One of Florida’s biggest mysteries is how one man, Edward Leedskalnin, built the Coral Castle rock garden by himself many moons ago. As the story goes, from 1923 to 1951, Leedskalnin single-handedly and secretly carved and shaped over 1,100 tons of coral rock into what is now the famed Coral Castle in Homestead. This giant rock garden and grotto is simply out-of-this-world, and visiting is highly recommended so that you may see this work of art in person. Ever since I learned about this Florida rock garden mystery, I’ve placed it on my list of places to visit, and you should too. 

Coral Castle Museum is a unique, gargantuan rock garden in Florida made of oolite limestone.
Coral Castle, 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033, USA
Google Cecilia Flores
Created by the Latvian-American man Edward Leedskalnin, this unusual work of art and physical prowess has always been a mystery to those who visit.
Google A.C. Antonelli
Without the modern conveniences that we have today, how exactly did Leedskalnin by himself, carve over 1,100 tons of coral rock into these beautiful pieces?
Google Shane Lawrence
What was originally a project dedicated to a long-lost love, the giant garden took over 28 years to build and still stands as one of the greatest attractions in South Florida to this day.
Google Christina Petiet
This remarkable work of art was built under the cover of night so that Leedskalnin avoided detection and created much mystery surrounding the area.
Google Tony Wolff

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While Leedskalnin came from a family of stonemasons, his methods of building this enigma using the techniques he did are still unknown.
Google GIOVANE BARCELOS CARDOSO
Leedskalnin explained he calibrated some stones according to celestial alignments, while also claiming he figured out how ancient builders in Egypt were able to set blocks of stone in place using primitive tools and anti-gravity.
Google P.J. Ettore
You’ll be hard-pressed to figure out just how exactly these giant blocks of stone were set by one man without the use of cement!
Coral Castle
Flickr Matthew Dillon
But while the mystery alone is worth the trip to this rock garden, it’s also the beauty in seeing in person that makes for one spectacular trip.
Coral Castle
Flickr Matthew Dillon
Located between the cities of Homestead and Leisure City, here's a map of this unique rock garden in South Florida.
Google Maps

Have you ever been to this unique rock garden in Florida? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about the mysterious coral structure, including current hours of operation and entry fees, visit the Coral Castle website or follow Coral Castle on Facebook.

Searching for more unique things to do in Florida? Check out this manatee excursion near Orlando that promises an adventure unlike any other. 

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Unique Attractions In Florida

Melanie J. | March 27, 2024

Aside from Coral Castle, what are some more unique attractions in Florida?

There is no shortage of unique attractions in Florida, and these are the ones we like the best:

  • Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne
  • Whimzeyland, Safety Harbor
  • Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa
  • Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple, Tampa
  • Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach
  • Stiltsville, Key Biscayne
  • Kelly Park - Rock Springs, Apopka
  • Venetian Pool in Coral Gable
  • Jules Undersea Lodge, Key Largo
  • Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine
  • John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota
  • Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores

Don’t forget to read this article telling you more about these unique attractions in Florida.

Besides Coral Castle, are there more rock gardens in Florida?

As of writing this article, Coral Castle is the only rock garden in Florida that we are aware of. However, there are lots of beautiful botanical gardens in Florida that are worthy of a visit. Here are a few of them:

  • Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables
  • Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
  • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota
  • Harry P Leu Gardens, Orlando
  • Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg
  • Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, Gainesville
  • Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Tallahassee
  • Naples Botanical Garden, Naples
  • Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka
  • Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Palm Coast
  • The Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo
  • Eden Garden State Park, Santa Rosa Beach
  • The Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Miami
  • McKee Botanical Garden, Vero Beach

Be sure to check out our previous article telling you more about these beautiful botanical gardens in Florida.

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Coral Castle, 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033, USA