Built in 1890 as the headquarters for the U.S. naval command, the Harry S. Truman Little White House (111 Front St., 305/294-9911, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, $15 adults, $13 seniors, $5 children, children under 5 free) gained its place in history as Truman’s favorite place to rest and rejuvenate.
Truman took 11 working vacations here between 1948 and 1953, during which several momentous decisions were made, ranging from the creation of the Department of Defense to the recognition of the state of Israel.
Truman’s successors must have thought he was on to something, as it was also used by Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton; other notable guests have included Thomas Edison, Colin Powell, and King Hussein of Jordan. Informative and enjoyable tours of the house, the grounds, and the botanical garden are given every 20 minutes.