Homestead, a charming city located about 30 miles south of downtown Miami, is a hidden gem surrounded by two of Florida’s most spectacular national parks. Serving as the gateway to both Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, Homestead offers a one-of-a-kind blend of tropical nature, rich history, farm-fresh experiences, and authentic small-town charm. Whether you’re an adventurer, history buff, foodie, or family traveler, Homestead has something memorable for you. Let’s dive into the most exciting things to do in Homestead, Miami.
1. Explore Nature and the Great Outdoors 🌴🐊☀️
- 🌿 Everglades National Park – Experience the vast beauty of America’s “River of Grass.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to thousands of alligators, exotic birds, turtles, and manatees. Walk the Anhinga Trail for incredible wildlife encounters, explore Shark Valley on a rented bike, or drive down to the Flamingo Visitor Center to see breathtaking sunsets over Florida Bay. Take a guided boat tour to spot crocodiles and manatees gliding along the water’s edge, or hike the Gumbo Limbo Trail through lush subtropical forest. For photographers, early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for catching wildlife in soft golden light, and rangers often host interpretive talks to help visitors understand the delicate ecosystem.
- Tip: Visit in the dry season (November to April) when bugs are minimal and animals are most visible. Pack binoculars for birdwatching and bring plenty of water and sunscreen for long hikes.
- 🌊 Biscayne National Park – This mostly underwater park features mangrove forests, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Take a guided snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tour to discover vibrant coral gardens and schools of tropical fish, or kayak along the mangrove shoreline for a peaceful escape. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center offers educational exhibits and art displays about the park’s marine biodiversity and history. For adventure seekers, join a scuba diving tour to explore shipwrecks along the Maritime Heritage Trail, each with fascinating stories dating back centuries.
- Don’t Miss: The Maritime Heritage Trail – an underwater snorkeling route that lets you explore historic shipwrecks. Bring an underwater camera to capture the marine beauty and stop by the observation pier for panoramic views of the bay.
- 🐊 Everglades Alligator Farm – Get your heart racing with a thrilling airboat ride that whips across the Everglades marshes, and witness professional gator handlers up close during exciting live shows. With thousands of alligators on-site, a snake exhibit, and a wildlife boardwalk, this farm offers both education and excitement. The knowledgeable staff explain how alligators are bred and protected, making this a fun and informative stop for all ages. Visitors can also hold a baby gator for a photo souvenir.
- Insider Tip: Bring ear protection for kids; airboats are loud but unforgettable! Schedule your visit around the gator feeding times to see the reptiles leap for their meals.
- 🌅 Homestead Bayfront Park & Marina – This local treasure combines scenic views of Biscayne Bay with calm swimming areas and picnic grounds shaded by coconut palms. The man-made atoll pool offers clear saltwater perfect for snorkeling or floating, and the marina provides a great launch point for fishing and boating. You can rent kayaks, enjoy beach volleyball, or simply relax with a picnic while watching the boats sail by. Families love the calm waters for children, and the sunsets over the bay are spectacular.
- Tip: Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful experience. Bring a packed lunch and stay for the evening to catch the colorful twilight views reflecting over the calm bay.
- 🐒 Monkey Jungle – A unique attraction where “humans are caged and monkeys run wild.” Observe over 300 monkeys in natural habitats, from playful squirrel monkeys to intelligent orangutans. Walk through screened pathways as monkeys climb, swing, and sometimes approach to take treats in small metal cups. It’s part wildlife park, part sanctuary, offering an up-close educational experience about primate behavior and conservation.
- Family Favorite: Attend the guided feeding sessions for a fun interactive show. Visit in the morning for more active monkeys, and don’t forget your camera for action shots.
- 🍈 Fruit & Spice Park – The only park of its kind in the continental U.S., this 37-acre paradise features over 500 varieties of fruits, spices, and herbs. Visitors can join guided tram tours, sample seasonal tropical fruits, and even attend annual events like the Redland Summer Fruit Festival or the Orchid Show. Explore the medicinal plant garden, spice trail, and tropical greenhouse filled with cacao, coffee, and vanilla plants. The park’s gift shop sells unique jams and dried fruit made from the garden’s harvests.
- Tip: Ask for a daily fruit tasting session at the visitor center—you may get to try exotic varieties like jackfruit, lychee, sapote, or carambola straight from the trees. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, and plan to spend at least half a day wandering the beautiful grounds.
2. Family-Friendly Adventures 👨👩👧👦🍓🎠
- 🍹 Robert Is Here Fruit Stand – A Homestead institution since 1959, this fruit stand is a joyful stop for families. Enjoy freshly blended tropical milkshakes, taste exotic fruits such as mamey and canistel, and meet farm animals at the mini zoo. The stand also features a small playground, picnic tables, and a petting zoo area where children can feed goats and emus. During the harvest season, guests can join tasting sessions of rare tropical fruits and enjoy homemade jams or honey from local farms. Live music on weekends adds to the festive atmosphere, creating the perfect rural escape for both tourists and locals.
- Don’t Miss: The famous key lime milkshake – a Florida classic! Also, try the black sapote (“chocolate pudding fruit”) or fresh mango smoothies during the summer months.
- 🍩 Knaus Berry Farm – This family-run gem is famous for its gooey cinnamon rolls, milkshakes, and strawberry picking. The aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, making it impossible to resist taking a box to go. Visitors can watch the baking process through the window, take photos in the strawberry fields, and even buy homemade jellies and bread. Open seasonally from November through mid-April, it’s a long-standing tradition for locals and visitors alike. Expect long lines on weekends, but the experience – and the cinnamon rolls – are worth every minute.
- Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid long lines and take cash – they don’t accept cards. Bring a cooler if you plan to purchase large quantities of rolls or milkshakes to take home.
- 🐇 The Little Farm – An ideal destination for young children, featuring pony rides, petting zoos, and butterfly gardens. Kids can learn about farm life, feed goats and chickens, and take part in seasonal workshops like planting vegetables or crafting birdhouses. During fall, the farm transforms into a pumpkin paradise, while springtime brings adorable baby animals for children to meet. Families can picnic under shady trees, making it a relaxed and educational day outdoors.
- Tip: Bring extra clothes for the kids – they’ll want to get hands-on with the animals! Don’t forget sunscreen, water, and snacks to enjoy in the picnic area.
- 💻 Homestead Cybrarium – A futuristic library blending technology, storytelling, and creativity. Beyond traditional books, it offers immersive virtual reality experiences, 3D printing labs, and digital storytelling exhibits that inspire kids and teens alike. Families can participate in free coding workshops, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities, and literacy programs that spark curiosity. The design combines the comfort of a library with the innovation of a tech lab, making it one of Homestead’s most forward-thinking attractions.
- Bonus: Free entry and regular community programs make this an excellent rainy-day stop. Check the schedule for special VR story sessions or children’s maker camps held during school holidays.
- 🧸 Berry Farms Family Adventure Park – A newer addition to Homestead’s family attractions, this farm combines fun and food in one place. It offers strawberry and sunflower picking, bounce houses, hayrides, and even a “strawberry express” train for kids. Parents can relax in shaded picnic zones or grab smoothies and tacos from on-site vendors. Seasonal events include fall festivals, movie nights, and a spectacular holiday light show in winter.
- Insider Tip: Visit around sunset for beautiful photo opportunities in the sunflower fields and plan your trip around the evening bonfire events with live acoustic music. Homestead Cybrarium – A futuristic library blending technology and storytelling. Kids and teens can explore virtual reality adventures, coding workshops, and hands-on maker labs.
- Bonus: Free entry and regular community programs make this an excellent rainy-day stop.
3. Cultural and Historical Experiences 🏛️🎭📜
- 🧱 Coral Castle Museum – Discover one of South Florida’s greatest mysteries: a coral rock castle hand-carved by one man, Edward Leedskalnin, between 1923 and 1951. The engineering behind this feat remains unsolved, as Leedskalnin worked entirely alone, using handmade tools and pulleys to carve and move multi-ton blocks of coral rock. Today, visitors can explore the stone walls, furniture, telescopes, and carvings that make this landmark both an artistic wonder and a romantic enigma. Guided tours share the fascinating love story and inventive spirit behind this monument to devotion and determination.
- Fun Fact: Some rocks weigh over 9 tons but can be moved by a single person—no one knows how. Evening tours and special full moon events offer a unique atmosphere for photography and storytelling.
- 🕰️ Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum – Step back in time and uncover the story of Homestead’s early settlers, railroad development, and hurricane resilience. The museum’s restored 1917 building, once serving as a fire station and town hall, includes vintage fire engines, period clothing, early agricultural tools, and historical photos. Interactive displays highlight the city’s recovery from the devastating 1992 Hurricane Andrew, showing the strength and spirit of the local community. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits on regional art and local pioneers.
- Free Entry: Perfect for a quick yet enriching stop downtown. Chat with the volunteers for personal stories that bring Homestead’s past to life.
- 🎭 Seminole Theatre – This restored 1920s Art Deco building is the cultural heartbeat of downtown Homestead. It hosts live performances ranging from plays, musicals, and film screenings to concerts, comedy shows, and community events. Its neon marquee lights up Krome Avenue, adding vintage charm to the historic district. The theater also supports local artists by hosting open mic nights, youth performances, and workshops in acting and stage design. Visitors can take guided backstage tours to learn about the theater’s restoration and architecture.
- Insider Tip: Check their website for free community movie nights, jazz performances, and seasonal cultural festivals. Arrive early to admire the glowing façade and grab a drink at the nearby local cafés before the show.
- 🌸 Cauley Square Historic Village – A walk through this charming historic village feels like stepping back a century. Originally established in the early 1900s as housing for railroad workers, it now features beautifully preserved cottages shaded by ancient banyan trees. Many have been transformed into art galleries, antique stores, artisan shops, and cozy tearooms. Visitors can shop for handmade jewelry, vintage décor, or unique souvenirs while enjoying the tranquil garden paths. The village often hosts weekend art fairs, yoga sessions, and photography tours that capture its timeless beauty.
- Highlight: The Village Chalet and Tea Room – great spots to relax after exploring. Order a pot of herbal tea and homemade pastries on the terrace while listening to birdsong from the garden. Don’t miss the on-site butterfly garden and weekend farmers’ market for local crafts and fresh produce.
4. Food and Drink Highlights 🍷🍖🍽️
- 🍇 Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery – Sip tropical wines made from lychee, guava, and passion fruit in a lush tropical garden filled with koi ponds, tiki huts, and palm-shaded walkways. Guests can enjoy wine tasting flights, join educational vineyard tours, and stay for the live weekend music. The on-site brewery crafts unique tropical-inspired beers, while the Redlander Restaurant serves gourmet meals paired with local wines. It’s also a popular wedding and event venue, known for its romantic ambiance and stunning sunset views.
- Pro Tip: Take the guided tasting tour to learn about how tropical fruits are turned into wine, and stay for the evening entertainment under the twinkling garden lights.
- 🔥 Shiver’s BBQ – A legendary spot for authentic Southern barbecue. Since the 1950s, this family-owned restaurant has been serving slow-smoked meats cooked over hickory wood. The rustic interior features long communal tables that encourage social dining, and the smell of smoky ribs fills the air as soon as you walk in. Choose from pulled pork sandwiches, brisket platters, and homemade sides like mac & cheese, coleslaw, and cornbread muffins.
- Must-Try: Their baby back ribs, smoked turkey, and banana pudding dessert. For extra flavor, sample their signature BBQ sauces ranging from mild and tangy to fiery hot.
- 🌮 Downtown Homestead Dining – The city’s historic core offers an international food scene that reflects the area’s cultural diversity. Enjoy Jamaican and Haitian fusion at Yardie Spice, savor vibrant Mexican meals at Casita Tejas, or indulge in authentic Cuban pastries and espresso at local cafés. For seafood lovers, several small bistros along Krome Avenue offer daily catches and ceviche plates. Don’t miss the weekend street markets, where food vendors serve empanadas, tacos, and tropical fruit smoothies to live Latin music.
- Local Tip: Visit in the evening for live music, local art displays, and a true small-town vibe that turns downtown Homestead into a lively outdoor dining hub.
- 🛍️ Redland Market Village – A lively 27-acre market offering more than 20 international food stalls, flea market finds, and seasonal produce. It’s a favorite local hangout for sampling Latin American street foods like pupusas, tacos, arepas, and grilled corn. You can also find Caribbean jerk chicken, Peruvian ceviche, and freshly pressed sugarcane juice. The open-air setup creates a festive vibe with music, art, and fresh flowers for sale. On weekends, families flock here to shop local goods, listen to live bands, and eat authentic food from across Latin America.
- Tip: Go early for the freshest fruits, best bargains, and smaller crowds. Bring cash for food stalls, and stay for the afternoon dance performances and community music shows.
5. Annual Events and Festivals 🎡🎶🌻
- 🤠 Homestead Championship Rodeo – Every January, Florida’s southernmost rodeo brings three days of thrilling cowboy action with bull riding, barrel racing, and family fun. The event has been a beloved local tradition since 1949 and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the state. Expect parade floats, colorful costumes, and western-themed vendors selling crafts, hats, and delicious BBQ. Kids can meet the riders, take part in small contests, and learn about the history of rodeo in Florida.
- Pro Tip: Arrive early to catch the parade, watch the flag ceremony, and snag the best bleacher seats near the main arena. The sunsets over Harris Field during the evening shows create a perfect photo opportunity!
- 🦀 Stone Crab & Seafood Festival – Celebrate South Florida’s seafood culture in March with a feast of fresh catches and local delicacies. Enjoy sweet stone crab claws, shrimp ceviche, grilled lobster, and conch fritters while live bands fill the air with island rhythms. The festival also features local craft beer vendors and a “Sea to Table” cooking demo stage where chefs showcase seafood recipes inspired by the Florida Keys.
- Insider Tip: Bring a cooler to take home fresh catches from local vendors, and arrive before noon to avoid the lines at the most popular seafood stalls. Stay for the evening concert and fireworks display that usually close the event.
- 🌺 Redland International Orchid Festival – Held each October at Fruit & Spice Park, this festival attracts orchid enthusiasts, botanists, and casual visitors from around the world. Thousands of rare orchids and tropical plants are on display for sale and competition, alongside booths featuring handcrafted pottery, local honey, and botanical art. Visitors can join guided garden tours, attend lectures on orchid care, and learn propagation techniques from experts. Families can also enjoy food trucks, live music, and kids’ plant workshops.
- Highlight: Attend the educational seminars on orchid care and propagation. Don’t forget your camera—the park’s sprawling green grounds and colorful orchid displays make for stunning photos.
- 🍉 Summer Fruit Festival & Heritage Days – A colorful tribute to Homestead’s farming legacy, celebrating tropical fruits and the hardworking local growers who cultivate them. Visitors can taste exotic fruits, from dragon fruit and lychees to sapodilla and canistel, while exploring cooking demos, artisan markets, and heritage exhibits. The festival also honors Homestead’s early agricultural families through vintage tractor shows, storytelling sessions, and live folk performances. Families can enjoy carnival rides, watermelon-eating contests, and fruit smoothie tastings.
- Bonus: Great for families – there are games, live music, and tasting booths everywhere. Come early in the morning to join guided tastings at Fruit & Spice Park and sample seasonal varieties straight from the orchard.
6. Practical Tips for Visitors 🧳🚗☀️
- 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: November to April is ideal for cool, dry weather and active wildlife. During these months, you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures around 70–80°F (21–27°C) and lower humidity, making it perfect for exploring national parks, outdoor markets, and farms. Avoid the summer rainy season (June–September) if you prefer fewer mosquitoes and less rainfall. If you’re into photography, winter mornings bring crisp light and clear skies ideal for capturing the Everglades and Biscayne Bay.
- 🚘 Transportation: A rental car is highly recommended, as attractions are spread out across rural and park areas. Homestead is well connected by U.S. Highway 1 and the Florida Turnpike, and parking is generally easy and free at most sites. If you don’t want to drive, you can take guided day tours from Miami that include roundtrip transportation to major attractions like the Everglades or Biscayne National Park. For cyclists, Homestead’s flat terrain and scenic rural routes are great for bike exploration.
- 🎒 What to Pack: Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable closed-toe shoes. A light rain jacket or poncho is useful during Florida’s summer showers. Don’t forget your camera for the stunning landscapes and wildlife shots, and a portable cooler for storing fresh fruits or local treats from roadside stands. Binoculars are great for birdwatching at the national parks.
- 🏡 Where to Stay: Homestead offers cozy bed-and-breakfasts, affordable hotels, and vacation rentals surrounded by farms and tropical greenery. Many visitors choose rural farm stays for a peaceful, authentic Redland experience. If you prefer convenience, book a hotel near U.S.1 for quick access to Miami and the Florida Keys. For a touch of romance, boutique accommodations in Redland or near Schnebly Winery provide beautiful garden settings and local charm.
- 🏝️ Day Trip Ideas: Combine Homestead with a day trip to Key Largo, only 40 minutes away, for snorkeling, beach adventures, and reef diving. Alternatively, drive west into Everglades National Park for birding and hiking, or head north to Coral Gables and Coconut Grove for shopping and dining. Other nearby excursions include visiting the Florida Keys Scenic Highway, kayaking in Biscayne Bay, or enjoying a sunset picnic at Homestead Bayfront Park. Each of these short trips reveals another side of South Florida’s incredible diversity and natural beauty.
Final Thoughts 🌅💖
Homestead is more than just a stop on the way to the Keys—it’s a destination of its own, rich in culture, flavor, and natural beauty. Whether you’re tasting guava wine at sunset, watching monkeys swing through the trees, or exploring coral reefs beneath Biscayne Bay, Homestead promises unforgettable experiences for every traveler. Take your time, savor the local charm, and discover why this laid-back city is one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets.