easily accessible by automobile. Just off the main street in trendy Coconut Grove, this five-acre (2.02-hectare) historic site offers visitors a glimpse into a past full of beauty and luxury. This stately structure was originally the home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, a landowner and yacht enthusiast who hailed from New York. Before and after Munroe's passing, measures were taken to ensure that the property reflected South Florida's culture and blossoming heritage. Guests can tour Munroe's home or explore the lush land outside. The park also offers ample amenities for wildlife watching and picnicking.
This landmark building located in the center of Miami is especially important to Cuban residents. During the 1960s, it was the processing center for nearly half a million Cuban refugees. Designed by George A Fuller, Schultze, & Weaver the Freedom Tower was established in 1925. Prior to its stint as a Cuban refugee center, the Freedom Tower housed the Miami News. The Freedom Tower is home to MDC Museum of Art + Design. Visitors to the landmark can peruse beautiful artworks exhibited at the museum.
Downtown Miami is a vibrant and bustling area located in the heart of the city. With its modern skyscrapers and diverse cultural influences, it serves as the central business district and an exciting hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining. The iconic skyline is adorned with sleek buildings, while the streets are filled with a mix of locals and visitors. While the Bayside Marketplace offers waterfront shopping and dining, the Bayfront Park provides a green oasis for relaxation. Downtown Miami showcases a blend of the old and the new, making it a dynamic and captivating urban destination.
Built in 1825, this 95-foot (28.95-meter) lighthouse is one of the oldest buildings in south Florida. It originally guided sailors through the dangerous waters along the Straits of Florida. Although it was removed from service several times during various wars, it has weathered the years extraordinarily well. The lighthouse is part of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Guests can take guided or self-guided tours or explore the lighthouse. The Cape Florida Lighthouse makes for a historic and natural treasure, offering a blend of maritime history, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation.
The picturesque Venetian Pool is truly a one-of-a-kind attraction. This public swimming pool, chiseled out of a coral rock quarry in the 1920s, looks like a natural rock formation, except that no natural rock formation could be so perfectly suited to human enjoyment. This historical landmark is a work of art with its gushing fountains, coral caves and waterfalls. The 820,000 gallons of cool, refreshing spring water are replaced daily. Tours are conducted here.
Spanish Monastery was originally constructed in 1141 in Segovia, Spain and brought to America in pieces by William Randolph Hearst to be rebuilt stone by stone. It is the oldest building in the western hemisphere. Now officially named the Ancient Monastery St. Bernard de Clairvaux, the building serves as an historical landmark, an Episcopal church with 200 active members and a tourist attraction. The building is available for weddings, receptions and parties.
This lovely Spanish-style church, located across the street from the Biltmore Hotel, has the distinction of being the very first church built in Coral Gables. Although modern churches, and especially congregational churches, are traditionally austere, here wooden pews, altar candelabra, chandeliers, and side arches signal the lush standards of a different era. The intimate setting that results makes this church a favorite site for weddings. In addition, the church hosts author readings sponsored by Books & Books and features a wonderful musical series.
Established over 75 years ago, this downtown synagogue was the first Reform congregation founded in south Florida. Recently renovated, the stately and beautiful building symbolizes the reverence and historical importance the temple holds for the community at large, as well for the large and growing congregation itself. The temple provides adult education, an early childhood development center, religion classes, special events, a Judaic gift shop, and live radio broadcasts on WAXY 790-AM and WJNA 1230-AM.
Riverwalk Memorial comprises three granite pillars which define the Manhattan support. The monument is a popular tourist destination, especially during the night when it stands beautifully lit. The Memorial also features a PATH rail segment connected to a subway station which was inaugurated in 1909. The Memorial honors the innocent souls who lost their lives on a tragic day.
The ancient Philemon Nathaniel Bryan House is amongst the most historic buildings in Fort Lauderdale. It is the second oldest residence in the city. A perfect illustration of ancient artistic worth and excellence, the building attracts tourists from far and wide. The building is maintained by the Fort Lauderdale historical society. To some, the house appears to be haunted and this story further invites visitors' attention.
Amongst the most ancient and historic buildings in Fort Lauderdale, King Cromartie House has now been turned into a tourist hotspot. The house attracts visitors from around the globe as it is considered as a haunted house. As per popular belief, the ghost of the deceased King Cromartie still haunts the house.
North Woodlawn Cemetery which is ranked amongst the National register of historic places is renowned as it is the burial place of the lynch victim Reuben Stacey. It is also the first African American Cemetery in Broward County. It is estimated that the cemetery has 2,200 burials here whereas only 571 graves have been labeled.