Would a vacation to Massachusetts be complete without engaging its rich history? Florida, too, has plenty of interesting and entertaining historic sites to visit when you need a break from beaches and theme parks. In this RV travel guide, we share some of our favorite historic destinations!
The Hemingway House
Ernest Hemingway is one of America’s most well-known writers of international significance and his incredible home doubles as a museum dedicated to his legacy. Located near the popular tourist destination of Key West, Florida, the Ernest Hemingway Home is where this Nobel Prize-winning wordsmith spent the most prolific years of his career.
Tours are available to highlight the home’s most interesting features including the unique architecture, his collection of Spanish furniture, and the famous six-toed cats living on-property!
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
The sponging industry put Tarpon Springs on the map, producing high-quality natural sponges, prized by artists and craftsmen the world over for their rich textures. Because skilled spongers migrated to Tarpon Springs from Greece, the sponge docks and surrounding area have become a mecca of Greek American culture, offering incredible restaurants, bakeries, artisan shops and museums that celebrate the vibrant history of the city.
Heritage Village
Heritage Village is an immersive living history museum located in the City of Largo in West Central Florida (not to be confused with the city of Key Largo at the southern tip of the state!)
With 28 historic structures, live demonstrations of pioneer skills, interactive stations for kids, multiple exhibits and a native plant trail, there’s lots to learn, see, and do for adults and children alike.
Castillo de San Marcos
This European fortress’ construction began in 1672 to defend Spain’s claim on ‘The New World’. With over 330 years of history played out within (and at dangerous times, directly upon) the walls of this outpost, there is much to learn from its stories!
Offering living history re-enactments, historical weapons demonstrations, Ranger talks and museum exhibits, this incredible piece of Florida history near St. Augustine is not to be missed!
If you’re visiting the Sunshine State or live here and want to cultivate a new perspective on your own back yard, we definitely suggest roaming the state from a historical point of view! Florida has a rich and interesting history waiting to be discovered by new generations of travelers. For more RV travel guides from Gilbert RV Insurance, explore our blog!