Florida is a place where everyone can find multiple ways to spend their holiday in accordance with their preferences. This state may be of interest not only to lovers of nightlife and noisy theme parks but also to people who are fond of calm and informative pastimes. In this article, we will tell you about the most interesting places to visit for those who prefer cultural activities to all the bustle of travel and leisure.
Orlando Museum of Art
Orlando Art Museum is one of the main art museums in Florida. It has gathered multiple thematic collections under the same roof, which include not only paintings but also various folk art items. There is always something to marvel at here. For example, Orlando Art Museum holds monthly contemporary art lessons for children. During the classes, they learn the basics of art skills.
Address: Orlando, North Mills Ave, 2416.
Working hours: Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday, Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Day off: Monday.
Entrance fee: The cost for adults is $15. For visitors between 4 and 17 years old, the cost is $5.
Website
Where to Stay Nearby?
The prices below represent the cost per night for a family of four:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando Downtown 4* - from $305
Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown 3* - from $279
Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando Downtown 3* - from $242
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls was created in 2009 in an attempt to realize the neighborhood's walking potential. And, it must be said, it brought a rather high-profile popularity to Miami in the field of graffiti and street art. Artists from all over the world had a hand in its creation. Here you can find murals of about 50 artists from 16 countries.
Besides Wynwood Walls, this area has more than 70 galleries, five museums, seven art complexes, 12 art studios, and five fairs. The whole Wynwood is nowadays one of the largest outdoor street art venues in the world and one of the most authentic spots in Miami.
It should be noted that Wynwood is not only known for its museums, galleries, and street art. Some of the best bars and clubs in Miami are located here. Also, locals are sure it's the place where you can try the best coffee in the city.
Address: 2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Working hours: Sunday through Thursday, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Entrance fee: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and military with ID, $5 for students with ID. Children under 12 years old can enter for free.
Website
Where to Stay Nearby?
The prices below represent the cost per night for a family of four:
Hilton Miami Downtown 4* - from $384
Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Wynwood Design District 3* - from $293
SpringHill Suites Miami Downtown 3* - from $249
Miami Design District
Miami Design District represents an entire neighborhood filled with worldwide-famous brand stores, showrooms, and art galleries. Even if you are not very interested in fashion and shopping, you can enjoy it too. Local shops here look like museums, and most of them specialize in art and designer decor items. But there are also real art galleries and museums here. For example, you can visit the Ca d'Oro Art Gallery, De la Cruz Collection, Bossa Concept, and more.
Miami Design District is also a place where various fashion shows, parties, exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and seminars are held almost every week. One of the most popular events here is the monthly art walk. You can join it on the second Saturday of the month.
Address: Miami, 3841 North East, 2nd Avenue.
Working hours: Monday to Saturday - from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday - from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Entrance fee: No entrance fee
Website
Where to Stay Nearby?
The prices below represent the cost per night for a family of four:
DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay 4* - from $657
Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Wynwood Design District 3* - from $293
Zenmotel Inn 3* - from $103
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Gold Coast Railroad Museum is dedicated to the history of the creation and development of railways in Florida and the USA. The museum operates as a non-profit organization and devotes itself to instilling the rich history of rail in each of its guests. Here you can learn everything about the construction of railroads, the principles of operation of locomotives, and the design of carriages, as well as see how powerful these machines are in action.
The museum contains about 40 unique objects: steam and electric locomotives, passenger and freight cars, and train and station models. The exposition is complemented by documents, photographs, and interactive displays. For the youngest visitors, the museum has a narrow-gauge children's railway with the hero of a popular cartoon, Thomas the Tank Engine, driving around its territory.
Address: 12450 SW 152nd St, Miami.
Working hours: Monday-Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Saturday-Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00.
Entrance fee: for adults - $12, for children from 3 to 12 years old - $10, for seniors (55+) - $5.
Website
Where to Stay Nearby?
The prices below represent the cost per night for a family of four:
Fortune House Hotel Suites 4* - from $439
Yotel Miami 2* - from $221
Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Brickell 2* - from $130
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
The famous Believe It or Not Museum or Ripley's Believe It or Not! will let you see something unimaginable with your own eyes. This museum is considered one of the most unusual in America. This is because it has many amazing items from all over the world in its collection. The idea of opening Ripley's Believe It or Not belonged to the eccentric journalist Robert Ripley, who was very fond of traveling and collecting various outlandish things. Here you can find, for example, a swimsuit made of human hair, which was created by an extravagant hairdresser, cannibal skulls, a skeleton of a mermaid, fluffy fish, a sculpture of Marilyn Monroe made from dollar banknotes, and many other rare and unusual artifacts.
Address: 8201 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819.
Working hours: Sunday to Thursday - from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday - from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entrance fee: Ripley's Odditorium for adults (12+) - $27.99, for children (3-11) - $18.99. Ripley's Mirror Maze for adults (12+) - $16.99, for children (3-11) - $12.99. Ripley's Odditorium + Mirror Maze: Adult: for adults (12+) - $34.99, for children (3-11) - $24.99.
Website
Where to Stay Nearby?
The prices below represent the cost per night for a family of four:
Hyatt Regency Orlando 4* - from $524
Hilton Orlando 4* - from $311
Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando-Int'l Drive 3* - from $166
Other Expenses
In addition to accommodation costs and various admission fees, you need to be ready to have extra cash to spend on shopping, food, and transportation (including flight). This way, based on averages, a solo traveler usually spends nearly $2,800 for the whole one-week trip to Florida. The cost for a couple starts from $4,200, while a family of four spends approximately $5,600. Although spending a vacation in Florida may be a costly affair, it's definitely worth it. Whether you're a museum-goer or a theme park lover, Florida has a lot to offer you!