Section 2.6: Estates of Elegance: Vizcaya, the Deering Estate & Gold Coast Rail History

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Coconut Grove — a stunning waterfront estate blending European elegance with tropical charm. Courtesy of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Miami is also home to sprawling waterfront estates built by Gilded Age executive and collector James Deering and his brother Charles. James Deering constructed the Mediterranean-style 1916 villa Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, filled with art, textiles and furniture from Renaissance Europe. Here, one also finds 10 acres of meticulously maintained formal gardens complete with statuary and cooling grottoes. Meanwhile, the Deering Estate to the south, retaining much of its acreage along the southwestern edge of Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, showcases Florida’s historic architecture and natural environment. Today, both operate as museums.   

The Deering Estate is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a 2,000-mile self-guided trail with 500 sites selected for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and education. Visitors can search for an estimated 170 resident and migratory bird species on a bird walk tour, while nighttime brings out the owls. Photo courtesy of VISIT FLORIDA.

The Magic City showcases its own slice of railroad history, at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, housing a collection of historic railroad cars and memorabilia—including the presidential Pullman car used by former president Harry Truman.