It’s hard to get away from the glitz and glamour of Miami Beach, especially if you’re only visiting for a weekend. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and art exhibits to keep you busy for days, but Miami has a lot more to offer than South Beach. One such hidden gem in Miami is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens located off the island.
I didn’t know this place existed for the longest time until my parents came in town to visit and mentioned going. When you live on the beach, you don’t venture off the causeway nearly as much as you should. It’s a great place to explore and not your typical Miami excursion.
About Vizcaya
What to see:
Vizcaya is a beautiful waterfront mansion built in the early 1900’s. The owner, James Deering had it built as a winter home with design inspiration from France and Italy. The main house is over 45,000 sq. ft but the impressive gardens are what draws people in.
There are maze hedges cropped in short designs, statues sprinkled throughout and gazebos among the foliage. You’ll see wrought iron gates that loom above you and stone staircases that lead you to cute spots. Every corner is a photo op and we had a nice time exploring the nooks and crannies you can find within the gardens.
On the water’s edge is a stone barge. Back in the day, Deering would have little boats take his guest to the barge because apparently that’s where the party would be. If you ask me, the whole yard is a party, which is why Vizcaya is a popular place for weddings and events.
Visiting Information:
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is currently open at 9:30am with the last admittance at 4:30pm. You can stay in select areas of the house until 5:00pm and the gardens until 5:30pm. (Updated September 2020) It’s open Thursday-Monday and is CLOSED on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Costs: Adult tickets are $22, Children are $10 normally. ($18 and $8 September 2020–discounted prices for part of the main house being closed)
It’s located just south of Brickell:
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33129
Photography:
Professional photography is allowed but you’ll need to purchase a photography permit.
For updates and additional information, check out the official website here!
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Miami, checking out the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is worth doing. You won’t need the whole afternoon to explore, but you can definitely spend some time walking through the gardens and exploring the house.
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