Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Nestled between Coconut Grove and downtown Miami, this 100-acre estate is like stepping back in time to the Renaissance period. The lavish 1916 mansion features 34 ornately decorated rooms full of European art and furnishings. The home was built by agricultural industrialist James Deering to resemble the many grand villas he saw on his travels through Europe. But the real treasure of Vizcaya is the extensive gardens. There are 10 different garden styles including a French Formal Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden, Japanese Garden, and more. Gorgeous sculptures, fountains, grottoes, and vistas make the grounds an ideal place for a peaceful stroll. Vizcaya is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to experience old-world European grandeur right in Miami.
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
Phone: (305) 250-9133
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
All aboard for a journey into Miami’s transportation history at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. This non-profit museum houses over 30 historic locomotives and railcars, many of which you can actually climb aboard and explore. Railroad buffs will marvel at the Baldwin steam engine while kids can pretend to drive the 1949 Seaboard Caboose. In addition to trains, the museum displays vintage automobiles, busses, and can even ride along on a 1.5 mile train track circling the museum grounds. With so many interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum makes learning about Miami’s rich transportation past fun for visitors of all ages.
Address: 12450 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177
Phone: (305) 253-0063
Ancient Spanish Monastery
You don’t have to travel all the way to Europe to see medieval architecture. The Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach was originally built in Segovia, Spain in 1141 AD. The monastery was eventually dismantled and reconstructed on its present site in the 1950s. Today, it’s the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere and features impressive Romanesque, Moorish, and Gothic design elements. Visitors can tour the breathtaking stone cloister with its double arcade and uniquely carved capitals. Inside the chapel, you’ll find artifacts like a 12th-century altarpiece and elaborately painted ceiling from the original Spanish monastery. The Ancient Spanish Monastery’s rich history and architectural details make it feel vastly removed from modern Miami.
Address: 16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
Phone: (305) 945-1461
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
With 83 acres of gardens located just 20 minutes from downtown Miami, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an ideal place to immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city. The extensive grounds are home to rare tropical plants from around the world. Highlights include an aquatic garden filled with lovely water lilies, a sunken garden showcasing tropical fruits and spices, and a dramatic vine pergola tunnel. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden also has excellent conservation, research, and education programs. Your group can join a guided tour focusing on medicinal plants, rainforest ecology, or art in the garden. Meandering through this lush oasis, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the diversity of tropical flora.
Address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156
Phone: (305) 667-1651
Lagniappe House
For a quirky dose of Old Florida, head just north of downtown to the historic Lagniappe House. Dating back to the 1920s, this creaky wooden building is crammed full of oddities and curiosities from across the state. Authentic “alligator pants,” colorful seashell chandeliers, a two-headed taxidermy calf…you never know what strange sights you might encounter here. The Lagniappe House also documents the folk history of early Florida, from Native American dugout canoes to fascinating artifacts from the area’s first settlers. Kids especially will have a blast exploring the eccentric nooks and crannies. This truly one-of-a-kind store celebrates the weird and wonderful side of the Sunshine State.
Address: 3425 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Phone: (305) 573-2154
Crandon Park
This 300-acre park on the northern tip of Key Biscayne offers plenty of recreational options alongside incredible coastal scenery. Miles of serene walking trails wind through Crandon Park, leading to secluded beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just sunbathing with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Families also enjoy the expansive playground, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and picnic areas scattered throughout the park. For an elevated perspective, head to the Crandon Park Family Amusement Center and take a ride on the old-fashioned carousel or Ferris wheel. With so much space and so many activities, Crandon Park is an ideal place for your group to enjoy a fun-filled day along the coast.
Address: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Phone: (305) 361-5421
Deering Estate
History buffs will appreciate this historic home with connections to the early 1900s Miami area. The Deering Estate belonged to Charles Deering, son of International Harvester Company founder William Deering. The main house on the property is actually the Richmond Cottage, built around 1896 as a hotel for tourists flocking to Miami. Deering later adapted the home after he purchased the estate in 1922. Today, the Deering Estate allows visitors to step back to the early 20th century through tours of the Richmond Cottage as well as the Stone House, Tequesta Indian mounds, and several other historic structures. Within the sprawling natural areas, your group can go boating, fishing, cycling, or hiking. With cultural heritage and outdoor recreation, the Deering Estate makes an engaging and scenic visit.
Address: 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33157
Phone: (305) 235-1668
Lincoln Road Mall
This pedestrian-only open air promenade is one of the most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations in Miami Beach. By closing Lincoln Road to automobiles, the city has created a vibrant public space where you can stroll carefree without cars. The mile-long mall is home to plenty of major retailers like H&M and Gap, but you’ll also find lots of artsy boutiques, unique gift shops, cool street performers, and lively outdoor cafes. Lincoln Road offers excellent people watching opportunities, especially on lively weekend nights when the many bars, clubs, and lounges come alive. The area’s Art Deco buildings and tropical foliage provide a scenic backdrop as you browse the bustling shops and restaurants.
Address: 400-1100 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Plan Your Trip With Party Buses Miami
Exploring Miami’s hidden gems is so much more enjoyable when you don’t have to worry about transportation logistics. Our charter buses allow your entire group to travel together in comfort and style as you experience destinations beyond the usual tourist traps. Let Party Buses Miami handles the driving so you can focus on discovering the magic of this vibrant city. Contact us today at (954) 507-6982 to start planning your Miami adventure!