Florida

Gliding over the Everglades on an airboat tour

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Ready to play on the soft, white sands of Clearwater Beach

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The Cheetah Hunt rollercoaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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Floating over forests and lakes on a hot air balloon ride near Davenport

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Summer fun on the Wacissa River

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Making a splash at the Reunion Resort Water Park

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Classic cars and art deco architecture in Miami Beach

Patrick Farrell

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A perfect Florida beach day, floating in the surf on a flamingo raft

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Spying marine life in the coral reefs of Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park

Patrick Farrell

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Major Airports:

Miami (MIA)

Orlando (MCO)

Tampa (TPA)
Nickname:

The Sunshine State

Home to beaches, theme parks and plenty of surprises

Florida is often synonymous with Mickey Mouse and sugary sand beaches. A year-round destination, it provides the perfect outlet for folks seeking an escape from wintry chills or simply a relaxed family-friendly outing. But the true beauty of Florida is that it can open your eyes to unexpected delights – whether you’re a beach bum, adrenaline junkie, nature lover or history buff. Swim with the manatees, see a rocket launch or reach the southernmost point of the continental USA – it’s all possible (and recommended) in the Sunshine State.

Florida Travel: Explore Florida in 60 Seconds

Beach Vibes and Thrill Rides

Sandy shores and balmy breezes would draw anyone to Florida in a heartbeat, especially when you add magical sunsets and sunrises, depending on your coast of choice. Your lounging options are nearly endless – from the golden sands and vibrant blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean beaches to the soft, white powder and teal hues of the Gulf of Mexico shores. The Florida Keys beckons with its own blend of tropical scenery and laid-back locales. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that driving through the Keys – often surrounded by water views – is one of the most scenic road trips in the USA.

From the beach, many itineraries lead to the center of the state, where you can increase the thrill level at some of the world’s most famous theme parks. Explore the immersive worlds of your favorite movies and shows, fly through the air on rollercoasters, zip down waterslides and meet new friends, both favorite characters and amazing animals.

History and Innovation

Florida was once the realm of conquistadors and explorers. The humbling forts and brick-lined streets of Pensacola and St. Augustine offer rich glimpses into the state’s colonial history. Then, there’s Amelia Island, the Isle of Eight Flags, so-called for its long history of changing hands. Today, this laid-back escape has been carefully preserved to retain its historic charm. Don’t forget to grab a beer at Palace Saloon – Florida’s oldest continuously operating bar. For more modern history, spend a day at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can explore the history of space travel or even time your visit with a rocket launch.

More to Discover

Traveling off the beaten path comes naturally here. Take an airboat ride or kayak across the wild waters of the Everglades, and hear the stories of the Seminole Indians at Big Cypress Reservation. Ride bicycles along a wide, beachfront promenade or down a rail-trail lined by ancient oaks and Spanish moss. For epic views, there’s lighthouses to climb, but also rooftop bars to relish. Florida’s cities blend sophistication with a warm welcome. Browse world-class art museums, catch a concert or just stroll the streets posing with the murals that catch your eye. Stop for a bite at restaurants, both casual and upscale, celebrating local seafood, fresh produce and international flavors.

Florida Travel: Explore Florida in 60 Seconds

Contact the Travel Trade Team

We inspire tourists to visit and work with the travel industry to promote this destination worldwide.

For general inquiries and travel information:

Send email

Phone:

850-583-5666

Web:

http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/travel-professionals.html

Fun Fact

Early explorers of Florida claimed to have seen mermaids; what they actually saw were the docile manatees who thrive in Florida’s waters.

Exploring a citrus grove in Clermont, Florida

The Citrus State? Florida is second only to Brazil in global orange juice production and remains the world’s leading producer of grapefruit. Florida also produces more than 70 percent of the USA’s supply of citrus.

Touring Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna is the only place in Florida where visitors can tour air-filled caves. The underground limestone formations are more than 30 million years old.

Photo: Dorothy Thames

Must see places

The Everglades

The “river of grass” flows from Central Florida all the way down to the Florida Keys and encompasses numerous parks and preserves, including Everglades National Park. Take in the wildlife on an airboat tour, slip through the mangroves by kayak or walk one of many trails leading you right through this unique habitat.

The Dali Museum

View the ultimate Surrealist’s masterworks at this St. Petersburg museum, which houses the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s paintings and sculptures outside of Europe and is constantly updating its exhibits.

Manatees swimming in Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River, Florida

Crystal River Manatee Tours

In this city ringing Kings Bay, 50 springs contain more manatees than you can count. This is the only place where you can take a snorkeling tour to swim with them.

Daron Dean

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Explore the oldest masonry fort in the continental USA, which dates back to the 1600s. A prominent feature on the downtown St. Augustine waterfront, the majestic fortress used to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New World. Today, visitors can check out exhibits, attend interpretive programs or just stroll the tranquil grounds.

Christ of the Deep Statue

One of the most popular diving and snorkeling destinations in the Florida Keys, this underwater statue off the coast of Key Largo draws visitors from across the globe. But it’s not just the massive bronze sculpture that captures attention; the multi-colored fish and coral that call the surrounding area home are also major draws.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Located at Cape Canaveral, this park and museum complex tells the story of human space exploration, past, present and future. Meet an astronaut, experience myriad exhibits and marvel at actual spacecraft – all just one hour from Orlando.

Walt Disney World

This sprawling theme park and resort destination includes Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, two water parks, an entertainment district and themed resorts, so get your Magic Band all-access wristband device and start park hopping.

SeaWorld Orlando

See sea life like never before at this park, which features rides, shows, exhibits and learning attractions for the marine-minded.

Universal Orlando Resort

From jaw-dropping thrills to unforgettable dining,The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Universal Orlando Resort offers three theme parks, six on-site hotels and the entertainment complex CityWalk.

Wynwood Walls

These days, a trip to lively Miami isn’t complete without a stop in the Wynwood District. One of the city’s most happening districts houses a funky art scene with an outdoor, always-changing mural museum. Hip restaurants, craft breweries and inspired galleries pepper the area as well.