Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Rickenbacker Causeway Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Rickenbacker Causeway

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Miami skyline at night from Rickenbacker Causeway
    Daniel P.

    Really scenic views of the Miami skyline from this bridge. Lot's of activity in the bike lane and sidewalk.

    Vanessa S.

    I love the versatility of this bridge! You can come here to work out, chill by the water, or take amazing pictures. There is usually parking which is awesome. It can get really busy in the weekend. If you like wind surfing or paddle boarding, they have a rental hut located here.

    Julio C.

    I was never a fan of walks because I never considered it to be an exercise, but I have learned to appreciate them over time. The walk in the Rickenbacker will definitely help you burn calories while enjoying the beautiful sea and skyline from the city. I usually come to run the bridge. If you start from the park located in Miami Ave and cross the bridge, you will hit close to 2 miles. It is a beautiful way to "get away". You can also sit down next to the ocean. Today, I came and parked facing the ocean. I remained in my car due to COVID, to follow isolation. I recommend it for those who need some sun but do not want to come in contact with anyone. You can still enjoy the beautiful things in life even during this pandemic, don't limit yourself. This is a gift.

    Morning views
    Ericka G.

    Had decided with a friend to get up early on a Sunday and get in a good walk. Of course we came straight here. It is absolutely beautiful here. You have the beautiful skyline of brickell and downtown and just pure ocean. The breeze was everything this morning but don't let that fool you. Stay hydrated (I forgot my own water bottle) and pile on that sunscreen to stay protected. As always with any exercise make sure you get your stretch on before and after. As I pulled up I could see there were alot of people enjoying the day. Whether running, walking, cycling, doing yoga, or just enjoying the view. There was so much parking I pulled right up. No fees here. Going up the causeway I could feel that incline on my calves, nice burn but I made sure to stretch. I loved it out here. The beautiful views, people walking their friendly canine pals, there was no rush. Down below I noticed boats and jetski's taking advantage of the calm waves. Alot of people were also fishing on a pier below. Saw some people jump off of it as well but they were closer to the fishing pier, not the actual causeway as that is Not allowed or recommended. Made it to the other side and decided instead of continuing to the park I just made a u turn and went right back up. I did this 6 times and took me about an hour but hardly noticed because it was such a beautiful day. Being that this was the perfect way to start the day and get my heart going, seriously thinking about making this a weekly thing. After your long walk, jog, or run, there are bathrooms onsite to wash your face and water fountains to keep hydrated. Enjoy this beautiful area!

    Mark M.

    This scenic causeway is a joy to drive on. It's your access to Virginia Key and Key Biscayne. Right along it you can access various beautiful beaches, some with even free parking, which is unheard of in Miami.

    View of bridge from the beach side
    Diana A.

    I loveeeeee this spot!! So much more relaxing, and better than south beach. The beach is beautiful and so quiet, a very intimate spot for couples or people to take their dogs. I noticed there were people practicing swimming in the water and I thought it was pretty cool. When you're on the beach side, you have a nice view to the right of the bridge and on the back you have a view of downtown which is gorgeous. They also sell arepas and hot dogs in certain spots so if you forget to pack some snacks, you have them right there. I ran from the bridge to the beach and back and it didn't even feel like anything simply because of the amazing view I had with me the entire time. On the bridge there were people walking their dogs, running or simply just crossing the bridge to get to the other side to get to the beach. There's also a section where I saw a lot of people fishing on the side, it's a little lower than the bridge which is super high up. If you drive a little bit passed the beginning of the bridge (as if you're coming from viscaya) there's a small entry where you can also park your car and go fishing or simply get out of your car and enjoy the beautiful skyline views that Miami has to offer. Although it's a little bit of a drive from where I live, I will make it a goal for me to come pass by during the weekends to run or to bring my dog to play on the sand.

    Keith A.

    Nice trail and easy walk from Alice C. Wainwright park. You can walk, bike, roller-blade, etc. There are plenty of signs to tell you the way and the distance. Great views of the ocean, buildings, birds, etc. There were very few people walking around.

    Sunrise
    Cassie P.

    Rickenbacker Causeway is one of those spots that never ceases to remind me why we are so lucky to be living in Miami. Whether driving across to get to Key Biscayne, stopping on the side to paddleboard, or running back and forth as I train for my next race, it's the perfect place to take in the Miami skyline, blue waters and fresh air. Lately, I have been doing the latter a lot more often and I love how an underground path from Brickell Ave takes you safely to the running path without having to worry about dodging cars. It's empowering to see plenty of other bikers and runners out and about getting in their training too. If driving, there's a toll which you no longer stop and pay, but rather drive through. If you're looking to park somewhere for a workout, I'd recommend doing it for free closer to Alice Wainwright or Kennedy Park and making you way over. It's also one of my favorite places to see the sunrise so would recommend experiencing that, if you can!

    Marqus R.

    I've driven over the Rickenbacker Causeway and boated under it countless times. Named after World War I flying ace, Eddie Rickenbacker, it is basically a toll bridge operated by Miami-Dade County, hence your SunPass isn't accepted. The tolls are charged only when heading southbound from Miami with no toll when returning northbound from the keys. It's also one of the few causeways that are bicycle friendly though I have to say, when you bicycle it, you'll soon find out how in shape or more likely how out of shape you are. As far as causeways and bridges go, this one is a beauty not only for what it connects but for the views from on top of it as well as the views on the water from underneath it. The best thing about it is, however, that coming out of Miami the Rickenbacker is what leads to one of the best gems of the area; a place where Miamians go to get away from Miami, the city, yet enjoy the beauty, scenery, wildlife and shorelines of what Miami is really all about.

    The causeway has two lanes one on the left and one on the right one is for bikers and the other one is for runners/walkers.
    Roxana A.

    I have been running this bridge since I was in college. It always brought my day to the perfect ending, because it has never ended with stress. You get to enjoy the most beautiful parts of mother nature; animals, the bay, and people watching. I didn't even know you could actually rate a bridge lol, go figure. Highly recommend this beautiful running/walking to anyone.

    Wendy A.

    Que Rico! The beach it's always a good idea, at least for me, specially on a winter Miami day like this past Sunday. For the first time I walked, took pictures and breath in the amazing pure air of the Rickenbacker Causeway. There were people walking, running, jogging, taking pictures, camping, reading, doing yoga, meditating, and fishing. Great place for all ages. Dogs are welcome and it seamed they enjoyed it! After a delightful walk of an hour I sat down on the sand and admire our beautiful Miami Beach. It was sad to notice how dirty the beach sand was. If you took the time to read this review before going there, please take an extra plastic bag with you; try to clean the beach and please throw your garbage in the specific containers. We can do this for own good !

    Storm Coming (from car while driving)
    Sabrina Anna C.

    Dear Rickenbacker Causeway, I have traveled your glorious stretch of road for OVER a decade now; beginning with the fact that I attended a high school on Virginia Key, and now, years later, I work in Key Biscayne. Rickenbacker, I have run up and down your bridge, I have run out of gas on the side of your road, and I have even seen a car get swallowed by a piece of the road that somehow became a sinkhole. I've witnessed the beauty of Miami from the peak of your bridge, and had tragedy when a friend fell off their bike over the side and into the ocean. This has always been my favorite bridge to cross, and of course the entire length of your causeway. You do us the pleasure of connecting Miami with the islands of Virginia Key and Key Biscayne. Without your road, we would not be able to access these wonderful barrier islands. You provide public beaches, as well as really the only dog beach in Miami. There is sailing and jet skiing and other water sports abound! There are also boat marinas and restaurants. Rickenbacker, anyone who wants a peaceful and gorgeous road just to travel and see a differnt side of Miami, definitely needs to check you out. Thank you for maintaining your roadway. But do you think we can stop making this a speed trap?! Why are there always 10,000 police trying to make their quota?! Oh and lets not forget the endless Immigration stops... But still, I love you. I will be back on your roadway in about an hour. See you soon! Regards, Sabrina* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From Wikipedia - I liked their descriptions!!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickenbacker_Causeway

    This is a view of downtown Miami from the north side of Rickenbacker Causeway.
    Bill W.

    There are three places I visit along the rickenbacker causeway... 1) dog beach, which is on the south side close to the Miami Seaquarium 2) the north side of the first island, because of its amazing view of downtown Miami 3) under the big bridge on the West side, again for its amazing view of downtown, and for interesting sunrises. None of these places are very well maintained... lots of trash is left by inconsiderate visitors, and it can be downright grungy on the north shore. It's also not uncommon to see the leftovers of Santeria rites such as coconut shells and bags with chicken parts in them. Under the bridge several people living out of their cars will be parked there overnight, and there's a strong smell of urine there also. The north side near the western end of the causeway has very little beach left, but the view of downtown is unmatched. Dog beach is on Virginia Key and does have a bit of sand, palm trees, and a view both of Biscyane Bay and downtown to the West. This thin strip of sand is partially washed away in places, and under the few shoreside trees you'll run across lots of bottles and potentially broken glass. But there isn't a single other nearby beach where you can walk dogs, and they enjoy the heck out of going there; we keep them on leash always. The garbage is worse after a weekend, particularly on Sunday's. The county does come through to do a cursory clean up now and again, and to empty the overflowing garbage cans. I never visit without picking up a handful of less questionable looking trash. Actually, now that I write this it sounds downright horrific. Well, at least it's easy to get to, and you can gaze at the views while ignoring underfoot.

    View! AMAZING RUN!

    See all

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Frank G.
    839
    316
    1727

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Marianne W.
    4999
    4863
    96508

    5 years ago

    Helpful 66
    Thanks 0
    Love this 65
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 29
    Thanks 0
    Love this 30
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark M.
    496
    3968
    28252

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cassie P.
    4007
    1849
    3760

    10 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marqus R.
    1831
    4485
    26337

    12 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alexa C.
    752
    2165
    5839

    8 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    It is a very clean and functional road , super impressive , the cycle lane was clean and well marked out , the view was beautiful.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wendy A.
    1862
    2320
    9383

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bill W.
    352
    464
    1675

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Greg B.
    243
    410
    1072

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 19
    Thanks 0
    Love this 21
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 21
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul W.
    1066
    1784
    833

    15 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lena C.
    661
    551
    2086

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sharein E.
    235
    31
    12

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Rickenbacker Causeway Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Rickenbacker Causeway

    Where do you park?

    Thank you for writing to us for guidance on where to park. On either side of the Causeway there are parking lots for patrons to park. You will see them as you approach the bridge and just over the bridge. Should you have further questions contact… Read more

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Rickenbacker Causeway

    Whether you come during the day or in the evening this bridge also offers beautiful skyline views of Miami.

    Mentioned in 23 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Stiltsville - 1930 creative housing

    Stiltsville

    4.6(17 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    The seven remaining structures can be seen in the park I was walking at…read more Stiltsville is a group of wood stilt houses located one mile south of Cape Florida, on sand banks of the Safety Valve on the edge of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The structures stand on wood or reinforced concrete pilings, generally ten feet above the shallow water, which varies from one to three feet deep at low tide. View from the Cape Florida Light History Most sources claim the first stilt shack was built in the early 1930s, but some Dade County historians say that there were a dozen shacks in "the flats" as early as 1922. Crawfish Eddie "Crawfish" Eddie Walker built a shack on stilts above the water in 1933, toward the end of the prohibition era, allegedly to facilitate gambling, which was legal at one mile offshore. Crawfish Eddie sold bait and beer from his shack and was known for a dish he called chilau, a crawfish chowder made with crawfish he caught under his shack. Thomas Grady and Leo Edward, two of Eddie's fishing buddies, built their own shack in 1937. Shipwrecking and channel dredging brought many people to the area and more shacks were constructed, some by boating and fishing clubs. Local newspapers called the area "the shacks" and "shack colony". Crawfish Eddie's original shack was destroyed by the late-season Hurricane King of 1950. Calvert Club at Stiltsville Calvert Club The first social club built at Stiltsville was constructed during the late 1930s and named the Calvert Club. The Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club was organized in 1929 and held its first official outing at the Stiltsville Calvert Club in August 1938. A club picture was taken in front of the club, which was popular enough to have picture postcards printed with its image. Quarterdeck Club The Quarterdeck Club, built on a barge by Commodore Edward Turner, opened in November, 1940. The club gained popularity after an article about the club appeared in Life magazine on February 10, 1941. The article noted that this was an "extraordinary American community dedicated solely to sunlight, salt water and the well-being of the human spirit." The club was described as "a $100,000 play-palace equipped with bar, lounge, bridge deck, dining room and dock slips for yachts". The local newspapers began running stories and photographs of parties with celebrities. The Quarterdeck Club was viewed by tourists as a "must see" attraction at Miami Beach, Florida. Rumors of gambling persisted, and the club was raided in 1949, but no evidence of gambling was found. Hotelman Warren Freeman purchased the club in 1950 and envisioned it as a high-class operation. The structure was renovated and expanded, only to be heavily damaged by Hurricane King late in the season. Dejected and broke, Freeman sold what remained. The club was rebuilt, but never regained the popularity of its early years. Hurricane Donna in 1960 damaged most of the structures in Stiltsville, including the Quarterdeck Club, then the building was completely destroyed by a fire in 1961 that burned all the way to the pilings. The rumor was that the owner's wife set fire to the club after a jealous fit. Karl Mongelluzzo, the last owner of the Quarterdeck Club, was denied a building permit in 1967. Party Central Stiltsville may not have looked like much, but in the 1940s and 1950s, it was a popular place where lawyers, bankers, politicians, and other moneyed, well-connected Miamians came to drink, relax and kick back. Law enforcement periodically visited the area, looking for vice activities.

    A boat or watercraft is needed to reach Stiltsville as it is 1 mile due south of Key Biscayne…read more Hurricane Andrew destroyed must of the home and businesses. It is a great way to view the Miami coast from sea.

    Photos
    Stiltsville
    Stiltsville
    Stiltsville - Another beautiful South Florida evening.

    See all

    Another beautiful South Florida evening.

    Cape Florida Lighthouse - Sign

    Cape Florida Lighthouse

    4.6(52 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    If you're anywhere near Miami and skip Cape Florida Lighthouse, I'm just gonna say it...you played…read moreyourself. This spot sits inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and it's honestly the perfect mix of history and straight-up tropical paradise. The lighthouse itself dates back to 1825, making it one of the oldest structures in South Florida--and yes, you can actually climb it. The spiral staircase is a bit of a workout (brace yourself), but the views at the top? Completely worth it. You get panoramic ocean views that feel unreal. What surprised us most was how much there is to do beyond the lighthouse. The beach here is clean, calm, and way less chaotic than Miami Beach. It's the kind of place where you can relax, swim, or just post up and enjoy the breeze without fighting crowds every five seconds. There are also shaded picnic areas, bike paths, and plenty of space to explore, so you can easily spend a full day here without getting bored. Overall, this place feels like a hidden escape just minutes from the city. Whether you're into history, views, or just a chill beach day, Cape Florida Lighthouse absolutely delivers. Follow us on our socials for more hidden gems @reessroots

    I love lighthouses!! And this one was so nice. It was well kept and the fact that we can go up in…read moreit and see the beautiful view from the top was everything! It was 109 steps to the top but the view was beautiful. They also had a little nice walkway out to the water and a nice little trail as well and you get to read on about Bill Braggs and saw his home and everything there as well as go inside it. It was nice. I loved it. It was $8 per vehicle. They also had a beach area that you can enjoy that you can rent chairs and umbrellas.

    Photos
    Cape Florida Lighthouse - Rees's Roots Cape Florida Lighthouse Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

    Rees's Roots Cape Florida Lighthouse Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

    Cape Florida Lighthouse
    Cape Florida Lighthouse - View from the beach

    See all

    View from the beach

    El Jardin

    El Jardin

    4.3(3 reviews)
    4.8 mi

    I first saw - and entered El Jardin in 1982/83. At that time it contained the office of Father…read moreRoger Radloff, a Catholic priest and Jungian psychologist which he used in relation to a private practice that he maintained in addition to being the "shrink for the diocese" as he put it. His assistant at that time was Eugene Ritter. I believe Radloff also offered services to students at the adjoining Carrollton School, which owned the gatehouse. As with all Miami revival architecture, El Jardin is at one with the earth, looks organic, and is built with color, shapes and textures as well as stone.

    I went to coconut Grove to see as many historical places as possible, and spotted this one. See…read moreinfo I got from the net regarding it. El Jardin is a house located at 3747 Main Highway in Miami, Florida. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. El Jardin is now home to Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami, Florida. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on August 30, 1974. Built in 1918 along a ridge of oolitic limestone, El Jardin expresses the broad training of its architect, Richard Kiehnel of Kiehnel and Elliott, and the experience of its owner, John Bindley, then president of Pittsburgh Steel. Kiehnel, in a September 1928 article for Tropical Home and Garden, referred to the house as a "progenitor of the Modern Mediterranean style home." Kiehnel relocated to Miami from Pittsburgh and became the architect for many landmark buildings, including the Coral Gables Congregational Church, Miami Senior High, and the Coral Gables Elementary School.

    Photos
    El Jardin
    El Jardin
    El Jardin

    See all

    Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

    Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

    4.5(917 reviews)
    2.3 miCoconut Grove

    In all the years that I lived in Miami, I never once visited Viscaya; I live in shame. Mostly…read morebecause when you're local the mentality is, "why pay to see a fancy house? you can drive by coral gables or south beach and see them for free". I will say, the grounds are absolutely delightful, especially if you go in the Springtime as we did where flowers are all in full bloom, that alone is worth the ticket price. The architecture is exquisite! A feast for the eyes in so many ways. When we came to visit, they were doing renovations. You could see the water damage on the roof and walls, probably caused by one of the many Summer storms, because of that the tickets were at a discount that day but we were still able to appreciate the beauty of Viscaya. There are two cafe's. One in the garden of the main house, and another across the street where farm animals use to be kept. Surprisingly, the food and drinks are reasonably priced. The day we were there, a wedding was going to take place and there was a lot of commotion going on. Fancy tables being set up, fine china, crystal glasses, the whole works. We asked a security guard how much it costs to have a wedding reception there and he said: "Just to rent the space, no tables, no nothing, starting price is 100k". So if you have 100k lying around, and plan to get married soon, this could be an option for you. Jokes aside though; I'd definitely visit again.

    I have been here before but this time there was a lot of construction going on. I am glad to see…read morethat they are preserving the house for the future. We were able to see most of the rooms in the house and almost all of the garden. We were there the last week in April. The flowers were not popping as they were the last time I was there in July. I am not sure why that is. I do wish that they kept the ocean front a little cleaner. There has to be a way to clean up the sargasm and trash on a daily basis. Other than that, it was a great experience.

    Photos
    Vizcaya Museum & Gardens - Bedroom

    Bedroom

    Vizcaya Museum & Gardens - The Cafe!

    The Cafe!

    Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

    See all

    Scarface Historic Marker

    Scarface Historic Marker

    4.7(3 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    I always love discovering a bit of history and this marker is Hollywood magic right here in Miami…read more On Ocean Drive in South Beach is a plaque honoring that the building appeared in the movie Scarface. It used to be an apartment building but it is now a CVS that still has much of its original architecture. The rooms that were used for filming during the movie are now part of the pharmacy. Scarface is a 1983 film based on a 1929 novel and a 1932 movie. It tells the story of a mobster based on real life criminal Al Capone. In the movie Cuban refuge Tony Montana played by Al Pacino comes to Miami during the Marial boatlift in 1980 when Cuba released jail inmates and mental hospital patients who then fled the island for Florida. The film charts Tony Montana's humble arrival in Miami to his transformation as a wealthy murdering drug lord. Other people who appeared in the movie were Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Michelle Pfeiffer in her first dramatic role. The movie marker is at the entrance of the staircase used during the filming of the chain saw scene. Look for it to the right of the stairs and to the left of the main entry to the building. You might think the city of Miami was pleased to be depicted in a Hollywood film but it was not. They were concerned about the movie's portrayal of Cuban Americans so civic leaders pushed to get filming moved out of Florida. Very little was actually filmed in South Beach and the filmmakers continued production in New York and California. If you are in the area its a great place to stop for a selfie.

    Okay, I know rating a plaque 5 stars is a little over the top BUT Scarface is one of my all time…read morefavorite movies and I HAD to check this place out. Oddly we were looking for a drug store, so it was a win/win when we found out the old Sun Ray Hotel, the Scarface scene of the coke deal with Colombians and chainsaw body mutilation were one and the same! Super cool to just envision the whole thing, then go in and get some water, snacks and toiletries at the CVS!

    Photos
    Scarface Historic Marker - Very iconic stairway from a scene in Scarface that I watched growing up. Glad to have Visited!

    Very iconic stairway from a scene in Scarface that I watched growing up. Glad to have Visited!

    Scarface Historic Marker
    Scarface Historic Marker

    See all

    Freedom Tower - Miami Freedom Tower

    Freedom Tower

    4.2(34 reviews)
    2.7 miDowntown

    If you have ever been to downtown Miami, the Freedom Tower looms large as an iconic landmark. But…read moredo you know its history? Come along with me as we check it out. Admission is normally $18 for adults, but on the first weekend of each month, Bank of America account holders can visit for free through the Museums on Us program. You can also park for free in the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus Garage, located just a block from the tower. The story of the Freedom Tower begins with James Middleton Cox, a former Ohio congressman, governor, and presidential candidate who came to Miami in 1923. He built the tower in 1925 to house his newly purchased newspaper, The Miami Daily News and Metropolis, which later became The Miami News. With 17 floors, the tower became Miami's first skyscraper. It was designed by the prestigious New York architectural firm Schultze and Weaver, which also designed the Waldorf Astoria New York, The Breakers, and the Hotel Sevilla-Biltmore. The Miami News Tower was modeled after the Giralda bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville in Spain. It was designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, which was popular during Florida's land boom years of the 1920's. In 1957, Miami News moved out of the tower. From 1962 to 1974, it was the home of the Cuban Refugee Center, which opened following the Cuban Revolution. Enacted during President John F. Kennedy's administration, the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 authorized aid for the large number of Cubans fleeing the island in search of political asylum. The U.S. government leased the building to process, document, and provide medical and dental care for the influx of Cuban exiles. During this period, the building became known as "El Refugio" ("The Refuge"), or the Freedom Tower. Nicknamed the "Ellis Island of the South," the Freedom Tower became a symbol of hope and freedom for those seeking democracy. After the refugee center closed, the tower was sold, fell into neglect, and was nearly demolished. Community leaders stepped in to save it, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In 1997, the tower was purchased by Jorge Mas Canosa, founder and leader of the Cuban American National Foundation. He passed away only two months after purchasing the building, but his family continued with his restoration plans. In 2004, they sold the tower to another Cuban American family, the Pedro Martin family. In 2005, the building was donated to Miami Dade College, the largest Hispanic-serving institution of higher education in the United States. The tower was designated a National Historic Landmark on October 6, 2008. In July 2025, the Freedom Tower celebrated its 100th anniversary. As part of the centennial celebration, the tower underwent significant renovations, including several new exhibits. These include Libertad, a permanent exhibition on the first and second floors that tells the story of how Miami was shaped by immigration through digital installations, personal testimonials, and historic artifacts. Another exhibit, El Refugio in Context, examines the Freedom Tower's role as a Cuban Refugee Center during the 1960s. One room has been recreated to look as it did when the tower served as a Cuban processing center. Another exhibit, Unidad: The World's Game, was created by the FIFA Museum and showcases how soccer, or fútbol, inspires and connects billions of people around the world. Visitors can explore historic artifacts, interactive stations, and immersive installations. I expect this exhibit to be especially popular when the FIFA World Cup comes to Miami in June. The tournament is the most prestigious competition in international soccer, bringing together the world's best men's national teams every four years to compete for the sport's highest honor. I also enjoyed viewing Languages of Migration in the Kislak Center. This exhibition explores global migration through rare maps, colonial-era artifacts, and contemporary art. The Freedom Tower is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. I very much enjoyed my visit and highly recommend adding this historic landmark to any itinerary that includes downtown Miami. The exhibits bring Miami's rich history to life. Freedom is not free, and the tower stands as a powerful reminder of that through the stories and memories of those who have left their mark on this important cultural landmark.

    Such a beautiful space. Went to and event for the Miami film festival and didnt know what to expect…read morewhen I walked in. The decor was minimal but beautiful. Very spacious and parking was very easy

    Photos
    Freedom Tower - Miami Freedom Tower

    Miami Freedom Tower

    Freedom Tower - Freedom Tower, September 16, 2025. Photo by Victor Jaramillo, courtesy of World Red Eye.

    Freedom Tower, September 16, 2025. Photo by Victor Jaramillo, courtesy of World Red Eye.

    Freedom Tower - MIAMI FREEDOM TOWER

    See all

    MIAMI FREEDOM TOWER

    Rickenbacker Causeway - landmarks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...