A vacation in a North Miami Beach condo promises an experience like no other with all the unique local attractions nearby. From historical sites to art museums to relaxing gardens - every place is just a step away. While staying at a North Miami Beach vacation home, be sure to check out these must-see places during your trip to this part of Florida.
Ancient Spanish Monastery
The Spanish Monastery is said to be the oldest building in the entire Western Hemisphere. Established in 1141, the monastery is now almost 870 years old. It used to reside in Segovia Spain until the 1920s when newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst brought it to America. It was reassembled in the 1950s at North Miami Beach by Floridian developers. Now, it serves as a popular tourist spot and a favorite venue for weddings, receptions and magazine photo shoots. Its French Altar is designed for intimate weddings that involve fewer than 10 people while the Prayer Well can host up to 200 people.
Oleta River State Park
Known as the largest urban park in Florida, Oleta River State Park offers visitors an array of recreational activities such as hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing, kayaking, saltwater fishing and many more. The park has the best off-road bicycling trails in the state. At the north end of the park, you can visit the stunning mangrove trees and South Florida plants. Ride a canoe or kayak to add excitement to your eco-tour. If you want to have a relaxing time, you can stroll along the sandy beach, do saltwater fishing, or have a picnic with your family or friends. If one day is not enough for you to enjoy this place, you can stay here overnight at one of its air-conditioned cabins.
Freedom Tower
Another historic site to visit at the North Miami Beach is the Freedom Tower, a 1925 landmark building in Miami that is a replica of the Giralda Tower in Seville, Spain. This 255-foot tower with a dome-like structure exudes Mediterranean architecture and décor. It used to be the headquarters of the Miami Daily News until 1957 when it became a processing center for Cubans who got exiled. Now, it serves as home to the Miami Dade College and as a cultural, education, and tourist destination. Just recently, the college organized a painting exhibition of Spanish artists Goya and Salvador Dali.
Art Deco Welcome Center
The next stop for your North Miami Beach vacation is the Art Deco Welcome Center. Dubbed as the biggest 20th century National Register Historic District, this place is overflowing with art, style, and design. Walking tours around the place take place during Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. If group tours are not your thing, go for a self-guided tour available with a $10 cassette audio tour rental. Other activities to do at this place include biking, rollerblading, clubbing, shopping, and many more.
Visit historical sites and museums to have a more fruitful vacation experience in North Miami Beach. Be sure to visit VacationHomes.com to find a rental home that will suit your budget and style. You can search the site listings by price, location and amenities.