These 8 Towns in Florida Have Beautiful Architecture
When we ponder famous American architecture, we often associate bigger with better. And while structures like the White House, Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge are by all means architectural feats, there is also a resounding beauty in smaller, lesser known historic structures.
Florida, while often associated with its beach resorts and theme parks, is also home to some extraordinary structures. And if these walls, towers, porches, and windows could talk, they would have some fascinating tales to tell. Whether you explore a charming church whose grounds witnessed a fierce Civil War battle, tour an extravagant villa inspired by a medieval Spanish castle, or cross a spine-chilling bridge whose legends whisper of hauntings, you can truly escape to different worlds at these historic districts and sites. If this sounds like your kind of adventure, here are 8 towns in Florida whose beautiful and fascinating architecture will transport you.
St. Augustine
As the "Nation’s Oldest City," St. Augustine boasts a wealth of fabulous architecture. Founded by Spanish explorer Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565, this Spanish influence is a vibrant presence in the town’s historic structures, like the coquina-limestone Fort Matanzas, constructed between 1740 and 1742. In St. Augustine's iconic Historic District, this influence is boldly represented in countless centuries-old churches and hotels, like Cathedral Basilica, originally built in 1797, and Hotel Ponce de Leon (now Flager College). Both are designed in the Spanish Colonial Renaissance-style which is famous for its red tile roofs, elaborate moldings, and towering spires, emanating the appearance of grand and luxurious Spanish villas.
Built in the same lavish style in 1889, The Lightner Museum (formerly Hotel Alcazar) is another magnificent castle-like structure spanning five floors, and the exhibits are equally enticing. But to see a real Spanish-style villa, the residence-turned-museum of Villa Zorayda can be toured on King Street. Inspired by the Alhambra Palace, a 13th-century castle in Spain, this 1883 villa has a gorgeous level of detail. Taking on the Moorish Revival style, which is known for its intricate patterns, bright colors, and grand archways, the building is by all means a work of art.
Seaside
In Florida's Panhandle, Seaside stands out with a more contemporary architectural style, adding to its beachtown charm. Designed and developed in the 1980’s by architects Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, the resort town is known as the birthplace of New Urbanism, a design movement prioritizing walkability, connectivity, and beautiful aesthetics. For locals and visitors alike, the movement has an immense impact on the quality of life in this adorable beachside town, creating a strong sense of community and artistic atmosphere. With an increased density of buildings and a traditional grid neighborhood structure, this beautiful town can be explored entirely by foot, which truly adds to the experience.
As you stroll through Seaside, you will notice the signature white and pastel clapboard buildings that adorn the town, casting a bright and mellow ambiance over homes and businesses. Porches are another common feature, serving as social hubs between buildings or simply providing a relaxing spot to enjoy the breeze. Walkability is even prioritized for those passing from street to sand. To make your way past the protective sand dunes, 8 unique towering pavilions will guide you to beach bliss, like the Pensacola Pavilion designed by architect Tony Atkin in the rotunda-style. To see more of Seaside’s charming pastel buildings, restaurants like Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant & Bar or Great Southern Cafe embrace the soft color palette. Other structures take on a photogenic monochromatic white, like the Seaside Neighborhood School and Seaside Chapel, one of the town’s most photographed structures.
Key West
Located at the southernmost point of the United States, the island town of Key West is another adorable beach community famous for its pastel homes. Covered porches and louvered window shutters also add to the town’s tropical beach vibe. But the most famous architectural feature would be Key West’s assortment of over 3,000 wooden structures in the “Old Town” historic district. Thought to be the largest wooden historic district in the United States, the buildings date back to anywhere from 1886 to 1912.
The town’s mix of architectural styles can be linked to the diverse heritage of Key West's founding population. Buildings range from quaint conch-style cottages built by Cuban immigrants and New England natives to massive Victorian mansions built by Cuban cigar barrons and New England sea captains toward the second half of the 19th Century. Adorned with gingerbread accents, pillars, and intricate roofing details, these mansions are some of the prettiest in the country. The Curry-Freeman mansion is one example, dating back to the mid 1860’s, and while not open to the public, it is a great stop on the Key West Historic Walking Tour.
Other popular architectural attractions include Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn, an elegant Georgian Revival mansion built in 1869, and the Oldest House Museum & Gardens Key West, built in 1829 by a ship captain. But one of Key West’s best architectural attractions is linked to a famous name. The Historic Hemingway House, built in the Spanish Colonial style in 1851, was constructed by Asa Tift, a notable marine salvager. The famous American novelist lived there from 1931 to 1939 and visitors can tour the home and grounds to “Walk the path of the Legend.”
Fernandina Beach
If Victorian architecture intrigues you, Fernandina Beach (another island town) has one of the greatest concentrations of it in the state. So much so, that each December this Amelia Island town hosts a variety of Victorian-themed celebrations like the Dickens on Centre festival. Along with these festivities, historic preservation has been the town’s priority since the 1970’s when the Fernandina Beach Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Popular Victorian structures include the Fernandina Beach Courthouse (built in 1891), and the Fairbanks House and Bailey House, both of which are currently bed and breakfasts. The former was designed by architect Roberts Sands Schuyler, who also designed several other buildings in the Fernandina Beach’s Historic District, like the St. Peter Episcopal Church. The house is distinguished by its balustrade porches, arched windows, and eye-catching tower. The Bailey House, on the other hand, is known for its towering turrets and fish-scale shingles.
But the town’s Historic District—also called “Old Town”—has a wide range of additional architectural styles from the 19th and 20th centuries. So while Victorian architecture is definitely the star of the show, this is just the tip of the iceberg. From Greek Revival and Italianate to Gothic and Renaissance Revival, the eclectic mix is an architect’s dream. The 50-block district can be explored solo, but the walking tours are a great way to get a local’s perspective. Whether you take The Architecture Tour, The Gilded Age Tour, or The Centre Street Tour, the views and sights will not disappoint.
Quincy
Quincy is another beautiful yet underrated Florida town whose historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The thirty-six-block district spans Quincy's entire downtown and parts of the surrounding area. It showcases a variety of architectural styles, including antebellum and Victorian, in addition to various other historical periods. A free online Walking Tour Guide can be accessed from quincymainstreet.org to explore some of the town’s best historic sites and buildings.
The Gadsden County Courthouse (built in 1913) is a great first stop. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style with neoclassical detailing, it is one of the oldest continuously used county government buildings in Florida. Stepping even further back in time, the Stockton-Curry House on North Duval Street blends the Greek and Classical Revival styles. The antebellum home, constructed in 1842, stands as a vivid representation of Quincy's history. Other former residences, like the McFarlin House on East King Street have been converted into a bed and breakfast. The gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian detailing is visible in the castle turret, porch columns, and colorful stained glass windows. Bear in mind, these are just a small sample of the 58 historic structures listed on Quincy’s Walking Tour Guide, so you could by all means devote an entire day to traveling back in time to old-world Quincy.
Apalachicola
Settled on the shores of Apalachicola Bay (an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico), the coastal town of Apalachicola has another vibrant historic district. The area features over 900 historic buildings, some dating back to around the town’s founding in 1831. Even the original town plan from the 1930’s has been preserved, the wide, tree-lined roads inviting visitors to stroll and explore the town’s eclectic mix of architecture. Greek Revival and Queen Anne are easily spotted throughout, as well as Gothic Revival, Folk Victorian, and Gulf Coast Cottage styles. The free, self-guided Apalachicola Walking Tour will guide you to 37 of these historic marvels, but with hundreds of other significant structures, this is just the beginning of what Apalachicola has in store.
The Apalachicola City Hall is one of the oldest town buildings, the impressive Greek Revival structure built from brick and granite in 1837. The Raney House Museum is another building in the style, constructed the year after, in 1838. Its impressive columns and symmetrical exterior are inspiring and the inside can be toured for free on Tuesday through Saturday. Also in the Greek Revival style, Apalachicola’s Trinity Episcopal Church was built in 1939, making it one of Florida’s oldest churches. Today, the church is not only an iconic landmark, but is also known for hosting the Historic Apalachicola Home and Garden Tour to fund the church’s preservation. With so much history to see, you may just want to stay a night or two. Historic bed and breakfasts like the Coombs House Inn allow both, the elegant 1905 Queen Anne style details enchanting all who rest their heads there.
Marianna
For an offbeat town with southern hospitality, natural beauty, and a rich history, look no further than Marianna, “The City of Southern Charm.” Here, belowground, you can experience nature’s architecture at Florida Caverns State Park, the state’s only public cave. But if you would prefer manmade structures, these are also in high supply. This includes Bellamy Bridge, one of the oldest surviving wooden bridges in Florida. Constructed in 1914, the landmark is famous for being the home of a legendary ghost story, and if you would like to experience the eerie structure for yourself, it can be reached on a half-mile hike along the Bellamy Bridge Heritage Trail.
When it comes to historic buildings, Marianna has some truly exquisite homes. The Ely-Criglar House is a private antebellum/Victorian mansion that can be marveled while strolling. But if you would prefer a more interactive site, the Russ House is a stunning 1890’s home in the Queen Anne/Classical Revival style that now serves as Marianna’s Visitor Center. Alternatively, St. Luke's Episcopal Church is another gorgeous structure with impressive detailing, like the dominant, pointed spire. But the story that comes with the building is the true star. Originally built in the 1850’s and 1860’s, the church was once the setting of a dramatic Civil War battle that resulted in it being burned down. And although the current structure is a rebuilt version, its walls still bear the ingrained history of the original. You can also visit the adjoined historic graveyard, marked with the headstones of those who fought in the battle.
Milton
Finally, we have beautiful, historic Milton, a town known for its “trove of landmarks.” The Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987, and Milton’s Historic Preservation Program proudly maintains the heritage and integrity of 98 structures. Buildings like the 1927 Santa Rosa County Courthouse are a staple of the town, as well as Mount Pilgrim African Missionary Baptist Church on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Built in 1916, this Florida Black Heritage Trail site is a Gothic Revival structure with a castle-like appearance, visible in the arched windows and square turret. To travel further back in time, other buildings like the Milligan-Whitmire House have stood since 1889. Often called the “Gingerbread House,” the Folk Victorian style home earns its nickname from the lacey, decorative trim. To see more of Milton’s styles and landmarks, from Greek Revival to Colonial Revival and everything in between, Guided Walking Group Tours can be booked online via the Milton Historical Society website.
Final Thoughts
Florida may be famous for its theme parks and beaches, but if you adore the history of buildings and the art of architecture, this Sunshine State is your ticket to bliss. Whether you embrace the charming pastel town of Seaside or would prefer the more grand, Greek columns of Apalachicola, each of these 8 towns has its own distinct history and its own blend of styles. From intricate Victorian mansions to sleek and simple chapels, while different in so many ways, these structures share in one thing: their undeniable beauty.
