All About Homestead, Florida

History of Homestead, FL

Homestead is the second-oldest city in Miami-Dade County. It was first opened for homesteading in 1898, but back then, the only way to get here was by taking the Homesteaders Trail. But transit greatly improved in 1904, when Henry Flagler extended the railroad through the area to transport fruits and vegetables to Miami and beyond. Railroad workers worked on the project and then stayed in the area, helping the city to grow. Homestead was officially founded as a city in 1913, and it steadily grew thanks to the Florida land boom in the 1920s, but the Great Depression and major hurricanes that hit the area slowed the city's development. During World War II, a former Pan Am airfield was enlarged and converted into the Homestead Army Air Field, which was in use throughout the rest of the war. The area has since grown tremendously despite minor setbacks due to severe hurricane damage over the years, and it is now home to more than 80,000 residents.

• History of the City of Homestead
• Homestead History Experience
• Homestead, Florida: In the Middle of the Redlands

Location

Homestead is near the southern tip of Florida and is located between two national parks: Biscayne National Park on the east and Everglades National Park on the west. The city is located at the southern end of the Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike and is to the immediate northeast of Florida City, the other city that compromises the greater Homestead-Florida City area, which is also home to multiple smaller, unincorporated communities.

• Explore Homestead
• Welcome to Downtown Homestead

Homestead Weather

The temperature in Homestead is usually temperate all year round. The winters, like most winters in Florida, are relatively short, with the temperature rarely dipping below the mid-40s. The summer tends to be long and hot, with temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s for the majority of the season. Most days in the summer tend to include heavy rainstorms to break up the afternoon. While planning your trip to Homestead, keep an eye on the weather, especially during hurricane season, which lasts from June through September.

• Miami-Area Weather
• WPLG Weather Forecast

Things to Do in Homestead

Homestead offers convenient access to some of the most popular attractions along Florida's Atlantic coast. It's within easy driving distance of two national parks and the Florida Keys. Within Homestead, there's still plenty to do as well, such as visiting the Coral Castle Museum, a man-made outdoor attraction made entirely from local limestone. Racing fans should stop by the Homestead-Miami Speedway and take in the energy, especially during racing season. At that time of year, the whole town is abuzz as the grandstands fill up with fans cheering for roaring engines and squealing tires. If animals are more your style, you can always stop by the Everglades Alligator Farm to spend some time learning about Florida's most iconic symbol: the alligator. The farm even offers instructional programs, airboat tours, and even a chance to feed the alligators.

• Coral Castle Museum
• Homestead-Miami Speedway
• Everglades Alligator Farm
• Everglades Outpost

Where to Eat in Homestead

Since Homestead is so close to Cuba, it's no surprise that you'll find no shortage of Cuban cuisine in town. With places like Casavana, Mario's, and Havana Spice, it will be easy to find Cuban food in Homestead to satisfy your palate. But there's more to try than Cuban food, of course. If you're looking for a bar in Homestead where you can have a drink, eat delicious food, and take in the atmosphere, you could stop by La Piedra Bar and Lounge, City Hall Bistro & Martini Bar, or Simmons Bar. There are so many places to eat that it's hard to choose the best restaurants in Homestead, but rest assured that no matter what you're craving, whether it be Jamaican food from Yardie Spice, Thai food from Bangkok Cuisine, or even delicious pizza from Portofino Coal Fired Pizza, you'll find something that will fill you up.

• White Lion Cafe
• Casavana Cuban Cuisine
• Bangkok Cuisine
• Yardie Spice

Where to Stay in Homestead

There are plenty of options for hotels in Homestead, Florida! In fact, Homestead is considered a popular destination for tourists because lodging is so much cheaper than it is in some of the surrounding areas, especially Miami. Since it's so close to several parks and popular attractions, hotels near Homestead are often sought after for their affordability, and most hotel chains have a branch in the Homestead area, making it easier than ever for you to book a room and come visit.

• The Hotel Redland
• Floridian Hotel of Homestead

Dental Care Services in Homestead, FL

If you find yourself in need of a pediatric dentist in Homestead, look no further! Main Street Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics has a dedicated team of dentists who have plenty of experience making kids feel comfortable at the dentist's office. Whether your little ones just need a cleaning or you're seriously concerned about their oral health and hygiene, our team knows how to handle the situation and leave your kid smiling. If you want to make an appointment with a local dentist, you can call our office today at (305) 407-1026 or book an appointment online and we'll help you get started.