Things to Do in Homestead
Fun Things to Do in Homestead, Florida. Homestead is a minor city in the county of Miami-Dade. Situated between the Biscayne and Everglades National Parks, 35 miles southwest of Miami, is this agricultural district. The construction camps were located in a homesteading region that was not designated when the Florida East Coast Railway extension to Key West was being built in the early 1900s. On the map, the engineers named the place “Homestead,” and that name stayed. The region, which lies on the boundary between the tropical monsoon and tropical savanna climate zones, was severely damaged by Hurricane Andrew, a Category 5 storm, in 1992. It’s perfect for tropical fruit, hops, and grapes.
1. Seminole Theatre
Seminole Theatre, which opened as a silent film theater in the 1920s, has developed into a center for the creation of many performing arts. They ardently present a variety of live events, including dance, music, and theater, with the goal of introducing the local community to gifted performers from across the globe. Additionally, the theater is proud to have its own resident theater group, the Seminole Theatre Players, who puts on live shows all year long. The theater has snack and drink stands for patrons to enjoy, and for some shows, there’s a complete bar. There are numerous other dining options conveniently located near the theater.
2. Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
A hands-on husband and wife pair manage this family-owned eatery. They are first-generation immigrants from Palermo, Italy, and they came to New York in 1978 to study about the restaurant industry. They established a prosperous trattoria in the heart of Homestead by bringing the recipes for those pizzas and Italian cuisine from New York to the South. The menu also includes subs, entrees, and pasta dishes. Canneloni and gelato are examples of dessert foods that complete a meal. They provide espressos and cappuccinos as well as a wine station for customers to utilize.
Phone: 305-248-3133
3. Shiver’s Bar-B-Q
Since it opened in the Homestead region in 1950, Shiver’s has grown to be a landmark. The restaurant has been owned, operated, and frequented by generations of the community. The delicacies include pulled pork that is cooked for more than 12 hours and spare ribs smoked over hickory. In addition, they sell sandwiches, salads, sides, and half-and-quarter chickens. They have well-known sauces. Desserts prepared at home, like peach cobbler, are a complete meal. The rustic log cottage with benches and picnic tables has a laid-back vibe. For parties larger than 15, there are options for outside catering.
28001 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033, Phone: 305-248-2273
4. Biscayne National Park Institute
The institute’s goal is to increase public awareness of the priceless natural resource by fostering connections between people and the Biscayne National Park via educational and experiential initiatives. The most visited island in the park, Boca Chita, is the destination of their boat cruises led by guides. During the three-hour journey, visitors learn about the ecosystem’s health, history, and habitats. Climbing the lighthouse, which provides sweeping views of the harbor, is an additional excursion. Teams of volunteers clear the mangrove swamps with rubbish every Tuesday. In addition, the institute rents out kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes.
9700 SW 328th St., Homestead, FL 33035, Phone: 786-335-3644
5. Seminole Wayside Park
Among the oldest parks in the neighborhood is this one. It was founded in 1936 with the goal of protecting the threatened pine rocklands. The 27-acre park is home to 24 threatened and 2 endangered plant species. The park’s low coral wall was constructed in the 1930s as a WPA construction project. Cyclists, skateboarders, and pedestrians all frequent the park. It is near the Mowry Canal, a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Long-term plans call for connecting the two facilities.
6. Homestead Trolley-Everglades National Park
Too few visitors were visiting the parks at Homestead Bay, Biscayne, and the Everglades, which alarmed the National Park Service. They found that a large number of people wanted to go but lacked transportation. For the elderly in particular, it was frequently too hot to walk to the park entrances. They implemented a Video) system that provides free transportation, a free guided tour, and free park admission. The volunteer guides provide information about the destinations’ ecology, fauna, and history as they travel. For those using the facilities, there is even free parking available at the termination point in downtown Homestead.
7. Miami Gliders
28790 SW 217th Ave, Homestead, FL 33030, Phone: 786-243-7640
8. Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple
In 1986, the five acres of land needed for the temple were purchased. Although construction began in 1995, the facility wasn’t finished until 2002. A magnificent donation of finances and various ornamental objects created in Thailand and sent here was made by the Marble Temple located in Bangkok. 150 monks from Bangkok came to offer their respects at the ceremony. Bangkok is also where the Buddha statue (Video) was sculpted. It is roughly 7 feet broad and 23 feet high. It is mostly composed of bronze with accents of brass, copper, silver, and gold, and weighs five tons. At the compound, students are educated about Thai language, culture, and music.
Constructed in 1917, the historic Town Hall now serves as the museum. The former vice-mayor and councilor Ruth Campbell spearheaded the effort to establish the museum. Following the authorities’ 1975 departure from the property, Mrs. Campbell relocated her office to the first floor in order to accept public gifts of materials. In 1982, Hurricane Andrew destroyed the roof. after it was fixed and the museum assumed complete ownership. The star attraction is the fire engine from 1924, La France. The numerous cookbooks published by churches and women’s organizations are an invaluable resource that depict daily living across the ages.
41 N. Krome Avenue, Phone: 305-242-4463
Peter Schnebly is a beer and wine lover. Having established a prosperous vineyard, he recognized a void in the industry for a small-scale commercial brewery. He had an idea for a beer that would taste and look like Miami. He chose the brand name “Vice” and the 1980s aesthetic for the labels, drawing inspiration from the well-known TV show. The beer needed to taste cool and have a hint of the local coconut and tropical fruits. The firm grows the ingredients for its brews on a 100-acre farm. The tap room serves almost twenty beers.
30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead Florida 33030, Phone: 305-242-1224
11. Black Point Park and Marina
Black Point is Miami’s largest public harbor and is located near Biscayne National Park. Ten years prior to Hurricane Andrew’s devastating effects on the region, in 1982, the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department constructed it. Numerous buildings, including fishing and sailing vessels, were destroyed. These days, the attractions include jogging tracks, bikeways, grills, and picnic spots. The jetty serves as the starting point for diving and fishing in the bay, extending 1.5 miles into it. In the park, one can witness endangered Florida manatees and saltwater crocodiles. In addition to steaks and munchies, the Black Point Ocean Grill offers seasonal seafood dishes.
12. Homestead Bayfront Park
The entrance to the Florida Keys is located in this 1200 acre park. It is located adjacent to Biscayne National Park at the southernmost point of Biscayne Bay. Two miles of bayfront are lined with beaches that are shaded by palm trees. Campers and day visitors are transported to and from Elliott Key by boat. There are picnic spaces, a pavilion, docking facilities, a fishing pier, and a boat launch in the park. It is accessible from dawn to dusk. Within the park is a private company called La Playa Grill. The hot dog stand that was destroyed during Hurricane Andrew served as the foundation for the construction of the sports bar and seafood restaurant.
9698 N Canal Drive, Homestead, FL, Phone: 305-230-3033
This Cold War-era missile station is located in the Everglades. Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US Army Corps of Engineers built it in 1965. Constructed to defend the nation against southern air attacks, it employed 140 soldiers. Since it was abandoned in 1979, it has hardly changed at all. In 2004, the US Department of the Interior placed the base on its Register of Historic Places. Visits are available to three missile barns, a missile manufacturing complex, barracks, and kennels for guard dogs. There are two Nike Hercules missiles on exhibit.
40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, Phone: 305-242-7700
14. Everglades Outpost Wildlife Rescue
The year-round rescue center is the home and workplace of Bob and Barbara Freer. They take in wild animals that have been hurt, left behind, or mistreated. Numerous animals under their care were taken from abusive or unlawful environments. After giving the animals medical attention and rehabilitation, they attempt to reintegrate them into the wild. Others stay at the outpost or find new homes. They have saved tigers, pelicans, foxes, possums, lemurs, and panthers. By appointment, tours of the backstage areas are offered. Educational outreach programs consist of field tours and wildlife displays related to Florida.
35601 SW 192 Ave, Homestead, FL 33034, Phone: 305-247-8000
15. Schnebly Redland’s Winery
On the grounds of the winery, there are three businesses. The winery’s tasting area and bar, with its grand entryway, ceiling mural, coral waterfalls, and glass racks shaped like trees, is an architectural wonder. Weekend tours of the estate are available, including the history of the family and the wine-making process. The Redlands restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner from Thursday through Monday. Homestyle, farm-to-table food is served. On site, the Miami Brewing Company offers a selection of home brews for sale. In addition to catering, the space can be rented out for special events.
30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead Florida 33030, Phone: 305-242-1224
16. Coral Castle Museum
Edward Leedskainin was a little built, reticent Latvian man. Agnes, who was only “sweet sixteen,” captured his heart when he was 26 years old. The day before their wedding, she left him. They were supposed to be married. He devoted the remainder of his life to erecting a memorial to his departed love. He moved and cut 1100 tons of coral into a fantastical landscape on a ten-acre tract outside of Homestead while working at night. Ghost tours take place at night, and audio tours are offered in a number of languages. Replicas of the sculptures and other mementos are sold at the gift stores.
28655 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33033, Phone: 305-248-6345
17. Everglades Alligator Farm
With almost 2000 alligators, the plantation is located close to the Everglades National Park entrance (Video). An airboat ride over the Everglades for 45 to 60 minutes would be the highlight of a visit to the farm. The boats are very noisy, have a 360-degree turn, and go at a fast speed. Passengers will undoubtedly get wet because they are open. Young children should not ride the boat. Regular feeding demonstrations and alligator and snake exhibitions take place. During VIP behind-the-scenes visits, you can feed and handle the larger alligators.
40351 SW 192 Avenue Homestead, FL 33034, Phone: 305-247-2628
18. Fruit & Spice Park
In the Redland region, Mary Calkins Heinlein was born into a family of pioneer homesteaders. She became passionate about highlighting this subtropical region’s agricultural richness. Together with park officials, she bought eighteen acres in 1943. These were manicured and planned with fruit trees such as avocado, mango, papaya, sapodilla, citrus, and others to create gardens that resembled parks. There are 500 different kinds of exotic fruits, herbs, spices, and nuts in the 37-acre park. Tram rides and guided excursions are available all across the park. Fruit that has fallen can be taken, and seeds and cuttings can be purchased. The park is included in the historic district of Redland.
24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL 33031, Phone: 305-247-5727
19. AIRIE Nest
Artists In Residence In the Everglades is referred to by the acronym AIRIE. Artists are awarded a scholarship for a month-long residency in the park through a relationship with the Everglade National Park. The goal is to improve the subtropical Everglades wilderness’s cultural legacy. Artists’ works are regularly exhibited at off-site locations as well as in the Airie Nest in the park’s Visitor Center. Events held all year long to raise money include silent auctions, champagne receptions, air boat trips, and annual benefits. The store offers branded goods for sale.
40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL
20. Homestead Miami Speedway
Sports promoter Ralph Sanchez began talks with the city officials to construct a facility to rebuild the neighborhood following Hurricane Andrew’s devastation. In 1995, the speedway track was finished. On the 600 acres of land, a thousand palm trees were planted. There are 750 TV monitors showing the action, and the grandstand has space for 55,000 spectators. In 2008, a new media center was constructed. The road circuit is 2.2 miles long, while the oval track is 1.5 miles long. 2.4 million watts of lights were installed around both circuits in 2005. The Speedway is home to NASCAR, Ford Championship, and Indy Racing League races.
One Ralph Sanchez Speedway Boulevard, Homestead, Phone: 305-230-5000
21. Knaus Berry Farm
22. Biscayne National Park
