I’ve lived in South Florida for most of my life, but I have to admit, the number of times I have been to Miami are pretty low considering I only grew up about an hour away. But I finally started making the drive down a bit more frequently because there is just so much to see and experience. In this post I’ll tell you all about the historic and stunning Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a breathtaking villa completed in 1922 that sprawls 50 acres in Coconut Grove, Miami FL. Visiting Vizcaya is a great way to spend a beautiful Florida afternoon, enjoying the scenic grounds, appreciating history and donating to a worth cause. I hope this post inspires you to take in some Florida history and experience something a bit different than what Miami is known for.
Miami, Florida is a city like no other. Bursting with different music, foods, cultures, and experiences, Miami puts a hot, spicy spin on the unique meld of flavors that make their way here from all different corners of the world. Miami radiates on its own frequency and it really is a melting pot of different sights, sounds and colors, overflowing with its unique flavor.
A Brief History – Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
But before Miami became a hot spot for a variety of different cultures, shopping, nightlife and restaurants, Miami was a mangrove wilderness that held the promise of tourism and agriculture to those living up north looking to escape the harsh winter climates.
Among those relocating to Miami in the early 1900s was James Deering, treasurer of the Deering Harvester Company. In 1910 James Deering purchased land on Biscayne Bay, in the present-day Coconut Grove neighborhood, and built the Mediterranean Revival style villa from 1914 to 1922.
About Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The estate, now called Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, is absolutely magnificent. The more than seventy room villa and gardens sprawl across 50 stunning acres containing the Italian Renaissance formal gardens, as well as 40 acres of the surrounding native hammock vegetation.
Driving up to Vizcaya, you might almost miss it if you weren’t looking for it. The narrow path to the property is marked by two grand limestone pillars greeting you and providing a sense of the grandiosity that is to come. As you continue driving through the property, you’ll pass stunning fountains and statues as you are directed to park your vehicle. Walking to the Museum, you’ll wander through winding paths of the tall hammock trees that surround the property.
I recommend you purchase tickets in advance as there is a chance that admission for the day is sold out.
The museum is a self guided tour, so I suggest downloading the app to your phone, called Vizcaya, from either Apple or Google Play and listening and reading along while walking through the museum, there is so much history and interesting information. You’re free to wander around at your own pace, so you can take as much time or as little as you need. Its a gorgeous setting to take some stunning photos, especially in the gardens, so make sure you have a camera ready! But please be aware that you do need a permit for professional videography and photography sessions.
The landscape and architecture were influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance models and designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style, with Baroque elements and is nothing short of breathtaking.
The gardens are vast and stunning, incorporating Cuban limestone stonework incorporating Floridian coral architectural trim and planted with native plants that thrived in the sub-tropic climate.
Side note – South Florida is currently overrun with invasive iguanas. They thrive in South Florida’s subtropical climate and have no natural predators here. Floridians and groundkeepers hate the nuisance, but I honestly love seeing them. I also saw a bunch of these beautiful blue and orange lizards I had never seen before this trip to Vizcaya. After some research, I identified them as an invasive species of lizard called the South African Rainbow Lizard and they seem overall harmless. You’ll find both of these all over the property and I honestly got a huge kick out of them. Dad equally got a kick out of me chasing them down, he caught a photo of me below as succeeded in this awesome shot of one perched on the statue’s head!
Where to Eat at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens has a little café and gift shop right on property by the pool and I do recommend stopping and enjoying a bite in this beautiful setting before you leave. The food is actually quite good, they have sandwiches, soups (which looked good but I don’t recommend in the Florida heat) and salads.
Events and Membership at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens has regular events so be sure to check out the calendar. Among these events is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Farmers Market which takes place every Sunday, rain or shine, from 9am to 2pm.
If you live nearby, I highly recommend becoming a member which will provide you access to member only events, discounted admission to the property, discounts at the café and shop, and you’ll be contributing to the much needed continued preservation of this stunning and historic site.
I hope you find this post helpful in planning your trip to Miami or Vizcaya! If you liked this post, please leave a comment below! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram at @amanda_meets_world_ 🙂
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