Devin’s guidebook
City/town information
Homestead is a city within Miami-Dade County in the U.S. state of Florida, between Biscayne National Park to the east and Everglades National Park to the west. Homestead is primarily a Miami suburb and a major agricultural area. It is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan area, which was home to an estimated 6,012,331 people at the 2015 census.
Homestead was incorporated in 1913 and is the second oldest city in Miami-Dade County next to the city of Miami. It is located approximately 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Miami, and 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Key Largo. The name originates from when the Florida East Coast Railway extension to Key West was being built. The rail line was passing through an area opened up for homesteading, and as the construction camp at the end of the line did not have a particular name, construction materials and supplies for the workers were consigned to "Homestead Country", shortened to "Homestead" by the engineers who mapped the area.
19 locals recommend
Homestead
Homestead is a city within Miami-Dade County in the U.S. state of Florida, between Biscayne National Park to the east and Everglades National Park to the west. Homestead is primarily a Miami suburb and a major agricultural area. It is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan area, which was home to an estimated 6,012,331 people at the 2015 census.
Homestead was incorporated in 1913 and is the second oldest city in Miami-Dade County next to the city of Miami. It is located approximately 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Miami, and 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Key Largo. The name originates from when the Florida East Coast Railway extension to Key West was being built. The rail line was passing through an area opened up for homesteading, and as the construction camp at the end of the line did not have a particular name, construction materials and supplies for the workers were consigned to "Homestead Country", shortened to "Homestead" by the engineers who mapped the area.
Wine Tasting
This winery in the Redland tropical countryside offers tours and wine tastings around natural coral waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Visitors can compare the taste of lychee, passion fruit, carambola, guava and mango wines, just to name a few. This is the southernmost winery in the Continental U.S., handcrafting tropical wines without using grapes. The building is 5,000 square feet and has a view of the tropical courtyard, waterfalls, winery and Grand Tiki, Waterfall Tiki and more than 20,000 square feet of connecting Tikis.
166 locals recommend
Schnebly Redland's Winery & Brewery
30205 SW 217th AveThis winery in the Redland tropical countryside offers tours and wine tastings around natural coral waterfalls surrounded by lush tropical foliage. Visitors can compare the taste of lychee, passion fruit, carambola, guava and mango wines, just to name a few. This is the southernmost winery in the Continental U.S., handcrafting tropical wines without using grapes. The building is 5,000 square feet and has a view of the tropical courtyard, waterfalls, winery and Grand Tiki, Waterfall Tiki and more than 20,000 square feet of connecting Tikis.
Parks and Recreation
The Fruit & Spice Park is a unique destination dedicated to cultivating tropical fruit trees in a lush, accessible and interactive environment. Bursting with more than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices and nuts, Fruit & Spice Park was the vision of early pioneer and homesteader Mary Heinlen, who was inspired by the area’s wild and abundant ecosystem. Explore the park by winding your way along pathways and boardwalks beneath trees blossoming with avocado, pears, mangoes, sapodillas, papaya, lemons, limes, lychee, coconuts and so much more. While you can’t pick the fruit from the trees, guests are encouraged to forage along the ground for fallen fruit that you can sink your teeth into right then and there. (Or you may want to rinse it off first.) Some of the park’s more impressive stats include its collections of 180 varieties of mangoes, 70 varieties of bamboo, 40 varieties of banana and 15 varieties of jackfruit. The 37-acre Fruit & Spice Park is surrounded by farms and orchids in a lush region of Greater Miami that may surprise some visitors who have never ventured so far south, making it the perfect outdoor adventure for nature lovers and families.
81 locals recommend
Fruit & Spice Park
24801 SW 187th AveThe Fruit & Spice Park is a unique destination dedicated to cultivating tropical fruit trees in a lush, accessible and interactive environment. Bursting with more than 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices and nuts, Fruit & Spice Park was the vision of early pioneer and homesteader Mary Heinlen, who was inspired by the area’s wild and abundant ecosystem. Explore the park by winding your way along pathways and boardwalks beneath trees blossoming with avocado, pears, mangoes, sapodillas, papaya, lemons, limes, lychee, coconuts and so much more. While you can’t pick the fruit from the trees, guests are encouraged to forage along the ground for fallen fruit that you can sink your teeth into right then and there. (Or you may want to rinse it off first.) Some of the park’s more impressive stats include its collections of 180 varieties of mangoes, 70 varieties of bamboo, 40 varieties of banana and 15 varieties of jackfruit. The 37-acre Fruit & Spice Park is surrounded by farms and orchids in a lush region of Greater Miami that may surprise some visitors who have never ventured so far south, making it the perfect outdoor adventure for nature lovers and families.
Local Attractions
Robert Is Here is a family-owned and operated fruit stand that specializes in rare & exotic fruits and vegetables, mostly grown right there on their farms. Although the location started off as a literal Fruit Stand located on the side of the road, it has grown into a complete tourist destination equipped with an Animal Farm, play area and picnic tables. They even have live music on the weekends and holidays.
125 locals recommend
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
19200 SW 344th StRobert Is Here is a family-owned and operated fruit stand that specializes in rare & exotic fruits and vegetables, mostly grown right there on their farms. Although the location started off as a literal Fruit Stand located on the side of the road, it has grown into a complete tourist destination equipped with an Animal Farm, play area and picnic tables. They even have live music on the weekends and holidays.
Coral Castle was built by Edward Leedskalnin, a stonemason from Riga, Latvia. It was built out of coral limestone by only one man just over 5 feet tall and weighing only about 100 pounds. Ed used only hand-made tools and there was no heavy machinery available to assist him. How he pulled it off is still a mystery even today. There are many theories out there how he did it, ranging from defeating gravity all the way to being helped by Aliens. The reason why Ed built the castle was the inspiration for Billy Idol's famous song “Sweet Sixteen." Billy continues to talk about Ed all over the world and sing "Sweet Sixteen" in concerts today.
162 locals recommend
Coral Castle
28655 S Dixie HwyCoral Castle was built by Edward Leedskalnin, a stonemason from Riga, Latvia. It was built out of coral limestone by only one man just over 5 feet tall and weighing only about 100 pounds. Ed used only hand-made tools and there was no heavy machinery available to assist him. How he pulled it off is still a mystery even today. There are many theories out there how he did it, ranging from defeating gravity all the way to being helped by Aliens. The reason why Ed built the castle was the inspiration for Billy Idol's famous song “Sweet Sixteen." Billy continues to talk about Ed all over the world and sing "Sweet Sixteen" in concerts today.
Everglades Alligator Farm is considered to be the oldest alligator farm in South Florida and among the few working ones. It is near to the Everglades National Park and is known for their alligator and snake shows. They have over 2000 gators and a fine collection of exotic snakes. Explore the farm through an adventurous air boat ride or walk through the trails to see the pools and growing pools. You will also catch some wildlife that you never expected on your way. It is a fun and educating place for the entire family
124 locals recommend
Everglades Alligator Farm
40351 SW 192nd AveEverglades Alligator Farm is considered to be the oldest alligator farm in South Florida and among the few working ones. It is near to the Everglades National Park and is known for their alligator and snake shows. They have over 2000 gators and a fine collection of exotic snakes. Explore the farm through an adventurous air boat ride or walk through the trails to see the pools and growing pools. You will also catch some wildlife that you never expected on your way. It is a fun and educating place for the entire family
Catch the latest movie in the state of the art theater with reclining chairs, play arcade games or go bowling with the family. It's all here, in just a short walk from the house.
12 locals recommend
ShowBiz Cinemas
100 S Krome AveCatch the latest movie in the state of the art theater with reclining chairs, play arcade games or go bowling with the family. It's all here, in just a short walk from the house.
Sports
While the Homestead Miami Speedway hosts world-class races annually like Nascar Dixie Vodka 400 Weekend in March, the racetrack is an action-packed venue year round. With more than 280 active days a year at the Miami Homestead Speedway, it’s easy to plan a visit to the track while you’re exploring South Dade. Fast Lane Fridays are held once a month. This legal drag racing event is open to anyone 18 years and older with a valid driver’s license and proof of registration and insurance. Held from 6 p.m. until midnight, drivers race down the 1,760-foot straight away as many times as they like.
Consult the track’s calendar where you’ll find a variety of events and races, including high performance driver education and coaching, either behind the wheel of your own car or in an exotic car that you can rent for the afternoon. Options range from the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari GT and Audi R8. You’ll get one-on-one instruction from professional racecar drivers and by the end of the day you’ll feel like a champ yourself.
It’s also home to Homestead Karting, a premier go-kart track with a kart shop that hosts its own races and events. The Homestead Miami Speedway facilities are even available to host corporate events, car shows, motorcycle events and video or photo shoots. They also host concerts and special events throughout the year.
96 locals recommend
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Speedway BoulevardWhile the Homestead Miami Speedway hosts world-class races annually like Nascar Dixie Vodka 400 Weekend in March, the racetrack is an action-packed venue year round. With more than 280 active days a year at the Miami Homestead Speedway, it’s easy to plan a visit to the track while you’re exploring South Dade. Fast Lane Fridays are held once a month. This legal drag racing event is open to anyone 18 years and older with a valid driver’s license and proof of registration and insurance. Held from 6 p.m. until midnight, drivers race down the 1,760-foot straight away as many times as they like.
Consult the track’s calendar where you’ll find a variety of events and races, including high performance driver education and coaching, either behind the wheel of your own car or in an exotic car that you can rent for the afternoon. Options range from the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari GT and Audi R8. You’ll get one-on-one instruction from professional racecar drivers and by the end of the day you’ll feel like a champ yourself.
It’s also home to Homestead Karting, a premier go-kart track with a kart shop that hosts its own races and events. The Homestead Miami Speedway facilities are even available to host corporate events, car shows, motorcycle events and video or photo shoots. They also host concerts and special events throughout the year.
Sightseeing
Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It contains temperate and tropical plant communities, as well as marine and estuarine environments. It boasts rare and endangered species including the Wood Stork and the American Crocodile. It has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance. It is significant to all people of the world.
350 locals recommend
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. It contains temperate and tropical plant communities, as well as marine and estuarine environments. It boasts rare and endangered species including the Wood Stork and the American Crocodile. It has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance. It is significant to all people of the world.
Food scene
Savor Caribbean and Jamaican cuisines that will combine many elements of culinary traditions. Yardie Spice offers nicely cooked fried chicken wings, oxtail, goat curry as well as vegan options. Here you will be offered good key lime pie, coconut cakes and pudding.
This spot is famous for its great service and friendly staff, that is always ready to help you. Fair prices are what you will pay for your meal. There is a charming atmosphere and beautiful decor at this restaurant. Google users granted the rating of 4.7 to Yardie Spice.
7 locals recommend
Yardie Spice
225 S Krome AveSavor Caribbean and Jamaican cuisines that will combine many elements of culinary traditions. Yardie Spice offers nicely cooked fried chicken wings, oxtail, goat curry as well as vegan options. Here you will be offered good key lime pie, coconut cakes and pudding.
This spot is famous for its great service and friendly staff, that is always ready to help you. Fair prices are what you will pay for your meal. There is a charming atmosphere and beautiful decor at this restaurant. Google users granted the rating of 4.7 to Yardie Spice.
Chefs on the Run is a modern Caribbean-American Gastro Pub, they serve some of the best Assorted Burgers in South Dade, using only high a quality Burger Beef Blend. Chef Jodrick I. Ujaque serves his Signature Burgers, Award winning Cuisine & Mofongos, with creative & eclectic fare, they are known for their bold flavor that makes them a traveling destination in the heart of Downtown Homestead.
9 locals recommend
Chefs on the Run Assorted Cuisine
10 E Mowry DrChefs on the Run is a modern Caribbean-American Gastro Pub, they serve some of the best Assorted Burgers in South Dade, using only high a quality Burger Beef Blend. Chef Jodrick I. Ujaque serves his Signature Burgers, Award winning Cuisine & Mofongos, with creative & eclectic fare, they are known for their bold flavor that makes them a traveling destination in the heart of Downtown Homestead.
Mamma Mia is a family owned New York Style pizzeria and full-service Italian restaurant. The ambience is casual and family friendly with generous portions. Located in downtown Homestead, they have built a loyal clientele which returns for their friendly service and passion for quality that is reflected in their food. The desserts are always fresh and can be accompanied by tempting cappuccinos or espresso coffees, always made to order!
10 locals recommend
Mamma Mia
538 Washington AveMamma Mia is a family owned New York Style pizzeria and full-service Italian restaurant. The ambience is casual and family friendly with generous portions. Located in downtown Homestead, they have built a loyal clientele which returns for their friendly service and passion for quality that is reflected in their food. The desserts are always fresh and can be accompanied by tempting cappuccinos or espresso coffees, always made to order!
Shiver's is an institution — that's what they call you when you've been in business for 57 years. The requisite weathered, log cabin/picnic table-and-bench decor remains in place, with obligatory cattle horns and horseshoes on the walls. Chicken, pork, and beef go into two hickory-fueled smokers (some of the meats for up to 12 hours) and come out fully imbued with real barbecue flavor. Ribs are clearly Shiver's strong suit, so the best bet for first-timers might be the rib sampler, with heaping helpings of beef, pork, baby backs, and two sides. Squirt any of a quintet of scintillating sauces on top: red-hot; a chunkier, smokier red-hot; sweet, brown molasses-based; mildly spicy mustard-based; and hickory-heavy "Shiver's sauce." Sides include black-eyed peas, fried okra, and a couple of items you don't often see pulled from a fryer — like mac 'n' cheese nuggets and corn on the cob. Some might say the most important accompaniment to barbecue is beer, and you can get a pitcher of Bud for cheap (if you want that fancy imported stuff the city folk prefer, Corona, Heineken, Amstel, and the like are available). Housemade peach cobbler is the only worthy dessert.
28 locals recommend
Shiver's BBQ
28001 S Dixie HwyShiver's is an institution — that's what they call you when you've been in business for 57 years. The requisite weathered, log cabin/picnic table-and-bench decor remains in place, with obligatory cattle horns and horseshoes on the walls. Chicken, pork, and beef go into two hickory-fueled smokers (some of the meats for up to 12 hours) and come out fully imbued with real barbecue flavor. Ribs are clearly Shiver's strong suit, so the best bet for first-timers might be the rib sampler, with heaping helpings of beef, pork, baby backs, and two sides. Squirt any of a quintet of scintillating sauces on top: red-hot; a chunkier, smokier red-hot; sweet, brown molasses-based; mildly spicy mustard-based; and hickory-heavy "Shiver's sauce." Sides include black-eyed peas, fried okra, and a couple of items you don't often see pulled from a fryer — like mac 'n' cheese nuggets and corn on the cob. Some might say the most important accompaniment to barbecue is beer, and you can get a pitcher of Bud for cheap (if you want that fancy imported stuff the city folk prefer, Corona, Heineken, Amstel, and the like are available). Housemade peach cobbler is the only worthy dessert.
This place is a hidden gem! It offers some of the best tasting ice cream with a wide variety of options. Definitely worth a visit. Be sure to take a numbered ticket as you enter and have cash with you as it is a cash only establishment. Enjoy!
La Michoacana Paleteria
344 Washington AveThis place is a hidden gem! It offers some of the best tasting ice cream with a wide variety of options. Definitely worth a visit. Be sure to take a numbered ticket as you enter and have cash with you as it is a cash only establishment. Enjoy!