Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Arguably the most photogenic place in Coral Gables, Villa Vizcaya was the winter estate of James Deering. The Italian Renaissance inspired home and gardens are brimming with native plants outside and an extensive collection of art and antiquities inside. Deering was, in his heart, a conservationist, and hoped the 50 acres would preserve the surrounding mangrove forest.

The Barge that sits in the inner-coastal was originally a gazebo island that party goers would be ferried to back in the day. Today, it looks more like a giant sculpture and its placement collects trash from the ocean that the museum then removes (including several plastic straws). I feel like Deering would be proud.

In 1912, the Titanic sank with some of Deering's valuables on board. In 1971, jewel thieves heisted approximately $1.5 million in art and silver. Most of the haul was never recovered. It's also been a popular setting for presidents. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan received Pope John Paul II there. In 1994, President Bill Clinton hosted the "First Summit of the Americas", where leaders from The Americas met to create the "Free Trade Area of the Americas". Villa Vizcaya has also been the backdrop to a few Hollywood blockbusters: i.e. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Any Given Sunday, Iron Man 3, Bad Boys II, The Money Pit, etc.

I'm not a big fan of wandering around outside in the sweltering Florida heat. It was summer to be fair to the weather. But, I really could have spent all day wandering around the gardens.

Definitely plan your visit around when there will be less people so you don't feel boxed in or rushed. We went around closing and had about an hour and half to explore.

XX BDGT