Cauley Square Historic Village

A visit to Cauley Square Historic Railroad Village in South Dade’s Goulds area is like traveling back in time to Old Florida. Situated about a 40-minute drive south of Downtown Miami, Cauley Square is a 10-acre village dating back to the turn of the 20th century. Explore its winding pathways and tropical gardens that lead visitors to antique shops, art galleries, wellness spas, restaurants and even an aviary.

The Shops at Cauley Square

Sweet Haven Books

Cozy up with a cup of coffee and a used, collectible or new book at Cauley Square’s independent bookstore, Sweet Haven Books. If you’re with littles, they’ll enjoy the children's room for a dose of whimsy fun, children’s books and a drawing area. Don’t miss their special events, like poetry reading nights, book signings and book readings.

Jimmy’s Bright Ideas

For unique home goods, swing by Jimmy’s Bright Ideas. Artist Jimmy Cordovez breathes new life into old items, transforming objects like old cigar boxes or vintage birdcages into one-of-a-kind lamps.

The Children’s Gallery and Arts Center

Try your artistic skills in a one-hour class in mono-printmaking (a type of printmaking in which an image is created by using a metal or glass plate coated in ink) at The Children’s Gallery and Arts Center, a nonprofit contemporary art gallery that teaches everything from beginner- to expert-level classes in different mediums.

Esmeralda’s Earth, Wind & Fire Boutique and Esmeralda’s Salty Air Retreat

Esmeralda’s Earth, Wind & Fire Boutique is home to Miami’s spiritual community and holds workshops and monthly drum circles. Step inside her natural Pakistan and Himalayan salt cave at Esmeralda's Salty Air Retreat, which uses the scents of lavender, copper and eucalyptus to promote relaxation and healing. Call Esmeralda’s beforehand to find out the schedule for readings, full moon parties and salt cave rituals.

The Tree of Life Holistics

If you need to unwind, stop by Tree of Life Holistics, an alternative and holistic health center, and revel in a rejuvenating sound therapy session incorporating acupuncture and color therapy.

Therapia by Aroma

Don’t end your shopping spree without a stop at Therapia by Aroma, an apothecary known for its alluring skin care products and perfumes. Find handmade soaps, essential oils, candles and more.

You’ll also find a beauty salon, a jewelry shop and other charming shops during your visit.

Cauley Square Restaurants

The Tea Room

The Tea Room is a destination for high tea in a lovely Victorian setting. With six rooms, each outfitted in its own distinct décor and style, The Tea Room is an homage to the English tradition. It offers everything from soups to salads and larger entrees. However, the tea service is the highlight. Choose from High Tea, which includes mini quiche, assorted scones, cookies, banana breads and finger sandwiches in a three-tiered platter, along with a pot of your choice of tea, or Nursery Tea, for children 8 years old or younger.

The Latin Corner

For a casual bite while exploring Cauley Square, head to the inviting Latin Corner gazebo for Cuban coffee, empanadas, arepas, nutella churros and more. The setting amid the garden’s lush foliage is one of the prettiest in the village.

The Village Chalet

Enjoy an afternoon or early evening meal at The Village Chalet, set inside a charming cottage. Relax on a covered wraparound patio tucked into a garden or in the dining room with white tablecloths and a 1920s-inspired bar. There’s occasional live music on the weekends and a menu featuring pasta, steaks and Latin-inspired cuisine.

Events & Weddings

Cauley Square hosts various events throughout the year. Check out the events calendar to find out about seasonal events, tours, classes and performances.

Cauley Square is a popular venue for weddings and events. There are many options available to customize your special event.

Cauley Square's History

William Cauley, Cauley Square’s founder and from whom the village derived its name, owned 10 acres of land along the area’s famous railway and built a two-story warehouse and packinghouse so his company could use its proximity to the railway to ship agricultural products outside of South Florida. What started as a business grew into a community, with simple wooden homes housing families, local businesses and saloons.

After a century of different owners, restoration projects, hurricane damage and economic turmoil, Frances Varela bought Cauley Square in 2001 with plans to restore and beautify it. Today, this idyllic village is a 10-acre respite filled with winding pathways, rustic gardens, restaurants, a charming tea house, antique stores, wellness shops and an art gallery. Visitors can still see some of Cauley Square’s origins as its main building is the same structure that once housed William Cauley’s warehouse.

By: Jennifer Agress | November 16, 2023