Museums

Florida's an internal state of mind, so make your next trip an intellectual exercise. Visit  our historic, artistic, and cultural sites. Along the way there's sun-kissed sandy beaches, theme parks, historic downtown areas and captivating nature. Come for the familiar and stay for the unexpected.

*The Blue Star Museum Program (* below denotes participants) offers free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from the day after Memorial Day through the day before Labor Day. Check out more military discounts and deals at www.bluestarfam.org.

 

In  order to read the complete story when it appeared, we've noted in parentheses the month of the archive for your easy reference.

 

Northwest Florida

 

Destin History and Fishing Museum (December Archive)is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission: Adult-$5; Seniors & Military-$4; Children-$3; Free for kids under age 6.  Call 850-837-6611 or go to www.destinhistoryandfishingmuseum.org.

The Air Force Armament Museum (March Archive) is located on Highway 85 South, 7 miles north of Fort Walton Beach. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time.) It is closed on federal holidays. Tours are self-guided. Photography is permitted and encouraged. Admittance to the 28,000 square foot Museum is free of charge and the Museum is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. Call 850-651-1808 or go to www.afarmamentmuseum.com.

 

Homosassa Butterfly (February Archive) is located at 6991 W. Cardinal Street. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are sold until 4:30 p.m. each day and cost $9.50 for adults, $8.50 for seniors and $7 for children aged 3 to 12. Children two and under are admitted free. Phone 352-628-6362 or go to  www.HomosassaButterfly.com.

 

Discover the Man in the Sea Museum in Panama City Beach (November Archive). You’ll leave feeling like a SCUBA expert. The self-guided tour is $5-adults; $4.50 seniors; free for kids under 6. Open daily 10 am to 4 pm. Closed Mondays. Go to www.maninthesea.org or call 850-235-4101.

 

The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Museum admission is free. For more information, call Shelley Ragsdale at 850-453-2389 or visit www.NavalAviationMuseum.org.

The Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) (May archive) is located in the historic downtown district at 402 South Jefferson Street.  Hours are Tue-Fri from 10am-5pm and Saturdays from noon-5pm. Admission is $5-adults; $2-for students with ID, and for active duty military. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. Visit www.pensacolamuseumofart.org or phone 850-432-6247.

Eden Gardens State Park  (July archive) is located at 181 Gardens Road at Santa Rose Beach. Hours for the grounds, gardens and picnic area (available at the old mill site) are 8am-sunset, 365 days a year.  Admission is $4 per vehicle; $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. The hourly House Tour is from 10am-3pm, Thur-Mon and is $4-adults, and $2-children. Complimentary trail guides are available for the Garden Trail which winds around the edge of the property and highlights the rose garden, butterfly garden, camellia garden and Tucker Bayou. The park's pavilion and designated areas of the grounds are available to rent. For more information, call 840-267-8320 or go to www.FloridaStateParks.org/EdenGardens.

The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science in Tallahassee is open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  and Sunday from 1 - 5 p.m. Closed major holidays. Guest parking is available in the Kleman Plaza parking garage for a fee. Contact Republic Parking for parking rates at 850-561-3066.The Brogan Museum is located at 350 South Duval Street. Phone 850-513-0700 or go to http://www.thebrogan.org

 

 

The Sponge Exchange Museum in Tarpon Springs displays artifacts and tells the history of the sponge industry and its people. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 727-937-6109.

Northeast Florida

The Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory (May archive) is located at 154 South Beach Street in Daytona Beach. Store hours are Monday thru Saturday 9:30am-6pm. Factory tours are given Monday-Saturday at 10 and 11am, and at 1, 2, 3, and 4pm. They are closed on Sundays. Free samples and discounts given AFTER the tour. Call1-800-969-2634 or 386-252-6531 or go to www.angellandphelps.com.
          

 

At The Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $10.50 for adults. Combined ticket-$15-adults; $10-children. Discounts  available. Go to http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu or call 352-846-2000.

The Beaches Museum & History Park (April Archive) is located at 381 Beach Boulevard at Jacksonville Beach. Hours are Tue-Sat from 10am-4:30pm. Archive Hours are Tue-Thur from 10am-4:30pm. Tour Hours are at 11am, noon, 1, 2, and 3pm. Admission: Adults-$5; Seniors-$4; Children (6-17)-$3; Free for children age 5 and under. Call 904-241-5657 or go to www.beachesmuseum.org.

 

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens (January archive) is located at 829 Riverside in Jacksonville. Hours are Tuesdays: 10 am- 9 pm; Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays: 10 am – 4pm; Saturdays: 10 am-5 pm; Sundays: Noon – 5 pm. Admission: Adults-$10; Seniors and students-$6;Free for ages 0-5. FREE on Tuesdays from 4-9 pm.  The TreeCup Café closes one hour prior to Museum closing hours. The museum and gardens are fully wheelchair accessible (wheelchairs are available for visitors at the front desk.) Call 904-356-6857 or go to www.cummer.org.

The Jacksonville Maritime Heritage Center (March Archive) is located on the north bank of the St. Johns River at the Jacksonville Landing Mall. Hours are Tue-Fri from 11 am to 5 pm and Sat and Sun from 1-5 pm. Admission: Adults-$5, children (age 7-13)-$1. For more information, call 904-355-1101 or go to www.JacksonvilleMaritimeHeritageCenter.org.

The Karpeles Manuscript Library/Museum  (March Archive) is located at 101 West 1st Street in Jacksonville. Free admission. Hours are Tue-Fri 10am-3pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm; Closed holidays. Call 904-356-2992 or go to www.Karpeles.org.

 

MOCA Jacksonville (January archive) is located at 333 North Laura Street. Hours are Tue, Wed, Fri, and Sat from 10 am-4 pm; Thur from10 am-8 pm; Sun from noon-4 pm. Free Wednesday Artwalk is from 5-9 pm. Admission: Adults-$8; Seniors, Active military and students -$5; UNF students-free; children under 2-free; Sundays-free for families; Bank of America cardholders-free first Sat and Sun of each month. Call 904-366-6911 or go to www.mocajacksonville.org.

The Museum of Science & History (the MOSH) (August story) is located at 1025 Museum Circle in Jacksonville. Hours are Mon-Thur (10 am-5 pm);  Fri (10am-8pm); Sat (10 am-6 pm); and Sun (noon-5pm). Admission is $10-adults; and $8-seniors, military and children 3-12. Fridays are special: museum admission is $5. Plus Cosmic Concert laser light shows  occur at 5, 6, 7 and 8 pm ($5 per person per show; laser glasses cost $1.) A MOSH pass includes general admission plus access to certain programs. Planetarium programs are an additional $5 per person per show. Free parking is on first-come basis in the museum’s lot. For more details, call 904-396-6671 or go to www.themosh.org

The Marine Discovery Center (July archive) is located at 520 Barracuda Blvd. In New Smyrna Beach. Hours are 9am-5pm. Check their calendar for lectures and films, day camps, or arranging a birthday party. Go  to  www.marinediscoverycenter.org or call 386-428-4828.

The New Smyrna Museum of History (June archive) is located at 120 Sams Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. It is open Tue-Sat from 10-4, and admission is free. Call 386-478-0052 or go to www.nsbhistory.org.

 

The Florida Agricultural Museum (February Archive) is located at 7900 Old Kings Road in Palm Coast. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Call 386-446-7630 or go to www.myagmuseum.com.

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum  (April archive) opens at 10am but closing time varies throughout the year. Admission is $5 for adults and $1.50 for children.  With advance reservations groups can be accommodated. Full-Moon Tours (must reserve) are also offered. For more information call 386-761-1821 or visit www.ponceinlet.org.

 

The Flagler College/ Ponce de Leon Hotel Tours (November archive) in St. Augustine run daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Reservations aren’t necessary. Admission is $7 for adults. For childen age 12 and under, the cost is $1 and they receive a complimentary Flagler College coloring and activity book. Tickets can be purchased in the lobby of the College at 74 King Street 25 minute prior to each tour or from Flagler’s Legacy at 59 St. George Street (10a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.) For more information, call 904-823-3378 or go to www.flagler.edu

 

The Lightner Museum in St. Augustine (December Archive) is open daily (except Christmas)  from 9 am – 5 pm. Admission for adults-$10; active military (ID)-$6; For those age 12-18 and college students (ID) is $5. Free for those under 12 with an adult.  For more info, call 902-824-2874 or go to www.lightnermuseum.org. Café Alcazar is open for lunch daily: go to www.thecafealcazar.com.

 

Memorial Presbyterian Church (November Archive) is on the corner of Valencia and Sevilla Streets in St. Augustine. Self-guided tours take about 30 minutes. Hours are Mon-Sat from 9 am to 3:45 pm. Check their events calendar by phone, 904-829-6451 or go to www.memorialpcusa.org

 

The Oldest Wooden School House (December Archive) is located near the City Gates at 14 St. George Street in the historic district of downtown St. Augustine. Admission: Adults-$4.50; students (age 6-12)-$3.50; Free for kids age 5 and under. After visiting The Oldest Wooden School House, you will receive a complimentary diploma. Open daily except Christmas from 9-5, with extended summer and Holiday hours. Self-guided tour. Call 904-832-0192 or go to www.oldestwoodenschoolhouse.com or at http://www.facebook.com/Oldestwoodenschoolhouseandhistoricalgarden

 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum (August Archive)is located at 19 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. It’s open Mon., Wed., and Fri. from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; on Tue. from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; and weekends from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. For information on Ripley’s Ghost Train Adventure, go to http://www.ghosttrainadventure.com. Go to www.ripleys.com/staugustine or call 904-824-1606.

St. Augustine's Oldest House Museum Complex (May Archive) is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go to http://www.oldesthouse.com or call 904-824-2872 for more information.

 

At John F. Kennedy Space Center, (September Archive) admission (plus tax) is $43 for adults, and $33 for kids (ages 3-11) includes the KSC tour and all Visitor Complex exhibits, shows and movies, plus the Shuttle Launch Experience® and  the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®.   Call 877-313-2610 or go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com.
 

 

 

 Central Florida

 

The Avon Park Depot Museum (October Archive) is small and relatable. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and the first Saturday of each month.  For more information or dinner reservations call 863-453-3525 or go to www.hsapoline.org.

Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center (February Archive) is located at 325 South Scenic Highway in Lake Wales. It permanently displays the N-scale model railroad display and features rotating exhibits. Additional vintage rail cars include a caboose, engine and Pullman car form part of the Museum Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center (February Archive Complex. Admission $2-adults, $1-children. Hours: M-F, 9-5; Sat, 10-4. Go to www.cityoflakewales.com or call 863-676-5160.

Fantasy of Flight (June Archive) outside Lakeland, holds the world's greatest private aircraft collection and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 863-984-3500 or go to http://www.fantasyofflight.com.

The Florida Air Museum (FAM)  (April archive) is located on the Sun ‘n Fun campus at 4175 Medulla Road in Lakeland. Hours are: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm and Sun noon-4pm. Admission: Adults/$10, Senior and Active Military/$8, Students 8-12/$6, and free for children under 5. For group tours, call 863-904-4073 of email them at educate@FloridaAirMuseum.org. For general information, call 863-644-2431 or go to www.FloridaAirMuseum.org.

The Polk Museum of Art* in Lakeland (September Archive) is one of Florida's top 10 art museums.  Sketches & Steel: Albert Paley - thru 6/23. 3-D- thru 8/18.  Outsider vs. Folk Art-6/2 -9/2. Summer Art Camp for children ages 5-13 runs in two-week sessions from June 11 to August 3. Check holiday hours and events. Admission- $5; Seniors (age 62+)-$4; Students (K-12, and college/vocational with valid ID) and children-FREE. Admission free for everyone on Saturdays from 10-noon. Summer hours(6/1-8/30) are Tue-Sat from 10-4. Call 863-688-7743 or go to www.polkmuseumofart.org.

 

The Art & History Museums – Maitland’s two campuses include the Maitland Art Center (Emerge! Molly Chism on 2/3-4/15); Waterhouse Residence Museum, Carpentry Shop Museum, Telephone Museum and Maitland Historical Museum (from professional artists working in their studios to hands-on 19th century woodworking.) Admission (includes The Telephone Museum) is as follows: Adults: $3.00, Seniors (55 & older): $2.00, Children (4-18 years): $2.00, Children (3 & under): FREE, Members: FREE. Regular museum hours are Thursday – Sunday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.  Closed major holidays. Located at 231 W. Packwood Ave. Call 407-539-2181 or go to www.artandhistory.org.

 

The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center in Maitland’s new exhibit is BESA: A Code of Honor.
Call 407-628-0555 or go to www.holocaustedu.org

The Appleton Museum of Art (June archive) is located at 4333 East Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala.   It is open Tue-Sat from 10am-5pm and Sunday from noon-5pm; closed Monday.The “Appleton Biennial 2012: Florida Installation Art” is a juried exhibition presented through Aug. 12. Summer Art Camp from July 30 through Aug. 3, and First Saturday children’s art program on Aug. 4. The museum is closed for scheduled maintenance from Aug. 13 through Sept. 3. New World Treasures: Artifacts from Hernando De Soto’s Florida Expedition, will open on Saturday, Sept. 22 thru 2013.  The artifacts were discovered recently in Marion County and are part of the statewide “Viva Florida 500” anniversary celebration.  Admission: Adults-$6; Seniors (55+), educators, university students, and AAA members-$4; Youth (10-18)-$3; FREE for children under age 9, CF students, active military and families, members and reciprocal members. Call 352-291-4455 or go to www.Appletonmuseum.org.

The College of Central Florida will feature “Trading Places,” a ceramic collaboration. The exhibition will open Thursday, July 12, with a reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Webber Center Gallery, CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. The “Trading Places” exhibit runs through Sept. 1. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The gallery is closed Sundays, Mondays and college-observed holidays. For additional information, call 352-873-5809. To learn more about CF, visit www.CF.edu.

The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and Internatioinal Drag Racing Hall of Fame (July archive) is located at 13700 SW 16th Ave. in Ocala. Phone 352-245-8661 or go to www.Garlits.com.

 

Solomon’s Castle,(January archive) located at 4533 Solomon Road in Ona, is closed on Mondays. Tours are from 11 am to 4 pm and cost $10 for adults, $4 for children. Credit cards are not accepted. Call 863-494-6077 or go to www.solomonscastle.com.

 

The Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando is open Tues-Sat (10:30am to 4:30pm) and Sun (noon to 4:30pm) Closed major holidays. IMPRINTS: 20 Years of Flying Horse Editions thru August 12. Family Day is the second Sunday of each month (free admission). Call 407-246-4278 or go to www.mennellomuseum.com.

 

 

Mount Dora Center for the Arts Gallery is located at 138 East 5th Avenue. Stripped Naked by Shaina Collier-6/15 to 8/3. Opening Reception on 6/15 from 6-8pm. Call 352-383-0880.

 

 

The Orange County Regional History Center*(August Archive) in a restored 1927 courthouse in downtown Orlando, has three floors of permanent exhibits. FloridaScapes: I-4 -The Exits Less Traveled thru 9/9. Peanuts...Naturally Exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Santa Rosa, CA--9/9 thru 12/31.Go to thehistorycenter.org or call 407-836-8500.

 

The Orlando Museum of Art*  boasts permanent collections of American art, art from the ancient Americas, and African art, as well as prestigious touring exhibitions. ; artist Daniel Kariko-7/ 5 – 9/2;From Alice to Zeus: The Art of John Rocco thru 10/28. Southernmost Art and Literary Portraits: Photographs of Fifty International Noted Artists and Writers in Florida by Jimm Roberts  opens on 8/4.The OMA is located in Orlando Loch Haven Park at 2416 North Mills Ave. Parking is free. Visit http://www.omart.org/ or call 407-896-4231. Hours are Tue-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat & Sun from noon- 4pm. Located at 2416 North Mills Avenue.Call 407 896 4231 or visit www.omart.org.

 

Dinosaur World in Plant City (July Archive) is an outdoor museum. It's open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (November-January hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) For monthly special events and discounts, call 813-717-9865 or go to www.DinosaurWorld.com.

Plant City Photo Archives & History Center. Free. Hours are Sun -Thur, 10am- 7pm; Fri and Sat, 10 am- 8pm. Located at 106 South Evers Street, Plant City. Call 813-754-1578,  or visit www.plantcityphotoarchives.org
 

Although visible from the interstate, it’s a little tricky to get to, but worth the effort: The Water Ski Hall of Fame/Museum (November Archive) is located at 1251 Holy Cow Road in Polk City. Located off I-4 at exit 44 (right on SR 559, right on 557A, left on Holy Cow Road). Admission is $5-adults, $4-seniors, $3-children under 12, and free for those age 5 and under. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 863-324-2472 or go to www.waterskihalloffame.com. Call 877-475-4358 or go to www.SkiFluid.com for their ski performance schedules and events.

 

Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens (December Archive) is located at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park. Hours are 10 am-4 pm on Tuesday-Saturday and 1-4 pm on Sundays. Call in advance to confirm dates and times. Admission includes entry into all galleries, a guided tour at posted times of the historic Polasek residence, chapel, and entrance to the gardens: Adults-$5; Seniors (60+)-$4; Students age 12 through college - $3; Free for children under age 12. Call 407-647-6294 or go to www.polasek.org.

 

 

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park holds the most important collection in the world of Louis Comfort Tiffany's work. Lockwood de Forest’s The Wreck opens October 23; Secrets of Tiffany Glassmaking opens October 23; Vignette: New Acquisitions runs October 23–January 6; Art Nouveau from the Morse Collection opens February 12; Go to www.morsemuseum.org or call 407-645-5311.

At Crealdé School of Art in Winter Park their main campus at 600 Saint Andrews Blvd has 3 galleries and a contemporary sculpture garden. Summer ArtCamp offered 6/11-8/2. Go to www.crealde.org or call 407-671-1886.  At their Hannibal Square Heritage campus, Natural Rhythms, Interlacing Forms: Florida Landscapes, through 5/26;The Art of Fellowship in Photography, Ceramics and Sculpture, 5/4-8/12 (Showalter Hughes Community Gallery). Opening night reception is free to the public, from 7-9pm. Go to www.hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org or call 407-539-2680. Admission is free to all of Crealde’s galleries and exhibits.

 

 

The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg (May Archive) is at One Dali Blvd. (free parking). Go to www.thedali.org or call 1-800-442-3254.

Yuengling Beer Company (June archive) is located at 11111 North 30th Street in Tampa. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9am-3pm. Tours are offered at 10am, 11:30am, and 1 pm. (Closed-toe shoes only) Free beer served AFTER the tour. Call 813-972-8529 or go to www.yuengling.com.

The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) (May archive

)is located at 4801 East Fowler Avenue in Tampa. Open 365 days a year, M-F from 9am-5pm and Sat and Sun from 9am-6pm. Admission to MOSI exhibits Galleries, one Saunders Planetarium show, one standard IMAX Dome Theatre Film and Kids in Charge! is $20.95-Adults, $18.95-Seniors 60+; and $16.95 for children 2-12. Those under age 2 admitted free. Additional charges for expanded Imax and SkyRopes Course. Parking costs $4 per car. Call 813-987-6000 or go to www.mosi.org.
        

The Tampa Bay Hotel/Henry B. Plant Museum/University of Tampa (January Archive)is located at 401 West Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa. Admission is $10-adults; $7-seniors, students; $5 children age 4-12. Hours are Tue-Sat from 10 am to 5 pm; Sun from noon-1 pm. Guided tours Tue & Thur at 1 pm. Free parking in front or in the parking garage two blocks away. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. Call 813-254-1891 or go to www.plantmuseum.com.

The Ybor City Museum State Park  (august story) is located at 1818 E. 9th Ave. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Admission is $4. Phone 813-247-6323 or go to www.floridastateparks.org
                 

Ybor City Tours (90 Minutes-visiting 12 historic locations) at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm from Ybor City Museum, 1818 East 9th Avenue in Tampa. $17.95-adult, $10.95-ages 6-12; free-age 5 and under; Special rates for groups and students with IDs. Free Ybor City Museum admission with tour. Bicycle, bus, and  Bilingual guides available. Call 813-241-6554 or email yborcitytours@aol.com or cigarsoftampa@gmail.com

 

 

Southwest Florida

 

The Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum (December Archive) is open Wed-Sat, 10 am-4 pm and Sun, noon-4pm. Closed major holidays.  The park has no admission fee, but $3 donation that supports all State Parks is suggested. Go to www.barrierislandparkssociety.org or call 941-964-0060.

 

The Manatee Village Historical Park (September Archive) is located at 1404 Manatee Ave. in east Bradenton.  It’s open Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m; and the same time on second and fourth Saturdays. Closed Sundays and major holidays. For more information, Go to http://www.manateeclerk.com/historical/manateevillage.aspx,

or call 941-741-4075.

South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Aquarium (August story) are all housed together at 201 10th Street West in Bradenton. Admission is $15.95-adults, $13.95-seniors 65+; $11.95-children age 4-12; free for those under 5 with a paying adult. Hour: January through April and the month of July open daily. (Mon-Sat from 10 am to 5 pm and Sun from noon-5pm. All other months open 6 days a week: Tue-Sat from 10 am- 5pm and Sun from noon to 5 pm. Call 941-746-4131 or go to www.southfloridamuseum.org.

 

Smallwood Store and Museum on Chockoloskee Island (December Archive) is open 10 am to 5 pm daily (December 1-May 1). Go to www.smallwoodstore.com  or call  239-695-2989.

The Art of the Olympians Museum and Gallery at the Al Oerter Center for Exellence  (July archive) is located at 1300 Henry Street in Fort Myers. Exhibits utilize combination of uniforms, memorabilia and multimedia elements. Rotating art exhibits feature works by Olympian artists. Hours are Tue-Sat from 10-4. Admimssion is $5; free for children under 12. Call 239-332-5055 or go to www.artoftheolympians.org

 

At the Burroughs Home & Gardens in Fort Myers (August Archive)  Go to www.burroughshome.com or email:   christine@burroughshome.com or call 239-337-0706.

At the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, there are 20 acres of historic buildings, gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab and the Estates Museum. For more information call 239-334-7419 or visit http://www.efwefla.org. 

True Tours - Historical Walking Tours of the River District, Downtown Fort Myers: Friday and Saturday at 10:30am-$10 (1 hour); Haunted Historical Tour (2nd and 4th Fridays)-$13 (90 minutes). Leave from Franklin Shops, 2220 First Street. Call 945-0405 or go to www.TrueTours.net

Palm Cottage and The Norris Gardens (January Archive) is located at 137 12th Avenue South in Naples (one block east of the Naples pier). Free Parking at Broad Avenue Garage (between 3rd & 2nd St.) Tours of Palm Cottage (Tue-Thur, year-round, 1-4 pm-$10); Tours of The Norris Gardens (1st & 3rd Thursday each month, year round, at 10 am-$10. Call 239-261-8164 or go to www.NaplesHistoricalSociety.org.

The  Patty & Jay Baker Naples Museum of Art (June archive) is located at 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. Hours are Tue-Sat from 10-4, and on Sun from noon til 4.  Guided tours are given at 11 and 2 on Tue-Sat, and 1 pm on Sun from October 1- June 30. Closed Mondays, specific holidays and July-September. Cost is $8; $4-students with ID; Increased admission for special exhibitions. It is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Free parking. The Museum Store (Admission ticket not required) offers artistic, whimsical, creative and educational gifts for everyone. The Garden Café is open Nov-April from  11-2. Phone 239-597-1900 or 800-597-1900 or go to www.ThePhil.org.

 

The Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch (May Archive) is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's recommended you call for a guided tour at 239-658-2466 or 239-272-4856. Go to http://www.colliermuseums.com for more information.

The Florida Railroad Museum (May archive) is located at 12210 83rd Street East in Parrish. The museum operates only on Saturdays and Sundays. For information on future events and reservations, call 941-776-0906 or visit www.frrm.org.

 

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel Island. Call 239-395-2233 or 888-679-6450.

Crowley Nature Center and Museum  (July archive) is located at 16405 Myakka Road in Sarasota. Hours are Thursday-Sunday from 10am to sundown. Admission: seniors-$4.50, adults-$6.50, children-$2 and free for those under 5. Call 941-322-1000 or go to www.CrowleyFl.org.

 

The Sarasota Classic Car Museum is located at 5500 N. Tamiami Trail. Go to www.sarasotacarmuseum.org or call 941-355-6226.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium (February archive) is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota. Open from 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays. Admission includes access to Mote Aquarium, the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center and Immersion Cinema. Adults-$17; seniors over 65-$16; Youth 4-12-$12; under 4-free admission. Mote Members are admitted free. Call 941-388-4441 or go to www.mote.org

The John and Maple Ringling Museum of Art (May archive) is located at 5401 Bay Shore Road in Sarasota. Allow 3 hours minimum. Hours: Grounds open daily 9:30-6pm. Museum open daily 10-5pm and Thursday 5-8pm. Guided tours depart daily on the hour from 11am-4pm. Cost (also includes Ca’ d’Zan, The Circus Museum and Tibbals Learning Center) $25; $20-ages 65+; $15(ages 6-17 and active military, college students and Florida teachers with ID). Call 941-359-5700 (recorded info); 941-358-3180 (advanced ticket info) or go to www.Ringling.org.

 

Southeast Florida

The Clewiston Museum (April archive) is located at 109 Central Ave. Admission is $4/adults, $3/seniors, $2/students. Free for children under 6. Hours 9am-4pm weekdays. Gift Shop. Speakers programs are offered on a variety of topics. Call 863-983-2870, email clewistonmuseum@embarqmail.com or go to www.clewistonmuseum.org

The Barnacle Historic State Park (July archive) is located at 3485 Main Highway in Coconut Grove. The Park is open Friday-Monday from 9am-5pm with tours at 10, 11:30am, 1, and 2:30 pm. Admission is $2 per person (honor box-correct change required.) Interpretive exhibits, picnic tables, and ADA-accessible restrooms are available. Museum tour fee is $3-adult, $1-child ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and younger. Pets permitted on park grounds, but not inside historic buildings, nor at special events, including the Moonlight Concert Series. Call 305-422-6866 or go to www.floridastateparks.org/barnacle.

The Morikami Museum and Gardens (June Archive) is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray. Open Tue-Sat from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults; $11 for seniors; $7 for children age 6-17, and free for those under age 5. Call 561-495-0233 or go to http://www.morikami.org

Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Art* is located at One East Las Olas Boulevard at Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale. Call 954-525-5500 or go to http://www.moaflnsu.org.

 

Museum of Discovery and Science and AutoNation IMAX (August Archive) is located at 401 SW 2nd St, Ft. Lauderdale. Discover over 200 interactive exhibits and experience the five-story-high screen--the BIGGEST in South Florida. Call 954-467-6637, or visit http://www.mods.org.

 

The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum is located in Fort Pierce. Hours are Mon (Jan-April only) 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tues-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun noon-4 p.m. Admission: age 13+, $8; age 6-12 is $4; Free  if under 5 and also for active-duty military and their families. Call 772-595-5845 or go to http://www.navysealmuseum.com.

 

The Coral Castle (May Archive) is located at 28655 South Dixie Highway in Miami. It remains an everlasting mystery to those who explore it. Go to http://www.coralcastle.com call 305-248-6345 for more information.

 

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (August Archive) is located at 3251 South Miami Avenue in Miami. Admission is $15-adults; $10 for seniors 65+ with ID, students with ID, and visitors using wheelchairs; $6-children age 6-12; and free for children 5 and under.  Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Call 305-250-9133 or go to http://www.vizcayamuseum.org.

 

 

The Bass Museum (February archive) is located at 2100 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Admission: $8-adults, $6-seniors and students with I.D. Free for Basspass members, Miami Beach residents, and children under 6. Hours are noon-5 pm from Wed-Sun. A metered parking lot is on site and there’s additional metered parking on perimeter streets. Call 305-673-7530 or go to www.bassmuseum.org.

 

Flagler Museum, at One Whitehall Way in Palm Beach (December Archive

) is open year round, Tue-Sat, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon-5 pm.  Cost: $18; $10-ages 13-18; $3 (ages 6-12.) Call 561-655-2833 or go to www.FlaglerMuseum.us

The Norton Museum of Art, (January Archive) located at 1451 South Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach There is also a gift shop and café.

Clubs, Joints and Honky-Tonks: Photographers Experience the Music Scene opens at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 21 in conjunction with the Museum’s Summer SOULstice party and runs through Sept. 30.

The Norton is open Tue, Wed, Fri and Sat from 10 am-5 pm; Thur from 10 am-9 pm; and Sun from 11 am-5 pm. Admission is $12-adults; $5-ages 13-21; free for children under 13. Call 561-832-5196 or visit www.norton.org.

Ragtops Motorcars (January Archive) is located at 420 Claremore Drive in West Palm Beach. Their open air marketplace, Dixie Pickins (local artwork, handmade jewelry and home décor, recycled, as well as vintage items) is held the first Saturday of each month at the southwest corner of Claremore and S. Dixie from 10am to 4pm. Free parking and free admission to the market and museum.  Ragtops Motorcars open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 561-655-2836, 561-379-6500 or 1-877-RAGTOPS or go to www.ragtopsmotorcars.com.

The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens (March Archive) is located at 205 Whitehead Street in Key West. Tour hours are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily. Admission fees: adults-$12, students-$7.50; $5 for children ages 6-12;; those under 6 are admitted free. Call 877-294-2470 or 305-294-2116 or go to www.AudubonHouse.org.

The Hemingway Home and Museum (September Archive) in Key West is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is ($12.50-adults; $6-child) Call 305-294-1136 or go to www.hemingwayhome.com; and open upon request for evening events call (305)587-4282 or go to hemingwayhomeweddings.com.

MuseumThe Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters Museum (June archivecall) is located at 938 Whitehead Street. It is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30 pm (except Christmas). Admission: $10-adults; $9-seniors 62+; $5-children. Free for children under age 6 and students with ID. For more information call 305-2956-6616 or go to www.kwahs.com.

The Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum (June archivego) is located at 1 Whitehead Street. Hours of operation are: 9:30am – 5:00pm daily; Admission: Adults-$15.05; $12.90 for seniors, age 62+; $6.45 for ages 4-12. Discounts are available online. Phone 305-292-8990 or go to www.keywestshipwreck.com.

FisherThe Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society and Museum (April archive) is open 8:30am-5pm weekdays. 9:30am-5pm on weekends and holidays. It is located at 200 Green Street Key West. For more information call 305-294-2633 or go to www.melfisher.org

 

The Truman Little White House is located at 111 Front Street in Key West. Go to www.TrumanLittleWhiteHouse.com for online savings. Call 305-294-9911 for more information.