Vizcaya

A beautiful example of early 20th century opulence that is situated directly on gorgeous Biscayne Bay. A good way to visit it: Take the Tri-Rail commuter train south to the MetroRail Transfer Station, then take the MetroRail south to the Vizcaya Station. Take the pedestrian bridge over the causeway and you end up in a beautiful, shady, secluded, and quiet neighborhood that seems miles and decades removed from modern Miami. The entrance to Vizcaya is a short walk of just over a block. Foot traffic has the advantage of avoiding the entrance road and taking a marked self-guided tour through the wooded grounds to the entrance. The entrance fee is about $9 per person (last time I was there). They offer guided tours by highly-knowledgeable and passionate volunteers... I recommend them highly! You can then guide yourself throughout the house and through the gardens in the back. The gardens are magnificent with ornate grottoes and beautiful views of the surrounding canals, woods, and Biscayne Bay. There is a small sandwich shop in the back of the house. When you return, you will find you will probably have some time to kill as the MetroRail runs much more often than the Tri-Rail train. Just across the street from the Tri-Rail/MetroRail Transfer Station is a wonderful little Cuban grocery where you find some of the friendliest people and best coffee. It makes the wait for the northbound Tri-Rail train much more enjoyable.