Historic Landmarks in South Florida

1 S. County Rd. Palm Beach

561-655-6611

Historic Landmarks, Hotels and Resorts, Salons and Spas, Sports and Recreation, Best Of, Readers' Choice

Your first glimpse of the Breakers' history of indulgence comes as you approach the imposing Italian Renaissance structure from the driveway. Walk past the limos and into the lobby, where Venetian chandeliers and gold leaf ceilings accentuate the feeling of opulence. The tapestries and fresh flowers further confirm it. This is old money. The original hotel was built more than a century ago with some of the robber baron dollars Henry Flagler made with John D. Rockefeller. While the building has aged gracefully, it was revitalized by an expensive refurbishment that has continued to earn it a place among the best hotels in the world. It has all the stars and diamonds bestowed by travel guides, and 1500 employees, who speak 25 languages, make sure it stays world-class. The spa, the boutiques (you can get Steuben glass at one), and the golf course add to the upper-class experience that can be had on a Palm Beach weekend getaway. But for that real old-money feel, we like dining in the Florentine Room, with its Continental cuisine, impressive wine list, and older gentlemen who wear jackets to dinner simply because one must.

17 articles

Coral Castle Museum

28655 S. Dixie Highway, Homestead South Miami

305-248-6345

Historic Landmarks, Museums, Best Of

It is a strange land that holds a castle of theories. For this castle is said to be carved from 1,100 tons of oolitic limestone and built by one man. This man weighed only 100 pounds. He stood barely over five feet tall. He used no large machinery. But this castle has walls more than eight feet high and a tower of more than two stories. This castle is furnished - with beds, chairs, tables, and fountains - all made from coral. And in considering the many theories of how this man came to build this coral castle - as you move beyond the castle's walls and gates - you will find that its diminutive builder, Edward Leedskalnin, was a secretive man. Through the coral castle's audio tour, you will hear his queer tale. Ed started building his castle for his 16-year-old fiancée, even though she left him along the way. They never wed, and he would spend nearly 30 years building the castle as a monument to her. You will learn that it will never be revealed how this place came to be, but you will agree with the icon signed by Ed, a Latvian native, at the entrance. It reads: "You will be seeing unusual accomplishment."

1 article

Fort Lauderdale Woman's Club - Hibiscus Theater

20 S. Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale

954-761-9407

Community Venues, Historic Landmarks, Movie Theaters

The Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club is the oldest civic organization in Broward County and holder of one of the last remaining historic buildings in Fort Lauderdale. As a part of our Arts Committee, The Hibiscus Theater occassionally presents Florida based themes in film. Prior screenings have included Cross Creek, Key Largo and Where the Boys Are.

Fort Lauderdale Woman's Club

20 S Andrews Ave. Fort Lauderdale

954-761-9407

Community Venues, Historic Landmarks, Museums

2 articles

Goodyear Blimp Base

1500 NE Fifth Ave. Pompano Beach

954-946-8300

Attractions and Amusement Parks, Historic Landmarks

One of three bases for the world famous Goodyear Blimp.

Historic Stranahan House Museum

335 SE 6th Ave. Fort Lauderdale

954-524-4736

Attractions and Amusement Parks, Community Venues, Historic Landmarks, Museums

Historic Sundy House

106 S. Swinton Ave. Delray Beach

561-272-5678

Historic Landmarks, Best Of, Slideshow

Historic Sundy House is one of the most gorgeous restaurants in South Florida, set in a restored turn-of-the-century mansion once owned by the mayor of Delray Beach and surrounded by a lush tropical garden that reportedly cost well into the millions. A stroll through that garden is worth the price of an expensive dinner. There are koi ponds, gazebos, waterfalls, and paths leading to a natural swimming pool where fish don't seem to mind the bathers. In its heyday, the kitchen was run by Florida whiz chef Johnny Vinczencz; when he left, he took some of his New World magic with him. The setting, however, is still unbeatable.

11 articles

Mar-a-Lago Club

1100 S. Ocean Blvd. Palm Beach

561-832-2600

Historic Landmarks, Hotels and Resorts, Sports and Recreation, Best Of, Slideshow

1 article

The Mar-a-Lago Club

1100 S. Ocean Blvd. Palm Beach

561-832-2600

Historic Landmarks

Olympia Theater

174 E. Flagler St., Miami Central Dade

305-372-0925

Historic Landmarks, Movie Theaters, Music Venues, Performing Arts Venues, Theaters

Old is the new new. Especially in a city like Miami, where historic charms are often bulldozed to make way for new school crap. Thank God for the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, a shining beacon to Miami's glamorous past, smack dab in the middle of downtown. Erected in 1926 as a home for silent movies, this recently restored palace oozes charisma, from the red velvet curtains to the baroque balconies. The theater's simulated night-sky ceiling has looked down on the likes of Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Luciano Pavarotti and countless other notable names. Today, they host movie screenings, concerts, live performances and a whole host of other events. So get glammed up and spend an evening immersed in what once was. There's something to be said for the classics, after all.

4 articles

Historic Landmarks in South Florida

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