The 6 Most Popular Car Museums in Florida
Whether you’re passionate about vintage models, modern supercars, or the evolution of automotive engineering, Florida’s car museums have something for everyone. Each museum offers a unique experience, showcasing everything from classic American muscle cars to Hollywood icons.
Here’s a list of the most popular car museums across the Sunshine State, complete with must-see features, locations, and links to help you plan your trip.
Contents
- Revs Institute – Naples, Florida
- Tallahassee Automotive Museum – Tallahassee, Florida
- Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing – Ocala, Florida
- American Muscle Car Museum – Melbourne, Florida
- Sarasota Classic Car Museum – Sarasota, Florida
- Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park – Orlando, Florida
- Tips for Visiting Florida’s Car Museums
1. Revs Institute - Naples, Florida
Discover a world-class collection dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and understanding of automotive history. Revs Institute is a paradise for car lovers who appreciate both the beauty and engineering behind vintage automobiles.
- Unique Features: Home to over 100 rare and historical cars with a focus on car innovation and restoration.
- Exhibits: 4 main galleries showcasing racing cars, iconic American models, and a unique collection of European vehicles.
- Hands-on Learning: Offers interactive displays that tell the story of each car and its impact on car history.
- Location: 2500 Horseshoe Drive S. in Naples, Florida
- Official Website: revsinstitute.org
2. Tallahassee Automobile Museum - Tallahassee, Florida
More than just a car museum, this Tallahassee attraction offers an eclectic collection of items, from cars to movie memorabilia, making it a fascinating stop for the whole family.
- Unique Collection: Displays more than 160 cars, including Batmobiles, muscle cars, and antique fire trucks.
- Beyond Cars: Features other memorabilia like motorcycles, knives, and sports items, creating a well-rounded experience.
- Family-Friendly: Entertains all ages, with classic autos, movie props, and historical artifacts.
- Location: 6800 Mahan Dr. in Tallahassee, Florida
- Website: tacm.com
3. Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing - Ocala, Florida
Named after the legendary drag racer Don Garlits, this museum honors the speed, excitement, and heritage of drag racing, featuring both historical cars and a deep dive into the sport’s development.
- Drag Racing Legends: Celebrates the career of Don Garlits and the history of drag racing in America.
- Collection Highlights: Houses over 90 classic dragsters and race cars pivotal to the sport.
- Educational Exhibits: Provides in-depth insight into the evolution of drag racing.
- Location: 13700 SW 16th Avenue in Ocala, Florida
- Website: garlits.com
- Perfect For: Racing fans, history lovers, and those fascinated by high-speed automobiles.
4. American Muscle Car Museum - Melbourne, Florida
A dream location for muscle car lovers, this museum boasts a vast private collection of beautifully preserved American muscle cars in mint condition. They are not open to the public, but do host events periodically – check their website for upcoming events.
- Impressive Display: A private collection with over 300 muscle cars from the 1950s to the 1970s.
- Rare Finds: Features iconic models like Shelby Mustangs, Corvettes, and Camaros.
- Exclusive Access: Open only for special events and private tours, so plan ahead.
- Location: 3500 Sarno Road in Melbourne, Florida
- Website: americanmusclecarmuseum.com
- Perfect For: Die-hard muscle car enthusiasts and fans of classic American cars.
5. Sarasota Classic Car Museum - Sarasota, Florida
As Florida’s oldest continuously operating car museum, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum offers a wide variety of automobiles with a special focus on vintage luxury models from around the world.
- Oldest Car Museum in Florida: Established in 1953, it’s one of the longest-running car museums in the U.S.
- International Collection: Hosts cars from Italian Ferraris to British Rolls Royces.
- Rotating Exhibits: Features new exhibits regularly, so there’s always something new to see.
- Location: 5500 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, Florida (currently moving to a new location)
- Website: sarasotacarmuseum.org
6. Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Park - Orlando, Florida
Part of a larger entertainment complex, Dezerland Park combines classic cars with a range of family-friendly activities, offering one of Florida’s most unique and diverse car collections.
- Extensive Collection: Over 2,000 vehicles, including 20 themed rooms featuring Hollywood cars and military vehicles.
- Family Fun: Located in an entertainment complex with go-karting, arcade games, and dining options.
- Famous Movie Cars: See iconic film cars like James Bond’s Aston Martin and Back to the Future’s DeLorean.
- Location: 5250 International Drive in Orlando, Florida
- Website: dezerlandpark.com
- Perfect For: Families, movie lovers, and car enthusiasts seeking a variety of attractions.
Tips for Visiting Florida's Car Museums
- Check Operating Hours: Some museums have limited hours or require reservations.
- Plan for Photos: Most museums allow photography, but flash restrictions may apply.
- Look for Special Events: Many museums host car shows, events, and limited exhibits that add a unique experience.
- Bring a jacket or sweater: Indoor car museums are typically kept at low temperatures to protect the cars… which can seem a bit chilly to us humans!
Florida’s car museums showcase the art, history, and excitement of the automotive world. With options from classic collections to movie memorabilia, these attractions are sure to rev up your next Florida adventure!
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