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.
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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.
Sebring showcases downtown HGTV makeover
Central Florida’s ‘City on the Circle’ is enjoying a rebirth with a renovation boost by Erin and Ben Napier of HGTV’s ‘Home Town Takeover.’
Lake Placid charms with murals, clowns & caladiums
Lake Placid has quite a few stories to tell, and they are told in murals. On the walls of 50 buildings. All over town. A good time to see them is during the annual Lake Placid Caladium Festival, July 24-26.
CCC in Florida: How young men built the state parks; museum tells the story
As you travel Florida and explore its award-winning state parks, take special note of buildings, trails and amenities we enjoy because of work by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps. You can learn more at Highland Hammocks State Park, which has an excellent museum about the CCC in Florida.
Hacienda Hotel reborn and it’s a beauty in New Port Richey
The Hacienda Hotel again reigns as the glamorous star of downtown New Port Richey. It’s a stunning restoration of a historic gem, a gracious hotel with modest prices.
Bahia Honda State Park has it all: Top campsites and cabins plus great snorkeling
With the best beach in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda is everyone’s favorite. We also love the park for its historic bridge, great beachfront camping and cabins.
De Leon Springs: ‘Pancake park’ is so much more
De Leon Springs, about an hour north of Orlando, is a state park with swimming, kayaking and fantastic history. It’s best known for — of all things — its pancakes. Our advice: spend the day and take in the adjacent Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.
Gulf Islands National Seashore: Beaches that wow, rare old forts in Panhandle
Florida Panhandle’s greatest treasure might be Gulf Islands National Seashore, with an unspoiled barrier island, sand as white as snow and a rare Civil War fort whose spooky spaces you can wander.
Old Seven Mile Bridge: One of a kind; worth seeing on drive down the Keys
The Old Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon is a must-stop on the Overseas Highway. Its history and scenic beauty make it a great place to walk or bike. The bridge ends at Pigeon Key, which you can tour to learn its fascinating story.
St. Pete’s world-class museums are a treat for hot summer afternoons
Here’s a great destination for hot summer weekends. New museums in St. Petersburg – each built to house extraordinary private collections – make this a Florida city with lots to do indoors. At least one museum has a summer pricebreak on tickets.
Pigeon Key: Island on Seven Mile Bridge has scenery, history
As you cross the Seven Mile Bridge, you pass the little green island with yellow cottages and palm trees surrounded by dazzling blue water. You can visit this tiny paradise, which offers fascinating history, tropical beauty, even great snorkeling.