The far southern tip of Florida is known for astonishing houses. All along the coast you’ll find horizon-blotting sanctuaries to the rich and famous (well, rich at least), and it’s well worth a sightseeing cruise just to see them all. However, just a little bit up the eastern coast – and much closer to the Hilton Singer Island Resort – you’ll find a house even more spectacular: Whitehall, the Henry Flagler Museum.

The moment you see it – from the majestic white columns to the charming villa-style roof – you’ll know why this stunning 55-room mansion is more than just another house. Built by oilman, Rockefeller partner and Palm Beach founder Henry Flagler in 1900, the mansion is a marvel still to this day. Since being reestablished as a museum in 1960, Whitehall has been dutifully restored to its prosperous beginnings and seems today more magnificent than ever.

Visitors to the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Florida enjoy first and foremost the house itself. Simply walking the rooms enwraps each guest in a sense of wonderment. However, Whitehall today is also a working museum featuring unique temporary art, textile and sculpture exhibits along with select pieces from Henry Flagler’s private collection. Temporary exhibits can also have a more historical bent, focused on what Mark Twain called America’s Gilded Age and also the history of Florida.

Opened in 2005 as the first architectural addition in 80 years, the adjacent Flagler Kenan Pavilion most notably houses Flagler’s private railway car. A must-see for any visit.

The Henry Flagler Museum is closed Mondays and some holidays. Guests are free to enjoy a self-guided tour, audio tour or even a docent-led tour (hosted twice daily). General adult admission is $18. Learn more.

Whitehall, the Henry Flagler Museum, is located only eight miles from Hilton Singer Island Resort. Get directions here.

Enjoy your time!