Things to do in Florida Panhandle, Florida Panhandle: The Best History Museums

The Panama City Publishing Company building was constructed by George Mortimer West around 1920 on a prominent corner in the heart of historic St. Andrews. He was a writer, promoter, economist, horticulturist, publisher, and entrepreneur. He is credited as the "founding father" of Panama City, building it into an economically viable city and port on the shores of St. Andrews Bay. In the late 1800'

Learn of Florida's rich history here.

The mirrored walls of the Tallahassee Automobile Museum enclose more than just automobiles! This 100,000 sf. facility houses cars, trucks and memorabilia of all kinds. In addition to the antique cars, muscle cars, concept cars, and trucks -- check out the eclectic collection of Steinway pianos, Remington sculptures, Case knives, Barbie dolls, boats, boat motors, children's pedal cars, and die-cast toys. Journey through history with Native American artifacts, firearms, antique cash registers, pocket watches, salt-cellars, baby bottles, silver spoons, baseball cards, antique golf balls and clubs, 100-year-old brass-bladed fans, art objects from Thailand, neon signs, stained glass, a horse from a carousel, a children's barber chair shaped like an airplane and much, much more. Part shrine, part history lesson, part pack-rat's paradise, part garage and part art gallery -- except, in this case, the art has four spotless wheels and can go from 0 to 60 faster than a Cezanne can. It's truly an amazing museum of American history.

Historic village consists of twenty properties belonging to the Pensacola National Register Historic District, including several museums and the Colonial Archaeological Trail.

Visit Goodwood Museum & Gardens to see North Florida’s majestic oaks, sprawling lawns, and a breezy front porch. Originally built in the 1830s, Goodwood still has 16 historic structures remaining on the grounds including the original Main House Museum. Many of these structures were remodeled in the 1910s, giving Goodwood its current turn-of-the-century appearance. Visit Goodwood on a Tuesday - Saturday and you can take a tour of the Main House. The museum features one of the earliest fresco ceilings in Florida and a vast collection of original furniture, porcelains, textiles, glassware, art, and more. Grounds and gardens are free and open to the public on Tuesday - Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Tours of the Main House are ticketed and are scheduled on Tuesday - Friday at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, and 2:30 PM. Tour are also available on Saturday at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1 PM.

Experience the historic and educational exhibits detailing early Destin life from the 1830s. Witness the birth and evolution of a fishing industry that has become the heritage of the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village". View over 60 mounts of fish caught by anglers in Destin waters and learn about local fish and fishing. See the restored "Primrose", Destin's last seine boat and the original first post office building that served the early pioneers.

Climb the lighthouse - 92 stairs to the top and see beautiful St. George Island high atop the lighthouse. Must be at least 40" tall to climb. We also have a wonderful museum and gift shop you can visit at no charge.