I am a sucker for roadside attractions. Some are obviously better than others. This one is definitely a weird one and worth a visit. Of course, it was 150 degrees outside (and humid, of course) when we visited, which wasn't fun, but what can you do. You take a guided, narrated tour and try not to step on any of the prehistoric gigantic iguanas that are roaming around everywhere. And I mean giant. The story of the guy who built this place is interesting enough. Both kids and adults will enjoy the history of the construction of this strange oddity. It was built over the course of 30 years and it is a remarkable and bizarre spectacle that this guy constructed. Would I return? Nah, been there, done that. But despite the high admission price, I am glad I went once. This is like a mini-Stonehenge, mushy peas not included. read more

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This is an interesting pit stop if you're in South Florida. We went because it was mentioned in some TV shows and was something that stood out as unusual. But, it is really quite small. If this was a $10 admission fee, I'd probably add one star. But, they charge $25/pp and there's not much to the place. All that said....is it interesting? Sure. It makes you wonder why the guy who built the place obsessively worked to make it. The story about his lost love gives his the motivation. Still, pretty incredible that he went to this effort by himself. read more

Coral Castle - Museums Near Me - Homestead, Florida

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My husband has wanted to come here ever since he was a kid, after hearing Leonard Nimoy talk about it on his show In Search Of.... Hubs told me about it, and then we heard about it together on Coast to Coast Am, early in our marriage. I had forgotten all about it until we were planning our trip to the Keys and my husband brought it up, so, we made it a priority to visit. Homestead is basically the last city you hit on the mainland before you begin your journey through the Keys, so you don't really have to make special plans to get here if you're heading there. Admission is $25 per adult, slightly less for children. With tax and a credit card convenience fee of $1.50, our total admission cost was $55. Personally, I think it was worth it, but then, I am into the weird stuff. The place can accomodate at least 100 people, but due to the oddity of the place and, I'm guessing, it's lack of notoriety, it doesn't seem to get very busy. There were maybe 25-30 people in the 2.5 hours we spent there. Coral Castle is almost entirely outdoors and exposed to the elements, so it is not really a castle. There are sitting areas, a dining area, bathing area and one enclosed living (sleeping) area. The living area could be called a tower, as it is two floors, but 1) You only get to see the lower floor which is now kind of a tool shed museum and 2) You can peek in it, but you can't actually go in it. Everything is made of a type of stone called oolite limestone. It is extremely strong and very heavy. The mystery of the castle is how it was built. How did one 5' tall man move multiple stones, weighing a ton or more, by himself? How did he make his stone chairs rock, and his stone gates turn? He claimed to know the secrets of the pyramid builders, and to this day, no one really knows how he did it. There are guided tours at regularly scheduled intervals, and you can join in anytime at no additional charge (recommended), or you can walk around and look at everything yourself, but there is no signage. You can stay as long as you want and take as many pictures as you want as well. There is a gift shop which has a cutout of Edward Leedskalnin, the man who built Coral Castle, that you can take a photo of or selfie with, along with the usual gift shop fare of shirts/sweatshirts, postcards, magnets, books, and other items. If you're looking for something interesting and unusual to do on the way to the Keys, I highly suggest a stop here. 99/2025 read more

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The story of the Coral Castle is well known outside Florida. We have always wanted to visit and finally made while on the way to the Keys. The place is not big, but is is the remarkable construction and the romantic story that make this place special. Once you are in, you walk in a group with a tour guide who tells you the significance of each piece and artifact. It was a hot sunny South Florida day, and was delighted that they offered umbrellas for shade during the guided tour. The place is well maintained and the staff were friendly and attentive. You can walk the castle in about little less than an hour. If you live in South Florida or visiting the area, you should definitely visit Coral Castle. The interesting history and construction makes it a unique landmark that you will remember. read more

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I had wanted to come to the Coral Castle for a very long time. We finally made it here. I must say it was underwhelming. Is one of those things you build up in your mind only to be dissolved. Parking situation is good. There was plenty of space. Entrance fee is $25, which I think is quite high for what it is. You get a 10 minute tour with a guide, which don't give you a lot of information, because there isn't much known about the place. They are mainly there to make sure you don't climb or sit on the structures. I get it. Like I said, it can be dome in under 15 minutes. I think we were there for a little longer because we sat and watched a bit of a commentary they have playing on loop in the waiting area. All in all is a great place to visit once. It is awe inspiring how one man built this whole place alone. read more

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This is a most visit place. It blew our minds! It is beautiful, the arquitecture is amazing and quite incredible. Staff is Super nice and our tour guide was a friendly young man name Chase; He was knowledgeable had great speech and presence. Thank you guys you do a wonderful job!!! read more

Coral Castle - Museums Near Me - Homestead, Florida

Absolutely love Coral Castle. I love fun, b-movies, and discovered Coral Castle because it was the filming location for Doris Wishman's hilarious cutie-nudie 1960's camp comedy film Nude on the Moon! Yes, Coral Castle was supposed to be on the Moon! It's an amazing place with such great history! The place looks terrific and the tour guides are top notch! Super friendly people. A "must see" classic Florida attraction! Amazing new gift shop too! Check it out. read more

The Coral Castle is a fascinating thing to see. I just popped in for about 30 minutes to take a tour, look around, and shoot some photos. The man who built it was named Edward Leedskalnin, a Latvian immigrant. He came to America in the 1920s. He was only 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, yet somehow was able to build this castle on his own. How he did it is a mystery, since some of limestones weighed over a ton. Some of the things that fascinated me the most were the well, the sundial, the carvings of Saturn and moons, and the outdoor living room with a multitude of carved chairs. Agamas ran around everywhere. Giant lizards with yellow throats. Accessing the castle is a bit pricey at $25 per person. But if you have an interest in historical architecture, this is a really neat must in Homestead, Florida. read more

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Fascinating place to visit, even in the full rain. Made of coral pieces weighing too much to imagine moving. A mystery how a wee man built this by himself. As recently as 10 years ago, people were allowed to touch and climb. read more

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Very neat and enjoyable! Nice place to see engineering marvels! How one man could quarry and then move and lift into place 10-20 ton blocks of coral rock. Simply Amazing! My wife and I had a great time there! Just walking around and hearing about the guys story. Nice place! read more

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You can't make this up. Tucked off South Dixie Highway in Homestead--somewhere between Miami's chaos and the Everglades' mosquitoes--is Coral Castle, a place that feels less like Florida and more like the pilot episode of The Twilight Zone. Built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin, a Latvian immigrant with a broken heart, Coral Castle is what happens when a genius simp decides to turn his heartbreak into a monument. Ed was ditched by his fiancée the day before the wedding, so instead of eating ice cream and listening to sad songs like the rest of us, he spent 28 years carving and moving 1,100 tons of oolite limestone--by himself. At night. In secret. With tools he wouldn't explain. Somewhere out there, Art Bell is still cackling in approval. How did he do it? That's the million-dollar question. Some say hidden pulleys. Some say lost Egyptian technology. The locals swore he used anti-gravity. Personally, I think it's what happens when heartbreak, obsession, and Miami humidity fuse into dark alchemy. Either way, you're standing inside one man's love letter built entirely out of coral rock--and it's still standing stronger than most Miami condos. The place has everything: a stone rocking chair that actually rocks, a sundial, a Polaris telescope, and a nine-ton gate so perfectly balanced a child could once push it open with one finger. (It took modern engineers and a crane to fix it when it broke--Ed did it with a lantern and bad vibes.) It's equal parts genius, madness, and unrequited love carved into limestone. Walking through Coral Castle feels like wandering through a breakup album in three dimensions. It's melancholic, it's beautiful, and it's a little unsettling. But it's also pure Florida Weird--our own Stonehenge, if Stonehenge had been built by one very determined guy who couldn't let go of a woman who ghosted him. So yeah--five stars. Because in a world of cookie-cutter attractions, Coral Castle is that rare, bizarre, brilliant masterpiece. This is exactly what a genius simp would build. read more

Tucked away in Homestead, just south of Miami, Coral Castle is one of Florida's most fascinating and underrated attractions. Built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin over the course of nearly 30 years, Coral Castle consists of massive coral rock sculptures--some weighing several tons--carved and positioned with astonishing precision. What makes it truly extraordinary is that Ed accomplished this feat entirely alone, using no modern machinery. To this day, no one knows exactly how he managed it, which adds an air of magic and intrigue to every stone. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, a science enthusiast, or just someone looking for something different, this place is well worth the visit. read more

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Sooooo happy to see this ICONIC South Florida structure preserved for future generations. They've done a great job of updating the facility and the tour guide I had, a young man with glasses, was hilarious and knowledgeable. This place is not "huge" but its story and how it came to be will always make it remarkable. A shining light in a vanishing "Florida." read more

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This was a very interesting story and find! This castle has been here for 100 years. The story is a bit weird. This guy came over and built what his life would be like had he married a 16 year old girl. The way he built the structure is very cool. And the way they decorated is very beautiful. Our tour guide was Victoria she was great! And at the end gave recommendations for places to eat. She is very sweet. The reason this gets a 4 is because their website mentions you can book a tour but don't have an option to do it online and doesn't say how much tickets are. They are $18 per person and you can pay when you arrive. They don't seem to be to busy in the middle of the day but it depends on the season. read more

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Want a unique outing experience consisting of an informational tour with history and a hint of mystery/wonder? Or love seeing cool rocks with a story behind them or south Florida lizards? This is the place for you then. Willy was such an engaging and friendly tour guide, and the group had opportunities to ask questions and a short time to explore independently. There was plenty of seating during the tour, free parking, and clean restrooms. The entire experience ($20/person) took about an hour. read more

Coral Castle - Museums Near Me - Homestead, Florida

This is one of those attractions that seems gimmicky and that many would dub to be cheesy or kitschy on paper when considering a visit. But, in reality, it's actually quite a worthwhile thing to put on your agenda, in my opinion, if you're passing through Homestead. Truthfully, I found myself surprised by how impressed I was. Built in the first half of the 20th Century by a Lithuanian immigrant, Edward Leedskalnin, his ability and his chosen methods used to build this coral complex without help or without conventional tools is still a mystery. The cryptic nature concerning how it was built, the symbolism of the construction and the impressive nature of the structures make this place special and a very interesting visit. Your experience starts with a short informative orientation film. You then receive a guided tour of the grounds. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave an interesting presentation explaining all of the structures on display. There are several items with interesting stories including doors on swivels, chairs/thrones and solar representations just to give examples. But my favorite was the polar telescope built into the coral. That was a brilliant addition to the features of the castle and is related to Leedskalnin's interest in astronomy. If you're in the area and have time, I'd recommend making a stop here. It only takes a couple of hours to take it in. It is an attraction you won't see duplicated elsewhere. It's worth the $18 for adults ($8 for kids, under 6 free). At the time of this writing, it is only open Thursday through Sunday. read more

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Edward Leedskalnin, the builder of the Coral Castle was a clever, hard worker who accomplished amazing things. There is a tour that you must go on. You are not allowed to wander around on your own, which is understanding since the structures can be fragile, even though they are made of stone (coral). read more

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An incredible achievement, and a testament to what one person can achieve when they are REALLY focused and mentally unstable. The place is truly amazing, and was a weird but interesting way to spend a few hours. There's not a lot of shade so stay hydrated and bring something to keep yourself cool. read more

Very interesting roadside oddity. Would recommend it if you are nearby. Tickets are a little steep. read more

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Although it was a 61 mile ride the venue is quite the landmark. It is definitely an interesting attraction that one can find intriguing and unbelievable especially when it was done by a single individual who was of small stature. From the tour guides to the massive stone erections it was most entertaining and worth the admission. read more

I was skeptical when I decided to go but it's really cool and informative. They focus a lot on 'did aliens help?' But otherwise the info about Ed was really comprehensive. A unique spot to visit. I would definitely add it to your itinerary. read more

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I'm not really sure what I was expecting from this place. It's very, very small. You cannot climb or sit on any of the coral structures. The tour guides and staff are welcoming, and personable. The history of the place is a little cringy, and the conspiracy theories about how it was constructed are definitely fringe. If you're looking for something to do, and you're already in Homestead- go for it. read more

Coral Castle - Museums Near Me - Homestead, Florida

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Sadly disappointing? Guide was overly animated with not a lot of factual information nor did she allow questions. There needs to be a rock and/or carved chair that people can touch and/or sit in. Needs a nice cafe; it would generate additional revenue. Gift shop selection was strange with very little related to the property/attraction itself? Grounds are pretty and well cared for... read more

It was so nice. Looking for a distraction. I'm a local. Our tour guide was Victoria she was so sweet with many cheesy jokes that made the whole experience a lot more fun. There was a variety of ice cream and drinks for purchase while we waited. And and entrance video. The staff was kind and serviceable. Didn't take more than 2 hours with the waiting included. Definitely go for a Sunday morning stroll. read more

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Waste of time money and resources. Watch on YouTube. Cool how the man did it but not cool enough for how expensive entrance fee for such a small place. They make you sit watch a video and mandatory tour guide, because if they didn't you walk it and take pics and be out all in about 15 min. Scam all around. Go to the beach or eat good food is my advice. This picture sums it's up of another member unimpressed within 5 min read more

Coral Castle - Another sad bored member sitting instead of the tour - Museums Near Me - Homestead, Florida

I visited Coral Castle recently and it really is an impressive sight to witness. The ticket is $18 to enter and it is located by Homestead. I watched an episode of The UnXplained which led me to the visit. There is a tour around every hour and the guide walks around and gives you detailed history on Edward Leedskalnin. It's very interesting history on the Castle and on what was built. You are not allowed to roam without a tour guide so just be mindful to take all your photos during the tour. The guides are great and interactive. Definitely an interesting place to spend an afternoon! read more

Coral Castle - Museums Near Me - Homestead, Florida

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This was an excellent and historic and mysterious place. The tour guide was very enthusiastic and really added to the experience. Last time I was here was 2004 and we used to be able to sit on things and rock and spin and even the 9 ton coral gate used to move, but unfortunately time has its toll. read more

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Such an interesting place to visit. This was my second time. It is great if you are into history & oddities .

What a cute little spot filled with history! It always cool to discover hidden gems. If you have not checked this out you should. It was built by a gentleman that was clearly ahead of his time. All made of stone for a woman he fell in love with. You have to do the walking tour with a guide and you cannot be inside unaccompanied. I would suggest going in the cooler months as it is all outdoor and it can be very hot even though they provide umbrellas which is cool. The tour is short and there is a video about the place you can watch after it's over. read more

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Listed below is some info from the web that I found. Edward Leedskainin was a Latvian, slightly built and very secretive. When he was 26 he fell in love with Agnes who was just 'sweet sixteen'. They were to be married but she abandoned him on the day before the wedding. He spent the rest of his life building a monument to his lost love. Working at night, he transported and carved 1100 tons of coral into a fantasy world on a ten acre plot I am glad I went and it is interesting, the tour guide knew all the information etc. People have compared this to Stonehenge in England....uurghhhh most definitely NOT! Coral.castle is not on that league, however it WAS built by one five foot small Latvian man all by himself, so that is impressive..(and crazy). Worthy of a few hours. read more

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We went on a tour with Andrea, she was very knowledgeable and energetic. The tour was awesome as the story of this Latvian-American genius build two castles in Florida and he took his secret to his next life. It is a must see place, magical and full of wonder. read more

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Beautiful place, amazing historic sight and feat of engineering. Chase and Andrea are both wonderful guides and make the experience that much more great! read more

Another childhood want crossed off my list of things to see! I was watching "That's Incredible", and was absolutely captivated about this place! After many trips to southern Florida, the schedule finally aligned for a visit. (40 years after first seeing it on tv". The myths that surround the building of this place are many, and all are enjoyable to hear. The overall size is smaller than I imagined, but it was built by one man, and is a truly incredible feat. My wife, who indulges me on these side trips, also seemed to enjoy the visit. I hope it doesn't take another 4 decades to return. Truly a captivating place to see read more

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What a unique experience! A must see if you're in the area. Great tour guide! Snacks are available for purchase in a shaded outdoor seating area before or after your tour. The tour lasts I'd say 30-40 minutes. They provide umbrellas not only for the rain, but also for sunshade on hot FL days. Gift shop in the front when you walk in - small but has some great items. Sadly nothing moves anymore, but everything is still a magnificent sight to see...and really makes you think how that man did it...to each their own with whatever idea you think it was! read more

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Ahhh!! So fun! Love that this little quick deep dive experience into some american history and art. Our tour guide was super welcoming and nice! 10/10 would suggest this place on a visit to South Florida. read more

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Such a cute story and what wonderful and fun staff. Really enjoyed taking our 10 y/o niece there and she was fascinated with the story of Ed. read more

It was much smaller than what we've seen on tv but still quite fascinating! Our guide, Willy, was hilarious and made the tour very interesting. Yes, it's hot out here and my husband dragged me out but I did end up really enjoying myself. They have snacks, clean bathrooms and a small but interesting gift shop. I think we paid $37 bucks for two adults. It was worth it! read more

Awesome place with a great tour guide :) Definitely not sure how it was built. Clean bathrooms & snacks here too. Worth the visit for $15 entry fee! read more

Coral Castle - Museums Near Me - Homestead, Florida

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Florida's "Stonehenge" this is an eccentric coral rock "castle" built single-handedly by one man over a lost love. At least that's the official myth. It's worth a long drive to the edge of Homestead just for the strangeness of it all, but it's slightly commercialized and in private hands as a money-maker. The backstory and the myths surrounding it are really interesting. Latvian-American immigrant Edward Leedskalnin was rejected in Latvia by his fiancee one day before the wedding. Heartbroken he decided to immigrate to America but came down with tuberculosis before he could leave. Somehow the immigration doctors never noticed the TB. In unincorporated Dade County he singlehandedly built a "castle" as monument to his lost love, moving blocks of coral rock that weigh tons by himself. No comment on which details might be the man versus his myth. It's a good distance from Miami proper to the Coral Castle. The best option is to drive, and there's parking onsite. An Uber will be a fortune, as this is a loooong way from the central city, unless you're in the southern edges of Dade County already. If you're a tourist relying on public transit, Metrorail goes to Dadeland South and then there's an express busway (38 Max) that goes down a dedicated busway all the way to Florida City with a stop right by Coral Castle. People we talked with in the ticket line who had taken the rail/bus option said it was 1.5 hours from Brickell. We gave them a lift back, but even taking the Turnpike and speeding, it was 40 minutes by car. Aside from the tacky commercialization of the site, it's awesome to behold and well worth an afternoon looking around. Buy a cheesy t-shirt to prove you trekked all the way there! Be aware the site is not a public museum but a private money-making operation. At 18 bucks admission it's a bit steep for what it is (Edward himself used to let the public in for 25 cents and free if you couldn't afford that, but hey that was in 1936). Just for reference my partner had a very different take on the meaning of the place, and disagreed on the degree of crassness. In fact, he said to me: if I had ducked out 25 years ago, 1 day before moved in together, would you have built a giant lovelorn castle? ....it made me get teary eyed with just a hint of what Edward Leedskalnin might have felt. read more

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This place is a mind bender, and I want to know the secret! LOL I am so excited to have been able to visit this place, as it is full of mystery and will leave you thinking for days. You may even lose sleep trying to solve the process used by a single, small framed (5ft/100lbs) man "Ed" to build this unique castle. The castle isn't very big but the mysteries built within it will have you observing for hours. There are planets, stars, beds, rocking chairs, dining tables, a water well, and even an accurately working telescope made from huge carved Coral rocks. Some of these rocks weigh up to 9 ton and were lifted into place by a mysterious process, only know by Ed. Even today scientist are puzzled, Ed stated "He knew the secret used to build the Egyptian pyramids" and I'm pretty sure he was right! Haha Too bad he didn't share his secret, like a mad scientist he "lived" to build this castle and for no other reason. At the entrance of the castle, there is a bell with a pull string attached to it. It was stated that if you wanted Ed to come to the door you were to ring the bell twice, and only twice, or he wouldn't greet you at the door, as those were his written instructions for entry. So don't forget to ring the bell, but only twice! :D (Even though Ed is no longer living, it's still cool to ring the bell) Once you enter you can join in on the tour of the castle, in which, they explain the history of the castle and show you some of the really cool coral sculptures. I was really fascinated by the telescope and sun dial, which displayed not only the time but months. Since the tours aren't that long I would suggest you going on multiple tours as I found each tour guide had additional knowledge of the castle, making the place even more mysterious. The other thing you need to ensure you do is push the 3 ton Coral rock that spins on a single axel. You can literally spin the rock with one finger, it amazing! There are so many spectacular sights within this castle that I can't name them all, so it will be up to you to visit and see if you can solve the mystery that so many others cannot. :) The museum's entry cost is not expensive but be sure to go during cooler days, bc the castle is completely outside and open to the sky, this will ensure you don't rush your visit due to Florida heat. I went in January when the weather was prefect! HOURS OF OPERATION Sunday - Thursday 9am - 6pm Friday & Saturday 9am - 7pm COST OF ADMISSION Adults (ages 13 - 64) $18.00 Seniors (ages 65+) $16.00 Children (ages 7 - 12) $8.00 Children (under age 6) Free read more

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