Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Florida City, FL

The uniqueness of Florida City is rarely matched anywhere else on Earth. It holds the distinction of being the southernmost city on the mainland United States.

Florida City serves as the last point before US 1 transitions to the maritime journey toward the Keys. The surrounding highway features shopping centers, delightful roadside attractions, diverse dining options, and ample accommodations.

The sensation of being at the outermost edge of civilization intensifies here, as this location also marks the southern entry to the Everglades, with Biscayne National Park accessible to the east.

This destination offers a range of activities, including thrilling airboat rides, outlet shopping, and snorkeling adventures.

1. Everglades National Park

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As you drive west on the Ingraham Highway, a discreet sign announces your entering into Everglades National Park.

It is difficult to traverse this threshold without feeling a surge of excitement. You have now entered the largest tropical wilderness and the third-largest national park in the contiguous United States.

Your next destination may be the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, which will be addressed later within this overview. Consequently, you can continue along the road to the southernmost point of Florida at Flamingo.

More locally, the Pinelands Trailhead is roughly 15 minutes away by car from Florida City, offering a broad, untouched slash pine habitat for exploration.

Seasonally open from November through the end of April, the Lone Key Pine Campground is managed by Flamingo Adventures. Another convenient destination is the Royal Palm Information Station and Bookstore, offering informative ranger-led excursions.

2. Florida Keys Outlet Marketplace

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This outlet shopping center provides an excellent opportunity for visitors exploring the Keys and Everglades to find various deals.

As a typical open-air shopping venue, the Florida Keys Outlet Mall features Mediterranean Revival architecture, charming gardens, and swaying palm trees.

Guests can explore over 50 retail outlets offering a diverse range of products including household items, children’s merchandise, clothing, and accessories.

Some notable brands include Nike, Under Armor, Guess, Converse, Skechers, Puma, Levi’s, American Eagle, and Crocs. While the dining options during my visit seemed somewhat limited, many additional options line US 1.

3. Florida Pioneer Museum

Often confused with a similarly named institution in Dade City, this museum narrates the history of the individuals who settled South Dade at the start of the 20th century.

The building itself serves as a testament to this rich history. Constructed in 1904 by the Florida East Coast Railway during its expansion to Key West, this cottage once housed the station agent, becoming a museum in 1962.

The interior is curated to reflect early 20th-century decor, showcasing a collection of items such as kitchen utensils, agricultural tools, early telephones, and an Edison phonograph.

Of particular interest are the Native American artifacts on display, along with engaging exhibits related to the railway.

4. Downtown Homestead

A short ride or walk along the South Dade Trail will bring you to the dynamic downtown Homestead within minutes. The central business district began development in the 1920s and has recently undergone renovations during my visit.

What I discovered was an aesthetically pleasing Historic District featuring shops, restaurants, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and an assortment of historical buildings. A highlight is the elegantly restored Seminole Theater, which originally opened in 1921 and received a Streamline Moderne makeover in the late 1930s.

This venue now serves as a center for the performing arts and is ideally situated in the heart of downtown. Outdoor entertainment takes place in the picturesque Losner Park, complemented by film screenings at the ten-screen ShowBiz Cinemas multiplex.

5. Robert is Here

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Located just moments west of Homestead, this family-run fruit stand has been operational since 1960. Over the years, the business has transformed into a significant attraction where families can enjoy an outing.

Robert is Here offers a range of produce alongside specialty items such as honey, guacamole, BBQ sauce, and various salsas.

For visitors, the milkshake and smoothie counter is a must-try. These beverages are prepared fresh on-site and free from artificial flavors or colorings.

Additionally, there is a petting zoo featuring cows, goats, chickens, and tortoises, with opportunities for guests to purchase feed for these gentle animals.

6. Biscayne National Park

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Located just a few miles east of Florida City, Biscayne National Park stands out as one of South Florida’s premier natural attractions, encompassing primarily ocean and barrier reefs.

The coastal mainland features an intricate network of inlets and mangrove forests crucial for coastal erosion protection, and it supports a remarkable variety of wildlife species, best explored with knowledgeable naturalists.

Due to its aquatic nature, immersion in the park is best attained through guided experiences such as paddling, fishing, snorkeling, or diving. Numerous choices are available, with departures from Homestead Marina.

7. Homestead-Miami Speedway

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Although not as renowned as Daytona Speedway, this 1.5-mile oval is a recognized stop on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit.

Motorsport enthusiasts from across the nation converge here for the Dixie Vodka 400 race in October.

This event marks the climax of NASCAR Weekend, preceded by the important NASCAR Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series races on the preceding Saturday.

Securing a ticket affords a thrilling racing experience; however, there is nearly always an event happening at Homestead-Miami Speedway. At the time of my visit, nearly 300 days of activities were scheduled throughout the year.

Additionally, visitors can experience driving opportunities through the NASCAR Racing Experience or enjoy high-speed karting at the AMR Motorplex facility.

8. Fruit & Spice Park

Dedicated to agricultural cultivars, this botanical garden is uniquely positioned as the only one of its type in the United States.

Covering nearly 40 acres, the Fruit & Spice Park cultivates over 500 varieties of exotic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

One of the numerous appealing aspects of this location is the opportunity to sample the park’s produce. While picking fruit from the trees is not permitted, visitors are welcome to taste anything that has recently fallen.

During the peak mango season in July, the ground can be covered with perfectly ripe fruit. I recommend bringing a knife and paper towels for the occasion.

Guests may participate in an array of guided tours, while a shop offers tropical snacks, plant seeds, and home items for sale.

9. Everglades Alligator Farm

Located south of Florida City at the entrance to the national park, this attraction has been operational for over 40 years.

The Everglades Alligator Farm specializes in airboat rides within the Everglades and is home to roughly 2,000 alligators, making it the oldest and largest alligator farm in South Florida. Importantly, the farm does not kill or sell alligators as meat.

Daily shows demonstrate alligator handling skills, and I participated in an on-site tour that included the opportunity to feed alligators and hold a three-foot long specimen.

Airboat rides may be included with a package ticket, allowing guests to glide through the sawgrass for approximately thirty minutes. Extended private tours are also available and are particularly recommended for larger groups.

10. Homestead Bayfront Park

Situated in Florida City, you are minutes away from not just one but two national parks. A brief drive east leads to the shores of Biscayne Bay.

Homestead Bayfront Park, adjacent to the park headquarters, serves as the launch point for diving expeditions and eco-cruises.

In addition to being a gateway, the park provides a beautiful recreational area. A man-made atoll pool is refreshed by the tides, surrounded by white sandy beaches, offering a serene tropical escape.

Visit the Dante Fascell Visitor Center to plan your activities, and do not miss the La Playa Grill, a lively beachfront seafood venue.

11. Everglades Outpost

This non-profit wildlife sanctuary rehabilitates injured and ill animals, ultimately returning them to the wild. Animals that cannot be released, including numerous exotic species, find refuge here.

A visit to the Everglades Outpost offers a rare opportunity to witness animal conservation efforts while observing many of South Florida’s most famous species up close.

Guided tours allow guests to meet various animals and learn about their stories and needs. During my visit, I encountered a panther, a zebra, parrots, a camel, a lemur, and several wolves.

Public demonstrations may provide chances to feed alligators or handle non-venomous snakes.

12. Exit One Taproom

The southernmost taproom in the continental United States is located in Florida City and began operations in 2018.

Upon entering Exit One Taproom, one is immediately struck by the extensive selection, featuring 50 bottled and canned craft beers along with another 19 on tap.

Primarily sourced from small, local breweries, the aim of Exit One Taproom is to highlight these distinctive beers and share their narratives with patrons.

Furthermore, Exit One Taproom is associated with the local Prison Pals brewery in Oakland Park, FL. Among the beers available during my visit were King and Queen IPAs, Verano Pink Lager, various Sours, and the delightful Mothers Milk Imperial Stout.

In addition to beverages, the taproom features board games and pool tables, while food trucks frequently can be found on-site.

13. Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

This visitor center serves as an excellent first stop in the Everglades and is located 15 minutes from Florida, near the Homestead entrance to the national park.

Open year-round, it is here that visitors can familiarize themselves with the Everglades and its offerings. The center includes displays educating visitors about the national park’s diverse habitats, along with educational films, brochures, and more.

Most notably, the park rangers are available to provide valuable information, from directions to tips for safely spotting alligators.

Essential supplies are also available, including insect repellent, which is particularly important for a visit to this environment.

14. The Coral Castle Museum

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Another significant attraction in nearby Homestead is a fascinating collection of carvings created by a local figure, Latvian-American Edward Leedskalnin (1887-1951).

Some of the coral blocks used for the castle are incredibly heavy, leading to speculation regarding how he transported them, especially since it is believed he worked alone.

Such circumstances often result in claims of divine or extraterrestrial assistance; nonetheless, it remains a stunning site that merits a few hours of exploration.

A distinctive feature is the remarkably balanced revolving gate, which weighs nine tons yet can turn with minimal effort.

15. Mayor Roscoe Warren Municipal Park

The largest public park in the region is this inviting green space located just a few minutes away in Homestead.

Mayor Roscoe Warren Municipal Park is well-equipped for various activities, offering facilities for volleyball, basketball, and soccer.

Notably, the children’s playground is remarkably expansive. Throughout the grounds, a paved trail features a series of exercise stations.

At least half a dozen picnic shelters can be found throughout the park, as well as grills for outdoor cooking. Additionally, the park offers a dog park outfitted with agility equipment and separated areas for larger and smaller breeds.