Surrounded by the Everglades to the west, Biscayne Bay to the east and bustling Downtown Miami to the north, South Dade is where Greater Miami & Miami Beach finds a more relaxed pace. Often called Miami’s heartland, South Dade is home to farms that produce exotic fruits and fresh vegetables and a noted winery. There’s lots to do in South Dade, from a NASCAR championship racetrack to cultural arts centers and animal attractions. South Dade also boasts two national parks: Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. Explore a different side of Miami with our South Dade insider’s guide.

Attractions and Adventures

Deering Estate

The Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay is home to the 1920s mansion of industrialist Charles Deering. Tour the art collection in the main house, but don’t miss the outdoor adventures in this 450-plus-acre park along Biscayne Bay. Enjoy hiking, nature trails, ecotours and bird walks and a nature preserve. Deering Estate is also the departure point for a guided lighthouse boat cruise to see three lighthouses, including the Boca Chita Key lighthouse. The Deering Estate is on the National Register of Historic Places. 16701 SW 72nd Ave., Miami, FL 33157

Zoo Miami

Spanning 750 acres in South Dade with more than 2,500 animals on view, Zoo Miami is a wildly fun attraction. Open-air exhibitions are dedicated to animal habitats from around the world. You’ll watch amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles from Florida’s Everglades, the Amazon, Africa, Australia and Asia roam freely in a habitat that mimics their native lands. Feed the animals, watch a wildlife show and book a tram tour or a VIP golf cart tour. It’s a wonderful way for a family to spend an afternoon in South Dade. 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami, FL 33177

Fruit displays at Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm — Discover the unusual tropical fruit at Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm

Farms And Fruit Stands

South Dade is known for its sprawling farms and open countryside. Note that some of the farms are only open to the public seasonally.

Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm

Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm is a family-owned fruit stand in Homestead that has become a local landmark. You’ll find the freshest and most unusual tropical fruit here. Visit year-round to see what's in season. Look for dragon fruit, lychees, papaya and passion fruit, to name a few. Make sure to try a freshly-made smoothie while you wander around the property under the guanabana, tamarind and mango trees. The kids will enjoy the petting zoo, where they’ll see ostriches, giant tortoises, goats and more. If you come on the weekend, there's usually live music. 19200 SW 344th St., Homestead, FL 33034

The Berry Farm

The Berry Farm is a third-generation family farm in Redland. From mid-Septemer to late May, you can explore this 30-acre farm. Pick your own strawberries, sunflowers, watermelons, tomatoes and more, depending on what’s in season. Visit during special seasonal festivals to experience the pumpkin patch, hayrides and special concerts. Shaded playground areas and an obstacle course guarantee fun for the kids. Be sure to try the milk shakes and ice cream. 13720 SW 216th St., Miami, FL 33170

Knaus Berry Farm

Open from November to mid-April, Knaus Berry Farm is another longtime family operation in Homestead. Fresh vegetables and fruit are sold inside, but you can also pick your own strawberries and tomatoes. Don’t miss the homemade pies and strawberry milkshakes, but locals will tell you the main attraction is the cinnamon rolls. Those sweet rolls have a cult following, so come prepared to wait and with cash since payment is cash-only. 15980 SW 248th St., Homestead, FL 33031

Thrilling Experience

Homestead-Miami Speedway

Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts the NASCAR Championships in October during the Straight Talk Wireless 400 NASCAR Cup Series, but the racetrack is an action-packed venue year-round. On select Fridays, watch or participate in Fast Lane Friday, a legal drag race that’s open to anyone 18 years and older with a valid driver’s license and proof of registration and insurance. The track also hosts go-kart racing, high-performance driver education and coaching, concerts and other fun events. One Ralph Sanchez Speedway Blvd., Homestead, FL 33035

Unique Winery

Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery

Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery is the southernmost winery in the Continental U.S. Peter Schnebly, a farmer and founder of the winery, creates wines out of native tropical fruit, such as mangos, lychees, passion fruit, guava, star fruit, coconuts and even avocadoes. Take a tour of the property and learn about the wine-making process. Taste several tropical fruit wines in a wine tasting, then explore the lush grounds and waterfall that empties into a koi pond. If you prefer beer, don’t miss the taproom in the Miami Brewing Company, where you can try unique beers made from locally-sourced fruits. Visit the on-site restaurant, The Redlander at Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery, for fresh farm-to-table dishes. Check the calendar to find out about country line dancing, karaoke, Latin night and more. 30205 SW 217th Ave., Homestead, FL 33030

Art & Culture

The Moss Center

Dedicated to multidisciplinary cultural arts, The Moss Center in Cutler Bay stages everything from opera to film, musicals, live music, dance and stand-up comedy while also acting as a community gathering place with education and outreach at the core of its mission. Performances include ticketed events as well as free ones on the backyard lawn. Check the calendar before your next visit to South Dade and join in the fun. 10950 SW 211th St., Cutler Bay, FL 33189

Hidden Gem Tacos

Taqueria Morelia

Taqueria Morelia, a hidden gem tucked away in a strip mall in South Dade, serves up some of the most delicious tacos this side of Mexico City. The dining room may be no-frills, but the cuisine is authentic Michoacán. Burritos, quesadillas and other specialties are on the menu, but here, it’s all about the tacos. Choose from shredded beef, chorizo, chicken and more served inside warm, homemade corn tortillas. Plus, there’s a bar for toppings, including diced onions, salsa, jalapeños and fresh lime. The restaurant also has a location in Florida City. 1871 NE 8th St., Homestead, FL 33033; 961 W. Palm Dr., Florida City, FL 33034

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