Greater Miami & Miami Beach is full of treasures waiting to be discovered, and the Historic Redland Tropical Trail in South Dade is one of those gems. Tucked between Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park and centered around charming and historic Homestead, this area is rich in history, stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife and culinary treats. From thrilling activities like zooming around in an airboat to animal encounters with alligators and roaming monkeys, sampling exotic fruits and wines, and strolling through historic villages, the Historic Redland Tropical Trail is packed with adventures. Spend an entire day hopping between the trail’s various attractions, or create a bucket list of things to do over time. The best part: Many of these spots are family owned.

Caboose at Cauley — Discover the shops, fountains & cottages at Cauley Square Historic Village

Cauley Square Historic Village

Explore some of the history of the Redland — named for its pockets of fertile red clay — where the first settlers arrived in 1838. You can step back in time to experience what Old Florida used to look and feel like at Cauley Square Historic Village, which began in 1903 as a railroad village. Wander through 10 acres to see 19 historic cottages. You’ll find antiques and collectibles, art galleries, restaurants and wellness spas. Stroll down landscaped paths, past fountains and flowering trees, and stop at these adorable buildings. Mingle with artists or take a painting class. Dig for vintage finds, old books and antique home décor. A popular stop is The Tea Room, a Victorian tea house fit for afternoon high tea, brunch or sampling delicious desserts. When you’re done perusing the village, indulge in a salt cave session at Esmeralda’s Salty Aire Retreat or take a yoga class at Tree of Life Holistics. You can also stop in the small chapel for a moment of quiet reflection.

Coral Castle Obelisk and chairs — Learn about the love story behind Coral Castle

Coral Castle Museum

To enjoy a good tale of mystery and romance mixed with a bit of archaeology, stop by Coral Castle Museum, a collection of massive sculptures fashioned out of more than 1,000 tons of coral rock. Part of the intrigue is that it was built by one man, Edward Leedskalnin, who secretly carved the sculpture garden between 1923 and 1951, a time when modern construction tools didn’t exist. It’s said that Leedskalnin moved to the area after his fiancée left him the day before their wedding, and the Coral Castle was a monument to his lost love. Highlights include a nine-ton gate that moves with a touch of a finger and rocking chairs made of stone. Perhaps most amazing is a stone pillar with a hole and cross hairs that, when viewed from a hole carved in nearby rock, lines up perfectly with the North Star, also known as Polaris. Trust us, you’ll be baffled about how he created all of this.

Everglades Alligator Farm

If you want to experience the wild side of Miami, Everglades Alligator Farm is a thrilling adventure. Hop on an adrenaline-pumping airboat ride through the River of Grass to see alligators and birds in their natural habitat. When you’re done, tour Miami’s oldest alligator farm, which is home to more than 2,000 alligators. Catch an alligator show, where you may want to cover your eyes as handlers exhibit how Native Americans once captured the reptiles with their bare hands. For something just as heart-pumping, watch the staff feed a pack of hungry alligators. Visitors can even hold a baby alligator.

Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm

A favorite stop for locals is the Robert Is Here Fruit Stand and Farm. It started as a small fruit stand in 1959, when Robert Moehling was 6 years old. Now the large, open-air market offers an animal farm, a play area for kids, and picnic tables where people can sit down and share a meal. This is the place to find rare and exotic fruits and veggies. Robert is usually on hand to tell you about the market’s history or to showcase a tropical fruit or vegetable you’ve never seen or tasted before. But locals know the real draw that can’t be missed are the milkshakes and smoothies that are filled with the fruit of your choice. You can’t go wrong with the strawberry milkshake, or you can choose something unusual like tamarind or papaya. You can also pick up artisanal jams, honey and hot sauces.

Wine tasting area — Try the tropical fruit wine at Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery

Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery

Sipping wine and beer in a tropical setting? We’re in. On the eastern edge of the Everglades, a couple of miles from the nearest highways, you’ll find the gorgeous Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery, which makes exotic fruit wines and beers. Stop by for a tasting that includes sparkling, dessert and table wines, and take a tour of the sprawling property, which is filled with waterfalls, a lush courtyard and palm-frond-thatched chickee huts. In its restaurant, you can enjoy a locally sourced meal against the backdrop of natural-coral waterfalls. Live music and other activities are frequently on tap. Speaking of on tap, you will find the Miami Brewing Co. on the property and be able to sample its products as well.

Monkey Jungle

For a unique animal encounter, head to Monkey Jungle, where you can hang out with wild monkeys. Established in 1935 in a natural subtropical forest, it’s an eco-park where hundreds of monkeys run free on the 30-acre preserve. Visitors must call ahead to make a reservation for a guided tour where you’ll have the chance to feed squirrel monkeys, watch monkeys interact in a recreation of an Amazonian Rainforest, and keep a safe distance to observe the kings of the jungle – gorillas. If you’re lucky, you might catch the troop of Java monkeys wading or diving into the pools of water.

RF Orchids

Orchid lovers will be in awe of the exquisite flowers at RF Orchids. The family-owned nursery and lush tropical garden is filled with a dazzling selection of rare and colorful orchids. Visitors are welcome and can see a diverse array of exotic species from all over the world, along with new hybrids and fine mericlones. The nursery has won 2,000 awards from the American Orchid Society over the last 50 years as well as other accolades for its orchids. Walk past flowing waterfalls, koi ponds and picturesque arbors to see imported art works. Guests can take a private garden tour on Saturdays and Sundays to learn about the history and origins of this celebrated nursery.

If you’re looking for more things to do or places to stay in South Dade, stop by the Tropical Everglades Visitor Association in Florida City for more ideas.

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