Florida

Information and Tourism



Florida flagThink of Florida and your mind may immediately turn to manatees, alligator-infested swamps, awesome beaches and friendly performing dolphins. It may on the other hand conjure up visions of theme parks, Mickey Mouse and Miami Beach. Everyone has a different vision of this state, perched on a peninsula in the Deep South of the US, probably because it has so many different sides to its character.

The first European to wade ashore the Florida coast was a Spaniard known as Ponce de León. He named the area 'la Florida', apparently in honor of the Spanish Easter celebrations of 'Pascua Florida'. After many hundreds of years of English and Spanish rule, this became the 27th US state in 1845,

Tourism has played a huge part in Florida life since the 1920s, when there was a flurry of land development in the state. Since then, it is also become popular as a place to move to when you retire. The Port of Miami is known as the 'Cruise Capital of the World', and can take some of the biggest boats on the world's oceans today.

Florida's unusual landscape has served as an inspiration for many writers over the years, including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. It is also a haven for sports lovers, with lush golf courses and tennis courts as standard.

Disney World is classed as the most-visited entertainment resort in the world, which is quite a feat. Developed by Walt Disney in the 1960s and first opened to the public in 1971, the original Magic Kingdom has seen many new additions to the site at Lake Buena Vista.

Florida's soil has been the taking-off point for every US human space flight since 1968, although the Kennedy Space Center, located on Merritt Island, lies unusually silent on that account at the moment. Currently, only unmanned rockets are leaving its famous launch pad.


Florida Information and Fast Facts




WORLD GUIDES TO FLORIDA
World Guide to Daytona Beach, FL, USA
Daytona Beach is perhaps the perfect Florida town, featuring a long coastline of golden beaches, which stretch for more than 20 miles / 32 km. Known for its world-famous motor sports, other attractions include a vibrant nightlife.
World Guide to Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
The popular spring break resort of Fort Lauderdale has recently completely reinvented itself, becoming an upbeat and more cosmopolitan destination for tourists, with impressive beaches, promenades and harbourfront cafes.
World Guide to Fort Myers, FL, USA
Fort Myers, in Florida, has recently become one of the areas' most up-and-coming cities and is straddled by the Caloosahatchee River. With many popular sandy beach strips, Fort Myers is located next to the Gulf of Mexico.
World Guide to Jacksonville, FL, USA
Jacksonville is situated in northeast Florida, in the great double loops of St. John's River. Standing next to the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville offers miles of beaches used throughout the year, a scenic riverwalk and a Skyway Monorail.
World Guide to Key West, FL, USA
Key West is a small island, with many regular cruise shops docking each day. Known for its striking sunsets and views, festivals and parades, Key West also contains some of Florida's best scuba diving, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.
World Guide to Kissimmee, FL, USA
Kissimmee stands on Lake Tohopekaliga, in the Osceola County area of Florida, around the Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. Closer to Disney World than Orlando, Kissimmee is well placed and features many places of interest.
World Guide to Miami, FL, USA
Miami in Florida is often referred to as the epicenter of 'cool' and is located on the south-east tip of Florida. Famous for many things, Miami is best known for its extremely sunny weather, golden beaches and lively Miami nightlife.
World Guide to Naples, FL, USA
Naples is one of Florida's most sophisticated cities and offers a range of tourism, together with miles of beaches and a number of nature preserves. One of the best ways to find out more about the area is onboard the Naples Trolley Tour.
World Guide to Orlando, FL, USA
Orlando, Florida (FL) is the world's theme-park capital, home to the famous tourist attraction Walt Disney World. Home to numerous state-of-the-art theme parks, attractions include Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and the Kennedy Space Center.
World Guide to Panama City, FL, USA
Panama City is a popular spot in Florida, with many spring break resorts and activities. Home to a number of magnificent beaches and an outstanding coastline, Panama City includes the popular St. Andrew's State Recreational Area.
World Guide to Pensacola, FL, USA
Pensacola, nicknamed the 'City of Five Flags', stands in the Escambia County region of Florida (FL). Dating back to the 1560s, Pensacola city contains untouched white-sandy beaches, sparkling gulf waters and magnificent sunsets.
World Guide to Sarasota, FL, USA
Sarasota, one of Florida's most affluent cities, was founded in the 1880s and stands next to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Popular tourist hotspots include Lido Key, Bird Key, St. Armand's Key, Siesta Key and nearby Tampa.
World Guide to Tallahassee, FL, USA
Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, is an appealing provincial city, with many mature trees. Home to the vast complex of Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee features a monumental New Capitol building.
World Guide to Tampa, FL, USA Florida's small city of Tampa is full of character. Situated on a major estuary halfway down the west coast of Florida, Tampa contains a busy port and lies across the bay from St. Petersburg, with numerous beach opportunities.

Map of Florida


Florida FL State Map