New to Miami? Explore these 7 must-see historic landmarks this winter, from the Deering Estate to the Miami Marine Stadium.
If you just moved to Miami or have lived here for years without playing tourist, winter is the best time to visit the city's historic landmarks. The weather is comfortable, the snowbird crowds have not fully arrived yet in early December, and most of these sites offer outdoor spaces that are miserable to visit in August.
1. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
James Deering's 1916 Italian Renaissance estate sits on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove at 3251 South Miami Avenue. The main house has 34 decorated rooms filled with European art and furniture spanning four centuries. The formal gardens cover 10 acres with fountains, sculptures, and a stone barge in the bay.
Winter is the best time to visit because the gardens are pleasant without the summer humidity. General admission is $25 for adults and $10 for children. The museum is open Wednesday through Monday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
2. The Freedom Tower
The Freedom Tower at 600 Biscayne Boulevard was built in 1925 as the home of the Miami Daily News. In the 1960s, it became the processing center for Cuban refugees arriving in the United States, earning it the nickname "Miami's Ellis Island." The building is now a museum and cultural center operated by Miami Dade College, and admission is free.
The tower's Mediterranean Revival architecture, modeled after the Giralda bell tower in Seville, makes it one of the most photographed buildings in Downtown Miami.
3. The Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables opened in 1926 and has served as a military hospital during World War II, a VA hospital, and a campus of the University of Miami before returning to its role as a luxury hotel. The lobby alone is worth a visit, with its vaulted ceilings, hand-painted frescoes, and enormous fireplace.
Free guided tours run every Sunday at 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. You do not need to be a hotel guest to take the tour. The pool, one of the largest hotel pools in the country, is visible from the tour route.
4. Art Deco Historic District
The South Beach Art Deco Historic District runs along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue from roughly 6th Street to 23rd Street. Over 800 buildings from the 1930s and 1940s showcase pastel colors, geometric shapes, and tropical motifs that define Miami Beach's visual identity.
The Miami Design Preservation League offers guided walking tours starting from the Art Deco Welcome Center at 1001 Ocean Drive. Tours run daily at 10:30 AM and cost $30. Self-guided audio tours are also available for $20.
5. Coral Gables City Hall
Built in 1928, Coral Gables City Hall at 405 Biltmore Way is a Mediterranean Revival landmark with a semi-circular colonnaded facade and a three-story clock tower. The building is open to the public during business hours, and you can walk through the ground floor and courtyard without an appointment. The surrounding area along Miracle Mile and the Coral Gables Museum (across the street) make for a solid half-day outing.
6. Deering Estate
The Deering Estate at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue in Cutler Bay sits on 444 acres of coastal hardwood hammock, pineland, and mangrove forest. The estate includes two historic homes built in the early 1920s by Charles Deering, brother of James Deering who built Vizcaya.
The grounds include a fossil pit with 50,000-year-old animal bones, a Native American burial mound, and hiking trails through the pine rocklands. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for children. The estate is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
7. Miami Marine Stadium
The Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key was built in 1963 as the first purpose-built stadium for powerboat racing in the United States. Designed by architect Hilario Candela, the poured concrete structure seats 6,566 spectators under a dramatic cantilevered roof. The stadium closed after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and has been undergoing restoration.
As of 2025, the stadium is not open for regular tours, but the exterior and waterfront area are accessible. The Friends of Miami Marine Stadium organization hosts occasional events and updates on the restoration timeline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Miami landmark is free to visit?
The Freedom Tower museum at 600 Biscayne Boulevard is free. Coral Gables City Hall is also free to walk through during business hours. The Biltmore Hotel offers free Sunday tours.
When is the best time to visit Vizcaya?
Winter (December through February) offers the most comfortable weather for the outdoor gardens. Weekday mornings tend to have the smallest crowds.
Can I visit the Miami Marine Stadium?
The stadium is closed for restoration, but the exterior and surrounding waterfront area on Virginia Key are accessible. Check the Friends of Miami Marine Stadium website for updates on events and tours.
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