Explore the Sunshine State - Top Must-See Attractions in Florida
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Travel Notes: North America - United States - Florida Travel Notes.
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Florida Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes
Discover the best of Florida, from the magical world of Disney to the stunning beaches of Miami and Dry Tortugas National Park, just 70 miles from Key West.
About Florida
Florida is a popular travel destination due to its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and other tourist attractions.
There are a number of interesting sights throughout the state, including the Kennedy Space Center, museums, and national monuments.
States neighbouring Florida: Alabama and Georgia.
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Mapping Florida
Map of Florida
Florida is bordered by Georgia to the north, Alabama to the north-west, the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
The state capital is Tallahassee, but the largest city in Florida is Jacksonville, and the most populous metropolitan area is Miami.
County Map of Florida
Colourful map of Florida showing the location of all 67 counties.
Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun Count, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Miami-Dade, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton and Washington.
Florida Overview
Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States.
Brief History
Florida has a rich history, including Spanish colonization, Native American settlements, and involvement in both the Civil War and the Space Race.
In 1513, Juan Ponce de Leon came to the Sunshine State in search of the mythical fountain of youth, and named it Florida.
Sometimes it seems that everyone in America over the age of sixty is searching for that fountain too.
Ponce de Leon thought that he had discovered a large island, when in fact it is a narrow peninsular pointing a finger at Cuba.
Go to Key West and bold painted letters tell you just how close you are to Castro's Island.
It wasn't until 1565 that Spanish forces returned, under Pedro Menendez de Aviles, to oust the French Huguenots and found St. Augustine; the oldest permanent European settlement in the United States.
Europeans
It is disrespectful of Europeans to think that they found America when the Timucua, Apalachee, Calusa, and the stronger Seminole peoples were already there.
Florida changed hands again after the Seven Years' War in 1763, when Great Britain took control of the territory until after the War of Independence (1775-1783).
The Americans, the Spaniards, and the British would all continue to squabble over the glorified swamp. What must the Seminoles have thought?
Now it appears to be in the hands of Latin Americans and Disney.
Don't get me wrong, we love Little Havana, but we're grateful that we have no children crying out for fun with Mickey.
Apart from the popcorn culture of the theme-parks, and the half-naked bodies on Miami Beach, there are some other places of interest.
Florida Attractions
Florida is known for its warm weather and beautiful beaches, making it a popular tourist destination.
Some of the most famous attractions in Florida include Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and the Kennedy Space Center.
Florida Sports
For sports fans who prefer to watch, the Orange Bowl, in Miami, hosts a major end of season college football game, and the Daytona 500 is held at Daytona Beach every February.
The Hard Rock Stadium is home to the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami, the Miami Open and many global events.
Population
The state has a diverse population with a mix of different cultures and ethnicities.
Florida is also popular destination for retirees.
Spanish Landmarks
The Castillo de San Marcos, at St Augustine dates from the 1670's and is the oldest masonry fortress of the continental United States.
Variety is The Spice of Life
Florida's economy is based on a variety of industries, including agriculture, aerospace, and tourism.
Florida is home to many famous cities, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, each with its own unique culture and attractions.
The state is also known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Everglades National Park and numerous state parks.
Wildlife
The state is also known for its unique wildlife, such as alligators and manatees.
Visitor Attractions
Fort Matanzas National Monument near St Augustine; the historic district at Pensacola; and the De Soto National Memorial near Bradenton.
Tallahassee, Florida
Map of Tallahassee, Florida
Tallahassee is the capital of Florida and serves as the county seat of Leon County.
Derived from a Creek word meaning 'old town' or 'abandoned field', Tallahassee has a lively college town atmosphere.
In 1824, Tallahassee was chosen for its central location between St. Augustine and Pensacola; the two competing cities for the title at the time.
Government
As the capital of Florida, Tallahassee is home to significant government buildings, including the Florida State Capitol, the Supreme Court of Florida, and the Florida Governor's Mansion.
The city also hosts nearly 30 state agency headquarters and is recognised for its numerous law firms and lobbying organisations.
My Florida is the official page for the Sunshine State Government.
Recreation and Culture
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nearby parks and trails.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park are both within a short drive of Tallahassee.
Tallahassee also has a lively local scene with plenty of dining options, events, and college football.
Florida Tourism
Florida is a popular tourist destination thanks to its warm weather, beautiful beaches, theme parks, and outdoor recreational activities.
Visit Florida
The mission of Florida's official tourism marketing corporation for the state of Florida, USA. is to promote Florida as a top travel destination for visitors from around the world.
Visit Florida provides a variety of resources for travellers, including travel guides, trip planning tools, and information on events and attractions throughout the state of Florida.
The organization also works with tourism partners to promote travel to Florida and supports the state's tourism industry.
Planning a Visit to Florida
Florida is a beautiful state with lots of attractions and activities to offer visitors.
Choose Your Travel Dates
Florida can be quite busy during peak travel season, which is typically from December to April.
If you can be flexible, consider visiting during the shoulder season (May to June or September to November) when the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower.
Decide on Your Destinations
Florida has several popular destinations, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and the Florida Keys.
Consider which activities interest you and what areas of the state you wish to visit.
Pack Appropriately
Florida's weather can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months.
Be sure to pack comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Plan Your Activities
Florida has many attractions and activities to choose from, including theme parks, beaches, museums, and outdoor recreation.
Make a list of what you want to do and research ticket prices and hours of operation.
Rent a Car
Florida is a big state and having a car will give you the flexibility to explore different areas.
You can rent a car from the airport or from a rental car company.
Reserve Your Accommodations
Florida has a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds.
Look for accommodations that fit your budget and preferences.
Around Florida
With many lakes and a very long coastline, Florida is an excellent spot for fishing.
Many head to the Keys to hire a boat and go deep-sea fishing, Hemingway style.
Florida Travel Tips
Don't be surprised if you fly into Miami International and find the fares are really high.
Before booking an airline ticket to South Florida for a cruise or a hotel in Miami consider flying into Ft. Lauderdale International Airport and benefit from its lower airport fees and taxes.
Visiting Florida
Visiting Florida can be cost effective even at times when the weather is nice.
There are now two main seasons in Florida.
The main expensive tourist season is January, February, March and April; where people are primarily those who are either semi-retired or those who visit as a travel destination for a second home.
Many of these people stay for periods of a month to three months, which escalates the price of accommodations that are available at other times for a lesser price.
The second main season is during the Summer, when families and those wanting shorter periods generally will stay for a week to three weeks on a vacation rental type basis.
The rates are generally affordable at this time, but be prepared for hot weather.
When to Visit
Great times to trave to Floridal, when there are vacancies and cost effective prices during times when the weather is nice, can be the last part of December, the first few weeks of January, April and October.
Florida Excursions
Miami
Art Deco Hotels
Not all of the hotels are in the art deco style, but they are in the deco district of Miami Beach.
Miami Herald
The Miami Herald is dedicated to serving the diverse and growing South Florida region and its people as the community's most credible and dynamic source of news, information, and advertising solutions.
The newspaper has won 22 Pulitzer Prizes since its inception in 1903.
The Miami Herald also publishes Miami.com, an insider guide to Miami and South Florida entertainment.
The company's area of operations in Miami and South Florida make up a uniquely multicultural region with a large and diverse Hispanic population.
See El Nueuvo Herald.
Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport (MIA), located on 3,230 acres of land near downtown Miami, is operated by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and is the property of Miami-Dade County government.
Founded in 1928, MIA is America's busiest airport for international passengers and international freight, offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, and boasts a lineup of over 90 air carriers.
Where to Stay in Miami
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale's beaches are famous, but the sandy strip is only the start.
Driving in Fort Lauderdale
Navigating Fort Lauderdale is not too hard when you know that avenues, drives and highways run north to south, and boulevards, roads, and streets traverse them - east to west.
Visit Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a place where casual meets sophisticated. Where the experiences are as endless as the ocean and the pace is always carefree.
Take a glance at t Feel the caress of nature at Butterfly World or get your heart pounding with thoroughbred racing at Gulfstream Park.
Plan a spa day or a day cruise. And area museums invite you to explore acclaimed art, culture, science and history exhibits.
Don't forget to take advantage of LauderDeals for savings throughout your stay.
Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale
Daytona Beach
Enjoy twenty three miles of iconic white sand beaches in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Where to Stay in Daytona Beach
Hotels in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Orlando
Orlando is a stunning combination of untouched ecosystem and artifice, where Disney's Animal Kingdom houses a gigantic man-made Banyan tree and, less than an hour away, Big Tree park is home to the oldest tree in Central Florida.
Orlando Travel Tips
Orlando's busiest times are during the school holidays - Easter, Summer and Christmas - so if you are on a tight budget try to keep away from Orlando around these dates. The whole experience is best when the crowds are at their lowest and the temperature is suitable for you.
Ripley's Believe It or Not
In December 1922, Robert Ripley embarked on his first around the world trip and returned on April 7, 1923. He published his travel journal in installment form.
Robert Ripley continued to explor the uncanny and amazing mysteries of the world in search of the unbelievable and inexplicable.
The Orlando Odditorium is one of many Ripley's Believe It or Not museums world-wide, located at 8201 International Drive.
Where to Stay in Orlando
Tampa
Unlock Tampa Bay, the heart of Florida's Gulf coast. Discover active adventures, sky-high coasters, exotic wildlife, and authentic culture and cuisine… and enjoy it all at a relaxing pace.
Where to Stay in Tampa
Florida Keys
Diving Florida Keys
The 125-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to the continental United States' only living-coral barrier reef.
This teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles offshore and offers Florida Keys scuba diving vacation memories that last a lifetime.
Experienced scuba divers can explore two purposely sunk Coast Guard Cutters that serve as artificial reefs.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is a unique eco-attraction located in the Gulf of Mexico, at the end of the Florida Keys island chain, approximately 70 miles west of Key West.
Travel Tip - Caught in a Rip Tide
If you're caught in a rip tide while swimming in the ocean, do not fight the current. Swim parallel to the shore and soon you'll swim out of the rip tide.
Do not try to swim towards shore and do not let the tide carry you out.
Florida Maps and Travel Guides
Florida Travel Guides - Florida Maps.
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