10 Florida Towns That Echo The Past
The state of Florida has a diverse history spanning thousands of years, including the presence of indigenous peoples for thousands of years and European colonization since the 1600s. It has also been ruled by several countries, including France, Great Britain, and Spain, and bits of each culture can be seen in some of the state's oldest cities. These 10 towns echo Florida's past through their cobblestone streets, antique architecture, and old-world charm, offering guests a tangible link to the past.
Destinations like Fernandina Beach are particularly distinctive for their eclectic heritage. They have flown under numerous flags, each leaving an indelible mark on the area. Other areas, like Mount Dora and Cedar Key, echo the past in a localized way, showing off another fascinating aspect of Florida. Whether looking for colonialism, Spanish, or local history, these towns reveal Florida's heritage unlike any other in the state.
Key West
Key West is one of those pleasant Florida seaside towns that unmistakably echo the past. It has a rich Indigenous history, but Key West is best known today as a resort town, a status it has held since the 1930s. Many of those early historical remnants are popular today, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the famed Sloppy Joe's Bar, the author's favorite haunt.
Walking tours are the best way to experience this laid-back island village. Most tours start in the historic Key West City Cemetery, which was established in 1847, and wind through the charming homes and other notable points of interest. When the sun goes down, Duval Street, the main drag, turns into a party, echoing traditions in this fun-loving paradise.
Mount Dora
Mount Dora offers a fascinating glimpse of Florida's past, from its delightful inns to its historic lighthouse. Lake Dora is the center of this relaxing getaway, home to the only inland, freshwater lighthouse in the state, accessible via Grantham Park, also known as Lighthouse Park.
Another landmark that echoes the town's roots is the Lakeside Inn. The distinctive inn is considered the most historic hotel in Florida, built in 1883 with moss-draped oak trees shading the five yellow and white buildings. After settling in, walk through the appealing town and soak in its history. The Historic District emphasizes the importance of artistry, architecture, and history in this unique community and enables visitors to glimpse the past.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the US, is full of mystery, mystique, and old-world charm. The historic district contains some of the oldest roads in the nation and features Spanish architecture that is hundreds of years old. The area is across the street from the iconic Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fortification in the United States.
Virtually everything in this district is hundreds of years old, but some stand out from others. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse on St. George Street reflects the homestead life of the Minorcans in the early 19th century. At the same time, the Old Jail, built in 1891, was purposefully disguised to maintain investor interest in developing the district. An afternoon walk down St. George transports you to the past, and it is one of the best streets in Florida to relive this unique history.
Cedar Key
The barrier island of Cedar Key is the ultimate destination for experiencing "old Florida", especially if you are into kayaks. Paddling to Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge introduces the 13 barrier islands that make this slice of Florida so unique, and allows you to experience the diverse ecosystem firsthand. Amble through town to discover other unique links to Florida's past, especially at the Cedar Key Museum State Park, which features Gulf Coast history.
The museum showcases Gulf life through its expansive 18 acres of salt marshes and vintage exhibits from the 1950s and 1960s, provided by the University of Florida. Nearby is the historic Whitman House, honoring the life of the naturalist Carl Whitman and his extensive seashell collection. You can also visit the town's roots at local restaurants specializing in fresh Gulf seafood that capture the essence of the coast.
Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is a charming sponge fishing village on Florida's Gulf Coast, offering glimpses into an industry that fueled local economic growth in the 20th century. Known as the "Sponge Capital of the World", this distinctively Greek-American community centers around Dodecanese Boulevard, where you will find interesting shops, restaurants, and the heart of the community. Spots like Hellas Restaurant and Bakery will give you a literal taste of this town's Greek heritage.
Dodecanese Boulevard is also home to the historic sponge docks that gave birth to this unique industry and provide a glimpse into the immense fishing history of this coast. While strolling the boulevard, stop at Don Estaban or Serafin de Cuba for a Cuban-rolled cigar, another Florida tradition. Tarpon Springs is not only a fun destination but also captures the unique traditions that make Florida so special.
Apalachicola
Visiting the historic fishing village of Apalachicola on Florida's Forgotten Coast feels like a trip to yesteryear. The city was developed using six squares, and they are the focal points of the commercial and residential districts, including Washington Square, the largest at four blocks. Explore these relics with a self-guided walking tour and visit the Historic District, finishing at the Raney House Museum.
The Greek Revival Raney House, built in 1838, represents the town's cotton prominence, as it was constructed by a wealthy mayor who made his fortune in the cotton trade. The Orman House is a 1838 antebellum home that overlooks the notable Apalachicola River and is open to the public from Thursday to Monday. The adjoining Chapman Botanical Gardens highlight the work of 19th-century botanist Alvan Chapman. Exploring these homes is an immersive way to experience the abundance of history throughout the region.
Fernandina Beach
Known as the Isle of Eight Flags, Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island has flown under eight different governments, and each has a lasting legacy on this historic shrimping port. You can discover this history at the Amelia Island Museum of History and by strolling down the main drag, Centre Street. The vibrant district is home to many vintage inns and other historical sites, including Florida's oldest bar, the Palace Saloon.
The saloon opened in 1903 as a destination for sailors pulling into port. Then there is the "Crown of Center Street," the 1860 Lesesne House, standing out in a sea of Queen Anne-style homes. The Bailey House is a prime example of sophisticated architectural styles. It was built in 1885 and features Victorian-era elements. The homes are remarkable in this island town, with each one echoing the past in an elegant and timely way.
Micanopy
Micanopy is a charming, throwback Florida town, the oldest inland town in the state, and is famous for its antique shops. Many antiquers stop here for a day trip around the compact downtown, shopping for goods at the Antique City Mall and Delectable Collectibles. It is also known for its artistic side, which is on display at the Micanopy Trading Outpost.
After a morning of shopping, stop at the Micanopy Cemetery and the Micanopy Historical Society Museum to learn about the hamlet's 200-year history. Perusing the exhibits and walking through the town is one of the most ideal ways to discover "old Florida." The community's friendliness also reflects small-town values that are reminiscent of days gone by. Make your visit extra historic by staying at the Herlong Mansion Bed and Breakfast, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
DeLand
DeLand's Historic Garden District, once called Persimmon Hollow, was among the first five communities in Florida to receive a Main Street designation in 1985. The district is filled with galleries and historic sites, and the two merge on the Historic Mural Walk, one of the best ways to experience the town. The 1886 DeLand House Museum echoes the past with its Frame Vernacular architecture, one of the oldest buildings in town.
Other sites include the Museum of Art, providing a chance to view local artwork and explore the artsy side of Deland. The African American Museum of the Arts, located in the historic district, is the only one of its kind in the region and features over 150 artifacts revolving around African American heritage and culture. This charming destination is known for its art and history, which reflect traditions from years gone by.
Sebring
Sebring is a charming town near Orlando filled with historic commercial buildings. Notable examples include Central Station (Sebring Fire Station) and the Kenilworth Lodge, both built in the early 20th century. The Kenilworth Lodge was built as a resort in 1916 for the town's founder and remains a popular stop for many visitors today. One cannot forget the famed Sebring International Raceway, which has hosted the 12-hour endurance race since 1952.
The entire downtown 1920s is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is a great place to spend an afternoon. The clean streetscapes are home to ample charming shops and merchants. While some visit Sebring for the racetrack or the nearby Highlands Hammock State Park, ambling through the downtown provides a rare glimpse into the town's roots and offers visitors a chance to experience the past.
One of the best reasons to visit Florida is to explore its diverse heritage, with many cultures leaving their fingerprint on the local communities, which can still be seen today. Ambling through any of these cities offers visitors a unique glimpse at the past and the many countries and people groups that have called the area home. While some cities are distinctly "local", many have Indigenous, French, or Spanish nuances that resonate to this day.
Historical sites range from famous forts to the homes of favorite authors, and everything in between. Looking at these destinations through a historical lens demonstrates the impact that various cultures have had on these areas, making them unique to visit. Seeing small Florida villages through this historical lens offers a different point of view, and these 10 towns are among the best in the state for echoing the past.
