Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

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Visiting Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, Florida, is perfect if you love weekend getaways, Mediterranean architecture, and an itinerary of activities.

Here, you will find a taste of Europe without ever leaving Miami. This taste of Europe makes the museum a must-do activity on your next weekend trip to the Magic City. Be sure to pack your camera because Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a photographer’s paradise!

Recently, I spent a weekend in Delray Beach and made sure to spend one day in Miami, which is only a short drive away. It’s no surprise that visiting Vizcaya was at the top of my list during my time in Miami. I know you’ll love seeing Vizcaya, too!

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

The History of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

James Deering built Vizcaya between 1914 and 1922. James Deering was an industrialist and affluent bachelor who was retired and in his early fifties when he undertook the challenge to create this elaborate and gorgeous estate.

The property is an interpretation of an eighteenth-century Italian villa inspired by the country estates of the Veneto region of northern Italy. The Vizcaya designers modified traditional Mediterranean architectural elements and made them work in the Miami subtropical climate.

Vizcaya is in the Coconut Grove area of Miami, known for its tropical vibes and bohemian charm. A subtropical forest surrounds the estate, and Vizvaya sits along the shores of Biscayne Bay.

The Best Time to Visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

The best time to visit Miami is between March and May. You’ll experience daily temperatures in the 70s while the rest of the USA is warming up after Winter.

June through August are also good times to visit but expect temperatures in the low 90s with lots of humidity. The summers in Miami are intense, but the tropical beauty makes up for the heat.

I’ve visited South Florida many times, and in every different season, and in my opinion, there is never a wrong time to visit the Miami area and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It is picturesque year-round.

Hours & Pricing

Vizcaya is open Wednesday through Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The property is closed on Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

You need to purchase a ticket before you arrive, which is easy and can be done online through their online ticket portal.

Admission prices are $25 for adults, $10 for children ages six to twelve, and free for children under five as of this writing.

Directions & Parking

Vizcaya is conveniently located in Miami’s north Coconut Grove area, overlooking Biscayne Bay, just 1/4 mile off of I-95, one mile from downtown Miami, and 10 miles from south Miami Beach.

The address is Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129.

Parking is free, and Vizvaya has two parking lots. When the main parking lot on the east side of South Miami Avenue reaches capacity, they will direct you to the Vizcaya Village parking lot on the west side of South Miami Avenue.

We had no trouble finding parking, and it’s a short and beautiful walk from the parking lot to the estate entrance.

Know Before You Go

Here are a few items to know before you visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

You will be doing a lot of walking. Make sure to wear good walking shoes. I swear by the Allbirds Treerunners and Allbirds Tree Pipers.
Parking is free, so you only need to pay for your online ticket. You can pay extra if you want a guided tour. I did a self-guided tour using the map and found it thorough.
There is a small souvenir shop if you like to collect pins, spoons, or magnets on trips.
Lastly, remember to wear sunscreen. I always leave home with it, and my favorite sunscreen I wear daily is EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF.