The variety of rich experiences and cultural landmarks across Florida are ideal for older families looking to inject a dose of education into their break, alongside couples keen to explore and learn.
With more than 500 museums in the state, there’s an option to suit every client’s interests. At Daytona Beach’s Museum of Arts & Sciences visitors can explore a sprawling art collection, vintage vehicles and one of the largest collections of Coca-Cola memorabilia in the world. Over at Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum in Key West, they can discover the story of one of America’s most legendary authors.
Other must-visit attractions include the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in downtown Miami’s Museum Park district, with four floors of hands-on exhibitions. While it’s ideal for families when they need a break from theme park queues, the three-level aquarium, planetarium and urban rooftop garden will prove to be a draw for clients of all ages.
And for customers seeking something quirky? Recommend a visit to the St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, where they can climb to the top of the lighthouse by day, or join an after-dark ghost tour in the evening.
Bustling art scene
There are a multitude of art districts across Florida, where customers can discover local artists and even purchase an artistic memento from their trip. Stroll between galleries on Duval Street in Key West or peruse the eclectic galleries in the Design District in Miami. The 10-acre Railroad Square in the state capital of Tallahassee has more than 70 studios, galleries and creative small shops.
Customers should head to the Perez Art Museum Miami to admire international 20th- and 21st-century works. Recommend the guided tours, which take in the museum’s collection, architecture and gardens. On the second Saturday of each month families can join an interactive tour and create their own art, and advise couples to swing by on a Thursday evening for a late-night opening with drinks in the museum’s waterfront bar.
Art buffs should also visit the Dali Museum in downtown St Petersburg, which houses the largest Salvador Dali collection outside of Europe in a fantastical building dotted with huge glass bubbles.
Other notable art havens include The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, where a pink Renaissance-style palace houses 21 galleries. At The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, visitors can marvel at more than 5,000 pieces of art and wander around the historic gardens.
ART IN THE WILD
Florida is also home to a vast collection of graffiti and street art, which are popular backdrops for Instagram selfies. To immerse themselves in the medium, direct customers to Wynwood Walls in Miami. More than 50 artists have covered 80,000 square feet of walls, creating a constantly evolving outdoor gallery.
Key West is another street art hotspot, with murals and art spread across walls, buildings and even vehicles. Guided walking and biking tours are available for clients keen to see Florida’s most famous artworks and learn about the street art movement.
A CALENDAR OF CREATIVITY
Throughout the year there are several high-profile art events. The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is held in the first weekend of March, displaying art from all mediums, including ceramic, digital, drawing, glass and sculpture, complemented by live entertainment, activities and food.
Miami Beach’s Art Basel modern and contemporary art fair takes place in early December, showcasing work from leading galleries across five continents. Dozens of satellite fairs run simultaneously, including Design Miami/, which focuses on modern furniture, lighting and objets d’art.
Florida’s culture, history and art can easily be combined with the state’s world-class theme parks and beaches, and can also inspire an entire itinerary.
