Florida isn’t all about sunshine 365 days a year, long stretches of pristine beaches, wide swathes of well-preserved swampland, and a very healthy dose of tropical heat and vibes in the continental United States. Unbeknownst to many travelers not quite familiar with American history, Florida is positively teeming with historical places, all dotted across the state. You’ve got old forts, beautiful luxury estates once owned by some of the wealthiest Americans, plantations, historic pools and gardens, and even curious works of art. This great variety in historical attractions help negate the notion that historical sites are pretty much the same. In Florida, you know that statement simply isn’t true. So, to help you get started on your history tour of the Sunshine State, here are 10 of our favorite historical places in Florida, USA.
1. Coral Castle
Built in 1920, Coral Castle is one of the most interesting historic finds in Florida. It’s not a castle, nor is it entirely made of coral, at least not technically. It’s actually an oolite limestone structure, a work of Ed Leedskalnin of Miami-Dade County. Everyone’s still quite puzzled how he managed to carve over 1,000 tons of limestone (which is made of corals’ skeletal fragments). This mystery is all part of Coral Castle’s charm.
Coral Castle
Address: 28655 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL
Website: Coral Castle
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 7pm
Price: 18 USD (for ages 13-64); 15 USD (seniors); 8 USD (kids ages 7-12); free for kids under 6
2. Castillo de San Marcos
Built in 1672 and finished in 1695, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is officially recognized as the oldest and largest fort of its kind in the continental United States. The entire monument covers 20.5 acres (8.20 hectares) and is a great repository of approximately 340 years of history. Definitely a must-visit place for any US history aficionado.
Castillo de San Marcos
Address: 1 South Castillo Drive, Saint Augustine, FL
Website: Castillo de San Marcos
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily) (closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)
Price: 15 USD (for guests ages 16 and above); free for kids under 15, must be accompanied by an adult
3. Fort Jefferson
Castillo de San Marcos may be the largest and oldest masonry fort in the continental US, but Fort Jefferson is simply one of the most beautiful. Located in the Tortugas in Key West, Fort Jefferson covers 16 acres (6.47 hectares) and was never finished. Although it never fulfilled its role as a fortress, Fort Jefferson helped link the other coastal forts in this side of the coast (all the way to Maine!) Explore the ruins and bathe in the crystal clear waters surrounding this impressive fort.
Fort Jefferson
Address: 40001 SR-9336, Homestead, FL
Website: Fort Jefferson
Opening hours: Open all year round
Price: 15 USD; free for kids under 16
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4. The Barnacle Historic State Park
Are you a fan of historic homes? The Barnacle Historic State Park should be right up your alley in Miami-Dade County. The heart of the park is the Barnacle, a coconut grove house built in 1891, but its age isn’t the only thing that makes it special. This is the oldest home in Miami-Dade County that’s still standing in its original location. The entire estate is well-preserved, overlooking Biscayne Bay, making it quite a scenic destination as well.
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Address: 3485 Main Highway, Miami, FL
Website: The Barnacle Historic State Park
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 2 USD; free for kids under 5
5. Venetian Pool
It’s no secret that it can get hot in Florida, so why not cool off by taking a dip at the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables? Carved out of a coral rock quarry in 1923, it’s a refreshing and historic spring water swimming pool. Look out for the two watchtowers which have been there since Venetian Pool was first opened to the public.
Venetian Pool
Address: 2701 De Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL
Website: Venetian Pool
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 6:30pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4:30pm
Price: 13 USD; 8 USD (kids ages 3 to 12); 5.50 USD and 4.50 USD(Coral Gables residents)
6. Henry B. Plant Museum
Moorish Revival architecture isn’t something you see in Florida everyday, which makes the Henry B. Plant Museum quite special. It’s part of the University of Tampa’s sprawling campus and used to be a hotel in the late 19th century. Another thing that makes the Henry B. Plant Museum so unique is that it still houses the original furnishings used by Mr. Plant and his Victorian guests.
Henry B. Plant Museum
Address: 401 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL
Website: Henry B. Plant Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: 10 USD (adults); 7 USD (seniors and students); 5 USD (kids ages 4 to 12)
7. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Villa Vizcaya is definitely one of the most romantic and historic spots in the entire Sunshine State. The former home of successful businessman James Deering, the entire property consists of the beautiful Italian Renaissance villa and gardens, all overlooking Biscayne Bay. It was built in 1914 and encompasses a total area of 43 acres (14 hectares).
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Address: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL
Website: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Opening hours:Wed - Mon: 9:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Tue, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day)
Price: 22 USD (adults); 15 USD (teens ages 13 to 17); 10 USD (kids ages 6 to 12); free for kids age 5 and below
8. Bok Tower Gardens
Looking for some peace of mind? Perhaps you’ll find it in Bok Tower Gardens, the lovely creation of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. Open to the public since 1929, folks at Bok Tower Gardens say this is the place for some much-needed enlightenment. Your entire self will thank you after a visit to the contemplative gardens.
Bok Tower Gardens
Address: 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL
Website: Bok Tower Gardens
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD (adults); 5 USD (kids ages 5 to 12, dogs); free for kids under 5
9. Ponce de Leon Inlet Light
The Ponce de Leon inlet lighthouse has been providing light and guidance by the coast since it was constructed in 1883. It does a good job, seeing as the lighthouse stands a total of 175 feet (53 meters). It’s actually Florida’s tallest lighthouse as well as one of the tallest in the entire United States.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Light
Address: 4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL
Website: Ponce de Leon Inlet Light
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 6.95 USD (12 and over); 1.95 USD (11 and under); free for kids ages 2 and below
10. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Lover of historic homes, are you still there? We have another recommendation for you: the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. Acquired by Hugh Taylor Birch in 1895, this estate is just one of the many historic homes listed in the US’ National Register of Historic Places. One step into the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens and you’ll be transported back to Florida’s frontier age.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Address: 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Website: Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 20 USD (adults); 16 USD (students ages 6 to 12); free for children ages 6 and below
Florida has so much to offer
The Sunshine State really has something for everyone. Aside from the historical places in Florida, USA, we’re excited for you to see more of the state. Read our Florida travel guides to experience the best of Florida, USA.
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