Florida – just the word itself sparks travel fever in many! And once you've been there, you're sure to return. When people think of Florida, they dream of sun, sand, sea, and palm trees… 330 days of sunshine, palm-lined roads, and plenty of water. Stunning sunsets, mangroves, and the tamed wilderness of the Everglades make every day in this tropical paradise an unforgettable experience.
Florida, a peninsula stretching from Georgia down to almost Cuba, fascinates with its scenic and cultural contrasts. The Sunshine State, full of life beneath the palms, lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of America / Gulf of Mexico and is the southernmost state in the USA.
Reports of fog and snow hardly disturb anyone lounging along the miles of white sandy beaches or by the thousands of pools. Florida’s landscape is as flat as the sea, with the highest point just under 150?m above sea level.
2,175 kilometers of coastline, swamp areas in the Everglades, around 30,000 freshwater lakes inland, pelicans on offshore islands, and colorful seashells are just a few examples of Florida’s natural diversity.
The Spaniards of the 16th century were already enchanted by the lush blooming splendor they found on this southeastern landmass. Enthusiastically, they named it “Florida” – the Land of Flowers. And to this day, visitors continue to agree.
Hardwood forests with hidden streams, home to so-called “mermaids” – the manatees, mysterious swamps like the Everglades, tropical-looking mangrove forests that serve as nurseries for many bird and marine species, and a dazzling underwater world around the Florida Keys – all this makes any nature lover’s heart skip a beat.
But those seeking sports, activity, or just fun are also in the right place. Nowhere else in the world has as many golf and tennis courses per square kilometer or such a wide variety of theme parks as Florida.
Walt Disney World with EPCOT Center, Disney/MGM Studios, Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Universal Studios – all attract over 40 million visitors each year.
Another highlight: the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. With a bit of luck, you might even witness a Space Shuttle launch – an unforgettable experience.
Besides nature, entertainment, and shows, Florida also offers historical and cultural highlights:
Let’s not forget the breathtaking, shell-covered beaches where you can swim year-round. Names like Amelia Island, Sanibel and Captiva Island, or Key Biscayne make any beach lover’s heart flutter.
It’s hard to put the subtle differences between the Gulf Coast regions into words. Don’t miss out – discover each place, beach, and island for yourself – from Everglades City to Sanibel Island – and you’ll be amazed by the variety.
And above all, the sun almost never stops shining.
Florida offers Wonders, World-Famous. Dream Beaches on Florida's Sunshine Coast features floridas.