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Ybor City Museum State Park: A Step Back in Time

Discover Tampa's cigar-making legacy and immigrant heritage at the Ybor City Museum State Park, housed in a historic bakery in the heart of Ybor City.

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Explore the rich cultural heritage of Tampa's historic Ybor City at this state park. Housed in the former Ferlita Bakery, the museum showcases the cigar industry and the immigrant communities that shaped the area from the 1880s through the 1930s. Wander through the ornamental garden and visit the restored cigar worker's casita for an immersive glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to Ybor City Museum State Park

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on cobblestone streets.
  • Allocate 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum and grounds.
  • Consider taking the TECO Line Streetcar to avoid parking hassles.
  • Check the museum's website for information on events like the annual Cigar Heritage Festival.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The TECO Line Streetcar provides free and convenient access to Ybor City. From downtown Tampa or the Channel District, take the streetcar to the Centro Ybor Station. From there, walk east on 8th Avenue, then turn right onto 19th Street. Walk one block south to 9th Avenue. The museum will be on your left. The streetcar operates every 15 minutes. The streetcar is free.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to the intersection of 9th Avenue and 19th Street in Ybor City. Limited 2-hour street parking is available, but fills up quickly. Paid parking is available in nearby city-operated lots (Ybor Lots 5 and 6) a block south of the museum. Parking costs $1 per hour. Payment is accepted at on-site pay stations or via the ParkMobile app. There are also parking garages and surface lots available.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available throughout Tampa. Simply request a ride to 1818 E 9th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605. Expect to pay around $7-$12 for a ride from downtown Tampa, depending on traffic.

  • Walking

    Ybor City is a pedestrian-friendly district. From Centro Ybor, walk east on 8th Avenue, then turn right onto 19th Street. Walk one block south to 9th Avenue. The museum will be on your left.

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Discover more about Ybor City Museum State Park

Ybor City Museum State Park is a captivating tribute to Tampa's vibrant past, located in the heart of the Ybor City National Historic Landmark District. The museum is housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery, originally known as La Joven Francesca, which was likely the earliest U.S. bakery to produce Cuban bread. Founded in 1896 by Francisco Ferlita, an immigrant with Cuban, Spanish, and Italian roots, the bakery supplied the Ybor City community with affordable bread, priced at just 3 to 5 cents a loaf. The museum's exhibits delve into the history of the cigar industry, which earned Ybor City the title of "Cigar Capital of the World". From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Italy, and other countries flocked to Ybor City, fueling the booming cigar trade. The museum highlights the social clubs, such as Centro Asturiano and El Círculo Cubano, that provided essential services and fostered a strong sense of community. Visitors can explore the restored cigar worker's casita (small home) and wander through the beautiful Mediterranean-style garden. The garden features a sculpture of Don Vicente Martinez Ybor, the founder of Ybor City. The original ovens from the Ferlita Bakery are still visible inside the museum, offering a tangible connection to the past. The museum also features exhibits, period photos, and a video that tell the story of Ybor City's founding and the cigar-making process. The Ybor City Museum Society also works to bring more historic homes to the block, helping the museum complex feel more like a traditional neighborhood from the bustling days of Ybor's past.

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