Florida's Best Museums

Commune spiritually with the pioneers of the past and relive days gone by through Florida’s many amazing museums and historic sites. Though every ounce of history preserved ought to be respected, we’ve attempted to list the BEST of Florida’s museums and historic sites for you to explore — from lively, hands-on children’s museums to grandiose historic estates and enigmatic pioneer villages.  

In the Panhandle 

Pensacola MESS Hall 
pensacolamesshall.org 

Going beyond a typical museum experience, the Pensacola MESS Hall focuses on Math, Engineering, Science and Stuff (M.E.S.S.) with engaging exhibits that defy the expected. MESS Hall engages visitors of all ages to work as real scientists would, engaging in experiments and developing complex reasoning. As the museum name implies, it is designed like a school cafeteria, with “mess kits” that change daily, and include hands-on experiments that cover the fields of physics, geometry, chemistry, cryptography, robotics and more, with about 20 kits from which to choose. There are also interactive exhibits like Wind Tubes and then Harmonograph.  

Hours: Tuesday - Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the school year (check their website for different hours during holidays and summer)
Admission: $8 for ages 3+, military and their families $7  

Emerald Coast Science Center 
ecscience.org   

Engaging the entire family in science and fun, the Emerald Coast Science Center is a hands-on world of discovery. Learn the properties of color and light and make music with the light spectrum, learn the importance of natural gas and how it is delivered to homes and businesses, see how robots are built and operated, and more! Celebrating 30 years, the ECSC offers innovative experiences like the SMALLab, their brand-new exhibit that is an embodied learning environment where every person is up, moving, and collaborating. Movement is tracked by motion capture cameras, allowing you to walk around on a 15-foot by 15-foot playing field to complete activities. Your family can work together to solve puzzles, create stories and character plots, study the world, and paint digital masterpieces with this innovative programming. 

Hours: Wednesday - Saturday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.  
Admission: children $6, adults $9, seniors $8, military with ID receive 10% off on everything. 

Apalachicola Maritime Museum 
ammfl.org 

Become acquainted with the maritime lifestyle and history of the area at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, founded to celebrate and preserve the area’s past in a hands-on learning environment with active sailing program and adventure programs, boat-building, restoration, and educational programs. Collectively, the activities of the AMM will provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse story of the brave people who sailed on the three rivers that come together to form the largest river in Florida, the Apalachicola.  

AMM also offers a variety of scenic cruises, from a tour of the historic waterfront to a moonlit dinner cruise and even adventurous kayaking tours that launch from the museum’s docks. Want to create a custom tour for a group trip? You can!  

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 
Admission: Tours and classes vary; see website for details 

In Central Florida  

Orlando Science Center 
osc.org 

Immerse yourself in the sciences at the Orlando Science Center, an award-winning museum with four floors of exhibits to explore. Check out exhibit halls, labs and workshops, theaters, an observatory, and experiences that change with the seasons. In addition to 670,000 annual visitors to the center, they also welcome 153,000 students and educators each year through our STEM Discovery Center educational programs, both onsite at the Science Center and offsite at schools and community organizations. The center’s exhibits include a STEM art gallery that fuses STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with artwork. Young people can use tools, materials and mentors to turn creative ideas into reality at The Hive.  

“Hike” through the NatureWorks exhibit to learn about the ecosystems of Florida and meet live animals from across the globe. With these and so many more exciting exhibits and even theater experiences, you can really get in touch with your inner scientist.  

Hours: Sunday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Wednesdays  
Admission: children 2 and under free, children 3-11 $14.95, adults $20.95, seniors 55+ and students (with I.D.) $18.95. Military and first responders (with I.D.) receive a discount.  

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum 
ahtahthiki.com  

Located on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in Clewiston (just outside of Orlando) is the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, which celebrates, preserves, and interprets Seminole culture and history. This museum is home to more than 180,000 unique artifacts and archival items. During your experience, you will spend part of your time indoors in the beautiful and intriguing museum building, which offers permanent galleries and temporary exhibits. The permanent galleries provide a glimpse into life as a Seminole in the 1890s, including lifelike portrayals of different activities. 

The highlight of your tour may come when you step outside — when you visit a recreation of ceremonial grounds with several chickees, or open-sided structures made from palmetto and cypress, as well as a recreated hunting camp. Visit the beautiful Seminole Village, where Modern Seminole artists are often present and are more than happy to answer questions and demonstrate traditional arts and crafts, which are available for purchase.  

Hours: Daily 9a.m. to 5p.m. (Boardwalk closes at 4p.m.) 
Admission: Adults $10, Children (ages 4-18) $7.50, Children 4 & under FREE, Seniors $7.50, Family Group (2 Adults, up to 4 Children) $30, Military $7.50 

Osceola County Historical Society 
osceolahistory.org 

There’s something special awaiting anyone who visits the Osceola County Historical Society’s Pioneer Village or the History Museum. Step back in time when you enter the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, which replicates an 1800s pioneer village with a permanent collection of authentic structures which once stood in different areas of Osceola County, that have since been restored and moved here to create the village. See history up close when you see the general store and post office, schoolhouse, church, train depot, homesteads from Osceola settlers, Seminole settlement, a cow camp and working structures such as a blacksmith shop, citrus packing plant, cane grinder, and barn - and it’s so beautiful here that it’s even a popular site for weddings! A separate attraction, the Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum provides visitors with a rich history of Osceola County and includes realistic exhibits of the county’s natural habitats like swamplands and pine flatwoods, as well as informational exhibits about how the county was founded. To engage young minds, each exhibit features an interactive display and scavenger hunts! 

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Monday  
Admission (Pioneer Village): children under 4 FREE, ages 4-12 $4, adults $8  

On the Gulf Coast 

Glazer Children’s Museum 
glazermuseum.org 

Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, the in interactive and exciting learning experiences, as well as just plain fun playtime, the Glazer Children’s Museum is the perfect place to spend the day together learning and having lots of fun! Sculpt a masterpiece in the Art Smart room, learn waves to save money with simple math and physical activities at the Central Bank exhibit, climb aboard the Cruiseship docked at Gasparilla Island to become a pirate captain and dig for buried treasure, take on the thrilling job of a firefighter with a replica fire truck and firehouse, build your own fort, and so much more.  

Hours: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 5p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.  
Admission: children under 1 free, ages 1-12 $10, adults $15, teachers/military/seniors $12.50 

Henry B. Plant Museum 
plantmuseum.com 

Live the life of incredible luxury (vicariously, of course) at the Henry B. Plant Museum, a magnificently restored former Tampa hotel that features breathtaking Moorish architecture, opulent furnishing, tropical gardens, and more to showcase overstated Victorian splendor. The museum was once the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, the Victorian railroad resort that defined the elegant frontier of Florida. Explore the museum’s exotic artifacts and mesmerizing art pieces on your own or with a docent-led tour, and be sure to visit the popular museum store to bring home you own piece of luxury.  

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays closed 
Admission: children 3 and under free, $5 for children 4-12, $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students 

The Ringling 
ringling.org 

An estate so completely epic that it just goes by: The Ringling, this attraction encompasses 66 acres of the most beautiful waterfront property in Sarasota. The Ringling offers thrills and relaxation - whichever you choose - as you’re surrounded by art, architecture, and sculptures. The Ringling was once the estate of John and Mable Ringling (of circus fame) and has been dedicated to the community and visitors as a playground for the arts. In one building you will find the State Art Museum of Florida, in which you could spend a whole day if you wanted. There are two buildings dedicated to the circus and telling the story of the famous Ringling Brothers.  

The grounds themselves are an attraction to behold: a beautiful children’s playground beneath the trees, a fragrant rose garden first planted by Mable Ringling and still thriving, huge banyans and a secret garden, and an expansive view of the Sarasota Bay. On the bay sits the magnificent Ca’d’Zan, the opulent home of the Ringlings with guided tours available. There are also eateries and a coffee shop available to keep you energized.  

Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m -.5:00 p.m. 
Admission: Children (ages 6-17) $5, Adults $25, Seniors (65+) $23, Active Military with I.D. $15, Teachers with I.D. $15, Students with I.D. $5 

Manatee Village Historical Park  
manateevillage.org  

Be transported to the turn of the 20th century at the Manatee Village Historical Park in Bradenton. Walk through 14 different points of interest that convey the beginnings of the city before there were paved roads or electricity. Explore the pioneer past as you visit the courthouse, one-room schoolhouse, farmhouse, general store, boat shop, steam engine, and cowhunter bunkhouse.   

The exhibits are meant to realistically display what they would’ve looked like back in the day, including stocked goods in the general store. You can also visit the Whistle Stop Gift Shop to take home a piece of your experience. The park is primarily wheelchair accessible, and admission is FREE! If you want to heighten your experience, you can be granted a key to the 1850 Manatee Burying Grounds, the oldest cemetery in the county; historical but also very spooky! 

Hours: Monday – Friday 9a.m. to 4p.m. 2nd & 4th Saturdays each month, 9a.m. to 4p.m. 
Admission: FREE   

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples 
cmon.org 

Learn though play at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, a brain-building powerhouse of hands-on exhibits and galleries. Journey through the swamps of the Everglades, wind your way through a maze, climb a two-story banyan tree, and experiment with a water play station. Children can try on several different occupations including a weather forecaster, farmer, chef, fisherman, artist, architect, or veterinarian. If energy gets low, the Garden Café will keep you energized with healthy choices. The museum encourages you to “C’mon!” and try something new.  

Hours: Monday - Tuesday and Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday closed, Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  
Admission: children under 1 free, children 1+ $12, adults $10, seniors 55+ $10, teachers with ID free 

Edison and Ford Winter Estates 
edisonfordwinterestates.org 

Astonishingly, two of the most influential men in American history — the inventor Thomas Edison and the car magnate Henry Ford - were not only friends, but shared adjoining vacation estates right here in Florida that now make up a beautiful historic site. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates date from 1885, when Thomas Edison first visited Southwest Florida and purchased the property to build a vacation home. In 1914, Henry and Clara Ford, along with their son Edsel, visited Fort Myers at the invitation of Thomas Edison. They enjoyed the visit so much that two years later, Ford purchased the home adjacent to the Edison Winter Estate.   

There is so much to see here, that you should certainly plan to spend the day; from the elaborate mansion to the humble caretaker’s home, the inventor’s laboratory and auto aficionado’s garage, walking through each section of the estate is like stepping back in time. The estates’ 20 acres of gardens reveal not only beauty but also wisdom in the way plants can be used scientifically — including the including the 1928 Edison Botanical Research Laboratory. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop and the plant shop to take home your own future piece of history.  

Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 
Admission: Prices vary depending on what kind of tour you or your group chooses. 

On the Atlantic Coast 

Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park 
fountainofyouthflorida.com  

There are few places in Florida that can take you as far back in time (metaphorically, of course) as Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine, which goes back to 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock! This park transports you to the very beginnings of European settlement in Florida, and celebrates the lifelong mission of the Spanish conquistador Ponce de Leon. The area was discovered by 1513 and settled by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565.  

Imagine taking in this historic masterpiece while enjoying the fresh air and 15 waterfront acres. Don’t be startled if you see a peacock wandering around - you can even feed them if you want! Look over the park from the Observation Tower, sample the waters from the natural spring (Ponce de Leon's legendary Fountain of Youth?) or watch a historical reenactment the Timucuan Village, and the reconstructed First Mission of Nombre de Dios. Have a pet? They can enjoy the park, too!  

Hours: Sunday - Saturday 9a.m. to 6p.m. 
Admission: Adults $15, Children (ages 6-12) $9, Children 5 & under FREE, Seniors $14, St. Johns County residents receive 50% off admission! 

Museum of Discovery & Science 
mods.org 

Creating a hands-on experience that encourages an interest in the sciences, the Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale provides visitors with more than 200 dynamic hands-on exhibits  like the Discovery Center exhibit for children under six, which teaches the fundamentals of counting, sorting, matching, and role playing through play, or the Everglades Airboat Adventure, an airboat simulator that takes you on a virtual journey of the Everglades. Permanent exhibits also include an ecology exhibit with living plants and animals, a North American otter habitat with live otters swimming playfully, a step into Prehistoric Florida with a giant megalodon, and an outdoor Science Park.  

Rotating exhibits offer something new for each visit, like the “Expedition: Dinosaur” exhibit (January 25-May 25) that transports you into the world of dinosaurs with life-like animatronics and exciting educational content. Immerse yourself in the drama of the AutoNation® IMAX 3D Theater, with next-generation sound and visuals.  

Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.  
Admission: children 1 and under free, children 2-12 $13, adults $16, seniors 65+ $15, military with ID $13 

Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum  
antiquecarmuseum.net 

Auto aficionados consider the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum a must-visit. Replicating a Packard showroom from the 1920s, the museum depicts American auto industry history with 22 Packard motor cars from the 1900s to the 1940s, all of which are in full working order, on display. The museum also displays thousands of pieces of memorabilia as well as gallery dedicated to the late President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who governed the country in the primary era that the museum covers.  

Hours: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday by appointment, Sunday closed 
Admission: children under 5 free, children 5-12 $5, adults $10  

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens  
vizcaya.org 

Discover the breathtaking elegance and splendor of Miami’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, James Deering’s Italian Renaissance-style estate. Named after one of the most captivating shorelines on the Spanish coast, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens captures jaw-dropping European extravagance in an enchanting American context. The home’s builder, James Deering, was a prolific industrialist who explored uncharted territory in the creation of this ambitious home, planting his Renaissance-inspired estate at the heart of Miami’s tropical hardwood hammock. In 1914, Deering enlisted 1,000 workers to bring his dream home to life. It took years to perfect the mansion’s 70-plus rooms, 34 of which overflow with treasures dating back to the 15th century. 

The ten acres of formal gardens are the perfect ensemble to the Main House. A massive topiary-lined corridor gives way to The Mound, where The Casino pavilion provides an aerial view of the gardens. East of The Mound lies the Fountain Garden, its centerpiece is still in working order and was imported from Sutri, Italy. Another must see on your garden tour is The David A. Klein Orchidarium, where rows of vibrant Vandas and rare Cymbidiums dangle elegantly overhead. Photos alone do this site no justice - you must experience it yourself!  

Hours: Thursday - Monday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
Admission: Children (ages 6-12) $8, Adults $18, Active Military with I.D. and Veterans FREE