Five Things Only Found in South Florida

April 26, 2016

South Florida is a very unique area and there are some things you will only find in this section of the United States. Some of the places on this list have been around for a long time, while others are rather new. Here are five things you will only find in South Florida.

Brickell Avenue Bridge Statue

Found on Brickell Avenue south of the Downtown Miami area, this sculpture was created by Manuel Carbonell. It’s a bronze statue called “Tequesta Family” and shows a scene from Tequesta life. The main sculpture isn’t the only one you will find here. Smaller sculptures are found all along the bridge in honor of six prominent people in Miami history. These statues honor Henry Flagler, Julia Tuttle, Mary and William Brickell, Marjory Stoneman Douglas and D.A. Dorsey.

Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach

Found from 1933 to 1945 Meridian Avenue in Miami Beach, this memorial is only found in the South Florida area. It was unveiled in 1990 and dedicated in the memory of those that died and suffered due to Nazi persecution. The Holocaust Memorial includes pictures, sculptures and quotes all found around the main sculpture, which is a large hand reaching towards the sky. Many figures are found at the base of the sculpture and this is certainly a unique venue in South Florida.

Monkey Jungle

You won’t find anything like Monkey Jungle anywhere else in the United States. It’s found on 216th Street in Miami and allows the monkeys to run wild. Visitors actually take jeeps and vans into the habitat to see the monkeys in their natural surroundings.

This is the only semi-natural tropical rainforest found within the continental United States. It covers 30 ackers and it’s certainly something unique to South Florida.

Coral Castle

Another unique Miami venue, Coral Castle isn’t found anywhere else in the country. It’s found off South Dixie Highway and provides an amazing site with plenty of interesting statues. Edward Leedskalnin started the carving in 1923, which included more than 1,100 tons of coral rock. He used this rock to create a 9-ton stone gate, which opens with a very light touch, rocking chairs and a stone telescope.

Coral Castle is quite amazing and nobody really knowns how Edward created the place. He didn’t have any cranes or stone moving tools, so it’s a bit of a wonder of South Florida and a very big draw.

Home Run Celebration Sculpture

If you catch a Miami Marlins game, you will probably spot the Home Run Celebration Sculpture. Many Major League Parks have advertising on the walls and hallways. Miami Marlins Park is quite difference and provides some amazing artwork instead. Art from Daniel Arsham, Joan Miro, Kenny Scharf and others can be found throughout the levels of the stadium. Of course, the Home Run Celebration Sculpture is the most known of these pieces.

Miami Marlins Park is the only MLB park where you can watch a baseball game and enjoy amazing art. If you get bored with the game, you can always wander the halls.

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These are five of the most unique things you will find in South Florida. You won’t find any of these venues and attractions anywhere else.