Vizcaya took over a decade to plan and build. Its landscaping and architecture were influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance models and designed in the Mediterranean Revival architectural style. Today, the villa serves as a popular tourist attraction, as well as the site of international events (such as the Summit of the Americas) and Art Basel parties. Book a half-day guided tour to explore this National Historic Landmark and learn about its history.
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is located in Coconut Grove, just south of downtown Miami and the Rickenbacker Causeway. It’s about a 25-minute drive from South Beach and is also accessible via the Metrorail; take the Dadeland South line to Vizcaya station. A station for Miami’s bike-sharing system, CitiBike, is located at Vizcaya.
Vizcaya is closed on Tuesdays and on Thanksgiving (the last Thursday in November) and Christmas (December 25). Classes and events including yoga sessions, horticulture and cocktail classes, and kid-friendly activities take place throughout the year. During the holiday season, Vizcaya features festive decorations that are displayed from early December until the new year.
A bit further down the waterfront, you'll find Bayside Marketplace, a waterfront mall that features plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Plus, since it’s right on the water, it’s the starting point for many boat tours, water taxis, and fishing charters. From the mall, you can book a sightseeing tour or a speedboat ride around Biscayne Bay to get views of the Miami skyline.
