Greatest Florida Museums
As a state that offers the Nation’s Oldest City, the “Fountain of Youth,” and the twin estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, Florida is full of history - and the museums to commemorate the exciting tales of the past. These are Florida’s greatest museums.
Please note: hours and admission info are subject to change. Please adhere to each attractions’ safety measures, including social distancing and wearing a mask.
Historic Estates That Belong in Fairy Tales
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - Miami
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
The Ringling - Sarasota
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
Edison and Ford Winter Estates - Fort Myers
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.
Museums That Feature the Outdoors
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum - Clewiston
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, Seniors $7.50, Family Group (two Adults, up to four Children) $30, Military $7.50
Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park - St. Augustine
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, Seniors $14, St. Johns County residents receive 50% off admission!
Manatee Village Historical Park - Bradenton
manateevillage.org
Journey 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
Museums With a Unique Story
Apalachicola Maritime Museum - Apalachicola
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
Henry B. Plant Museum - Tampa
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 (4-12) $5, Adults $10, Seniors and Students with I.D. $7
Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum - Fort Lauderdale
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 (5-12) $5, Adults $10
