Homestead, Florida: Must-See Spots & Hidden Gems

Biscayne National Park was established in 1968 and covers 270 square miles, 95% of which is water. It extends from Key Largo to Key Biscayne, with pockets of land on the mainland. The park's mission is to protect and preserve the delicate ecology of the ocean, islands, coral reefs and mangrove swamps under its jurisdiction.

Many of the campsites are only accessible by boat. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming and hiking are also popular pursuits, as are viewing wildlife, photography and just relaxing. The Maritime Heritage Trail combines a boat trip, snorkeling and scuba diving. Six charted shipwrecks and a marine lighthouse are visited.

9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead, Phone: 305-230-1144

In 1956, brothers Ray and Russell Knaus started raising strawberries on the family farm. They set up a successful roadside stall near the current location of the Knaus Berry Farm. Ray's wife used the strawberries for baking at home and this too became a commercial enterprise. Ray's daughters and husbands now run the farm and have added ice cream, jam and jellies to the processed food range. They grow vegetables and herbs and offer visitors the opportunity to pick their own strawberries and tomatoes. Baked goods can be enjoyed at the coffee shop or ordered to go. The farm is open from November to mid-April.

15980 SW 248th Street, Homestead, FL 33031, Phone: 305-247-0668

After the devastation wrought by Hurricane Andrew, sports promoter, Ralph Sanchez started negotiations with the city authorities to build a facility to revitalize the area. The speedway track was completed in 1995. A thousand palm trees were planted on the 600 acre site. The grandstand can seat 55000 people and there are 750 TV monitors relaying the action. A new media center was built in 2008. The oval track is 1.5 miles long and the road course is 2.2 miles long. In 2005, lighting was erected around both circuits which uses 2.4 million watts. The Indy Racing League, Ford Championship and NASCAR races are held at the Homestead Miami Speedway.

One Ralph Sanchez Speedway Boulevard, Homestead, Phone: 305-230-5000

AIRIE Nest is an acronym for Artists In Residence In the Everglades. In partnership with the Everglade National Park, artists receive a scholarship for a month's residency in the park. The objective is to enhance the cultural heritage of the Everglades subtropical wilderness. Regular exhibitions of artists' work are held at the Airie Nest at the park's Visitor Center, and at off-site venues. Fundraising events through the year, include air boat tours, annual benefits, champagne receptions and silent auctions. The shop sells branded merchandise.

40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL

Mary Calkins Heinlein was born into a family of pioneer homesteaders in the Redland area. She developed a passion for showcasing the agricultural diversity of this sub-tropical region. In 1943, in partnership with park authorities, she purchased 18 acres of land. These were landscaped and designed to create park-like gardens using avocado, mango, papaya, sapodilla, citrus and other fruit trees. The Fruit & Spice Park has grown to 37 acres and contains 500 varieties of exotic fruits, herbs, spices and nuts. Guided tours and tram rides run throughout the park. Visitors can buy seeds and cuttings and take the fallen fruit. The park is part of the Redland Historic District.

24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL 33031, Phone: 305-247-5727

The farm is near the entrance to Everglades National Park (Video) and is home to more than 2000 alligators. A highlight of a visit to the farm would be a 45-60 minute trip on an airboat through the everglades. The boats travel at high speed, can spin 360 degrees and are extremely loud. As they are open, passengers are bound to get wet. The boat ride is not suitable for young children. There are regular alligator and snake shows and feeding demonstrations. VIP behind the scenes tours of the Everglades Alligator Farm include holding young alligators and feeding the larger ones.

40351 SW 192 Avenue Homestead, FL 33034, Phone: 305-247-2628

Edward Leedskainin was a Latvian, slightly built and very secretive. When he was 26 he fell in love with Agnes who was just 'sweet sixteen'. They were to be married but she abandoned him on the day before the wedding. He spent the rest of his life building a monument to his lost love. Working at night, he transported and carved 1100 tons of coral into a fantasy world on a ten acre plot outside Homestead. Audio tours of the Coral Castle Museum are available in various languages and ghost tours are conducted at night time. The gift shops sells replicas of the sculptures and other memorabilia.

28655 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33033, Phone: 305-248-6345

There are three enterprises on the winery premises. The tasting room and bar of the Schnebly Redland's Winery is an architectural marvel, with its tree-like glass racks, ceiling mural, coral waterfalls and grand entrance. There are weekend tours through the estate, covering the wine-making process and the family's history. The Redlands restaurant is open from Thursday to Monday for brunch, lunch and dinner. Farm-to-table, home-style cooking is on the menu. The Miami Brewing Company is also on the premises, selling a range of home brews. The venue is available for hire for special occasions and a catering service is offered.

30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead Florida 33030, Phone: 305-242-1224

Bob and Barbara Freer live and work at the rescue center which is open all year round. They receive wild animals that have been abandoned, neglected or injured. Many of the animals in their care have been confiscated from illegal or abusive situations. They treat and rehabilitate the animals and if possible, release them back into the wild. Others are rehomed or remain at the outpost. They have rescued foxes, possums, pelicans, lemurs, panthers and even a tiger. Behind the scenes tours of the Everglades Outpost Wildlife Rescue are available by appointment. Educational outreaches include field trips and shows about Florida wildlife.

35601 SW 192 Ave, Homestead, FL 33034, Phone: 305-247-8000

HM69 Nike Missile Base, in the everglades, is a relic of the cold war. It was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1965, in the wake of the Cuban missile crisis. It was staffed with 140 soldiers and was built to protect the country from air attack from the south. It has remained virtually unchanged since it was abandoned in 1979. The base was listed by the US Department of the Interior on its Register of Historic Places in 2004. There are three missile barns, a missile assembly building, barracks and guard dog kennels to visit. Two Nike Hercules missiles are on display.

40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, Phone: 305-242-7700