The Homestead Air Reserve Base is at the south end of Miami-Dade County, and was previously known as Homestead Air Force Base. Opened as the Homestead Army Airfield in 1942, the base suffered severe damage during Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Homestead AFB was rebuilt and reopened as the present Homestead Air Reserve Base in 1994.
The area around the city of Homestead was mainly agricultural for many decades, but in recent years there has been a boom in real estate construction, making the area a far-south suburb of Miami and gateway to both the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park.
Nearby hotels in Homestead, Florida include America's Best Inn, which is closest to the base, plus the Floridian Hotel, Redland Hotel, Inn of Homestead, and Greenstone Motel, all near Downtown Homestead. There are some weekly rental condominiums in the Homestead area as well. Shops near Homestead ARB are at the Avocado Shopping Center and Naranja Shopping Center.
With more than one thousand reservists assigned to the 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, several restaurants nearby stay busy, including Mario's Latin Cafe and Genesis Bakery & Cafe. The Captain's Restaurant, and the Mutineer offer fresh Florida seafood. There are many fast-food outlets along South Dixie Highway, which is US Highway One continuing to the Florida Keys.
Among things to do is a visit to the Homestead Air Reserve Park just north of the base, which offers sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and is a popular place for outdoor concerts. The Coral Castle is a unique dwelling made of carved rock and coral using household tools.
The Homestead-Miami Speedway is a favorite with NASCAR racing fans with advance tickets, plus anyone can rent the track to practice a few laps! The swamplands within Everglades National Park can be reached on a state road from the city of Homestead, and is a favorite place for air-boat rides, camping, and wildlife photography.
