Rich in history, Palmetto Bay, FL is named after the abundant  sabal palmetto trees in the area, with “Palmetto” reflecting these palms and “Bay” denotes its adjacency to Biscayne Bay. The area offers visitors a captivating blend of charm and a subtropical climate, promising the unique and unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

10,000 years ago this land was home to paleo-indians and the Tequesta Native American tribe inhabited the region 4,000 years ago.

When the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon sailed into Biscayne bay, he stepped on this land seeking the fresh water flowing from the Everglades. Back then the Seminole tribes were roaming the wilderness. In the late 1800s new settlers started to arrive into this area.

This is when Charles Deering—a Chicago industrialist, preservationist, environmentalist, art collector, philanthropist, and the first chairman of the International Harvester Company – became interest in the fast growing Miami. Deering loved nature and was concerned about all the real estate development along the bay. From 1913 to 1926 he started buying land south of Coral Gables in Miami, piece by piece, until he owned just about all the town of Cutler. He tore down all the buildings except for Richmond Cottage (1896), setting the stage for the Deering Estate that became his winter residence. There are two main properties on the grounds of the estate. The Richmond Cottage built in 1896 is one of the oldest wooden structured in Miami Dade. In 1899 it was enlarged with a three-story addition when the property was converted to an Inn and used by those working on Henry Flagler’s Railroad. Charles Deering renovated the property for his own use after it closed in 1915. Today, it is a museum, an ecological gem, and a small glimpse into old Florida. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this state-protected park is spread across 444 acres of coastal Miami and offers everything from canoe tours and bird walks to moonlit kayaking, Biscayne Bay boat tours, hiking, nature trails, eco-tours and more.

Ready to get outdoors in Miami? Follow the link below for many nature experiences at Deering Estate you don’t want to miss.