Bridging the Beach

By David McRee
Published: May 13, 2009
Last Updated On: December 6, 2011

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Beaches

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St Augustine

Fort Myers Beach

Florida's Spanish Colonial Heritage Trail

Florida's Civil War Heritage Trail

Florida's Native American Heritage Trail

Discover a rich history at some of Florida’s most historic beaches.

History comes alive when we touch artifacts held by the hands of ancient people or walk through buildings crafted a hundred years ago.

Because much of Florida’s human history took place near the coast, many of its most popular destinations have a rich and fascinating past. Let’s look at the historical wonders you can visit.

Dig Into Indian Mounds

Indians ruled what is now Florida until the 1700s, walking the same beaches we relax on today and leaving behind shell and earthen burial mounds laden with artifacts like shell and bone tools, fishhooks, arrowheads and pottery.

While you can’t literally dig into an ancient Indian mound, standing atop one you can feel the presence of those who came before us. Fort Walton Mound, at 12 feet high and more than 220 feet long, may be one of the largest mounds on the Gulf Coast, and the Indian Temple Mound Museum houses more than 6,000 artifacts, along with educational exhibits.

From Indian mounds to palatial hotels, Florida has much to complement its sandy beaches and subtropical islands.

One of the most famous Indian mounds in Florida is in the quiet backwaters of Estero Bay, not far from the white sands of Fort Myers Beach at Mound Key Archaeological State Park. Shell mounds mark what is believed to have been the capital of the Calusa Indian kingdom. Visiting Mound Key is an adventure heightened by the fact that you can only reach the undeveloped island by boat.

Florida’s Atlantic coast is rich in Timucuan Indian history. Canaveral National Seashore’s Turtle Mound is just steps from Apollo Beach, one of the most remote and natural beaches in Florida. This 50-foot-high shell mound offers panoramic views of the Indian River, the Atlantic Ocean and Merritt Island. Combine a wonderful beach experience with a bit of archaeological discovery by visiting Turtle Mound.

Turtle Mound is one of the tallest Native American shell mounds on the east coast of Florida. Standing almost 50 feet high, it offers a panoramic view of ocean, lagoon and barrier island.

Tour Florida’s First Settlements

This period of adventure and discovery left us with tales of pirates and conquistadors, fortunes and failures. No beach hotels or resorts were here to greet Ponce de Leon or Hernando de Soto when they arrived after a long Atlantic voyage.

Today, you can enjoy the nation’s oldest permanent European settlement by visiting and touring the historic parts of St. Augustine, including the Castillo de San Marcos, a waterfront fort built to defend Spanish claims to the New World. See re-enactments of early life in the city and appreciate the early architecture that has been preserved. Climb St. Augustine Lighthouse for a fantastic view, cast a fishing line from St. Johns County Pier or find a quiet beach at Anastasia State Park.

The Pensacola Bay Area enjoys some of the whitest beaches and clearest water in the state. Visit Fort Pickens to combine your beach visit with a glimpse into the area’s rich history. The shores of Pensacola Bay are also home to two historic forts: Fort Barrancas at what is now Naval Air Station Pensacola and Fort McRee, which is submerged near Pensacola Pass and fun to see while snorkeling.

It’s called the Treasure Coast for a reason. The wreck of nearly all of the ships of the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet along the Southeast Florida coast left the sandy Atlantic coastline enriched with gold coins and other precious artifacts. New finds occur frequently, especially after stormy weather.

The easy way to get a close-up look at treasure is to visit the McLarty State Treasure Museum at Sebastian Inlet State Park, where you can see 18th-century artifacts and gold. See some of the recent gold finds on the local beaches and get inspired to do a bit of treasure hunting yourself.

See How the Movers and Shakers Shook

Oil, real estate and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler commissioned the creation of St. Augustine’s luxurious Ponce De Leon Hotel. Designed in the Spanish Renaissance Revival (or Mediterranean) style and bringing luxury to the developing peninsula, this magnificent hotel influenced Florida architecture for half a century. Tour the hotel, now part of Flagler College.

Across the street from the Ponce De Leon is Flagler’s Hotel Alcazar, which now houses the Lightner Museum, displaying a variety of artifacts and what was once the world’s largest indoor swimming pool.

Flagler didn’t limit himself to Northeast Florida. He also is responsible for the timeless oceanfront Breakers hotel in Palm Beach. Rebuilt several times since its construction in 1896, The Breakers is considered by many to be unrivaled in luxury and style.

Thomas Edison and Henry Ford made their winter home near the beautiful beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel in the late 1800s. Take a drive along McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers to see the magnificent royal palms lining the roadway, imported by Edison to beautify the city. Stop in at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, where you can view Edison’s home, laboratory and experimental garden, as well as a museum with many of his inventions on display.

From Indian mounds to palatial hotels, Florida has much to complement its sandy beaches and subtropical islands. Whether it’s entertainment or education that interests you, the Sunshine State satisfies.