Since opening in 1926, the Biltmore Hotel has stood as a symbol of elegance, hospitality, and history in Coral Gables.
This past January, the Biltmore celebrated its centennial with an elegant gala reminiscent of the grand opening festivities hosted by George E. Merrick a century earlier, honoring the vision that helped shape one of Florida’s most recognizable destinations.
A century later, the Biltmore remains an enduring part of Florida’s story and a landmark woven into America’s history. @America250FL
As America approaches its 250th birthday, Florida’s Capitol is hosting new exhibits and installations that connect visitors to the country’s founding history.
Now on display in Tallahassee, this bronze statue of George Washington is on loan from Mount Vernon as part of Florida’s America250 commemoration.
Visitors can see the installation inside the Capitol complex alongside exhibits exploring the people, moments, and ideals that shaped the nation’s early history. @America250FL
Pensacola has stories to tell.
Some fly overhead. Some are anchored along the coast.
America 250: A Portrait of Florida begins here. Episode one explores Pensacola’s naval roots and the hundreds of years of history that shaped our state.
Watch the full episode at https://t.co/64an1BiPTG.
Produced by Visit Florida for the Florida Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission’s America 250 commemorations.
In celebration of @America250FL, @VISITFLORIDA is bringing Florida history to life through a new docuseries, “America 250: A Portrait of Florida.”
The seven-episode series showcases the people, places, and pivotal moments that have shaped Florida and, in turn, the United States. Each episode offers a compelling look at Florida’s enduring influence on the American story and encourages travelers to visit Florida's historical sites and landmarks in celebration of America 250. @America250FL
Watch episodes now at https://t.co/64an1BiPTG
Florida honors the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States.
At sites like Veterans Plaza at the Riverfront Esplanade in Bradenton, their service is forever memorialized. We will never forget.
Florida is grateful for your courageous sacrifices. @America250FL
The SS American Victory, recently designated as Florida’s Official Flagship, saw service during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, supporting the movement of troops and critical supplies.
Since 1999, the ship has been docked in Tampa and welcomes visitors as a museum and memorial.
On Memorial Day, the SS American Victory will open early and welcome visitors all day, with a wreath-laying ceremony at 3 p.m. Additional military honors and commemorative ceremonies will take place throughout the day. Free admission will be extended to veterans and families of fallen service members.
📍 Tampa
🗓 May 25
More: https://t.co/3HLlrTXb5N
Thought Florida was all beaches? At Florida Caverns State Park, you can walk through air-filled limestone caves, weaving past stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient formations shaped over thousands of years.
📍 Florida Caverns State Park | @FLStateParks
In the late 1800s, Silver Springs became one of Florida’s first major tourist attractions, known for its exceptionally clear, artesian waters.
For early visitors, this was the view that stayed with them.
Glass-bottom boat tours gave visitors a rare look beneath the surface. And they’re still operating today! @America250FL
Over 75 years ago, Fort Pierce was the birthplace of the first Navy Frogmen. 🇺🇸
They trained on these shores during WWII. Today, their legacy lives on at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.
📍@VisitStLucie
Fort Barrancas dates back to the late 1700s, when it was constructed by the Spanish to protect Pensacola Bay.
Later used by the United States, the fort played a critical role in coastal defense during key periods of early American history.
Today, visitors can fully explore this preserved fort and learn about its strategic importance to Florida’s Gulf Coast. @America250FL
A different side of Florida.
The Ringling in Sarasota is a historic estate and museum complex once home to circus magnate John Ringling. Today, it features art museums, gardens and a courtyard inspired by Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, bringing a touch of Italian Renaissance architecture to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
📍 @TheRingling | @VisitSarasota
Florida has ALWAYS stood for Freedom.
In the 1960s, Miami’s Freedom Tower served as a processing center for Cuban arrivals coming to the United States. To this day, it is a symbol of hope and freedom for those who fled Communism.
Often referred to as the “Ellis Island of the South,” it stands today as an important testament to American liberty. @America250FL
In commemoration of the 250th birthday of the United States, America 250: A Portrait of Florida presents a docuseries examining the people, places, and events that have shaped Florida and, in turn, the United States
Four episodes have already been released and are available to watch now at https://t.co/bEmtfDNU6d. The remaining three episodes will be released in May and June, leading up to July 4th celebration. @America250FL
Watch the series here: https://t.co/zqg1Onkrmt
Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has been a go-to way to explore Key West, winding through the narrow streets of Old Town.
The open-air train follows a set route past some of the island’s most notable landmarks, including Mallory Square, the Southernmost Point, and the Ernest Hemingway Home, with guides sharing stories along the way.
More than just a ride, it offers a structured look at Key West’s history, all without needing to navigate the island on your own. @America250FL
Before Florida was developed, the journey down the peninsula could take days, leaving travelers exhausted before they even arrived.
In 1891, Henry B. Plant changed that. His Tampa Bay Hotel brought visitors to Florida by rail and helped put the state on the map.
Today, the former hotel and his legacy is home to the University of Tampa and the Henry B. Plant Museum, preserving his innovative spirit that transformed travel to Florida. @America250FL
Florida has been offering unique vacation experiences to Americans for decades. Today, we are the number one domestic travel destination in the nation. Take a look at this vintage travel footage from The Unusual World of Florida, circa 1964. @America250FL
Unveiled this year in St. Augustine, this statue honors Frederick Douglass, a freedman who became one of the most influential writers and speakers in American history.
Through his speeches and writings, he challenged the nation to live up to the ideals enshrined in its founding documents. Later in life, Frederick Douglass served as an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln and was a leading advocate for the enlistment of Black soldiers in the Union Army. @America250FL