HistoryMiami is the signature historical museum of Miami-Dade County. In addition to framing exhibits that tell the story of the city and its people from before its inception to current days, the museum runs popular tours of regions, landmarks and parks by coach, boat, bicycle and foot.
Best and worst time to go to HistoryMiami
Given the museum's location in the Miami-Dade Cultual Center smack in the middle of downtown, visitors should wait until traffic has calmed from the morning rush and leave well before the afternoon one begins. In addition, trying to maneuver through the streets at lunchtime can be difficult. The best time to visit is in the early afternoon. Keep in mind that the museum is closed on major bank and postal holidays, including Columbus Day and Martin Luther King Day.
Must see/do at HistoryMiami
The permanent, interactive exhibits, which include "Tropical Dreams," "History & Ourselves" and "Folklife Gallery," provide visitors with the best possible foundation regarding the ethnicities that built this multifaceted place. In addition, the collections of artifacts, which range from pre-Colombian relics to those rescued from today's immigrant society, tell significant political and socio-cultural stories. For bird lovers and artists, HistoryMiami also has one of the most complete Audobon collections in the nation.
Admission to HistoryMiami
Admission is generally under $10 for adults, a dollar less for students and senior citizens, and half-price for children between the ages 6-12. Under 6, children are free. Admission is also free for active-duty military personnel and their families. Call for group or special rates.
Parking and public transportation to HistoryMiami
Street parking is so hard to find it's almost nonexistent, so it's best not to bother. If you drive, it's wisest to park at the Miami-Dade Cultural Center Parking Garage, located at 50 NW 2nd Avenue. The Visitor Services Desk will validate tickets for this garage. For public transportation, take any MetroBus that stops at Government Station, which is also where the MetroRail and MetroMover stop. Then walk south across NW 1st Street to the Miami-Dade Cultural Center.
Food at HistoryMiami
There are no food amenities at HistoryMiami. However, because the museum is located in the heart of the thriving downtown region, there's plenty of opportunity to grab a bite to eat within walking distance. Both Bayside Marketplace and The Shops at Mary Brickell Village, collections of restaurants and shops, are also nearby.
Insider tip for visitors to HistoryMiami
The reasonably priced eco-history boat tours of Biscayne Bay, the Downtown archaeology walking tours and the Little Havana art and culture walking tours are some of the most complete in town. Don't hesitate to sign up, especially if you like to eat – the Little Havana tour offers up servings of Cuban coffee and pastries along the way.
Author's bio: Jen Karetnick has been living in and writing about Miami since 1992. Her latest books are Mango (University Press of Florida, 2014) and Brie Season (White Violet Press, 2014).