10 Towns in Florida that Transport You to the Past
Florida is a popular destination for beach lovers, anglers, and those looking for a tropical vacation without using their passports. It's an ideal destination for these ventures, but the charming small towns will transport you to the past. The lesser-known towns exude what native Floridians call "old Florida," a reference to laid-back atmospheres and isolated beaches.
The Sunshine State has centuries of history to discover, and much of it has been preserved. The historic sites and hundreds of-year-old oak trees converge into a tapestry of unique architecture and a pleasant aesthetic that is hard to find. The cultural significance spans multiple periods and people groups to form an eclectic mix of history and fascinating points of interest that make you feel like you are stepping into the past.
St. Augustine
The oldest town in the US, St. Augustine, was founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers. The buildings in the historic district are just as old as the town, including the famous Spanish fort. Castillo de San Marco is over 450 years old and today serves as a national treasure. It is open to the public and includes memorials and live reenactments.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is another landmark in a town of many. It was constructed in the mid-19th century and includes the Maritime Museum, which features artifacts and exhibits illuminating its importance. For a historical immersive experience, stroll down the pedestrian-only St. George Street. Nearly every building is ancient, including the Oldest Wooden School House.
Mount Dora
Charming and scenic Mount Dora is located in Central Florida along the banks of Lake Dora. The red and white striped Mount Dora Lighthouse is an iconic landmark and a must-see destination while in town. It is a popular antiquing destination home to cultural sites like the Modernism Museum and the Mount Dory History Museum.
The Modernism Museum showcases modern furniture in contrast to the antique stores. The history museum in a 1920s firehouse explores the area's fascinating history. For a complete historical experience, book a room in one of the vintage bed and breakfasts, like the Lakeside Inn. The iconic bed and breakfast, built in 1883, is Florida's longest continuously run inn and includes innovative furnishings and a 200-foot veranda.
Tarpon Springs
During the early 20th century, Greek sponge fishermen settled in what is now known as Tarpon Springs. Greek aesthetics, traditions, and culture still permeate this coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico. Dodecanese Boulevard is the main drag, winding past the historic sponge docks and where most accommodations and restaurants are found.
The Greektown District includes ten historic structures, and a free audio app is available for self-guided tours. Sponge boats are still visible along the docks, and many of the original families started restaurants that the many fishermen needed. After soaking up Greek history, finish the day with a traditional meal from Mykonos or other Greek restaurants. This is a fantastic walking or biking town, and the slower pace allows you to absorb the unique history and culture of Tarpon Springs.
Key West
While Key West is rightfully known as a party town, the tiny island has much history to explore. One of the more prominent historic homes belonged to Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s. Now, the Hemingway Home and Museum is open for tours, and visitors can glimpse where the famed author penned some of his most famous work. Polydactyl cats, the descendants of Hemingway's Snow White, roam the grounds freely.
To discover and appreciate the Hemingway legend, one must buy a drink at his favorite haunt, Sloppy Joe's Bar. Captain Tony's Bar was the original location for Sloppy Joe's until the rent increased, and the famous bar moved down the block with help from Ernest. Truman Little White House is another residence that takes visitors back in time. It was President Harry Truman's summer home, and it looks today like it did when he occupied it.
Micanopy
Micanopy is a small, southern town in central Florida. It is just over one square mile end to end and is easily walkable. The brick storefronts and old shady oak trees make visitors nostalgic for a bygone era. "The Town That Time Forgot" is a delightful way to explore Florida history from its Seminole roots to the modern age.
Antique enthusiasts or those looking for vintage furniture should not miss Micanopy Trading Outpost and Lost Ark Antiques. Shady Oak Gallery is a fantastic way to see the cultural side of the community. Before you leave, take a tour at the Micanopy Historical Society Museum, where you can learn about this historic town in depth.
Apalachicola
Apalachicola is a historic coastal town in Florida's Panhandle region known for oyster harvesting. The delicacy is served at many notable restaurants, including Half Shell and Mango Mike's. Many visitors come to walk around the historic docks, where fishermen still offload their catch.
The town is also remarkable because of its six historic squares, each with its own unique significance that defines this port town. The districts are City, Chapman, Gorrie, Franklin, Madison, and Washington, consisting of commercial and residential structures. The historic squares are a tangible source of the deeply rooted history of Apalachicola through various architectural styles.
Fernandina Beach
Fernandina Beach is on Amelia Island in the state's northeast corner and is known as the "Florida Keys of North Florida." The walkable town is filled with history from seven different countries that used to govern the island, and remnants of each country survive. Historic buildings are now home to local favorites like Hola's Cuban Cafe and renowned bed and breakfast inns.
Hoyt House is a noteworthy bed and breakfast and a landmark of Fernandina. The charming blue inn, ca. 1905, offers luxurious rooms and gourmet fare and is within walking distance from the town's main attractions. There are also many outdoor sites to explore, such as the famous shrimping docks and Fernandina Plaza State Park.
Deland
Deland is a charming community near Orlando with historic architecture and historic districts. Mainstreet Deland was among the first five districts to receive the Historical designation. The districts contain over 600 properties, including the Stockton-LIndquist House, built in 1870, and the Salkaus Residence, built in 1893.
The West Volusia Historical Society offers walking tours through the residential area and Stetson University Historic District. The university started as a single building in 1884 and evolved into a collection of wooden structures centered around Holler Fountain. Walking through the vintage structures is a tangible way to see the evolution of architectural styles and a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Cedar Key
Cedar Key is a barrier island on the Hidden Coast, famous for its classic "old Florida" feel. The island vibe and historical charm come alive at the Cedar Key Museum State Park. The 18-acre park is a homage to naturalist John Muir and includes peaceful walking trails, salt marshes, and a museum housed in a 1920s home.
The Whitman Home belonged to St. Clair Whitman, where she stored her collection of seashells and Native American artifacts. Today, the home is open to the public and showcases the tranquil island as seen from the eyes of a prominent resident. Cedar Key is significant in many ways and is a shining example of an authentic Florida coastal town.
Monticello
The historic and charming Monticello is named after President Jefferson's estate, the county's namesake. The small-town atmosphere feels like yesteryear, and the historic district, Florida's third oldest, takes you back in time. The district is on the National Register of Historic Places and includes 40 structures, like the Monticello Opera House. The performance theatre opened in 1890 and is next to the Jefferson County Courthouse.
Historic residences include the Wirick-Simmons House, completed in the late 1800s. The magnificent Greek Revival residence includes columns and rooms with 19th-century furnishings. The renowned Denham-Lacy House, a mid-19th-century Italianate structure with a dome on the roof, operates as a six-bedroom bed and breakfast today.
Floirida is a culturally diverse state, evident by the small towns that pleasantly feel like they exist in a different era. Though the small towns have progressed economically and culturally, they embrace their rich heritage and preserve it for future generations to explore. Many nations have governed Fernandina Beach; today, parts from each culture can still be seen throughout the town.
Cedar Key will transport you to a time when most Florida towns had the same feel before high rises took over the beaches. St. Augustine has grown commercially by leaps and bounds but retains original structures that are hundreds of years old, making it one of the most unique locations in the state. These ten towns are perfect for low-key getaways and exploring the vast history of the state and the nation.
