Best History Museum in Golden Isles

"South Florida – a land of escaped slaves, guerrilla Native Americans, gangsters, land grabbers, pirates, tourists, drug dealers and alligators – has a special history, and it takes a special kind of museum to capture that narrative. This highly recommended place, located in the Miami-Dade Cultural Center, does just that, weaving together the stories of the region’s successive waves of population, from Native Americans to Nicaraguans."

"The HistoryMiami Museum is the largest museum in Florida (and thus also Miami). Here you'll learn about the history of the city through various collections and exhibitions. Items of the collection on display here are, among several other types, visual materials, archives and manuscripts, and archaeological artifacts."

"Gathering, preserving, and celebrating Miami's history through exhibitions, city tours, collections and publications is the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.[Learn more]"

"A visit to the International Swimming Hall of Fame entails an impressive tour offering much more than visitors expect. The complex includes a museum, hall of fame, and world-class aquatic center. After its construction in 1965 and extensive renovations in 1991, the aquatic center today hosts national and international swimming events while the Hall of Fame showcases the accomplishments of competitive swimmers, water polo players, synchronized swimmers, divers, and others."

"If you love to swim, it’s not all the difficult to figure out what to do in Florida. Surrounded by all this water and warm temperatures, you might get more swimming done in a weekend than you have in the last year or so. You should come to the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum if swimming is something that really excites and delights you."

"Fort Lauderdale has a rich history which may be overshadowed by the more modern an sophisticated metro area that it has become. Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum chronicles the city's history from the early Seminole era to World War II. It also offers information about the city's historic district and a chronology of its development. Other exhibits feature scale models of historic structures, including a recreation of a Seminole village complete with arts and crafts."

"Though it may seem out of place in such a swanky and exclusive setting, the Holocaust Memorial on Meridian Avenue in South Beach is a poignant attraction that’s free to visit and worth a look when you’re in the area. Miami is home to a sizeable Jewish population, and the memorial was the brainchild of a small group of local Holocaust survivors in the mid-’80s. The memorial has been open to the public since 1990, and the site includes a memorial wall and a pleasant garden that’s conducive to quiet contemplation."

"More of a cultural center than a museum, the space is both a comforting reminder for Haitian expats of their country’s art, history, music, movies, and literature and a fascinating look into a Caribbean nation that too few have been able to visit. Opened in 2004 to commemorate Haiti’s Bicentennial, the 60,000-square-foot museum is a one-of-a-kind experience just steps from Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, a location that makes it even more immersive ($10/adult). Find out more: http://www.haitianheritagemuseum.org/"

"Last but certainly not least is one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secrets: The Secret Woods Nature Center. Document your experience as you explore walking paths made from recycled materials. You’ll be able to observe a wide variety of Florida wildlife including reptiles,seabirds, and insects."

"If you decide to stay at one ofour pet-friendly properties, then bring your fluffy friend along toSnyder Park. Your dog will love this spot’s “bark park” that features a dog-only lake for swimming and playing. There are also some other great spaces for running, fetching, and overall fun!"

"The Young at Art Museum (youngatartmuseum.org) in nearby Davie offers a wealth of fun for kids of all ages, including changing exhibits, special shows and entertainment. Permanent exhibits include a global village that features various cultures and activities, including participating in an archeological dig, learning origami and discovering a Mayan pyramid. Another exhibit features a black light environment where kids create works of art that come to life under the special lights."

"Founded as an effort to minimize animal cruelty, the profits of Sublime Restaurant & Bar goes to organizations that promote animal welfare and a vegan lifestyle—so you can fill your stomach guilt-free. The affordable menu offers a plethora of appetizers, such as crispy cauliflower soup with sweet chili sauce and sesame seeds, along with delicious entrées, including mushroom ravioli, raw mein, veggie lasagna and a salad menu. A seemingly endless wine, craft beer and cocktail menu is worth getting excited about."

"If they're eating at Atlas Meat Free Deli, they're chowing down on an impossibly meaty menu. This Little River food truck and soon-to-be brick-and-mortar deli is "vegan food for carnivores," in the words of owner Ryan Bauhaus. The menu is stacked with towering sandwiches and sizable specials."