It won't be like this forever, and when it's time to hit the road again, you'll be ready with an itinerary. Florida is known for white sand beaches and tourist attractions but it also has its share of National Historic Landmarks. Most of these places are popular spots for engagement photos, weddings and events but these 20 landmarks are also notable historic places.
20 Florida historical landmarks to visit when the world opens back up
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Sat, Jul 16, 2016 at 4:33 pm
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Fort King Site
3925 East Fort King Street, Ocala, 352-368-5535
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 23 minutes
In the Second Seminole War, Osceola (famous Seminole leader) killed Andrew’s Indian agent (Wiley Thompson) at Fort King which started the longest, costliest and bloodiest Indian war in the country. The site has archaeological remains of the original Fort King from 1827 and the rebuilt fort (1837).
Photo via Trip Advisor
3925 East Fort King Street, Ocala, 352-368-5535
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 23 minutes
In the Second Seminole War, Osceola (famous Seminole leader) killed Andrew’s Indian agent (Wiley Thompson) at Fort King which started the longest, costliest and bloodiest Indian war in the country. The site has archaeological remains of the original Fort King from 1827 and the rebuilt fort (1837).
Photo via Trip Advisor
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, 863-676-1408
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 19 minutes
At Florida’s highest point, this sanctuary has historic landscape gardens and nature trails. It also has Florida’s first carillon, the Singing Tower.
Photo via mcbring/Instagram
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, 863-676-1408
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 19 minutes
At Florida’s highest point, this sanctuary has historic landscape gardens and nature trails. It also has Florida’s first carillon, the Singing Tower.
Photo via mcbring/Instagram
Maitland Art Center
231 W Packwood Ave, Maitland, 407-539-2181 Distance from Orlando: 20 minutes
The art center was founded in 1937 as an artist colony. It serves as an important example of Art Deco fantasy and Mayan Revival architecture.
Photo vi The Daniel Heitz Band/Facebook
231 W Packwood Ave, Maitland, 407-539-2181 Distance from Orlando: 20 minutes
The art center was founded in 1937 as an artist colony. It serves as an important example of Art Deco fantasy and Mayan Revival architecture.
Photo vi The Daniel Heitz Band/Facebook
Cathedral of St. Augustine
38 Cathedral Place St. Augustine, 904-262-3200 Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 50 minutes
This was the first permanent parish church, which is now called the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine. The Santa Fe trail started here because it was used by missionaries to evangelize. It still remains a cathedral today.
Photo via frankdecaroshow/Instagram
38 Cathedral Place St. Augustine, 904-262-3200 Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 50 minutes
This was the first permanent parish church, which is now called the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Augustine. The Santa Fe trail started here because it was used by missionaries to evangelize. It still remains a cathedral today.
Photo via frankdecaroshow/Instagram
Mary McLeod Bethune Home & Gravesite
640 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, 386-481-2121
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 5 minutes
This is the former home of civil rights leader, educator and founder of Bethune-Cookman University. Back in 1904, Mary McLeod Bethune opened the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in Daytona which eventually became Bethune-Cookman College. The house is located on the campus and offers guided tours which show artifacts and photos of famous visitors.
Photo via tampabay.com
640 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, 386-481-2121
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 5 minutes
This is the former home of civil rights leader, educator and founder of Bethune-Cookman University. Back in 1904, Mary McLeod Bethune opened the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in Daytona which eventually became Bethune-Cookman College. The house is located on the campus and offers guided tours which show artifacts and photos of famous visitors.
Photo via tampabay.com
Dade Battefield Historic Statepark
7200 County Road 603, Bushnell, 352-793-4781
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 1 minute
This park marks a historic battle because it is where the battle occurred that started Second Seminole War in 1835. There was 108 soldiers at the site and only three survived. Each year, a group of people reenact the scene. The park is also known for its wildlife.
Photo via vegrav/Instagram
7200 County Road 603, Bushnell, 352-793-4781
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 1 minute
This park marks a historic battle because it is where the battle occurred that started Second Seminole War in 1835. There was 108 soldiers at the site and only three survived. Each year, a group of people reenact the scene. The park is also known for its wildlife.
Photo via vegrav/Instagram
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead St., Key West, 305-294-1136
Distance from Orlando: 6 hours and 49 minutes
The house was built in 1851 and Ernest Hemingway lived in this house from 1931 until his death in 1961. The house in Old Town Key West still has the furniture that there Hemingway and his family used.
Photo via jaymesmith1/Instagram
907 Whitehead St., Key West, 305-294-1136
Distance from Orlando: 6 hours and 49 minutes
The house was built in 1851 and Ernest Hemingway lived in this house from 1931 until his death in 1961. The house in Old Town Key West still has the furniture that there Hemingway and his family used.
Photo via jaymesmith1/Instagram
Fort Zachary Taylor
24.550316 N ,-81.806416 W, 305-295-0037
Distance from Orlando: 6 hours and 45 minutes
The park, built in the 1850’s was named after President Zachary Taylor. It played a role in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. In 1968, the largest collection of Civil War cannons were found here.
Photo via guillemoresa/Instagram
24.550316 N ,-81.806416 W, 305-295-0037
Distance from Orlando: 6 hours and 45 minutes
The park, built in the 1850’s was named after President Zachary Taylor. It played a role in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. In 1968, the largest collection of Civil War cannons were found here.
Photo via guillemoresa/Instagram
Freedom Tower
600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-237-8888
Distance from Orlando: 3 hours and 48 minutes
The tower is referred to as the “Ellis Island of the South” because of the part it played in Cuban immigration to the United States as a relief center. Today, it serves as an exhibit and gallery for the Miami Dade College.
Photo via pom_polly/Instagram
600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-237-8888
Distance from Orlando: 3 hours and 48 minutes
The tower is referred to as the “Ellis Island of the South” because of the part it played in Cuban immigration to the United States as a relief center. Today, it serves as an exhibit and gallery for the Miami Dade College.
Photo via pom_polly/Instagram
Hotel Ponce De Leon
74 King St, St Augustine
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 49 minutes
Built in 1887-88 for Henry Flagler, this hotel was the first large scale building constructed entirely of poured concrete. It is now a part of Flagler College.
Photo via finniganbell9/Instagram
74 King St, St Augustine
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 49 minutes
Built in 1887-88 for Henry Flagler, this hotel was the first large scale building constructed entirely of poured concrete. It is now a part of Flagler College.
Photo via finniganbell9/Instagram
Mar-a-Lago
1100 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach, 561-832-2600
Distance from Orlando: 2 hours and 39 minutes
Mar-a-Lago, meaning “from lake to sea” in Spanish, opened back in 1927 after four years of construction. The estate is known for its architecture and was used as a get away place for many notable people. The property is now privately owned by Donald Trump as an exclusive club.
Photo via boonou812/Instagram
1100 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach, 561-832-2600
Distance from Orlando: 2 hours and 39 minutes
Mar-a-Lago, meaning “from lake to sea” in Spanish, opened back in 1927 after four years of construction. The estate is known for its architecture and was used as a get away place for many notable people. The property is now privately owned by Donald Trump as an exclusive club.
Photo via boonou812/Instagram
Miami-Biltmore Hotel & Country Club
1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables 855-311-6903
Distance from Orlando: 3 hours and 43 minutes
The hotel and country club was built in the 1920’s and was modern for its time. It attracted the highest levels of people in society. It still remains a modern monument.
Photo via cruisinchandler/Instagram
1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables 855-311-6903
Distance from Orlando: 3 hours and 43 minutes
The hotel and country club was built in the 1920’s and was modern for its time. It attracted the highest levels of people in society. It still remains a modern monument.
Photo via cruisinchandler/Instagram
Ponce de Leon Light Station
4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet 386-761-1821
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 20 minutes
The lighthouse was built in 1887. It is the tallest in Florida and the second tallest in the country. They offer tours at certain times during the week.
Photo via czarcangemi/Instagram
4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet 386-761-1821
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 20 minutes
The lighthouse was built in 1887. It is the tallest in Florida and the second tallest in the country. They offer tours at certain times during the week.
Photo via czarcangemi/Instagram
Villa Vizcaya
3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-250-9133
Distance from Orlando: 3 hours and 27 minutes
Villa Vizcaya was the winter home of James Deering, an agricultural industrialist. Now, it is open to the public and renamed Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, with ten acres of gardens and over 34 decorated rooms.
Photo via jujujuliaye/Instagram
3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami, 305-250-9133
Distance from Orlando: 3 hours and 27 minutes
Villa Vizcaya was the winter home of James Deering, an agricultural industrialist. Now, it is open to the public and renamed Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, with ten acres of gardens and over 34 decorated rooms.
Photo via jujujuliaye/Instagram
Whitehall (Flagler Museum)
One Whitehall Way., Palm Beach, 561-655-2833
Distance from Orlando: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Known as one of “America’s Castles”, Whitehall was built by Henry M. Flagler in 1901 as a wedding gift for his wife. The mansion has 55 rooms which are decorated in historic European style and many still have the same furniture. The Flagler private railroad car is still inside the museum.
Photo via ianscreations/Instagram
One Whitehall Way., Palm Beach, 561-655-2833
Distance from Orlando: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Known as one of “America’s Castles”, Whitehall was built by Henry M. Flagler in 1901 as a wedding gift for his wife. The mansion has 55 rooms which are decorated in historic European style and many still have the same furniture. The Flagler private railroad car is still inside the museum.
Photo via ianscreations/Instagram
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Cape Canaveral
Distance from Orlando: 52 minutes
The air force station, devoted to space exploration, is located next to the Kennedy Space Center in Cocoa Beach. It is now a facility of the Department of Defense. Guests can still see the station if they go on a guided tour through the Kennedy Space Center.
Photo via megapicsels/Instagram
Cape Canaveral
Distance from Orlando: 52 minutes
The air force station, devoted to space exploration, is located next to the Kennedy Space Center in Cocoa Beach. It is now a facility of the Department of Defense. Guests can still see the station if they go on a guided tour through the Kennedy Space Center.
Photo via megapicsels/Instagram
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Vero Beach
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Pelican Island was the first National Wildlife Refuge in 1903 by President Roosevelt. It is one of the world’s largest and most diverse areas of land for wildlife. Visitors can kayak, canoe, fish and observe the abundance of wildlife.
Photo via ipaddlemiami/Instagram
Vero Beach
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Pelican Island was the first National Wildlife Refuge in 1903 by President Roosevelt. It is one of the world’s largest and most diverse areas of land for wildlife. Visitors can kayak, canoe, fish and observe the abundance of wildlife.
Photo via ipaddlemiami/Instagram
Ferdinand Magellan - U.S. Car Number 1
12450 S.W. 152nd St., Miami, 888-608-7246
Distance from Orlando: 3 hours and 55 minutes
U.S. Car Number 1 was built in 1928 and it is located inside the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. It is the only private coach railroad car specifically designed for the President and was used by Roosevelt and Truman. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan briefly used it.
Photo via Earl Leatherberry/Flickr
12450 S.W. 152nd St., Miami, 888-608-7246
Distance from Orlando: 3 hours and 55 minutes
U.S. Car Number 1 was built in 1928 and it is located inside the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. It is the only private coach railroad car specifically designed for the President and was used by Roosevelt and Truman. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan briefly used it.
Photo via Earl Leatherberry/Flickr
Marjory Stoneman Douglas House
3744-3754 Stewart Ave., Miami
Distance from Orlando: 4 hours and 6 minutes
Author, activist and Medal of Freedom honoree Marjory Stoneman Douglas lived in the house, which was built in 1924, for 70 years. When she died at age 108 years old, she was known as an environmentalist. She brought attention to Florida’s unique natural resources in her The Everglades: River of Grass book.
Photo via The Real Estate Coconut \
3744-3754 Stewart Ave., Miami
Distance from Orlando: 4 hours and 6 minutes
Author, activist and Medal of Freedom honoree Marjory Stoneman Douglas lived in the house, which was built in 1924, for 70 years. When she died at age 108 years old, she was known as an environmentalist. She brought attention to Florida’s unique natural resources in her The Everglades: River of Grass book.
Photo via The Real Estate Coconut \
Fort Mose Site
15 Fort Mose Trail, St Augustine, 904-523-8500
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 58 minutes
Fort Mose was the first free legal community of former slaves, founded in 1738. There was about 100 people living at the fort with about 20 households.
Photo via Fort Mose/Instagram
15 Fort Mose Trail, St Augustine, 904-523-8500
Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 58 minutes
Fort Mose was the first free legal community of former slaves, founded in 1738. There was about 100 people living at the fort with about 20 households.
Photo via Fort Mose/Instagram
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