Table Of Contents
As the second-oldest city in Miami-Dade, incorporated in 1913, Homestead has the perfect mix of historical places, interesting attractions and natural beauty. It’s quite different from Miami’s skyscrapers and busy roads, with more of a small town charm, dozens of parks, farms and vast agricultural land.
Not to mention, the city is a gateway to two national parks — Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. To help you sort through the numerous possibilities Homestead has to offer, Secret Miami has rounded up some of the best places to see:
Breakfast
1. Royal Palm Grill
Nothing says breakfast quite like an old-fashioned diner serving up hearty American meals. And that’s exactly what you can expect at Royal Palm Grill. One of the cornerstones of Krome Avenue, this long-standing joint located inside a pharmacy is a community staple and its appeal goes far beyond its homestyle breakfast food, which is served all day.
Where: 806 N Krome Ave
2. Mario’s Family Restaurant
Serving authentic Cuban dishes from breakfast to late dinners, this family-owned eatery is great for anyone craving a tostada and cafe con leche or a churrasco with yuca as a side!
Where: 1090 N Homestead Blvd
Cafés/Bakeries
3. Sweet Delights Key Lime Pies
Visitors and locals alike flock to this bakery for a slice of “Miss Debbie’s” key lime pies. As the owner of Sweet Delights, and the talented maker behind the treats, Debra Allen (aka Miss Debbie) is constantly dishing out new twists on the classic, with flavors like mamey, mango, guava, coconut, and more.
Where: 1485 NE 1st Ave
4. Pinecrest Bakery
A local favorite with over 20 locations across South Florida, their Homestead location is no different! It’s open 24 hours, making it the perfect late-night spot for all the pastelitos and Cuban sandwiches you can dream of!
Where: 2540 NE 10th Ct
Restaurants
5. White Lion Cafe
If you’re looking for a different kind of atmosphere, White Lion Cafe is your answer. Inspired by pubs in England, this lovely cottage has been around for years and is family-owned. You’ll find delectable salads and sandwiches perfect for lunch, and a dinner menu that varies, paired with occasional live music.
Where: 146 NW 7th St
6. Chefs on the Run
Satisfy your burger cravings with Chefs On The Run’s signature burgers, as well as Puerto Rican fare like delicious Mofongo and tripletas. The menu also features vegetarian, gluten-free and celiac friendly options.
Where: 10 E Mowry Dr
7. Yardie Spice
With its rich, spicy stews and diversity of Jamaican and Haitian flavors, this Caribbean staple keeps people coming back! It’s vegan friendly too, with options like jerked tofu and curry lentils.
Where: 225 S Krome Ave
8. Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery
Did you know that Homestead is home to Miami’s only winery? You can spend the day sipping exotic tropical fruit wines while taking in its lush, scenic location. Make time to visit the restaurant on the property, the Redlander, for avocado dippers, barbecue platters and grilled seafood that you can enjoy paired up with your tropical wine of choice.
Where: 30205 SW 217th Ave
9. Robert Is Here
When in Homestead, every outing must end with a milkshake. Since 1959, this market has specialized in some of the most unique fruits and vegetables, grown on site, and renowned milkshakes. It began as a literal fruit stand on the side of the road, and has since grown into a tourist destination equipped with an animal farm, play area and picnic tables to enjoy your treats. And yes, there is a Robert! At six years old, Robert Loehling’s parents set him up to sell produce on that corner. Figuring no one could easily spot the child, his father made a huge sign reading: Robert Is Here, and Robert’s been in business ever since.
Where: 19200 SW 344th St
Farms
10. By Brothers
With its giant tree entrance and sign, it’s hard to miss By Brothers. This all ages-friendly park is a must-see for families. It has everything from Cuban cuisine, a fruit stand, petting zoos, fishing ponds, pony rides, milkshakes, to train rides.
Where: 15515 SW 177th Ave
11. The Berry Farms
If you’re looking for a sunflower field, berries to pick when the season’s right, hay rides, great vendors and the most adorable photo ops, then this 30-acre farm is the total package. Especially when the fall and winter rolls around, as the farm totally transforms into a festive wonderland fit for each season.
Where: 13720 SW 216th St
12. Knaus Berry Farm
This famous farm is known for its ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls – for which fans usually line up for hours outside its bakery – perfect milkshakes and strawberries that you can pick and take home. It opens seasonally, from November through mid-April and be advised that this farm is cash only!
Where: 15980 SW 248th St
13. Tinez Farms
Tinez Farms is a quaint, aesthetically pleasing farm perfect for an outing with friends or family. It’s an adorable spot to take photos and ride around the hay on their unique cow barrel train. Plus, they have all types of animals to see and occasionally will have a live band and markets.
Where: 16405 SW 177th Ave
14. Blue Lagoon Farm
This hidden gem in the Redlands is like something out of a dream, with waterfalls, a grotto and a man-made natural spring pool that’s perfect for cooling off in the summer. At this five-acre farm, not only can you splash around in the cool waters, you can also host a celebration, have a photo or video shoot and even participate in floating yoga on a paddleboard! Make sure to check their Instagram (@bluelagoonfarmmiami) before going, for availability.
Where: 14451 SW 252nd St
Unique Experiences
15. Coral Castle Museum
One of Homestead’s most fascinating attractions, this curious “castle” is beloved for more than just its mind-bending sculpture garden. Made of 1,100 tons of coral rock, it was created by Latvian immigrant Edward Leedskalnin as a tribute to his fiancée Agnes, who broke off their engagement a day before their wedding. Leedskalnin was so heartbroken, he spent the next 30 years sculpting this massive coral and limestone structure in Agnes’ honor. No one really knows how he did it, especially without the aid of modern mechanics or other helpers….
Where: 28655 S Dixie Hwy
16. Patch of Heaven Sanctuary
Every inch of this 20-acre preserve is so stunning, it’s even served as the background for several music videos. Bask in its tropical beauty and wander through a tranquil Zen garden, peaceful koi pond and historic structures on a guided tour or on our own. Patch of Heaven is passionate about creating habitats for native species through reforestation, conservation and education.
Where: 21900 SW 157th Ave
17. Fruit & Spice Park
Similarly, this botanical garden is known to carry over 500 varieties of fruit, vegetables, spices and herbs – some of which you can even try! If you want to learn about the park’s history, tram tours are available. There’s also a lovely lake with water lilies and fountains.
Where: 24801 SW 187th Ave
18. Seminole Theatre
What’s better than catching a concert, play, musical or comedy show at the Seminole Theatre? While the entertainment landmark’s history dates back to 1921, the Seminole Theatre closed in 1979 and suffered almost total devastation from Hurricane Andrew in 1992. It reopened its doors in 2015, and aims to make the live performing arts as accessible to the community as possible.
Where: 18 N Krome Ave
19. Old Town Hall Museum
For all the history buffs out there: the historic Homestead Town Hall Museum is located in the original City of Homestead Town Hall, built in 1917. It contains historical artifacts, copies of photographs of early families and places and a library and archives open to researchers by appointment. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday and admission is free.
Where: 41 N Krome Ave
20. Homestead-Miami Speedway
In the mood for some high speed racing? This racetrack hosts world-class auto races all year-round, from Indy to NASCAR, and even in the off-season, visitors can have an adrenaline-pumping good time. For example, a NASCAR Racing Experience gives people the chance to sit behind the wheel of a real racing vehicle.
Where: One Ralph Sanchez, Speedway Blvd