Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Located in the Coconut Grove district, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was originally built as a winter villa for businessman James Deering in the early 1900s. Today it serves as a museum, with a wide variety of art from the 15th to the 19th century. The atmosphere is a key part of the experience, with much of the original house intact and showcasing a neat assortment of vintage furniture.

Though for many travelers, the gorgeous gardens are the unquestioned highlight of any trip here. Frommer's says, "Outside, lush formal gardens, accented with statuary, balustrades, and decorative urns, front an enormous swath of Biscayne Bay. Definitely take the tour of the rooms, but immediately thereafter, you will want to wander and get lost in the resplendent gardens."

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is located just a mile southwest of downtown Miami. Public transport is available with easy access from the Vizcaya Metrorail station, but there's also free parking should you choose to drive. Admission is $15 for adults and $6 for children ages 6  through 12. The museum is open every day of the year except for Christmas from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information, check out its site.