Miami is very much a city of the moment, where the spotlight is always on the latest styles, but a few historical gems can still be found beneath its lush canopy of palms. One of the finest is located in Coconut Grove, overlooking the shimmering waters of Biscayne Bay. The Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is the former estate of James Deering (1859-1925), an industrialist who made a fortune manufacturing farming machinery. He began construction on the 180-acre estate in 1914, and by 1920, a North Italian 16th century-style house, garden, lagoon, and village had risen from what was once subtropical forest. Deering created his personal paradise as a place to retire and spend his golden years, and after he passed away, it was opened to the public for all to enjoy. Today, visitors come to tour the main house, whose rooms are filled with masterpieces from the Renaissance to the Jazz Age, as well as the estate's many lovingly-manicured gardens. A maze garden (pictured), complete with pruned hedges and marble statues, is sure to stoke anyone's imagination, and the "secret garden" maintains its aura of mystery as the home of Mr. Deering's personal collection of orchids. Sounds like the perfect place to steal a kiss. Guided tours are available, but be sure to add some extra time to explore this magical place on your own as well. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is just ten minutes from the Westin Colonnade, Coral Gables.

[image via Vizcaya Museum]