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5 Things In South Florida That Exist Nowhere Else In The US

Coral Castle, Monkey Jungle, and the other sites listed here are just a few of the rare finds that exist only in South Florida. Some of these places have been around for a very long time, while others are fairly recent additions to the landscape of Florida. Some of the venues listed below can be seen in a short amount of time. However, to truly get the most from the venues on our list, one should plan an all-day visit to each one.
Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

Coral Castle
28655 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 33033
(305) 248-6345
www.coralcastle.com

One of the most fascinating things in South Florida is Coral Castle. Not only is it an amazing site, it ranks right up there with the statues on Easter Island as to how it was constructed. In 1923, Edward Leedskalnin began carving out the over 1100 tons of beautiful coral rock that he used to create Coral Castle. He built a 9-ton stone gate that opens with the lightest touch, a working stone telescope, and even rocking chairs made of stone. How he built this fabulous place is unknown, since he had no stone moving tools or cranes. But the tourist attraction is a big draw in South Florida and is a one-of-a-kind sculpture.

Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

Monkey Jungle
14805 S.W. 216th St.
Miami, FL 33170
(305) 235-1611
www.monkeyjungle.com

Monkey Jungle is one of the rare monkey habitats where monkeys run wild. Unlike other animal preserves that have visitors riding in jeeps or vans, this monkey habitat has visitors walking in caged tunnels. Monkey Jungle is also the only semi-natural tropical rainforest located in the continental United States. Visitors can see the monkeys as they live and play in the wild open spaces of this 30-acre jungle park.

Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

Brickell Avenue Bridge Statue
South of Downtown Miami on Brickell Ave
Miami, FL
info.flheritage.com/miami-circle/visit/bridge

The Brickell Avenue Bridge Sculpture was created by Manuel Carbonell, a Cuban born sculpture artist. The bronze statue is known as the "Tequesta Family" and illustrates scenes from Tequesta life. In addition to the main sculpture, there are smaller sculptures along the length of the bridge that honor six of the people that were prominent in the history of Miami. The smaller bronze sculptures are of Julia Tuttle, William and Mary Brickell, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Henry Flagler, and D.A. Dorsey.

Related: Best Don't Miss Tourist Traps

Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

Home Run Celebration Sculpture
Miami Marlins Park
501 Marlins Way
Miami, FL 33125
(305) 480.1300
miami.marlins.mlb.com

While most Major League Baseball stadiums and parks have advertising lined all along the walls and hallways, Miami Marlins Park had to be different. At Miami Marlins Park, visitors get a chance to view some fabulous artwork and sculptures. Joan Miro, Kenny Scharf, Daniel Arsham and other local artist's works are on display throughout the various levels of the stadium and outside of the stadium. Even those visitors who are not interested in watching the game will find wandering the hallways to be an enlightening experience.

Mr. Moe's Restaurant & Bar
(credit: mrmoes.com)

Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach
1933-1945 Meridian Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-1663
www.holocaustmemorialmiamibeach.org

On February 4, 1990, the memorial was unveiled in a ceremony dedicating the statue to the memory of all those who suffered and died because of the persecution by the Nazis. Sculptures, pictures, and quotes adorn the area surrounding the main sculpture, a giant hand reaching up towards the sky. The base of the upstretched hand contains hundreds of intertwined figures portraying the anguish suffered by the victims of the Holocaust.

Related: Top Spots For Bizarre Statues Or Public Art

Katherine Bostick is a freelance writer covering all things Tampa Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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