16 Things To Do in Redland, Florida That Feel Like a Secret Vacation

Redland, Florida is one of those under-the-radar gems that’s quietly spectacular if you know where to look. Think tropical fruit farms, historic houses, orchid nurseries, and just enough rural quirk to feel like you’ve stumbled onto a Florida secret. Unlike Miami’s beachy bustle just 40 minutes away, Redland moves at a slower, sweeter pace — ideal for day-trippers, couples, families, and nature lovers.

Known as the heart of Miami-Dade’s farming belt, Redland (often called "The Redlands" by locals) delivers something refreshingly unpolished — a world away from the high-rises and traffic just 30 minutes east. It’s the kind of place where you can feed a zebra in the morning, sample lychee wine by lunch, and explore historic sites or tropical trails by afternoon.

This guide covers some memorable things to do in Redland, Florida, from offbeat roadside gems and family-run farms to lush gardens, nature preserves, and must-visit spots for fruit lovers.

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1. Visit Robert Is Here Fruit Stand

📍19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL (on the edge of Redland)

If you only make one stop in Redland, make it this one. Part tropical farmer’s market, part old Florida time capsule, and part mini-zoo, Robert Is Here is more than a roadside fruit stand — it’s a destination.

You’ll find exotic produce stacked high — jackfruit, canistel, dragon fruit, sapodilla — many of which you can sample on the spot. But the real draw? The milkshakes. The key lime is iconic, the mango-passionfruit is pure Florida sunshine in a cup, and the combos get wild (and weird) in the best way.

Weekends bring live music, picnic tables, and a backyard petting zoo with goats, emus, and tortoises wandering around like it’s totally normal (because here, it is). It’s the perfect kickoff — or wrap-up — to any Redland loop.

2. Explore the Fruit & Spice Park

📍24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL (right in the heart of Redland)

If Redland has a crown jewel, Fruit & Spice Park is it. Set on 37 lush acres, this working botanical garden feels more like a cross between a food forest, a science lab, and a walkable produce aisle from another planet. You’ll see everything from banana trees with red trunks to cacao pods, giant bamboo, black sapote (“chocolate pudding fruit”), cinnamon bark, miracle fruit, and dozens of plants you’ve probably never even heard of.

The best part? Visitors are allowed to sample any fruit that has naturally fallen to the ground. You won’t find that in any other park — and it turns every walk into a tropical treasure hunt.

Guided tram tours run daily and are worth it if you want to learn about the park’s history, sustainable farming practices, and plant origins. But even self-guided visitors will find plenty of signs, shady paths, and jaw-dropping photo ops.

3. Tour Cauley Square Historic Village

📍22400 Old Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL (just east of Redland)

Wandering through Cauley Square feels like stepping into a Florida postcard that somehow dodged the bulldozers of time. Nestled under a canopy of massive banyan trees and draped in moss, this historic village is home to a mishmash of 20+ boutiques, artist studios, tearooms, and antique shops, all housed in century-old cottages and storefronts.

It’s a great spot to slow down, browse handmade jewelry or vintage finds, and chat with local artists or business owners who are often happy to share the stories behind their wares. Hungry? The Tea Room and The Village Chalet offer sit-down meals and old-school charm, from finger sandwiches to hearty Cuban fare. On weekends, you'll often find live jazz, craft fairs, or car shows that add a little buzz to the mellow, mossy atmosphere.

Whether you’re into photography, quiet strolls, history, or shopping small, Cauley Square is Redland’s most unexpected detour — and well worth an hour or two.

4. Go Orchid Hunting at RF Orchids

📍28100 SW 182nd Ave, Homestead, FL

Stepping into RF Orchids feels like entering a secret jungle behind someone’s front gate — only this jungle is neatly arranged, artfully curated, and filled with some of the most exotic, dramatic orchids you’ll ever see. This isn’t just a nursery; it’s a living art gallery where nature’s most elegant flowers steal the show.

You’ll find dendrobiums, vandas, cattleyas, and rare hybrids with names as mysterious as their blooms — some the size of your palm, others no bigger than a thumbnail. The greenhouse displays are stunning, but the lush garden paths around the main house are worth the visit alone, with koi ponds, palms, and tropical landscaping straight out of a fairy tale.

Even if you’re not a plant person, you’ll be surprised by how transportive this place feels. And if you are an orchid lover? Welcome to heaven.

5. Pick Your Own Strawberries at Knaus Berry Farm (Seasonal)

📍15980 SW 248th St, Homestead, FL

If you’re in Redland between November and April, stopping at Knaus Berry Farm is practically a rite of passage. Families, foodies, and snowbirds all flock here for one reason: those cinnamon rolls. Soft, gooey, golden-brown, and wildly addictive — they sell out almost daily (and yes, they’re worth the wait in line).

But Knaus isn’t just about baked goods. It’s also one of the best places in South Florida to pick your own strawberries straight from the field. Grab a bucket and head into the rows — the berries are sweet, sun-warmed, and perfect for snacking right out of your hand. Depending on the season, you might also find tomatoes, greens, or even house-made ice cream.

The farm is run by a German Baptist family, and the staff often wear traditional dress — which adds to the throwback charm. It’s wholesome, unhurried, and one of the few places that feels untouched by time.

6. Sip Local Wine at Schnebly Redland’s Winery

📍30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead, FL

Set among waterfalls, koi ponds, and palm trees, Schnebly Redland’s Winery feels more like a tropical resort than your typical vineyard. The architecture leans Tuscan-meets-Florida, but the flavors are pure South Dade — with wines made from the fruits grown right in the surrounding farmland.

Wine flights are served in a breezy, open-air tasting room, and the pours are bold, bright, and wildly unique. Ever had avocado wine? You can try it here. Lychee blush, guava white, or mango wine spritzers are perfect for hot days and adventurous palates. If wine’s not your thing, there’s also Miami Brewing Company on-site with craft beer made from tropical ingredients like coconut and starfruit.

It’s a great spot to linger with friends, snap a few photos, or enjoy live music on weekends. Come for the novelty — stay for the surprisingly good pours and lush ambiance.

7. Stroll the Redland Tropical Trail

📍Various stops across Redland and Homestead — it’s a self-guided route

Think of the Redland Tropical Trail as your DIY passport to the area’s best local spots — no entry fees, no tour buses, just you, a map (or Google), and a string of unexpected finds waiting behind country fences and coral rock walls.

Depending on the season, you might pick dragon fruit at a family-run orchard, wander through a bromeliad jungle, sip lychee wine at Schnebly’s, or snack on monkey bread at a backroad berry farm. The trail’s highlights include stops like Fruit & Spice Park, Burr’s Berry Farm, Phil’s Red Barn, RF Orchids, and several roadside produce markets.

It’s ideal for slow travel types — people who want to explore beyond the obvious, meet growers, and experience what makes Redland feel so different from the rest of Miami-Dade.

8. Discover Coral Castle Museum

📍28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL (just northeast of Redland)

One part roadside curiosity, one part architectural enigma, Coral Castle is one of the most unusual — and oddly romantic — attractions in South Florida. Locals call it Florida’s Stonehenge, and once you walk through its coral gates, it’s easy to see why. The place is filled with massive stone furniture, a perfectly balanced revolving gate, and celestial alignments that still baffle engineers today.

Leedskalnin, who built it alone and in secret, claimed to know the secrets of the pyramids. Others say he was just heartbreak-stricken and stubborn, building the castle as a monument to a lost love. Either way, what’s left behind is fascinating: a coral rocking chair, sun and moon sculptures, a telescope carved from stone, and a story that blends science, mystery, and old-school devotion.

Guided tours are full of quirky facts and local legends — and the gift shop leans into the fun with souvenirs, conspiracy books, and postcards you won’t find anywhere else.

9. Shop Local at Phil’s Berry Farm and “The Red Barn”

📍13955 SW 248th St, Homestead, FL

If you’re craving a wholesome slice of Redland life, Phil’s Berry Farm (and its next-door neighbor, The Red Barn) deliver it in full. What started as a small strawberry stand has grown into a beloved weekend stop with fresh produce, friendly animals, and old-fashioned hospitality.

The Red Barn shop is packed with homemade jams, local honey, baked goods, and tropical fruit depending on the season. Grab a smoothie or ice cream, then head outside to meet the goats, chickens, and giant tortoises — kids love it, and adults usually end up smiling more than they expect to.

It's low-key, unpretentious, and very Redland. If you’re road-tripping the Tropical Trail or need a snack break between stops, this is the kind of local spot that feels like a lucky find.

10. Try a Fruit Smoothie at Burr’s Berry Farm (Seasonal)

📍12741 SW 216th St, Miami, FL — just outside Redland proper

When it comes to iconic South Florida treats, a strawberry smoothie from Burr’s Berry Farm is right up there with key lime pie and cafecito. This family-owned farm stand opens seasonally from late November through April, serving up ridiculously fresh fruit blended into cold, creamy perfection — the kind that hits different on a warm Florida day.

Beyond smoothies, you’ll find homemade strawberry shortcake, sundaes, jams, honey, and fresh-picked berries (when in season). The setting is simple — just a little pink shack on a country road — but that’s part of the charm. There are shaded picnic tables outside, so it’s the perfect stop to kick back for a bit before diving back into the Redland trail.

Locals line up for a reason: it’s fresh, it’s seasonal, and it’s delicious. Don’t leave without a jar of their small-batch jam — or at least a second smoothie for the road.

11. Visit the Preston B. Bird and Mary Heinlein Fruit & Spice Museum

📍Inside Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL

Tucked within the lush grounds of Fruit & Spice Park, this small but meaningful museum tells the story of how Redland became Florida’s tropical farming capital. From early homesteaders to the rise of mango, avocado, and lychee cultivation, the museum is a quiet gem for visitors who want a little more context behind the fruit stands and nurseries that define the region.

Inside, you’ll find historic photos, tools, maps, and exhibits that trace the evolution of farming in South Dade. It’s not flashy — but it’s deeply rooted in place. The museum is named in honor of Preston B. Bird, a civic leader and advocate for conservation, and Mary Heinlein, whose passion for plants and education helped shape the park itself.

It’s a quick stop, but a meaningful one — especially if you’re already visiting the park. It adds a human layer to the landscape and shows just how much love, labor, and community have gone into keeping Redland’s identity alive.

12. Attend the Redland GrowFest! (Seasonal – Fall)

📍Held at Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave, Homestead, FL

If your idea of a good time includes heirloom tomatoes, hands-on workshops, live folk music, and a serious amount of compost talk, GrowFest! is your jam. Held annually each fall (typically late October or early November), this community-driven event brings together farmers, gardeners, plant nerds, chefs, and eco-curious locals in one of the most fitting venues possible — the Fruit & Spice Park.

Expect booths packed with organic seedlings, native fruit trees, rare herbs, natural products, and locally made food, plus a full lineup of workshops covering everything from permaculture basics to mushroom cultivation and DIY composting. There are also food trucks, chef demos, and seed exchanges that keep the energy high and the crowd diverse — from retirees with raised beds to kids getting their hands dirty.

It’s not a tourist spectacle — and that’s what makes it great. GrowFest! feels like Redland’s roots showing, proudly.

13. Get Lost in Redland’s Plant Nurseries

📍Scattered throughout Redland — along SW 187th Ave, 248th St, and side roads

If you’ve got a green thumb (or just plant parent energy), Redland’s nursery scene is an absolute wonderland. We’re talking sprawling garden centers packed with orchids, palms, bromeliads, native edibles, air plants, bonsai trees, succulents, and tropical fruit saplings, often sold for a fraction of what you’d pay at an urban shop.

Some nurseries feel like well-organized jungle mazes, while others have a backyard vibe, where you’ll be greeted by the owner, a parrot, or both. There’s no one map — the best way to explore is to drive slowly, pull over when something catches your eye, and wander.

Whether you’re looking to take home a rare vanilla orchid, stock up on medicinal herbs, or just snap photos in a sea of flowering heliconias, the nurseries here are more than shops — they’re experiences.

Local favorites include: Redland Nursery, Casablanca Nursery, Bullis Bromeliads, and Going Bananas (for rare banana tree varieties, yes really).

14. Visit Monkey Jungle (Just Outside Redland)

📍14805 SW 216th St, Miami, FL — minutes from central Redland

If you’re into old-school roadside Florida oddities — the kind that have survived generations and still carry a little dust and a lot of charm — Monkey Jungle is your stop. Part wildlife sanctuary, part living museum, this place is home to spider monkeys, howlers, squirrel monkeys, and even a troop of Java macaques that swim and dive for treats.

The layout hasn’t changed much since it opened, and that’s half the appeal. You’ll walk through fenced-in tunnels while the monkeys scamper overhead and beside you — a fun role reversal that lets the animals act naturally, not perform. There are feedings, keeper talks, and the feeling that you’ve stepped into a quirky corner of Florida history that somehow still exists.

It’s educational, scrappy, and often unexpected — especially for kids and travelers chasing weird, wonderful throwback attractions.

15. 🧷 Grab Lunch at the Redland Ranch Grill

📍25420 SW 202nd Ave, Homestead, FL

If you’re hungry after a morning of fruit stands and nurseries, this is exactly where you want to land. Redland Ranch Grill is no-frills in the best way: part smokehouse, part general store, part gathering spot for locals who know where to eat. You’ll find pulled pork, brisket, ribs, burgers, and smoked chicken, all cooked low and slow — and often served with tropical twists like guava BBQ sauce or mango slaw.

Outdoor seating is shaded and spread out, with plenty of room for kids to roam or for you to just kick back and take in the farm views. Portions are hearty, prices are fair, and everything tastes like it came from someone’s backyard BBQ — because, well, it kind of did.

It’s not a polished restaurant — and that’s the point. It’s Redland on a plate, casual, generous, and full of flavor.

16. 🧷 Explore the Historic Redland Hotel

📍5 S Flagler Ave, Homestead, FL (at the edge of downtown, near Redland)

If you want to time travel without leaving Homestead, step into the Historic Redland Hotel. This beautifully restored, family-run inn blends Victorian-era architecture with small-town charm, making it one of the last original buildings from Homestead’s early 20th-century boom still in operation.

Inside, you'll find vintage-inspired rooms, original wood floors, and an old-school ambiance that feels worlds away from Miami’s high-rises. Downstairs, Hotel Redland Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner — expect comfort food, local ingredients, and friendly service from folks who know the area by heart.

Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth a visit for the architecture, the history, or just a slice of key lime pie on the front porch. It’s Redland’s unofficial downtown anchor — and a great way to end your trip with a sense of place.

Conclusion

Redland isn’t flashy. It doesn’t show off on social media or demand your attention with neon signs. But that’s exactly what makes it special. This corner of South Florida hums at its own pace — rooted in agriculture, family tradition, and the kind of hospitality you feel more than you see.

Whether you came for a fruit milkshake, a walk through mango trees, or a brush with old Florida oddities like Coral Castle and Monkey Jungle, what you’ll leave with is something deeper: a sense of place. A reminder that not everything has to be curated or crowded to be meaningful.

So roll down the windows, take the scenic route, and let Redland unfold one stop at a time. You’ll meet farmers who know your name by the second visit, sip guava wine under the palms, and maybe — just maybe — fall for a side of Florida that most people never even think to explore.

FAQ

1. What is Redland, Florida known for?

Redland is best known as South Florida’s agricultural heart — a rural, historic region just southwest of Miami filled with tropical fruit farms, plant nurseries, roadside stands, and Old Florida charm. Unlike the fast-paced coastal cities nearby, Redland feels untouched by time. Visitors come for fresh produce (like strawberries, lychees, and mangos), homemade milkshakes, botanical gardens, and unique stops like Coral Castle or Monkey Jungle. It’s also a hub for plant lovers, offering some of the best orchid growers and native plant nurseries in the Southeast.

2. When is the best time to visit Redland, Florida?

The best time to visit Redland is from November through April, when South Florida’s weather is cooler, the skies are clear, and most farms and fruit stands are in peak season. This is when U-pick farms like Knaus Berry are open, tropical fruit like sapote and carambola are ripe, and outdoor events like GrowFest! come to life. Redland doesn’t have the same year-round tourism infrastructure as Miami, so visiting during harvest season gives you the fullest experience — from smoothies and cinnamon rolls to live music and garden tours. Summer can be steamy and rainy, and some farmstands reduce hours, but even then, the area remains lush, green, and blissfully uncrowded.

3. Is Redland a good day trip from Miami?

Absolutely — Redland is one of the best under-the-radar day trips from Miami, especially for travelers who want a slower pace and something different from beaches and nightlife. Just a 40- to 60-minute drive from central Miami, it’s close enough for a spontaneous adventure but feels worlds away in vibe. You can pack a full day with stops like Robert Is Here Fruit Stand, the Fruit & Spice Park, Coral Castle, and local nurseries, all while sampling tropical fruit and homemade snacks along the way.

4. What are the top things to do in Redland for first-time visitors?

First-time visitors to Redland should definitely stop at Robert Is Here for a legendary milkshake and exotic fruit tasting. Then head to Fruit & Spice Park, where you can sample fallen tropical fruit and explore edible gardens from around the world. Add in a quirky twist with a visit to Coral Castle, and balance it out with a peaceful stroll through a local orchid nursery like RF Orchids. If you’re hungry, try a BBQ lunch at Redland Ranch Grill or monkey bread at Phil’s Berry Farm. These stops offer the perfect mix of Redland’s rustic charm, agricultural roots, and one-of-a-kind flavor — all within easy driving distance of each other.

5. Are there places to stay overnight in or near Redland?

Yes, though Redland is primarily a day-trip destination, there are a few unique and cozy overnight options for travelers who want to soak up more of the rural vibe. The most iconic is the Historic Redland Hotel, a restored 1904 inn located just a few minutes away in downtown Homestead. You’ll also find a handful of charming bed-and-breakfasts, farm stays, and vacation rentals tucked among the groves. Some local farms and nurseries even offer glamping experiences, where you can sleep under the stars surrounded by fruit trees. It’s a great way to disconnect, hear the night birds, and enjoy a version of Florida most people never see.

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17 Things to Do in Redland, Florida – Fruit Stands, Farms & Hidden Gems

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Explore the best things to do in Redland, FL — from tropical fruit farms and wineries to orchid nurseries, historic villages, and quirky roadside stops. A must-see day trip from Miami.