Attractions

Sea World

Category: Amusement / Theme Park
Orlando, Florida, United States
7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 US

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Category: Historic House
Key West, Florida, United States
907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040 US
www.hemingwayhome.com

No other person is as connected to Key West as Ernest Hemingway. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in the heart of Old Town, where the author lived and worked for more than ten years. Feel Papa’s presence in his study, where he wrote in the early morning hours while temperatures were still cool. There, in a Cuban cigar-maker's chair, he wrote A Farewell to Arms, Death in the Afternoon, To Have And Have Not and For Whom The Bell Tolls on the Royal typewriter that still sits on his desk. See the house as it looked during the most prolific period of the Nobel Prize winner's writing career and wander through the lush grounds. The many cats roaming the grounds, languishing on furniture and snuggling up to visitors, provide a living link to the author. A friend of Hemingway, a sea captain, had a six-toed cat. When he left Key West in 1935 he gave the cat to Hemingway. The more than sixty cats that live on the grounds today are all descendants of that one cat—and many of them have the unusual gene for six toes. After a much-publicized catfight with health authorities, the cats are now protected by the city as part of its heritage. The museum offers tours every half hour.

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Category: Marine National Park
Key West, Florida, United States
Key West, FL US
www.fla-keys.com

I’d like to be under the sea, in an octopus’s garden in the shade… About six miles offshore from Key West, running the entire length of the 120-mile Florida Keys island chain, is America’s only living-coral barrier reef. Teeming with life, the reef has one of the most diverse marine life in the world, with blue-striped grunts swimming by and toothy green moray eels slinking behind colorful coral formations. To preserve this unique marine life, The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is now a marine habitat protected by the U.S. government. Beginner divers and snorkelers will love the shallower reefs, while experienced divers explore coral-encrusted ship wrecks and the deeper reefs. Along the shoreline, dive operators are ready to cater to your needs and if you arrive by boat, most dive sites have mooring buoys to save the reef from anchors and make it easy for boaters to tie off. The Official Tourism Council Website for the Florida Keys: www.fla-keys.com

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Category: Garden
Key West, Florida, United States
205 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040 US
www.audubonhouse.com

Explore the 19th-century home of ornithologist John James Audubon, where many of drawings for his "Birds of America" folio were completed. The home features close to 30 first-edition Audubon works and many of the settings can be recognized in the surrounding garden. Wander through the estate’s one-acre tropical garden with orchids and bromeliads lining the brick paths.

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Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Category: Butterfly Park / Farm
Key West, Florida, United States
1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040 US
www.wingsofimagination.com

Stroll through a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed tropical habitat with hundreds of butterflies around you—fluttering above you, resting on tropical flowers and plants, and sometimes even touching down on you for a brief moment. Discover some 50 to 60 different species of varying size, shape, and color from around the world in a setting of tropical trees and cascading waterfalls.

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Category: Maritime Museum
Key West, Florida, United States
1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040 US
www.shipwreckhistoreum.com

Actors, films and actual artifacts tell the story of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef. Learn about the ‘business’ of shipwrecking, and how it made Key West the richest city in the United States. Listen to master wrecker Asa Tift’s story of how this unusual industry provided for the livelihoods of the early pioneers of Key West.

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Category: Lighthouse
Sanibel, Florida, United States
1177 Causeway Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 US

Within swimming distance east of Ft. Meyers Beach, is a beautiful barrier island named Sanibel. Many visitor’s refer to it as a “tropical paradise” replete with magnificent beaches, quaint restaurants, shops, hotels and bed and breakfasts. Tucked on the southern tip of the island is Lighthouse Beach, home to the Sanibel Lighthouse. The venerable lighthouse built in the 1880’s is still used as an aid to navigation and is maintained and operated by the Coast Guard. Lighthouse Beach is a romantic stop, spotted with Palm trees and covered with seashells, an intoxicant for beachcombers and collectors. Many couples are captured as the spot furthers or reignites their amorous interests while children shriek and shout sifting the sands for treasure. The buildings adjacent to the lighthouse were originally erected for use by the lighthouse keeper and family and were built to withstand a hurricane. The stairs to the top of the beacon are closed to the public and the buildings are private, but no matter. It its well worth the trip as this quiet, peaceful, historical and geographically friendly stop captivates all of what the Gulf Side of the Florida Coast has to offer. When the sun sets in the West, Lighthouse Beach offers an absolutely superb panorama of the spectacle and except for the government enacted civil rules; this place is largely unchanged from what it was when the lighthouse was built so many years ago

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Gatorlands

Category: Amusement / Theme Park
Orlando, Florida, United States
14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837 US
http://www.gatorland.com/

So this place probably isn't on the top of everyone's list of parks to visit in Orlando. But if you're into gators (especially seeing them in a feeding frenzy... very cool) and like cheesy photo opps, go to Gatorland. So very funny.

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Category: Wildlife Reserve
Sanibel, Florida, United States
1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957 US

J.N. "Ding" Darling: political cartoonist turned forward thinking environmentalist, responsible for the protection of prime acreage back in 1945 when it was called the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge. In honor of J.N. Ding Darling, the park was renamed in 1967. Go to the sprawling park that touches several islands, for more than 200 species of birds and plenty of endangered species that all make their home in the tranquil waters and untouched land. Walk or bike the trails and enjoy Big Momma Nature at her best - all on over 8000 acres!

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Category: Maritime Museum
Sanibel, Florida, United States
3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 US

Shells, shells, and more...shells! Check out the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and learn all about shells and mollusks. Featuring display after display of interesting and unique shells and plenty of educational materials, it is THE can't miss place for the shell lover in your family to hit! Luckily, the variety and startling colors of the shells located here will easily entertain anyone.

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Sanibel Sea School

Category: Educational Site
Sanibel, Florida, United States
414 Lagoon Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957 US

Kids AND adults can benefit from a day spent at Sanibel Sea School! Experience the awe and wonder of the water world surrounding Sanibel with very hands on classes accompanied by very informative and entertaining staff members. Learn about the importance of marine conservation. Highly recommended.

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Category: Nature Reserve
Fort Myers, Florida, United States
7751 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33912 US

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve provides ample opportunity for catching birds and animals in their natural habitats. At 9 miles long and only 1/3 mile long, The Slough serves as a sort of animal expressway, providing safe passage for traveling critters. To get the most of the experience, and for those less than knowledgeable about the area, consider a guided tour.

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Category: Animal Park
Fort Myers, Florida, United States
10901 Sr 80, Fort Myers, FL 33905 US

This nice park is the area hot spot for manatee sightings! Consisting of just 17 acres, according to the park, more than 100,000 people make their way here to see the gentle manatee. Butterfly garden, kayak rentals, and playground round out Lee County's Manatee Park - especially handy for the warm summer months when Manatees may not be hanging around.

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Category: Historic House
Fort Myers, Florida, United States
2350 Mc Gregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901 US

Edison's impressive estate, beautiful botanical garden, and expansive laboratory complete with "cat nap" cot, comfortably sit on 14 lushly landscaped acres right next door to good neighbor and close friend Henry Ford.

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Category: Museum
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
1 Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480 US

Instead of the traditional piece of jewelry, Henry Flagler built a 55-room, 60,000-square-foot mansion as a wedding present for his bride, Mary Lily. Decorated in a variety of styles: Louis XIV to Italian Renaissance, Whitehall made for a sumptuous winter haven and a prime example of the luxury and opulence of the Guilded Age. Inside and out, Whitehall Mansion is a beautiful way to spend the day.

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Category: Animal Park
Tampa, Florida, United States
12802 Easy St, Tampa, FL 33625 US

Retired circus performers even rescued exotics. Yup, these fantastic felines have all found a home here at the lush and green Big Cat Rescue. Think Sanctuary - not zoo! No wandering willy-nilly here. The animals always come first, which is a good thing! There are several different tours offered, each one is guided and takes place at specific times, so plan ahead or be left behind! See the big cats like you have never seen them before - and support a good cause!

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Category: Gardens
St Petersburg, Florida, United States
1825 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704 US

City concrete gotcha down? Escape to The Sunken Gardens, a lush oasis with butterfly garden and plenty of room to roam located right in St Petersburg. Flora and Fauna meet concrete jungle.

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Museum of Fine Arts St Petersburg

Category: Museum
St Petersburg, Florida, United States
255 Beach Dr Ne, St Petersburg, FL 33701 US

Dig art? Look no farther than St Petersburg. This fun in the sun city is also culturally stimulating. Revolving exhibits feature some of the country's greatest artists. Spend a rainy day soaking up fine art - you won't regret it.

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Category: Museum
St Petersburg, Florida, United States
55 5th St S, St Petersburg, FL 33701 US

Moving and haunting, The Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the largest in the country. The touching exhibits will stay with you long after you leave the quiet of the museum.

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Great Explorations The Children's Museum

Category: Children's Activity
St Petersburg, Florida, United States
1925 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704 US

Fun for kids AND adults! Themed play areas stimulate creativity and urge exploration. Let the kids blow off some steam - without the risk of sunburn!

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Category: Wharf / Pier/ Boardwalk
St Petersburg, Florida, United States
800 2nd Ave Ne, St Petersburg, FL 33701 US

Fishing, biking, walking, boating, galleries, restaurants, The Pier has it all - and then some! Dance the night away at the weekly Wednesday night dances - for FREE! Only in for the weekend? Join the family crowd for face painting and other fun things that keep the kids happy on Saturday. Sunday, scope out the local musical acts. No matter what day of the week it is - The Pier rocks!

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Category: Art Museum
St Petersburg, Florida, United States
1000 3rd St S, St Petersburg, FL 33701 US

Love Dali? St. Petersburg has the absolute best Dali museum on the West Coast! Hey - the Michelin Guide gave it 3 stars. Wrap your mind around the surreal lines of Dali's works of art. Who knew this Spring Break haven could be so cultured?

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Category: Beach
Bonita Springs, Florida, United States
2 Barefoot Beach Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 US

One of Collier County's most beautiful and natural destinations, Barefoot Beach Preserve lures everyone from sightseeing tourists to avid outdoorsmen with hopes of experiencing its ecological diversity and breath taking scenery. Due to its location in Southwest Florida and its unspoiled environment, visitors are granted the unique opportunity to witness such diverse characters as gopher-tortoises (who love burrowing) and a plethora of tropical trees that won't ever grow in your backyard. And if you'd prefer to learn the names of each species thriving at Barefoot Beach Preserve, there's a learning center ready to inform guests – they even offer lectures on the art of fossil collecting. Park Rangers offer guided tours that take you through the dense mangrove swamps, which serve as extremely important coastal habitats. If all that walking becomes tiring, feel free to head for the coast and enjoy a refreshing swim or perhaps a canoe excursion for the more adventurous. With 342 acres to explore, Barefoot Beach Preserve remains a beautiful example of untouched land.

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Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Category: Zoo
Naples, Florida, United States
1590 Goodlette Rd N, Naples, FL 34102 US
http://www.napleszoo.com/

Let's face it: what vacation would be complete without visiting the city's zoo – or at least perusing the brochure? Luckily, if you're in Naples, Caribbean Gardens is a tremendously popular attraction. Being the only place in the Southeastern United States featuring the Fosa, Madagascar's largest mammalian predator, the Naples Zoo also carries rare African wild dogs, Malayan tigers, and plenty of other extraordinary creatures. The sheer variety of wildlife and daily events ensures the excitement won't peter out. Meander through Alligator Bay during feeding time and remember why you're supposed to be afraid of them. Experience carnivorous cats and poisonous snakes in the Safari Canyon open-air theater through multimedia exhibitions and live demonstrations. During the Meet the Keeper series, converse openly with professional zookeepers and ask those burning questions you've been holding in. For example, "Why is there a catamaran at the zoo?" That would be the Primate Expedition Cruise, a twenty-minute boat ride through islands featuring monkeys, lemurs, and apes ready to be photographed in their natural habitat. With cruises departing several times a day, it allows for a flexible schedule and more time to enjoy smaller attractions like the fish feeding stations. Fun for the whole family, the Naples Zoo welcomes all ages (but has been proven to bring out your inner child).

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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary:

Category: Nature Reserve
Naples, Florida, United States
375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples, FL 34120 US

Initially created to protect rare Cypress trees in danger of being chopped down, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary now welcomes guests to its remarkable ecosystem. The boardwalk winds through the wetlands and offers a glance at some of Southeast Florida's native residents. The American Alligator, Oak Toad, Eastern Indigo Snake, and Snapping Turtle are just some of the creatures that call the swamp home – so bring a camera! Should visitors stay until dark, they'll have the opportunity to see some of Corkscrew's nocturnal friends, as a variety of bats take flight and hunt for insects. Although lately it's been noted that reptilian and mammalian wildlife is harder to come by in Corkscrew (they're more present early in the day), the sanctuary does draw a lot of birdwatchers with hopes of observing the Wood Stork, Barred Owl, or Swallow-tailed Kite. During their journey through calm and peaceful forests, those interested in plant-life would find the endangered Ghost Orchid an absolutely stunning spectacle. It's because of these sights that this preserve is recommended to anyone wanting to experience a natural part of Florida's ecological system.

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Naples Museum of Art

Category: Museum
Naples, Florida, United States
5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108 US

Three stories and of paintings, sculptures, and other artistic expressions lie just behind the low cost of admission for The Naples Museum of Art. Located near the Gulf Coast (close to the Philharmonic Center), the building houses permanent collections and seasonal exhibitions designed to provoke and inspire. From American and Mexican modernism to three-dimensional monuments and miniature design, this Naples attraction showcases an immense amount of talent. Dave Chihuly's colorful glass formations serve as perfect examples of jaw dropping elegance; one of the most prominent creations being a 45-foot tall glass dome conservatory displaying the famous Red Chandelier. As much as you'd like to capture such works of art digitally or on film, cameras are not allowed into the museum (but feel free outside!) With the mission "to inspire creativity and awaken curiosity," this visual arts center clearly demonstrates that 30,000 square feet of imagination and ingenuity fits very well in Naples. It even has a gift shop!

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Golf in Naples

Category: Golf
Naples, Florida, United States
Naples, FL US

Whether you're just picking it up or consider yourself a seasoned professional, Naples has loads to offer in the realm of golfing. An abundance of resorts and country clubs contributes to the massive concentration of golf courses in this part of Florida. The scenic Flamingo Island Course, recipient of Golf Digest's 4-Star Award, impeccably combines well-designed landscapes, pleasant staff, and of course, 18 challenging holes. Why stop there? The Naples Grande Golf Course incorporates dramatic changes in terrain and effective water obstacles that test the limits of even the most determined (and stubborn) players. And right by the coast, you can experience the par 72, 6,907-yard championship layout of the LaPlaya Golf Course. If you feel like experiencing the sport in less of a resort setting, Raptor Bay offers over 200 acres of natural landscapes and preserve-areas – and was the first to be awarded the Audubon International's Gold Signature Sanctuary Certification. Generally, courses in Naples remain well- maintained, peaceful properties with beautiful fairways and greens. It proves to be satisfying not only for driving and putting, but also simple appreciation of the outdoors.

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Worth Avenue

Category: Shopping
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
Worth Ave., Palm Beach, FL 33480 US

I hate shopping. So while being dragged kicking and screaming by my family to Worth Avenue, Palm Spring’s upscale shopping center, I made the obvious joke, “They should call it ‘Worthless Avenue.’” It wasn’t funny then, and it definitely wasn’t funny later when I was forced to eat my words. Often referred to as Florida’s answer to Rodeo Drive, Worth Avenue has a fitting name not just because of the high end (and high priced) boutiques that seem to dot every corner of this posh shopping district, but also because of the bustling sense of urgency and fun it seems bring to shopping. Embodying the epitome of Palm Beach style, the region boasts approximately 250 shops, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries, including Louis Vuitton, Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Hermès, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Chanel, Loro Piana, Brooks Brothers, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Vilebrequin, and Lacoste. Although your bank account might shudder at the thought of glancing inside a few of these stores, the experience is worth while for the people-watching aspect alone. You know, they should call it “Worthwhile Avenue!” Sorry… stupid joke.

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Four Arts Garden

Category: Garden
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach, FL US

Mostly known for its weather, wealth and water front property, Palm Beach also contains a thriving art's community thanks in no small part to Four Arts Garden. Also known as the Four Arts Library or the Phillip Hulitar Sculpture Garden, the Four Arts is a non-profit botanical gardens set around two pristine libraries, a music hall and an administration building. Founded in 1936 by a group of prominent Palm Beach residents to meet the cultural needs of the community through music, drama, literature and art, the Four Arts Garden routinely features notable speakers, concerts, films, art exhibitions and educational programs. Recently renovated and reopened in 2007, the Four Arts Garden is not just a great place to sample the many fine cultural wares that Palm Beach has to offer, but also exists as a serene and beautiful nature preserve. The gardens are perfect for a romantic stroll or as a practice field for the budding photographer. Special Note: The entertainment season of the Four Arts only runs from November through April, so make sure you get reservations far in advance.

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Mid Town Beach

Category: Beach
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
400 S Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach, FL 33480 US
Visiting Details
This beach is closed to the public from 8 P.M to 8 A.M.

Here's the thing about Palm Beach. It's kind of an exclusive place. You have to know someone who knows someone who is someone to get a decent table at one of the numerous five star restaurants and it helps to have a couple hundred 100 dollar bills in your wallet while shopping at one of the absurdly decadent boutiques. And, if you want to catch some fun in the sun on one of the many beaches, it helps to own some real estate. Thankfully, for us normal people, there's Mid-Town beach, a picturesque plot of beach-front property that allows regular folk to enjoy the wide open beauty of the Florida shores. Located just north of Worth Avenue, Mid-Town is the only public beach in Palm Beach proper and is a hotspot for pale tourists and tan locals alike. If you're not in mood for a swim, grab some lunch to go and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the seawall while admiring the local sea turtles that seem to enjoy laying their eggs in the sand between April and August. Special note: For those of you who love a good night time swim, head elsewhere because this beach is closed to the public from 8 P.M to 8 A.M.

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Golf in Palm Beach

Category: Golf
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
Palm Beach, FL US

Early morning light dazzles the fairway lined by mature palms and flowering, tropical vegetation. The air is sweet with the smell of freshly manicured grass. You step up to the tee, take your stance, tweak your grip, and swing. SWACK! The sweet spot -- and you've made another amazing shot. If Florida had a sweet spot it would be Palm Beach. Established by Henry Morrison Flagler in the early 1900s on Florida's Atlantic Barrier Island, Palm Beach is known for many things: the laid back atmosphere, the fine weather, and certainly for its golf courses at the Breakers Resort. The Breakers Resort's Ocean Golf Course is the oldest 18-hole golf course in the state of Florida, built in 1896 -- but that's not to say it isn't modern. The course was redesigned in 2000, preserving its unique attributes while upping the ante for the modern golfer. This 140 acre course overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is fraught with sandy hazards, surface slopes, and six lakes. The course rewards the golfer who favors strategy over the sheer force of his club.

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South Beach

Category: Shopping
Miami Beach, Florida, United States
929 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 US

Bathing Suit Tops Need Not Apply. Remember those old Calvin Klein Obsession commercials? Well, they were shot right here in South Beach. Always the place to see and be seen, South Beach draws in the crowds – and the celebs! There is always something going on in South Beach from fashion shoots to movie making! Producers frequently use the picture perfect beach as a backdrop for many films and television shows (ever heard of CSI Miami?). Translation: this is THE place for celebrity sightings! Best of all, when you’ve had your fill of beach fun, there is so much other stuff to do: happening nightclubs, swanky boutiques, and fantastic restaurants. Get noticed! Go to South Beach!

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Lincoln Road

Category: Street
Miami Beach, Florida, United States
Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 US
http://www.lincolnroad.org/

A local landmine! Lincoln Road is a fabulous shopping destination (it was originally meant to be the Miami relative to super sophisticated Fifth Avenue!). However, this pedestrian only street-mall is also considered by many to be the center of South Beach culture. Live music, music, music…Get your grove on while you shop! It’s easy to see why people fall in love with Lincoln Road - Stroll down the street to discover unique one of a kind shops chock full of local art and discover endearing, must-have knickknacks along the way (CAUTION- lock the credit cards in a vault at home and only bring as much cash as you are willing to burn). Oh, and check out the treetops for the colorful green and red parrots, descendants of Hurricane Andrew and sanctuary escapees!

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Cape Florida State Park

Category: State Park
Key Biscayne, Florida, United States
1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 US
http://www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/

Brings new meaning to the words surf and turf. Situated on just over a mile of soft, sandy beachfront, Cape Florida State Park offers all the usual park activities: bicycling, fishing, picnic areas, bird watching, and body surfing…need I go on? Cape Florida State Park, however, also has one tall claim to fame (hint: it’s not the beach!). It’s a centuries old lighthouse originally built back in 1825 and then reconstructed in 1846. It is also the oldest structure in all of Miami-Dade County! On Mondays - Thursdays, at select times, you can even take a tour of both the lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper’s tidy cottage. When not gawking at the lighthouse, drop a line off the seawall and try to reel in a big one!

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Wynwood Art District & Design

Category: Art Museum
Miami Beach, Florida, United States
2630 NW 2nd Ave. , Miami Beach, FL 33127 US
http://www.artcircuits.com/c_ww.html

Art, art, and more art! On the second Saturday of every month, Wynwood Art District and the Design District open their doors to the community to display an amazing and rotating assortment of artwork. The Design District is one square mile in itself, so you can guarantee that that hoofing it is pretty unlikely. Lose yourself in art styles as varied as the galleries themselves! Contemporary, experimental, sculpture, photography, and oil paintings, it’s all here - and then some!

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Miami Metro Zoo

Category: Zoo
Miami, Florida, United States
12400 Sw 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177 US
http://miamimetrozoo.com

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears - Oh, My! Ready for a zoo that won’t leave you wanting more? Miami Metro Zoo is just such a zoo! Natural, roomy, and cage-less habitats are considered “home” by more than 900 animals! Did I say cage-less? YES! But, have no fear on this animal adventure because the animals won’t attack. All your favorites are here – monkeys, lions, tigers and little, tiny tropical fish. Shell out a little extra dough and be a zookeeper for a day, working alongside actual zookeepers and receiving hands on training as well as a couple of little extras!

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Ringling Museum

Category: Museum
Sarasota, Florida, United States
5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243 US

There's nothing like the magic of a circus. There's also nothing like the magic of a museum. So why not combine the two? Enter the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. While there might not be any lions jumping through hoops here, there is as an art collection that currently contains over 10,000 objects ranging from paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs – that should do. Established in 1927 and located upon a beautiful 66 acre estate overlooking Sarasota Bay, the property was purchased and owned by John Ringing – one of the five brothers who founded the Ringling Brothers Circus. The property originally featured the splendid Venetian Gothic mansion Cà d'Zan, the art museum, the circus museum, the Ringling's mansion and the historic Asolo Theater; however, after time took a negative toll on the structures, it has since undergone a 76 million dollar expansion and renovation. With over 150,000 square feet added to the campus, The Ringling Museum is now home to a Visitors Pavilion, an Education and Conservation Complex, the Tibbals Learning Center and Miniature Circus, and the Searing Wing – a 30,000 square foot gallery dedicated to special exhibitions attached to the art museum. Unfortunately, there are no lions jumping through flaming hoops - you have to go to the circus for that!

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Dali Museum

Category: Art Museum
St Petersburg, Florida, United States
1000 3rd St S, St Petersburg, FL 33701 US

For those interested in seeing some of the best works of art without traveling over seas to Italy or France, check out the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Home to the world's most comprehensive collection of paintings by the famous Spanish surrealist, The Salvador Dali Museum features 96 oil paintings, over 100 watercolors and drawings, and over 13,000 graphics, photos and sculptures created from 1917 to 1970 and produces a unique and captivating overview of Dali's major themes, symbols and motifs. Best known for his surrealist painting The Persistence of Memory – which is a gorgeous, multi-colored melding of soft or melting watches – Salvador Dali's incredible artistic diversity is on display in this elegant museum. Come check out one of the six daily public tours led by the incredibly experienced docents or drop a little extra change for a private tour and learn firsthand why the Michelin Guide gave it it's only three start rating on Florida's west coast. SPECIAL NOTE: The Museum's Group Tours Office is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

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Mosi Museum

Category: Museum
Tampa, Florida, United States
Tampa, FL 33602 US

When most museums make the claim "It's fun for all ages," I tend to be a bit skeptical. Finding that right balance of fun for 5 year olds, 25 year olds and 55 year olds is surprisingly tough! However, the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa (near Sarasota) has managed to strike that balance with a relative ease. There's the Kids In Charge! (which is the Children's Science Center), the IMAX Dome Theatre (the only dome IMAX in Florida) and the unique Disasterville, featuring WeatherQuest (where kids can put on a fake news broad cast with authentic equipment and a real green screen.) Of course, what would a museum be without a planetarium and the Saunders planetarium is second to none (and the only one in Tampa). Also make sure to check out the Coleman Science Works Theater which shows an astounding 3D film about the sun called - simply enough - 3D SUN. And who doesn't love butterflies? Answer - everyone loves butterflies. So make sure to check out the Bioworks Butterfly Garden - which is home to thousands of these gorgeous flying delicacies. See - it really is fun for all ages.

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