Geography:
- Florida is the southernmost state in the contiguous United States.
- The state of Florida has the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, stretching over 1,300 miles.
- Florida is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
- The highest point in Florida is Britton Hill, which is only 345 feet above sea level.
- The Everglades in Florida is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.
- Florida has over 30,000 lakes, including Lake Okeechobee, which is the largest freshwater lake in the state.
- The Florida Keys is a chain of islands that stretches over 120 miles off the southern coast of Florida.
History:
- Florida was discovered by the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513.
- St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the United States, founded in 1565.
- Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821 and a state in 1845.
- During the Civil War, Florida was a Confederate state.
- In 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth, and his flight launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Culture:
- The official state flower of Florida is the orange blossom.
- Florida is known as the “Sunshine State” because of its warm, sunny weather.
- Key lime pie, a dessert made with key lime juice, condensed milk, and graham cracker crust, is the official state pie of Florida.
- Florida is the largest producer of oranges in the United States.
- Florida is also the largest producer of tomatoes, watermelons, and sugarcane in the United States.
- Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida, is the most visited vacation resort in the world.
- The Miami Marlins and the Tampa Bay Rays are Major League Baseball teams located in Florida.
- The Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic are National Basketball Association teams located in Florida.
- Florida is home to the Daytona 500, one of the most famous NASCAR races in the world.
- Florida is also home to the Players Championship, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world.
- The University of Florida, located in Gainesville, has won multiple national championships in football, basketball, and baseball.
Nature:
- Florida is home to the American alligator, which can be found in swamps, marshes, and rivers throughout the state.
- Florida is also home to the manatee, a large marine mammal that can be found in shallow, warm waters.
- The Florida panther, a subspecies of the cougar, is a critically endangered species that can only be found in southern Florida.
- The Loggerhead sea turtle, a species of sea turtle, nests on the beaches of Florida each year.
- The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.
- The state of Florida has more than 200 state parks and 9 national parks, including the Everglades National Park.
- The Florida Trail is a 1,300-mile hiking trail that stretches from the panhandle of Florida to the southern tip of the state.
- The Ichetucknee Springs State Park is home to a crystal-clear river that is popular for swimming, tubing, and snorkeling.
Cities:
- Miami: Known for its beaches, nightlife, and Latin American culture, Miami is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
- Orlando: Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, Orlando is a favorite destination for families and theme park enthusiasts.
- Tampa: Known for its museums, historic neighborhoods, and outdoor activities, Tampa is a great destination for those looking for a mix of city life and nature.
- Jacksonville: Located on the northeast coast of Florida, Jacksonville is the largest city in the state and offers a variety of cultural and outdoor activities.
- St. Augustine: Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the United States and offers visitors a glimpse into Florida’s colonial history.
- Key West: Located at the southernmost point of the United States, Key West is known for its laid-back island vibe, colorful architecture, and stunning sunsets.
- Sarasota: With its beautiful beaches, arts and culture scene, and outdoor activities, Sarasota is a great destination for those looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Attractions:
- Walt Disney World: With four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous hotels and resorts, Walt Disney World is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
- Universal Studios: Home to popular attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios is a must-visit destination for movie and theme park enthusiasts.
- South Beach: Located in Miami Beach, South Beach is known for its stunning Art Deco architecture, white sand beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
- Kennedy Space Center: Located on Florida’s Space Coast, the Kennedy Space Center is a popular attraction for those interested in space exploration and history.
- Everglades National Park: The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and offers visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and manatees.
- Busch Gardens: Located in Tampa, Busch Gardens is a theme park and zoo that offers a variety of roller coasters, animal exhibits, and live shows.
- Salvador Dali Museum: Located in St. Petersburg, the Salvador Dali Museum is home to the largest collection of Dali’s work outside of Europe.
- Clearwater Beach: With its white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and picturesque sunsets, Clearwater Beach is a popular destination for those looking to relax and soak up the sun.
- Miami Design District: Known for its high-end fashion boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, the Miami Design District is a must-visit destination for those interested in fashion and design.
- Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: Located in Key West, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is home to over 50 species of butterflies, as well as birds, turtles, and other wildlife.