Ways To Learn About Presidential And American History on President's Day In South Florida

Presidents Day, observed on the third Monday in February, is a holiday that honors George Washington's birthday, the first president of the United States. Officially titled Washington's Birthday, the holiday also honors Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is also in February, as well as other past U.S. presidents. Though Presidents Day is well known as a great day for discount sales, if you want to celebrate with your family in a more traditional way and possibly learn a little bit about history at the same time, there are many places in South Florida to check out.

HistoryMiami

101 W. Flagler St.
Miami, FL 33130
(305) 375-1492
www.historymiami.org

Formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, learn about South Florida and Caribbean history at HistoryMiami. The permanent exhibit, "Tropical Dreams: A People's History of South Florida," examines the Miami area from prehistoric times to the present. Also on exhibit is "Teen Miami," a look at teen culture and history in Miami including teens in WWII and the Vietnam War, teen garage bands, R&B of 1960s, fashion statements and much more.

Related: Top Ten Books Written By Our Presidents

Washington's Birthday Regatta

Barnacle Historic State Park
3485 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(305) 442-6866
www.woodenboat.com

Date: Feb, 23, 2013

The Barnacle Society sponsors an annual regatta on February 23 to commemorate the first regatta held in 1887 on Biscayne Bay. Bring your family to the bay and let them experience the fun and history of the celebration. Visit the house built by Commodore Ralph Munroe, Miami-Dade County's oldest house, completed in 1891 and still standing in its original location. Miami is home to numerous sites recognized on the list of National Historic Landmarks. If you haven't seen them, what better time to delve into Miami's history?

Related: Best Historical Tours Of South Florida

The Ancient Spanish Monastery

16711 W. Dixie Highway
North Miami Beach, FL 33160
(305) 945-1461
www.spanishmonastery.com

Discover a unique sight in Miami - the oldest building in the western hemisphere. The Ancient Spanish Monastery was originally started in Segovia, Spain, in 1133 and finished in 1141. For over 700 years, the monastery was occupied my Cisterian monks. William Randolph Hearst then purchased both the Cloisters and the outbuildings in 1925. The buildings were dismantled brick by brick and brought to the United States. The crates stayed in a warehouse in Brooklyn for over 25 years. In 1952, two entrepreneurs bought them. It took 19 months and nearly $20 million dollars to reassemble the stones at its current site in North Miami Beach. The beautiful workmanship and gardens will inspire all.

Venetian Pool

2701 de Soto Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 460-5306
www.coralgables.com

Being the largest freshwater pool in the U.S., The Venetian Pool has been a popular swimming spot for decades. Skip going to the beach and take your loved ones to this historic pool in a beautiful Venetian setting.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

3251 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 250-9133
www.vizcayamuseum.org

If you love "The Great Gatsby" and the opulence of the 1920s, then you must experience Vizcaya. Built as a winter vacation home for industrialist James Deering in 1916, see what it was like to be super-wealthy during the 1920's. The furnishings and art are incredible, and the gardens at Vizcaya are some of the most beautiful you will ever see.

Transplanted from Denver, Colorado to Orlando, Florida, Larraine Stacey spends much of her time traveling all over Florida and cruising the East Coast. A certified International tour guide and former travel agent, Larraine loves researching travel destinations and sharing travel tips with others. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.