Wade through the lush canopy of avocado groves and behind-the-fence fruit stands to relish a patchwork of quirky tales, wild landscapes, and homegrown legends that make up The Redland, a rural stronghold tucked into the southern seams of Miami-Dade.
Watch the skyline and sandbars give way to agritourism, farmlands, roadside shrines, and tropical vineyards that anchor The Redlands, a stretch of rustic charm and agricultural backbone in the outback of Miami.
Here, the roads stretch long, the Wi-Fi gets spotty, and homes come with groves, gardens, and farmland, but they're not the only reasons why The Redlands has a tiny spot on the map — and if you're a longtime Miamian, you know this to be true!
But if you aren't one, don't fret!
We're prepped and ready to dig into the other side of The Redlands, a place where camels once roamed, monks meditate under mango trees, and monkeys — well, they have their own jungle.
Intrigued? Let's begin!
Here are five things you may not know about The Redlands.
Lions, Wolves, and Camels — Prehistoric Redland Was Wild AF
Before Redland was known for mangoes and milkshakes, it was the stomping ground of some seriously wild company, like the American lion and the dire wolf.
In fact, in 1994, archaeologists at Monkey Jungle discovered fossils over 10,000 years old deep in limestone sinkholes, including prehistoric horses and camels (yes, camels in Florida).
Turns out, this slice of tropical paradise was once a dusty Ice Age savannah where beasts the size of pickup trucks roamed free — imagine trying to plant avocado trees with a saber-tooth tiger lurking nearby!
It's a far cry from yoga retreats and fruit stands, but it proves Redland's roots run far beyond what we expect.
Who needs Jurassic Park when you've got Pleistocene Redland?
Trail Mix, Redland Style — Where You Sip, Stroll, and Spot Monkeys
In 2006, Redland's local businesses got together and said, "Hey, let's make a trail—but with fruit stands and monkey parks."
Thus, the Historic Redland Tropical Trail was born: a 16-mile self-guided adventure connecting the area's quirkiest gems.
Along the way, you can feed monkeys at Monkey Jungle, marvel at the Coral Castle's hand-chiseled weirdness, chug a legendary milkshake from Robert Is Here, and browse orchids more expensive than your rent.
It's like a Florida road trip but curated by your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the good backroads, perfect for those who like their tourism with a splash of tropics and a "Wait, what is that?" moment.
This is Redland's greatest hits on shuffle!
To Zen and the Art of Mango Trees
Hidden among groves of fruit trees and dusty roads is a peaceful pocket of enlightenment that most locals breeze right past — the Kriya Yoga Institute, a five-acre spiritual sanctuary founded in 1997 by Paramahamsa Hariharananda.
Basically, the Hogwarts of inner peace—minus the capes and with lots of papayas, the Kriya Yoga Institute is the Mother Center of all Kriya Yogas across the Americas, Australia, and beyond, drawing global seekers to meditate under mango trees and find stillness among bananas.
And yet, most Miamians have no clue it exists!
If you ever need to escape traffic, tourists, or your own thoughts, Kriya Yoga Institute might be your hidden oasis.
Om and out.
America's Tastiest Park
Say hello to the only tropical fruit botanical garden in the entire United States—Redland's very own Preston B. Bird/Mary Heinlein Fruit & Spice Park.
With over 500 varieties of fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices growing across 37 acres, the Fruit & Spice Park doubles as Willy Wonka's orchard — and we're not even exaggerating!
Ever tried a black sapote? How about a candy fruit that tastes like a Jolly Rancher?
Visitors are allowed to sample anything that's fallen to the ground (yes, free fruit snacks from the trees of the world).
Founded in 1944 to showcase Redland's unique climate and red clay soil, the Fruit & Spice Park proves that Florida's ag game goes way beyond oranges.
Come hungry, leave sticky-fingered and delighted.
Scavenger Hunt Meets Country Road Trip
Forget high-speed races — The Redland Riot Road Rallye is Florida's quirkiest, fruitiest road rally.
Every winter, teams of curious (and competitive) locals hop in their cars for this highly anticipated celebration, a combo of history tours, scavenger hunts, and good old-fashioned road trips.
Armed with clues, participants zigzag through Redland's charming backroads, stopping at fruit farms, old schoolhouses, roadside oddities, and yes, maybe even a goat or two.
The pace? Leisurely.
The vibes? Chaotic fun.
Whether you win or wind up with a car full of litchis and selfies, you'll leave knowing Redland's backstory better than most Floridians.
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