Florida which is Spanish for "land of flowers" is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. The state is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Straits of Florida and the sovereign state of Cuba. Florida is the 22nd most extensive, the 3rd most populous, and the 8th most densely populated of the United States. Jacksonville is the most populous city in Florida, and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. The Miami metropolitan area is the eighth-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Tallahassee is the state capital.
A peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida, it has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, approximately 1,350 miles (2,170 km), and is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Much of the state is at or near sea level and is characterized by sedimentary soil. The climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south. The American alligator, American crocodile, Florida panther, and manatee can be found in the Everglades National Park.
Since the first European contact was made in 1513 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León – who named it La Florida ([la floˈɾiða] "land of flowers") upon landing there in the Easter season, Pascua Florida – Florida was a challenge for the European colonial powers before it gained statehood in the United States in 1845. It was a principal location of the Seminole Wars against the Native Americans, and racial segregation after the American Civil War.
Today, Florida is distinctive for its large Cuban expatriate community and high population growth, as well as for its increasing environmental issues. The state's economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture, and transportation, which developed in the late 19th century. Florida is also renown for amusement parks, orange crops, the Kennedy Space Center, and as a popular destination for retirees.
Florida culture is a reflection of influences and multiple inheritance; Native American, European American, Hispanic, and African American heritages can be found in the architecture and cuisine. Florida has attracted many writers such as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, and continues to attract celebrities and athletes. It is internationally known for golf, tennis, auto racing and water sports.
Florida's hottest attraction, and not just for kids and families any more, is Walt Disney World in Orlando. The magic of Disney has not worn off over the decades as millions of visitors flock here each year to enjoy the Magic Kingdom and the many other attractions of this mega amusement park.
Official site: disneyworld.disney.go.com
Universal Studios in Orlando is often much more than what most people are expecting. This huge theme park and working film and TV production studio offers all kinds of rides and experiences based on well known movies and shows. There are rides to entertain all ages. In addition there are hotels, restaurants, excellent shows, live music and more.
Official site: Universal Orlando
The Everglades National Park is the second largest in the country after Yellowstone and the largest subtropical wilderness in the continental U.S. It is a 1.5 million-acre tract of marshy land and swamp and an important and fragile ecosystem that supports alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, deer, turtles, egrets, manatees, river otters and many other species.
The whole area is composed of a wide, shallow river that flows from Lake Okeechobee to the Bay of Florida. The bottom of this river is porous limestone over top of a bedrock base called the Tamiami Formation. It catches rainfall and acts as southern Florida's main water reservoir.
The park was created in 1947 after environmentalists finally convinced the government that the Everglades were vitally important to the balance of nature.
Official site: http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm
The Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Station, located near Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Coast, is a 140,000 acre complex which has been the site of many space shuttle launches. Visitors can take a bus tour to see this large facility and explore the displays at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Official site: www.kennedyspacecenter.com
The Daytona 500 Nascar race is one of the most famous and considered the most important in the Cup series, kicking off the racing season in February. It is held in Daytona Beach at the Daytona International Speedway where it draws huge crowds every year. The Speedway was built in 1959 to move auto racing off the beach. Previously, races and land-speed competitions were held on the hard-packed sand of Daytona Beach.
Official site: www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Much like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando has long been an important part of family vacations to Florida. This huge amusement park features to dolphin and whale shows, opportunities to experience close up encounters with marine life and see a wide variety of species in the various tanks, and also offers thrill rides for all ages.
Official site: seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando
Busch Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in the Tampa area. This African theme park allows visitors to go on safaris and see all kinds of exotic animals as they roam through natural environments. Rides and other amusements are also a big part of the experience.
Official site: buschgardens.com
Miami Beach, including both the town and the actual beach, is the main attraction for most tourists heading to Miami. Located on an island connected to the mainland by bridges, Miami Beach features an historic Art Deco District and a wide swath of sand stretching along the oceanfront. The Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive contain hotels and restaurants with nice views over the beach.
The beautiful reef islands that make up Dry Tortugas National Park are not accessible by car. Most people visit as a day trip from Key West. The Park is home to Fort Jefferson, an impressive complex built by the US Government in the 1800s. Visitors can tour the fort and then spend some time on the beaches, snorkeling, or enjoying a picnic.
Official site: www.nps.gov/drto
Known for being one of the oldest settlements in Florida, St Augustine's historical sites and beautiful old architecture definitely make it worth a visit. At the top of the list of things to see is the late 19th century Flagler College, one of the most photographed buildings in the city. It was originally built as a hotel by railroad magnate Henry Flagler. Also not to be missed is the Castillo de San Marcos, famous for being the "oldest masonry fort in North America," according to the National Parks Service. Built in the 17th century, it is remarkably well preserved and an impressive site, even for those with little interest in history. The view over the coast is also quite spectacular.
The Salvador Dali Museum in St Petersburg is housed in a unique modern building designed to match the creativity of the artist himself. Curving glass appears to envelope the otherwise box-like structure, giving the building a very striking appearance. Inside, the museum showcases pieces from throughout Dali's career, providing a complete overview of his development as an artist. Even those with little knowledge of art will find this museum interesting and thought provoking.
Address: One Dali Blvd, St Petersburg
Official site: thedali.org
