Best Historical Tours Of South Florida

Florida is relatively young state, but there have been five flags that have flown over Florida since it was first discovered in April 2, 1513 by Juan Ponce de Leon who is fabled to have been searching for the "fountain of youth." He named it Florida for its "feast of flowers." Since then, Florida has come along way, but left behind a rich history that many historical tours like to recount. Here's a sample of the best historical tours South Florida has to offer.

(Source: Historical Museum of Southern Florida)

Historical Museum of Southern Florida

101 West Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
www.hmsf.org

Historian Dr. Paul George is the ultimate authority in South Florida history. He teaches courses and also guides tourists and locals through neighborhoods and shares his knowledge to those who are curious about the area's past. His tours are varied and include walking tours or cruises through the Miami River. George also takes his guests through a cigar factory in Little Havana and Al Capone's former home. He reveals the stories that made South Florida what it is today.

(Source: Miami Design Preservation League)

Art Deco Architectural Tours

Miami Dade Preservation League
10th Street and Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 672-2014
www.mdpl.org

The pastel-colored buildings along South Beach have an equally colorful history. Find out the story behind the most famous mansion on Ocean Drive -- Casa Casaurina, more famously referred to as the Versace mansion. What is a Casaurina anyway? Well, one of several Miami-Dade Preservation League volunteers will be happy to educate you on the subject. Many of the Art Deco buildings date back to the 1940s and 1950s and some of them have been designated on the National Register of Historic Places. Check their website for times and tour dates.

(Source: Miami Aqua Tours)

Miami Aqua Tours

401 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
(786) 663-1199

Imagine learning about South Florida aboard a pirate ship, Schooner or glass-bottom boat. Imagine no more.  Miami Aqua Tours offers all three options. The pirate ship is a replica of a Spanish Galleon from the XVI Century and allows tourists a chance to experience what life during that time period might have been like. The glass bottom boat offers customers to see the vareity of species living in the Atlantic waters, while the Schooner Heritage of Miami II is 45-passenger sail boat that offers a tour by night. Prices start at $25 per person.

(Source: Historic Tours Of America)

Old Town Trolley Tours (Key West)

201 Front Street, Suite 224
Key West, Fl 33040
1 (888) 912-8687
www.historictours.com/keywest/

Nearly everyone who grew up in South Florida has a picture with the "Old Town Trolley." Both locals and out-of-towners have been flocking to Key West in order to slam down a few at the famous Sloppy Joe's or walk through Ernest Hemingway's former home that is now inhabited by the infamous six-toed cats.

(Source: Carrie B. Cruises)

Carrie B. Cruises

440 North New River Drive East
Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954) 768-9920
www.carriebcruises.com

Several sightseeing cruises sail out of the New River daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and each cruise lasts about 90 minutes. The guided tours offer visitors a chance to learn about who lives in the homes along the river. The captain serves as the narrator and takes tourists through the history of the river. Prices start at $12.95 for children under 12 and $19.95 for adults.