Explore: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

My parents and sister moved to Miami, FL in 2005 and over the past 13 years we have visited many incredible places together in the Magic City. Though I've been to several museums, gardens, beaches and restaurants, I had never explored Vizcaya, which is a crown jewel of the Miami cultural scene. Even more embarrassing, it's located less than a mile from my parents' front door, and I probably drive by it at least twice per day every time I'm in town. 

At long last I made it, on the final day of my recent visit. My sister and I had just finished brunch at the Eating House in Coral Gables, when we decided to zoot over to Vizcaya to explore. 

We drove through the stone gates, where the trees have grown so tall they've formed a natural canopy over the entrance, adding to the grandeur.  

Vizcaya Miami Vizcaya Miami

My sister used to work at the Guggenheim in New York, and with one flash of her employee ID, they waived the cost of her ticket. Feeling very satisfied that we got two tickets for the price of one, we skipped toward the museum. 

It was a scorching hot day (86 degrees and 76% humidity) so we decided to start indoors. The museum has preserved what was once the private home of James Deering. He purchased this land in 1912. Construction began in 1914 and the main house was completed two years later in 1916. You can check out the entire timeline, including a visit from painter John Singer Sargent, right here

The very first thing we saw was a trio of sculptures that looked like they were rising up out of a bathtub. 

Vizcaya Miami

An arch above the sculptures featured a tiny ship at the pinnacle. 

Vizcaya Miami

We turned down the hall to the left, to begin wandering through the entertaining spaces. Let me tell you, there was nothing subtle about this decor! 

Vizcaya Miami

There was a dedicated room for talking on the phone, which my sister and I found endlessly amusing. 

Vizcaya Miami Vizcaya Miami

As you walked from the left side of the first floor to the right, you pass this through gorgeous sun room that overlooks the water. 

Vizcaya Miami

Hanging from the ceiling . . . another boat! 

Vizcaya Miami

I was in complete awe of the ornate music room, especially the floral chandelier. 

Vizcaya Miami Vizcaya Miami

We kept meandering and found ourselves at a series of windows overlooking the gardens. They were so beautiful they took my breath away. 

Vizcaya Miami

After poking around the whole first floor, we stepped through this gilded iron gate into the central courtyard. 

Vizcaya Miami

My sister said, "Doesn't this remind you of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston?" Personally, I think the Gardner courtyard is much more impressive. 

Vizcaya Miami Vizcaya Miami

Upstairs, I was very taken with this turquoise and baby pink bedroom (one of 11 rooms on that level). 

Vizcaya Miami

The second floor hallway was decorated with all kinds of things, from statues to bird cages. 

Vizcaya Miami Vizcaya Miami

We wound down the spiral staircase so we could head outside to check out the water view. This is a barge, built just for this house, sitting in Biscayne Bay. 

Vizcaya Miami

The barge was designed as a breakwater to protect the house and terraces from the waves. It used to feature fountains, electric lights, trees, plants and a gazebo for entertaining. 

Vizcaya Miami

We walked down and to the right, to a look out called the Tea House.

Vizcaya Miami

From this spot, you could see the front of the barge. 

Vizcaya Miami Vizcaya Miami

The view looking back at the house was spectacular. 

Vizcaya Miami

After I must have said, "This can't be real" about 50 times, we strolled away from the water toward the gardens. 

This is the entrance to what's called the Secret Garden. 

Vizcaya Miami Vizcaya Miami

How gorgeous are these stairs? All I could think about was how lovely a bride would look descending those steps.

Vizcaya Miami

And here's a look at the other side. 

Vizcaya Miami

When we turned the corner, I audibly gasped. I had no idea the grounds were this expansive. 

Vizcaya Miami

This is the Center Island, which has perfectly manicured hedges. 

Vizcaya Miami

The Oval Plaza is shaded by a wall of shrubs and guarded by life size statues. 

Vizcaya Miami

We walked up a flight of stairs to the Garden Mound, which looks down on the Fountain Garden. You know, casual. 

Vizcaya Miami

At the very top, was a building that was apparently a casino. 

Vizcaya Miami

The casino ceiling got extra special treatment. 

Vizcaya Miami

As we were exiting the gardens, we stumbled upon this statue, which looks freakishly like my dad! 

Vizcaya Miami

We were both getting uncomfortably hot in the blistering sun, when my sister asked, "Do you want to see the swimming pool before we go?" It was on the complete other side of the property, but the idea of a cold body of water sounded very appealing in that sweaty moment. 

The pool was much smaller than I was expecting (what you see below is about half of the entire thing), but then again, when you have Biscayne Bay as your backyard, perhaps the pool becomes less important. 

Vizcaya Miami

We were so hot that I was seriously considering jumping in. 

As we walked up the path toward the parking lot, I said to my sister, "I cannot believe I had never been here." Honestly, Vizcaya puts the Newport, RI mansions to shame. It's over the top, mega luxurious and don't even get me started on the views of the bay. 

If you've never been to Miami before, this has to make it onto your itinerary. I'm already thinking about when I can go back (in cooler weather) because I know there are things I missed the first time around. 

Comments

Saqi's picture

Amazon Prime is the place we prepared to watch the course of action and movies which they direct. The codess-reunion.org share their experience about the prime shows and you oblige it yet it is paid one.

Saqi's picture

This is an ideal story for us and we as a whole need to value the work. The mcmasterneonatalnursesconference distribute the article which you read for it.

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. 被学校开除

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Great article Lot's of information to Read...Great Man Keep Posting and update to People..Thanks King

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. body danza classica bambina

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here. Kauai wedding photographer

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. Thank you so much. personal trainer singapore east coast

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

This one is good. keep up the good work!.. refrigerator repair marana

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Wonderful illustrated information. I thank you about that. No doubt it will be very useful for my future projects. Would like to see some other posts on the same subject! media

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Please share more like that. Rebar rust

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thanks for sharing this quality information with us. I really enjoyed reading. Will surely going to share this URL with my friends. Hotmail login

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

This blog is so nice to me. I will keep on coming here again and again. Visit my link as well.. hair loss cure

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. dogs for sale

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thank you very much for the sharing! COOL.. pet stain removal el paso

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Absolutely fantastic posting! Lots of useful information and inspiration, both of which we all need!Relay appreciate your work. ทําเว็บไซต์

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

You know your projects stand out of the herd. There is something special about them. It seems to me all of them are really brilliant! Bird watching tour

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

This is highly informatics, crisp and clear. I think that everything has been described in systematic manner so that reader could get maximum information and learn many things. custom hip hop necklaces

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. emergency dentist Lucerne

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. dentist Bern

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

I’ve been searching for some decent stuff on the subject and haven't had any luck up until this point, You just got a new biggest fan!.. Web Design

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

I have bookmarked your blog, the articles are way better than other similar blogs.. thanks for a great blog! couples counselor portland maine

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

I havent any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. MOTM

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

very interesting keep posting. Medicare Advantage Plans

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post.! seo irvine

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post. electronic circuit design

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

useful information on topics that plenty are interested on for this wonderful post.Admiring the time and effort you put into your b!.. Merchant Cash Advance Lending

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work! email design services

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thanks for sharing this quality information with us. I really enjoyed reading. Will surely going to share this URL with my friends. christian therapist

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. infant development

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thank you so much for sharing this great blog.Very inspiring and helpful too.Hope you continue to share more of your ideas.I will definitely love to read. commercial insurance

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

I really thank you for the valuable info on this great subject and look forward to more great posts. Thanks a lot for enjoying this beauty article with me. I am appreciating it very much! Looking forward to another great article. Good luck to the author! All the best! live sound recording

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

I felt very happy while reading this site. This was really very informative site for me. I really liked it. This was really a cordial post. Thanks a lot!. computer science journal

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

hi was just seeing if you minded a comment. i like your website and the thme you picked is super. I will be back. Limos of Denver

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thanks a lot for sharing us about this update. Hope you will not get tired on making posts as informative as this. addictions Chelmsford

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

This was a really great contest and hopefully I can attend the next one. It was alot of fun and I really enjoyed myself.. myloweslife.com

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

including reasonable comments here... how to calculate company tax in Nigeria

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thank you for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information. twc mail logiin

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! Judi Slot

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. CITY Immobilienmakler Hannover

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

it was a wonderful chance to visit this kind of site and I am happy to know. thank you so much for giving us a chance to have this opportunity.. solar panel companies in phoenix

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Some truly wonderful work on behalf of the owner of this internet site , perfectly great articles . https://imuabanbds.business.site/

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thanks a lot for sharing us about this update. Hope you will not get tired on making posts as informative as this. order niche backlinks

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it's quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards, https://cpt-frigid.tumblr.com/

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Is it okay to post part of this on my website basically post a hyperlink to this webpage? Enchanted Florist

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

I have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me.I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it.. Sezane

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thanks for sharing this quality information with us. I really enjoyed reading. Will surely going to share this URL with my friends. embroidered patches

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

hello!! Very interesting discussion glad that I came across such informative post. Keep up the good work friend. Glad to be part of your net community. Raccoon Trapper

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Fantastic blog you have here. You’ll discover me looking at your stuff often. Saved! janitorial services inc

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thanks for this article very helpful. thanks. coral sports betting login

Brittany M. Lemay's picture

Thank you very much for writing such an interesting article on this topic. This has really made me think and I hope to read more. Quotes Frenzy

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

More from Molly

Pop.Bop.Shop. In the News

Address:
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 South Miami Ave
33129 Miami , FL
United States
Florida US