Famous for its amazing beaches and lively nightlife Miami is also known for its historic charm. History and culture surround you in the shape of gardens, hotels, towers, and various other landmarks. From South Beach to North Miami historical sights are located throughout the city.

Located in Downtown Miami is the Miami Freedom Tower, which is one of Miami’s most important historic landmarks. The Miami Freedom Tower was completed in 1924 and became home to the Miami Daily News. During the 1960’s the Freedom Tower was used as a reception center for Cuban refugees. In May, 2002 it was renovated and became a Cuban American Museum. Modeled after the Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain the Miami Freedom Tower is an awesome sight up close and from a distance.

Another breathtaking landmark can be found in North Miami Beach. The Ancient Spanish Monastery was originally built in Sacramenia, Spain almost 900 years ago. In 1925, William Randolph Hearst had the pieces disassembled, numbered and rebuilt at its current location. The Ancient Spanish Monastery is the oldest building in the western hemisphere and one of Miami’s most historic landmarks. Weddings and receptions are often held at the Ancient Spanish Monastery because of its beautiful setting.

Beautiful and educational, Miami’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens celebrates art, interior design, architecture, landscape design, horticulture, and the environment. This National Historic Landmark located in South Miami was built by James Deering who wintered on the property from 1916-1925. He put a lot of thought and money into his winter home on Biscayne Bay which is now owned by the Metro-Dade Parks.

In January 1926 another pricey landmark was created, The Biltmore. In the heart of Coral Gables this luxurious hotel once played host to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Ginger Rogers, and even Al Capone. The Biltmore survived the economic lulls in the 1920’s and 1930’s by hosting galas that would include synchronized swimmers, bathing beauties and alligator wrestling. With the onset of World War II, The Biltmore was converted to a hospital and known as the Army Air Forces Regional Hospital. Many renovations later The Biltmore is now a four-star hotel and is one of only several resorts in South Florida recognized as a national Historic Landmark. An amazing story sets this landmark apart from the rest.

Probably Miami’s most extraordinary story comes from South Miami at Coral Castle. Ed Leedskalnin immigrated to Florida after his true love broke off their engagement. Heartbroken, he spent the next twenty-eight years carving a castle out of coral as a tribute to his love. It is said that Ed single-handedly built the Coral Castle without any outside assistance or large machinery. This would be remarkable since Ed was only five feet tall and weighed one-hundred pounds and the coral that he worked on would sometimes be four thousand feet thick.

The south-east tip of Florida is brimming with history. Treasured historic landmarks can be found all over the city mixed in with some of Miami’s hottest new clubs, restaurants and attractions. Interesting architecture, museums and gardens with even more interesting stories can be found all around you in beautiful Miami, Florida.