Historical Tours
Florida is home to a rich and diverse history, and there are numerous historical tours throughout the state that showcase its past, from Spanish colonization to Civil Rights struggles. Here are some of the key locations where you can find historical tours:
1. St. Augustine (area info)
- Overview: St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the U.S., offers numerous historical tours.
- Popular Tours: Castillo de San Marcos (a 17th-century fortress), Colonial Quarter, and the St. Augustine History Museum. Walking tours such as Savory Faire Food Tour and Gory Stories Walking Tour also combine food, legends, and history.
2. Key West (area info)
- Overview: Known for its conch culture and historic homes, Key West has a vibrant history tied to pirates, writers, and naval history.
- Popular Tours: Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West Historical Society, Harry S. Truman Little White House, and Old Town Trolley Tour. Walking tours that highlight the island’s history and architecture are also available.
3. Miami (area info)
- Overview: Miami’s rich cultural diversity and Art Deco architecture make for unique historical tours.
- Popular Tours: Art Deco District Walking Tour (Miami Beach), Little Havana Cultural Walking Tour, and tours of historic landmarks like the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
4. Tampa & Ybor City (area info)
- Overview: Tampa’s Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark District, was once the “Cigar Capital of the World.”
- Popular Tours: Ybor City Historical Walking Tour, which covers the history of the Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants, and Tampa Bay History Center tours.
5. Pensacola (area info)
- Overview: Pensacola is one of Florida’s oldest cities, with a deep history tied to Spanish colonization and the military.
- Popular Tours: Historic Pensacola Village offers tours of restored 18th and 19th-century homes, while Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum showcases maritime history .
6. Jacksonville (area info)
- Overview: Jacksonville has a rich African American history and Civil War history.
- Popular Tours: Kingsley Plantation (part of the Timucuan Preserve), Riverside Avondale Preservation Tours, and the Durkeeville Historical Society.
7. Sarasota (area info)
- Overview: Known for its connection to the Ringling Brothers Circus, Sarasota offers cultural and historical experiences.
- Popular Tours: Ringling Museum of Art, Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, and walking tours of historic downtown Sarasota.
8. Tallahassee (area info)
- Overview: Florida’s state capital has a deep history, including its role during the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Popular Tours: Mission San Luis, Florida Historic Capitol Museum, and Tallahassee Museum .
9. Fort Myers (area info)
- Overview: This area is known for being the winter home of inventors like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
- Popular Tours: Edison & Ford Winter Estates offer guided tours through their historical homes and gardens .
10. Orlando (area info)
- Overview: While Orlando is famous for theme parks, it also has historical sites to explore.
- Popular Tours: Orange County Regional History Center, Greenwood Cemetery, and Downtown Orlando Historical Tours.
These historical tours provide a glimpse into Florida’s diverse past, offering something for everyone, from architectural enthusiasts to history buffs.
