Best History Museum in Bal Harbour

"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."

"HistoryMiami doesn't sound like the name of a historical museum, which is exactly what its board members had in mind. The less-bulky name signified a new direction for what was previously called the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Today, the museum, which actually began as a historical association in 1940 continues to offer the exhibits that were developed throughout the previous decades, as well as incorporating new ones."

"This fascinating museum located conveniently off A1A and just steps from the beach, will appeal to the champion swimmer in everyone. The International Swimming Hall of Fame highlights the achievements of notable swimmers and contains aquatic artifacts dating to the 15th century. Computerized exhibits let you pretend you are an Olympic swimmer, diver, or judge."

"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/"

"Fort Lauderdale's rich history for African-Americans is presented in this inspiring museum. Many of the honors that are due to pioneers in the African-American community in Broward County are not recorded, but it is here through exhibits and lectures and special events that visitors and locals can learn more of this interesting and exciting chapter of local history. Built in 1924, this was the region's lone African-American school for children during segregation."

"Sergio's opened over 40 years ago as a small sandwich stand started by Cuban exiles. Today it has morphed into a mini-empire with multiple locations and a reputation for serving excellent Cuban meals from the wee hours of the morning into the late evening. Start your day with what may easily be one of the best breakfast deals in Miami - El Mezclado, a platter of two scrambled eggs with ham, served with tostada, Cuban toast and a strong Cuban coffee."

"This family-run chain is another local favorite for Cuban comfort food — especially for their huge breakfast and Cuban coffee. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. 3252 SW 22nd St, Miami, FL 33145 (See On Google Maps)"

"Or you can experience the pulse of a multi-dimensional metropolis, exploring 1930s to 1950s Art Deco glamour in South Beach and Mid-Beach, big city sophistication in Downtown, avant-garde art installations in Wynwood, shopping in the Design District, and a melting pot of Latin heritage in Little Havana. Given short driving distances between these eclectic neighborhoods, it’s possible to explore Miami’s multiple identities in a weekend without feeling rushed."

"After seeing your fill of water views and tropical plants, make your way to Calle Ocho, in the heart of Little Havana. Stop by Versailles, a favorite Cuban restaurant, for a syrupy Cuban coffee, a guava-filled pastelito, or, if you’re already hungry, a meaty Cuban sandwich. Wander around Calle Ocho for some interesting street art, watch locals play dominos in Maximo Gomez Park, and pick up a hand-rolled cigar as a souvenir."

"Put some miles on your car; Little Havana calls. Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) is another world, and you’ll know it immediately by the language of the street signs. Salsa music pours out from storefronts onto the streets. The scent of fresh guava pastries is never far."

"Located in the neighbourhood of Miami on the Main Highway in Coconut Grove, Plymouth Congregational Church was built in 1917 and is one of the ancient churches in the city. Plymouth Congregational Church is architecture in mission revival style with inspiration from old city church in Mexico and is a part of the US National Register of Historic Places since 1974. The church is well known as a pretty wedding venue among locals."

"Dining here is like closing your eyes and suddenly finding yourself in Paris. Located in the prestigious Biltmore Hotel, this stylish restaurant features the skills of Michelin star-nominated chef Gregory Pugin and James Beard, both of them continually striving to create dishes that will make you feel as if you were on the Champs Elysées. Their traditional recipes are in line with contemporary trends and are scrupulously crafted using the freshest local ingredients."

"Coral Gables has much to offer for those camera trigger fingers, but its crown jewel would be The Biltmore Hotel. Both famous and infamous in many ways, it sits proudly as the historical neighborhood’s most well-known destination. Whether you head there to hit a bucket, sit down to a sumptuous meal, or spend the day in a poolside cabana, it’s hard to find a corner that isn’t Instagram-worthy."

"The Biltmore Spa is housed on the seventh floor of one of Miami's grandest and oldest hotels, and offers a sweeping view of Coral Gables's lush canopy. The spa menu lists all the classics- Thai massages, Ayurvedic treatments, organic seaweed body wraps, acupuncture- but there's also an acne-avoiding spa menu for teens and a "manscaping" menu for well-groomed gents."

"Wilton Manors, 1421 East Oak Park Blvd Oakland Park 94% Love it"