Iconic Miami: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Completed in 1922, Vizcaya was the winter estate of James Deering whose family amassed its fortune through agriculture. On doctor's orders, the 50-something bachelor came to South Florida seeking sunshine for his health, and spent his final years both building and enjoying his palatial Coconut Grove home. Deering, a conservationist, originally owned 180 acres of land and preserved the mangrove swamps and native hammock forest that surrounded his mansion, even carving out canals and pathways so guests could explore these majestic Floridian woodlands.

In the 1920s, houseguests would stay for a while, so well-to-do hosts ensured that their accommodations were up to snuff. Vizcaya’s 70 rooms are outfitted with European antiquities and 15th century furnishings, including its nine guest bedrooms sporting waggish names like Pantaloon and Lady Hamilton. But the house was also imbued with the most modern technology and engineering of the time, like a heating and ventilation system, automated telephone switchboard and a partly automated laundry room. The once exposed atrium is now covered by glass, which allows the property’s horticulturists to plant an even greater variety of flora and fauna.

The interior of the mansion is stunning, but it's the grounds and gardens that steal the show. Colombian landscape designer Diego Suarez designed them to resemble the whimsical and repetitive elements of French and Italian gardens, but imbued them with sub-tropical native plants for both practicality and style. There are over a dozen distinct outdoor areas to explore, like the picturesque garden mound with its overlooking casino, the orchidarium where some of Vizcaya’s 2,000 orchids are on display, and the maze garden which is dizzyingly pleasant.

Instagrammers will recognize the majestic staircases, the mysterious sunken barge that sits at the foot of the house and the tea house that hangs over Biscayne Bay, but what of Vizcaya’s other gems? Descend upon the sunken garden, dip your toes into the underground grotto beneath the house, or explore the newly reopened marine gardens on the Southernmost end of the property. Closed for almost 30 years due to hurricane damage, these grounds give us a glimpse into Deering’s original idea for the estate which included access to Florida's wild, native lands.

Lucky is the guest who attends a lavish affair at Vizcaya, as it's a popular spot for weddings and galas. There are high society tickets like the Vizcaya Ball and the hat-filled Preservation Luncheon, as well as community calendar staples like the Vizcaya Halloween Sundowner. But you don’t have to get all jazzy to join in on the fun. The estate holds a number of cultural events throughout the year, like free Sunday yoga and farmers markets, gardening and cooking classes, and Vizcaya Open Late which allows you to tour the grounds under the night sky.