Land of Many Firsts
St. Augustine was founded in 1565 and is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement within the borders of the continental United States.
World’s Most Famous Beach
Daytona Beach brands itself as the “World’s Most Famous Beach,” a reputation that began in the early 1900s when pioneers tested their automobiles on the hard-packed sand, leading up to the establishment of NASCAR.
The Sunshine State and Oranges
Florida produces more oranges than any other U.S. state and is second in the world only to Brazil. In fact, the majority of the country’s orange juice comes from Florida oranges.
Home to the Longest River Sailboat Race
The Annual Mug Race, which runs 42 miles from Palatka to Jacksonville along the St. Johns River, is recognized as the longest river sailboat race in the world.
Gateway to Space Exploration
Florida’s Cape Canaveral has been the launch site for various historic space missions. The Kennedy Space Center, located here, serves as a major tourist attraction and operational hub for NASA.
More Than Just Beaches – Springs Galore!
Florida is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of springs. Manatee Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Silver Springs are just a few that showcase the state’s diverse underwater ecosystems.
A Collection of Unique Islands
The Florida Keys, located off the southern coast of Florida, offers an island paradise. Key West, the southernmost point in the contiguous U.S., lies just 90 miles from Cuba.
The Everglades is One-of-a-Kind
Florida’s Everglades is the only ecosystem of its kind in the world. This tropical wetland covers about 1.5 million acres and is especially known for its alligator population.
Walt Disney World Resort is More Than a Theme Park
Covering approximately 25,000 acres, it’s roughly the size of San Francisco! Disney World includes various theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
A Magnet for Lightning
Central Florida, particularly around the Tampa Bay area, is often referred to as the “Lightning Capital of the U.S.” due to its high concentration of lightning strikes.
From its captivating history to its natural wonders and world-renowned attractions, Florida presents a mix of diverse cultures, ecosystems, and innovations.
