Homestead in South Dade is considered Miami’s agricultural heartland, and once you see its miles of farms, you’ll understand why. Named for Miami’s early homesteaders who settled here at the turn of the 20th century, its farms, fruit stands, bayfront parks and other family-friendly attractions are ripe for exploration. Here’s our guide to the best of Homestead and the surrounding area.

Schnebly's wine tasting area — Try the lychee or avocado wine at Schnebly Redland’s Winery

Explore Tropical Flavors at Schnebly Redland’s Winery

Peter Schnebly’s journey as a winemaker began with his South Dade fruit-packing business. That’s how he got the idea to transform Florida’s subtropical fruits – such as lychee, carambola and avocado – into wine at Schnebly Redland’s Winery. This passion for wine dovetailed into a desire to craft beer, and Miami Brewing Company was born. With its lush, tropical grounds, Schnebly Redland’s Winery is a unique place to sip tropical fruit wine and sample creative brews, like Shark Bait Mango Wheat Ale and Big Rod Coconut Ale. Enjoy wine and beer tastings in the main house, then meander outside to the picnic pavilions, which host live music on weekends. Schnebly Redland’s Winery is also home to RedLander Restaurant for farm-to-table cuisine Friday through Sunday.

Seminole Theater & trolley in Downtown Homestead — Tour the streets of Downtown Homestead

Discover The Charm of Downtown Homestead

Downtown Homestead was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, spurring a period of revitalization and preservation. The area along Krome Avenue near Losner Park is home to the long-standing Seminole Theatre, Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum and City Hall. The area is full of exciting places. Enjoy an afternoon at Cybrarium, a high-tech modern library, catch a flick at EVO Entertainment Homestead + IMAX, or grab fresh tacos at Casita Tejas Mexican Restaurant. Downtown Homestead is also the hub for the National Parks Trolley, providing transportation to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park.

Visit Homestead's Hidden Gem: Fruit & Spice Park

Fruit & Spice Park has been a South Dade landmark since 1944, when it was officially established by pioneering homesteader Mary Heinlen and county commissioner Preston B. Bird. The 37-acre tropical fruit park grows more than 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts and herbs. Today, it hosts guided tours, weekly farmers markets and many festivals and events throughout the year, such as a stargazing night, a summer fruit festival and even a class on how to start a bee colony.

Family picking fruit at Robert Is Here — Find your new favorite fruit at Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm

Find Fruits You’ve Never Seen Before at Robert Is Here Fruit Stand And Farm

If you want to sample delicious tropical fruit, look no further than Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm. It has an impressive selection of fresh vegetables and a huge variety of tropical fruit (many of which visitors may never have seen). Pick up jackfruit, guanabana, coconut and dragon fruit, and don’t forget to stop by the snack stand for a fresh fruit milkshake. There’s also a petting zoo and aviary, a kid’s play area, picnic tables and live music on most weekends.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun At The Berry Farm

A third generation, family-owned farm located about 10 miles northeast of Downtown Homestead, The Berry Farm is home to 30 acres of strawberries, sunflower fields and more. With a season that runs from mid-September to May (the farm is closed to the public during the summer but available for private events), this is a family-friendly destination for a fun-filled day on the farm. From hayrides to strawberry picking, a farmer’s market, juice and smoothie bar, ice cream parlor, shaded bounce floor, playground, obstacle course and BBQ and taco eatery, The Berry Farm has something for everyone to enjoy. There’s also a seasonal pumpkin patch, corn maze and photo ops plus harvest festivals featuring live music.

Car on the track at Homestead Miami Speedway — Test your skills at Fast Lane Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Experience the Thrills of Auto Racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway

While Homestead-Miami Speedway is known for hosting the annual NASCAR Cup Series weekend, this 55,000-seat auto racing track is an action-packed venue year-round. At Fast Lane Fridays, held regularly, drag racing is legal and open to anyone 18 years and older with a valid driver’s license plus proof of registration and insurance. You’ll have the chance to race down the 1,760-foot straightaway as many times as you’d like. Consult the track’s calendar for a variety of events, races and concerts.

Coral Castle's rock chairs & planets — Discover the love story behind Coral Castle

Relive The Love Story of Coral Castle Museum & Sculpture Garden

What could inspire one man to build a castle all by himself? As the story goes with Coral Castle Museum & Sculpture Garden, it was unrequited love. From 1923 to 1951, Edward Leedskalnin, originally from Latvia, secretly carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock to create a castle. To this day, nobody knows exactly how he managed the feat. According to Leedskalnin, he knew “the secret of the pyramids,” which is part of the fun and mystery of the experience. More than a sculpture garden, Coral Castle is a one-of-a-kind roadside attraction featuring a nine-ton gate that moves with the touch of a finger, plus rocking chairs and a Polaris telescope, all made of coral rock.

Experience The Natural Beauty of Black Point Park & Marina

Situated on a mangrove preserve on Biscayne Bay, Black Point Park & Marina is a favorite among locals for its boat launch ramp and convenient access to Biscayne National Park. It’s also home to a dockside restaurant and bar, wet slips, fuel pumps and a large picnic pavilion with grills. At this popular destination for nature lovers, you’ll find nature trails, a 1.5-mile-long jetty perfect for fishing, and access points to beautiful canoe routes along the mangrove shoreline.

Lifeguard stand at Homestead Bayfront Park Beach — Relax and unwind at Homestead Bayfront Park beach

Discover Beautiful Views at Homestead Bayfront Park

Homestead Bayfront Park, located just south of Biscayne National Park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center, is an idyllic green space overlooking glittering Biscayne Bay and home to a natural atoll pool and beach with colorful lifeguard stands. There’s also a full-service marina and boat ramp, making it a popular launch point for boaters, divers, snorkelers and fishermen exploring Biscayne National Park. And when hunger strikes, the onsite waterfront restaurant La Playa Grill serves fish, burgers, pizzas and salads, or pack your own lunch and enjoy it beneath a picnic shelter.

Recharge and Rejuvenate at Patch Of Heaven Sanctuary

When it’s time to recharge, look no further than Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, about eight miles north of Downtown Homestead. Spanning 20 acres, this nonprofit nature preserve is home to historic structures, old growth tropical hammocks and peaceful paths throughout a lush native habitat. Ideal for a rejuvenating afternoon, Patch of Heaven is home to a Mindful Pocket Park, which was designed to reduce anxiety and increase calm. You can reserve day passes, take a guided tour or even book a private retreat that involves meditation, yoga and mindful walks.

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