Miami, Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, thriving nightlife, and rich cultural diversity, has a lesser-known quirky side.
This vibrant city has a collection of some of the most fascinating and bizarre roadside attractions that beckon tourists and locals alike to explore the unusual and unexpected.
Each place has its own unique story behind it, some filled with mystery and others with a rich history.
This guide will take you through 11 of Miami's most unique sights, from mysterious gardens to colorful murals, and everything in between.
Roadside Attractions In The Miami Area That You Must See
1. Coral Castle
Built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin over 28 years, Coral Castle is a mysterious architectural marvel made of giant coral rocks.
Edward Leedskalnin, who stood just 5 feet tall and weighed only 100 pounds, sculpted the castle using over 1,100 tons of coral rock and using only his hands.
Coral Castle consists of numerous megalithic stones, mostly formed from coral limestone, in the form of walls, carvings, furniture, and a castle tower.
The complex includes features like a sundial, a Polaris telescope, rocking chairs made of stone, and a 9-ton revolving gate that moves with just a gentle push.
The castle has become famous not just for its artistic beauty but also for the mystery surrounding its construction. Leedskalnin himself remained secretive about his methods.
Edward Leedskalnin was inspired to build the structure after being jilted by his 16-year-old fiancée, Agnes Scuffs, just one day before their wedding. He called the Coral Castle his "Oasis of Love" and dedicated it to his lost love.
Today, Coral Castle is a popular tourist attraction, and guided tours are available for those curious about this architectural marvel.
Coral Castle is located at 28655 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33033.
2. The Wynwood Walls
A must-visit for art enthusiasts, Wynwood Walls is a creative paradise located in Miami's Wynwood district.
Created in 2009 by the visionary Tony Goldman, it has transformed the neighborhood's warehouses into giant canvases for renowned artists from around the world.
Over 50 artists representing 16 countries have covered over 80,000 square feet of walls.
The area also features galleries, restaurants, and boutiques, allowing for a full day's exploration.
The Wynwood Walls is located at 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127.
3. Monkey Jungle
A 30-acre wildlife park, Monkey Jungle allows visitors to immerse themselves in a habitat where nearly 400 primates run free.
Established in 1933, it's home to species such as Java macaques, orangutans, and gorillas.
The park offers various feeding shows, wildlife talks, and the opportunity to wander through a lush, tropical environment where monkeys can be observed in a naturalistic setting.
The Monkey Jungle is located at 14805 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170.
4. World Erotic Art Museum
The World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM) in Miami Beach houses one of the largest publicly-viewable collections of erotic art in the world.
With pieces dating from 300 BCE to the present, it includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects.
Curated with an educational perspective, it provides insight into the history, cultural differences, and social movements surrounding eroticism.
It's a destination for open-minded adults to explore human sexuality through the lens of artistic expression.
The WEAM is located at 1205 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
5. The Venetian Pool
A unique public swimming pool, the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 820,000-gallon pool was transformed from a coral rock quarry, and it boasts waterfalls, caves, and palm trees, giving it an otherworldly ambiance.
The pool's design incorporates waterfalls that cascade into the pool from rocky outcroppings, hidden grottos that you can swim into, and even a bridge that spans across it.
It's filled with cool, fresh spring water from an underground aquifer, and during the spring and summer months, it's drained and refilled daily, maintaining a refreshing and clean swimming experience.
The Venetian Pool offers an expansive shallow area for younger swimmers and a more substantial deep end for more experienced swimmers.
With lifeguards on duty, it's a safe environment for families to enjoy. There's also a sandy sunning area, providing a beach-like experience.
The Venetian Pool is located at 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
6. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Situated in the lush Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is an opulent mansion that transports visitors to a bygone era of elegance and grandeur.
Built between 1914 and 1922 as the winter estate of industrialist James Deering, this remarkable 34-room mansion blends European architectural styles with tropical Floridian landscapes.
Designed by architect F. Burrall Hoffman and decorator Paul Chalfin, the main house at Vizcaya draws inspiration from Italian Renaissance and Baroque styles, combining them with materials native to Florida.
This synthesis has resulted in an aesthetically pleasing space filled with intricate woodwork, decorative ceilings, frescoes, and antique furnishings collected from Europe.
The gardens are a masterpiece in themselves, conceived by landscape architect Diego Suarez. They're inspired by Italian and French royal gardens and spread across ten acres.
Visitors can explore a series of themed gardens, including formal gardens with geometrical layouts, a fragrant orchid garden, and a maze garden.
The gardens are adorned with fountains, statues, grottos, and pergolas, each telling a story of its own.
It is located at 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129.
Read more here: Explore The Vizcaya Museum And Gardens: A Timeless Retreat In Florida
7. Domino Park
Maximo Gomez Park, affectionately known as Domino Park, is a cultural hub in Little Havana, Miami's vibrant Cuban neighborhood.
This open-air park is steeped in tradition and community spirit, attracting both locals and tourists.
Elderly Cuban men, often dressed in traditional Guayabera shirts, gather here daily for intense games of dominos, chess, and checkers.
Visitors are welcome to observe or even join in. Don't be shy; many locals are more than happy to teach newcomers.
Throughout the year, the park hosts cultural events, festivals, and live music that celebrate Cuban culture. These events often include traditional Cuban food, dance, and music.
Little Havana itself is a bustling area filled with Cuban coffee shops, restaurants, and cigar stores.
A visit to Domino Park can easily be paired with exploring the local flavors and crafts of this lively community.
Domino Park is located at SW 8th Street and SW 15th Avenue, Miami, FL 33135.
8. Ancient Spanish Monastery (St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church)
The Ancient Spanish Monastery boasts an incredible journey from Segovia, Spain, to North Miami Beach.
Built in the 12th century, this monastery is one of the oldest European structures in the Western Hemisphere.
Its intricate stonework and stained glass windows are a testament to medieval craftsmanship.
The surrounding gardens are filled with exotic plants, winding paths, and peaceful nooks, offering a tranquil escape.
The monastery is still a functioning church, with regular services open to the public. It is also a popular venue for weddings, concerts, and cultural events.
It is located at 16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160.
9. The Miami Circle
The Miami Circle is an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into Miami's ancient history.
It's a 38-foot diameter circle comprised of 24 mysterious holes cut into the limestone bedrock, believed to have been created by the Tequesta Indians more than 2,000 years ago.
The site's discovery in 1998 sparked intrigue and debate among archaeologists and historians.
The precise purpose of the circle remains unknown, but it's thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes.
The Miami Circle is now part of a scenic park overlooking the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. It's a peaceful spot to enjoy waterfront views and reflect on the city's ancient past.
Find it at 401 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131.
10. Gold Coast Railroad Museum
The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is a paradise for train enthusiasts and history buffs. It's a celebration of rail history, preserving various historic railcars and locomotives.
The museum showcases over 40 pieces of railroad equipment, including the "Ferdinand Magellan" Presidential Railcar used by Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, and Reagan.
Visitors can also enjoy train rides on weekends, experiencing travel as it was in the golden age of railroads.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts special events, such as "A Day Out With Thomas," where children can meet Thomas the Tank Engine, and seasonal train rides like the "Polar Express."
The museum is located at 12450 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177.
11. Miami's Tower Theater
Miami's Tower Theater is one of the city's oldest cultural landmarks, serving as a window into the rich Cuban heritage of the area.
It's more than just a movie theater; it's a symbol of the cultural fusion that defines Miami. Built in 1926, the Tower Theater started as a venue for silent films.
After the Cuban exile influx in the 1960s, it became a place where Cubans could watch Spanish-language films and learn about American culture.
The theater’s façade is a beautiful example of the Mediterranean Revival style, and the interior still boasts original decorative details.
Now managed by Miami Dade College, the theater screens both English and Spanish language films, including independent and international selections, keeping its multicultural tradition alive.
It is located at 1508 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135.
Visit Miami's Most Interesting Sites!
Miami's array of unique roadside attractions adds another layer of charm to this already captivating city.
Whether you're a fan of the mysterious, the artistic, or the downright quirky, Miami has something for every adventurous soul.
Take a break from the usual tourist spots and take this unusual journey!
These 11 attractions await your discovery, offering experiences that will surely make your trip to Miami truly unforgettable.
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