The best historic places in Florida will entertain, inform, and probably surprise you. As a bonus, they are also some of the most beautiful places in the state.
Did we miss your favorite?
Historic
Florida Rambler is always on the lookout for places that capture the Florida that is being lost to expressways and development. We include historic destinations, Florida landmarks and places where the past lives on in big and small ways. Here’s a scene from Micanopy, located right off I-75 near Gainesville.
HGTV makeover of Sebring up for an Emmy
Central Florida’s ‘City on the Circle’ is enjoying a rebirth after the renovation boost by Erin and Ben Napier on Season 3 or HGTV’s ‘Home Town Takeover.’ The Sebring episodes were nominated for a Daytime Emmy. The winner will be announced Friday night.
Micanopy, setting for Old Florida movie, fills with art and music for fall festival weekend
Micanopy is right off I-75 near Gainesville, but it feels far away, like a small town in a Florida long gone. Its popular fall festival is Oct. 31-Nov. 1.
Miami’s Stiltsville: See it by boat on tours in Biscayne National Park
Folks have been fascinated with Stiltsville since the first shack went up in Biscayne Bay a mile from land in the 1930s. Biscayne National Park and a non-profit partner offer regular boat tours that tell the Stiltsville story and take you close to the houses.
Historic Key West cemetery: A scenic stop that is full of stories
The cemetery in Key West is a lot like the city itself: quirky, crowded, colorful and full of history. The site has a forlorn almost spooky air. Take a walking tour and discover fascinating stories of Key West and its people.
Old Florida scenic drive: Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach to Stuart
The west side of the Indian River Lagoon has an Old Florida flavor — especially the scenic 20-mile drive between Stuart and Fort Pierce. The region has enough places to explore to make a great getaway.
6 haunted places in Florida to explore for chills & thrills
Legend suggests these six haunted places in Florida are visited by ghosts. We’re skeptical but one thing we’re sure of: These are beautiful, evocative spots worth discovering at Halloween or any time of year.
With its out-of-the-way location, Cedar Key preserves its charm and history
It’s a long way from just about anywhere — and that’s part of its beauty. But it’s also a great place to bicycle, kayak, hike, watch sunsets and spot birds. An 1859 hotel, now a charming B&B, plus fresh seafood restaurants add to its appeal.
Emerson Point Preserve: Four reasons to discover this jewel in Palmetto
Emerson Point Preserve is an exceptional county park, off the beaten path on the southern end of Tampa Bay. There is excellent hiking and kayaking, and the real gem is the Portavant temple mound.
Seven places to learn about Native American heritage of Florida
I had lived in Florida a long time before I discovered the rich and often tragic history of native Americans here. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, here are seven parks and museums that tell those stories.
Historic Jungle Trail is an unpaved road to explore original Florida
The picturesque 8-mile sand road in Vero Beach takes you past historic landmarks, including the first US wildlife refuge and a pioneer homestead overlooking the Indian River Lagoon. You can walk, bicycle on fat-tire bikes or drive it slowly. This is an original section of A1A.
Frank Lloyd Wright in Lakeland: 13 unique buildings, and now a planetarium
Florida Southern College in Lakeland has a remarkable collection of buildings designed by America’s most famous architect. Now a planetarium Wright designed has been restored and reopened. Lakeland itself is a hidden gem worth visiting.
A1A Ocean Islands Trail takes you on a scenic byway along North Florida coast
This scenic drive takes you through some rare unspoiled islands, past historic sites, on a car ferry and on roads where tree canopies form green tunnels. It makes a great afternoon drive or you could spend days exploring along this route.