Florida is full of history, from its oldest masonry fort in America to the museum devoted to the man who gave Miami its name. If you want an immersive cultural experience or outdoor beauty, visit Miccosukee Indian Village and Bok Tower Gardens respectively.
The Gamble House in Ellenton sheds light on the complex history of slavery in the South. John Ringling Museum offers an extraordinary display of art. And Castillo de San Marcos stands as a monument to our past.
Fort Caroline National Memorial
No one knows for certain where the first French settlement was situated; therefore this National Park Service memorial (established in 1953) commemorates where it may have stood. Part of Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, approximately 14 miles from Downtown Jacksonville.
Explore the reconstructed fort and learn about the explorers who called this area home, as well as those massacred by Spanish troops in 1565. In addition, this park features nature trails and offers Junior Ranger programs.
Plan to spend approximately one hour at the Visitor Center and two to three hours exploring the fort exhibit before heading out to Spanish Pond, Ribault Monument and Theodore Roosevelt Area for hiking or strolling through grasslands. Park staff also host informal programs throughout the day.
The Gamble House
Commissioned by the Procter & Gamble fortune, The Gamble House represents the noble aspirations of Arts and Crafts movement. Influenced by Greene brothers’ hands-on experience in woodworking and tool making as well as traditional American architecture knowledge and their attendance of Chicago World’s Columbian Exhibition that featured Japanese art displays, this house has often been described as the ultimate bungalow.
Gamble House and grounds have been carefully preserved as a museum, providing visitors with an insight into Florida’s antebellum period, sugar plantations system and experiences of enslaved people at this historic site. Furthermore, Greene and Greene designed furniture is housed here as well as four cookbooks published by them as well as hosting regular evening architecture tours – visitors are sure to learn plenty at this historic site!
John Ringling Museum
John and Mable Ringling designed their stunning pink palace as an artistic showcase to house their ever-increasing art collection, reflecting Renaissance style in its architectural details and paneled rooms that reflect those found at New York’s Astor mansion, plus boast a substantial selection of European paintings as well as ancient and medieval artwork.
The Ringling Museum is Florida’s state art museum – but it offers much more. Situated on 66 acres in Sarasota, its complex boasts circus museums, historic palatial mansion and stunning bayfront gardens – definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Sarasota! Just hearing its name conjures images of trapeze artists performing exquisite tricks over roaring lions or comical clown antics; part of one of America’s greatest family dynasties that lives on in its legacy today; The museum bears witness to that extraordinary spirit!
Lightner Museum
History buffs, romantics, and those in search of sophistication must visit the Lightner Museum. Formerly the Alcazar Hotel built by railroad magnate Henry Flagler in 1888, today this unique venue hosts one of the country’s finest collections of 19th-century fine and decorative art.
Experience history while exploring its four floors of this historic museum! View a Victorian village, Victorian science and industry room and even an interactive music room complete with mechanized instruments!
Dade Battlefield State Park commemorates the brave man whose name gave Miami-Dade County its name. The park offers visitors an insight into Florida’s turbulent and unique past and provides greater understanding of this part of Florida.
Castillo de San Marcos
Florida offers many historical sites for you to take a trip down memory lane. Ponce de Leon traversed across Florida, so many sites celebrate his travels throughout the state – De Soto National Memorial commemorates his expedition, while there are also plenty of Calusa Indian sites worth seeing.
Castillo de San Marcos is an iconic 17th century military structure and one of the oldest masonry forts in America, dating back to 1769. Constructed of coquina limestone, its fort has proudly displayed flags representing five nations over time and endured battles and sieges to remain standing today.
Visitors to the fort may spend hours watching re-enacters dressed in period attire demonstrating historic weapons or perusing its informative exhibits, with particular care advised due to its fragile coquina walls.
