The Deering Estate is a magnificent and historic property with a home built in 1900.  To see the house and check out its immediate property, you will need to pay to enter the gates.  However, just 50 yards south of the entry to the Estate is a small service road that leads down to the "People's Dock" on Biscayne Bay.  

After you park in the main Deering parking area, you will walk down this service road and find the coral walls to the Deering estate on your left and mangrove forest on your right.  Straight down you will find the dock, which is a popular fishing spot for locals.  Out on the dock, you will be able to see part of the three-story mansion to your 7 o’clock (assuming you are facing the bay).  

I have always found the gate open early enough to come before the sunrise and get my camera set up for some natural Miami magic.  The sun rises over the expansive water, frequently producing a vivid palette of colors.

The waters of Biscayne Bay are very shallow and very flat, making this an extremely peaceful and photogenic location.  You will also notice many birds including Ibis, Egrets, and Herons on the nearby mangrove islands.  In the mornings, you can watch these birds leave the mangrove islands and fly south.  In the evenings you can watch these same birds return to their nests on the mangrove forests.  For photographing this location, you will probably want a wide-medium length lens for landscapes and a longer lens if you would like to photograph the birds. 

Please note that mangrove forests tend to be popular hang-out spots for mosquitoes, so don’t forget your bug spray!