No visit to southern Florida will be complete without a visit to the Deering Estate.

Today, the Deering Estate at Cutler is one of south Florida's most revered landmarks, and an essential stop off point for any visitor to the state. Acquired by the state of Florida in 1989, it was once home to Charles Deering, brother of the millionaire industrialist and early developer of Miami, James Deering. In 1992, the Deering Estate was badly damaged by Hurricane Andrew but has since been repaired and restored, and is now open to the public once again. Located on Biscayne Bay, the historical, environmental and architectural preserve offers a variety of events and activities for the public.

The Deering Estate covers over 444 acres of property; this includes, 150 acres of endangered pine rockland, 115 acres of coastal tropical hardwood hammocks, and 130 acres inclusive of mangroves, salt marshes and the offshore island of Chicken Key. Chicken Key is a restored bird rookery, which is accessible by canoe and open to estate visitors. The Deering Estate is among one of the largest areas in America which holds these particular ecosystems.

In addition to its status as a preserver of natural beauty, the Deering Estate is also home to a variety of historical landmarks, with buildings dating from 1896 to 1922 and crucial archaeological sites that date human presence in Florida back 10,000 years. It is also said that the Tequesta Indians and the pioneers of the late nineteenth century lived in the region, and that the site holds a Native American burial ground that dates to 1600. Today, Deering Estate guests can visit historical buildings such as Richmond Cottage and the Stone House.

Visitors of all ages and interests are sure to have a wonderful experience discovering the historical, natural and archaeological wonders of this part of Florida. People visiting the estate will find rental facilities and nature tours for educational purposes, such as school field trips; social gatherings of friends or family are also encouraged. In addition, the Deering Estate offers the opportunity for research in areas of the environment, including botany, architecture, history, antiques, wines and fine arts.

Visitors to the Deering Estate will find a number of excellent hotels around the Cutler area, as well as some of southern Florida's top attractions nearby, including the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Previously the Villa Vizcaya, this estate is also located facing Biscayne Bay, and was the former home of James Deering from 1916 to his death in 1925. Travellers to southern Florida are sure to find the estates of both Deering brothers delightful and full of rich cultural experiences for both young and old alike.