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.
Free things to do in Key West: Fun without breaking your budget
No doubt about it: Key West is expensive. But despite its small size, Key West is packed with things to do and see — and some are even free. Here are 10 places to go where you’ll soak up Key West culture without opening your wallet.
Fort Matanzas: St. Augustine’s charming free fort
St. Augustine’s Fort Matanzas is a small stone Spanish fort on a pristine island. You take a short and scenic ferry ride and a ranger-led tour — and it’s all free.
Ponce Inlet: A delightful outdoor oasis near Daytona Beach
Ponce Inlet is a calm ocean-front town at the tip of a barrier island. It has free parking, the tallest lighthouse in Florida (which you can tour) plus parks, a beach and places to eat fresh seafood.
Vero Beach: Just enough to do to have a blast and still relax
This laid-back beach town isn’t famous, but it charms visitors with its funky Florida history, gorgeous beaches and a cute downtown with interesting restaurants and shops.
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.’
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.
Kayaking Pine Island, an Old Florida island that development skipped
Pine Island isn’t a beach resort, and that’s part of its charm. Visit it for pristine waters to kayak, explore a fascinating Calusa indian site or stay in a 100-year-old lodge.
Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka: Azaleas are at peak bloom
Ravine Gardens State Park in spring is a spectacular sight as azaleas and other flowers bloom. The park has a fascinating history & beautiful trails.
Tour Nike missile base deep in Everglades National Park
The historic Nike missile site in Everglades National Park is a well-preserved relic of the 1960s Cold War.F or lovers of history, folks who remember the Cold War or aviation fans, it’s a fascinating trip back in time, available only during the winter season.
Dunedin: Delightful biking, breweries, beaches and historic downtown
In Dunedin, we love bicycling the Pinellas Trail, but this charming Tampa Bay area town has more to offer, with eight breweries plus great restaurants and coffee shops in its walkable historic downtown. Twenty minutes away are two excellent state parks with award-winning beaches. Plus it’s a great place to catch a Spring Training game.