Notable Destinations
here are a few recommendations for alternate sites to visit
Metro Zoo
One of the world's great zoos is right here in Miami-Dade County. Metrozoo houses more than 900 wild animals and is the only subtropical zoo in the continental United States. Trek through Asia and see Asian River Otters, Komodo Dragons, and Bengal Tigers. Hike the African Plains with giraffes, zebras and lions. Walk about Australia with koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. The Wings of Asia aviary features more than 80 varieties of exotic and endangered species.
12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, Florida 33177.
Phone: 305-251-0400
open every day at 9:30am, gates close at 4:00pm.
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
At the old blimp base (near the MetroZoo), the Richmond Naval Airstation, the railroad museum offers a nice collection of engines and train cars, plus classes for those that would be active crewmembers.
Coral Castle
Top ranked by TripAdvisor and Yelp! Top 10 Historic Hot Spot Museum Theme Park in S. Florida. Ed Leedskalnin was 100 lbs. and stood just over 5 feet tall. Ed built his castle in secret leaving scientists, engineers, scholars baffled since 1923. See a 9-ton gate, a Polaris telescope, the world’s only Sundial with seasons. Some of the Castle’s pieces are twice the weight of the largest blocks of the great pyramids of Egypt. Seen on History Channel, Travel Channel. Discovery Channel, Univision, BBC. Continuous live tour, snack bar, gift shop
28655 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33033. Phone: 305-248-6345 www.coralcastle.com
Monkey Jungle
“Where the humans are caged and the monkeys run wild.” Hundreds of exotic monkeys explore the habitats of Asia and South America’s tropical Amazonian rain forest. Continuous shows. Also features a 5,000 specimen fossil deposit. Snack bar and gift shop. Open daily.
Everglades Outpost
A unique wildlife refuge operated by Bob Freer and Barbara Tansey has been providing shelter and care at this location to Florida wildlife and exotic species since 1993.
The operation is sustained by memberships, but visitors can experience the sanctuary for a small fee which goes toward the maintenance and care of the animals.
It's a short hop south of Robert is Here fruit stand on your way to the Everglades National Park.
The Everglades Alligator Farm
Several miles due south of Robert Is Here, this is a well operated wildlife attraction for the whole family featuring many dozens of snakes, over 2,000 alligators, numerous birds and other animals. Airboat rides are a big thrill and are included in the entrance fee.
This privately owned attraction is a real working alligator farm. Started in 1982 by Mr. John Hudson, the farm originally began as an airboat ride attraction.
In 1985 the State of Florida permitted commercial farming of alligators and Mr. Hudson opened the first such farm in Dade County. In the 60s, the American alligator had almost become extinct and was placed on the endangered species list by the Federal Government. Commercial farming was correctly seen as a way to insure the preservation of this reptile, which traces its existence back to the time of the dinosaurs.
This popular attraction is located at the edge of the Everglades, however, it is not a part of the Everglades National Park. It retains a rustic atmosphere that is representative of the pioneer era a century ago, in harmony with the Everglades' pristine environment.
Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum When visiting Miami's Bountiful Countryside, a great place to catch up on local history is the Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum at 41 North Krome Avenue, in the heart of this charming downtown area.
Their FaceBook page has wonderful posts about the most interesting items.
Castellow Hammock Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the Castellow Hammock Preserve and Nature Center is located on 162nd Ave (Farm Life Road) between 216 St and 232 St.
This 112-acre park and preserve contains a mature tropical hardwood forest with a half-mile self-guided nature trail. The park was named in honor of James S. Castellow, a citrus farmer who homesteaded the property in the early 1900s. In 1974, the park became one of the first environmental education centers in Miami-Dade County and is popular with birders, butterfly watchers, and botanists. The park serves as a wonderful place for city dwellers to get close to nature and rejuvenate the spirit. You may find boy scouts camping here when you visit. Overnight camping and nighttime owl walks available.
Redland Market Village
A food court and collection of fruit stands offers excellent variety and quality of goods at very good prices.
Also, a large number of merchants selling everything from jewelry to hand-made crafts. The fresh Mexican food stands offer excellent fare.
On the weekends, live music and entertainment rounds out this festive atmosphere that attracts large crowds.
24420 S. Dixie Highway, Princeton, FL 33032 Phone: 305-257-4335
Pine Ridge Orchids
For more than 30 years, Pine ridge has been offering wholesale pricing on orchids. They also sell Chinese and Taiwanese tea and have been restoring our globally endangered ecosystem, the Miami Rock Pineland, for the past three decades.
Pine Ridge Orchids is a commercial nursery selling wholesale to the general public. They specialize in “florist quality” Phalaenopsis in the most unusual colors plus Paphiopedilums, both Maudiae-type and multi-floral types. They also have an extensive cloning project ongoing where they clone the best of our Phalaenopsis stock along with some very unusual color varieties of seedlings bred from Taiwan and other local hybridizers.
Florida City Farmers Market
The Farmer's Market is open to wholesale business only, but there is a small set of bays open to the public, located directly behind the Farmer's Market Restaurant. Stop in for fresh produce, seafood and prepared items.
300 N. Krome Avenue, Florida City, FL 33034 telephone: 305-246-6334
Fairchild Farm Fruit Market at Williams Grove Fairchild Farm at Williams Grove is operated by Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm selling fruit grown on the premises. They also serve fruit smoothies. Call for group tour information.
14885 SW 248 St Homestead FL, 33187 305-258-0464
Redland Herb Farm
Stop by this cozy little herb farm for a great selection of culinary and medicinal herbs, from small plugs to gallon pots. Meet Carolyne Coppolo and learn about her cooking and growing workshops. You can also purchase potting soil and natural fertilizers. Her home is an historic treasure of the Redland Region.
Going Bananas Farm
With more than 90 varieties of banana plants, as well as a few lychees and longans, Don and Katie Chafin at Going Bananas are an excellent resource for many types of exotic banana species. Stop by and take home some banana plants for your back yard and enjoy these delicious fresh fruits year 'round.
Pine Island Nursery
An excellent source for tropical fruit trees, including citrus, Pince Island Nursery offers an abundance of varieties at reasonable prices.
16300 SW 184 St., Miami, FL 33187 305-233-5501
Zone Ten Nursery Tom and Linda White are currently propagating well over 150 species and varieties of plants, everything from Florida natives to flowering gingers and heliconias to rainforest trees. These plants are available to the general public at very reasonable prices on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5pm.
Take SW 192 Street to SW 197 Avenue, north to SW 188 St, then east. 305-255-9825
Bee Heaven Organic Farm A certified organic farm since 1997, using organic growing techniques suitable to our subtropical climate. During the winter growing season, they grow an assortment of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers and an extensive collection of heirloom tomato, hot peppers, veggies, herbs and edible flowers for sale. They also have a certified organic vegetable seedling nursery. These are available for sale through their Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm membership program and Farmers Market.
Take SW 264th St west past SW 187th Avenue (Redland Road) and look for the signs.
Skydive Miami
Get a new perspective on life... reserve your space for a sky diving adventure from Homestead airport.
28730 S.W. 217 Ave. Homestead, Florida.
Call 305-SKY-DIVE or 1-800-SKY-DIVE
The Little Farm
A family-operated livestock farm spanning 10 acres. Take a hands-on tour to see and pet geese, ducks, sheep chickens, rabbits and many more animals. Picnic facilities available.
13401 SW 224th St. Goulds, FL 33170 305-258-3186
Redland Riding Academy
a beautiful working horse ranch offering horseback riding instruction and trail rides, farm tours, Country Riding Packages. A great place to host your Western Birthday Party, School, Corporate and Scouting Events. Certified instructors teach all about horsemanship, horse care, and Western riding to children and adults.
Deering Estate at Cutler
Late 1800s estate on Biscayne Bay. Historical, archeological and natural treasures featured. The original Richmond Cottrage was restored after Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Rob's Redland Riot
A fruity, tropical history tour down south
a leisurely self-guided tour through the Redland Region -- known as Miami's Bountiful Countryside -- featuring a bit of local history and folk tales and a few notable places to stop along the way...
awarded "Best Tour" and
"Best Tour Guide"
in Miami-Dade County
Metro Zoo
Coral Castle 
Everglades Outpost
The Everglades Alligator Farm
When visiting Miami's Bountiful Countryside, a great place to catch up on local history is the 
Redland Market Village 
Pine Ridge Orchids
Florida City Farmers Market
Fairchild Farm at Williams Grove is operated by Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm selling fruit grown on the premises. They also serve fruit smoothies. Call for group tour information.
Redland Herb Farm
Skydive Miami