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State of Florida

In original: Florida
Capital: Tallahassee ( Tallahassee)
Joined the United States: March 3, 1845
Square: 155 thousand sq. km.
Population: 18.537 thousand people (2009)
Largest cities: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Saint Petersburg, Hialeah, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tallahassee, Hollywood.

The state of Florida is located in the southeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida is often called the "Peninsula State" because its main territory is located on a peninsula stretching towards the Atlantic, like the handle of a frying pan, which is attached to the mainland by a strip of land in the northwest of the state.

Florida joined the United States of America on March 3, 1845, becoming the 27th state. Since 1800, the many emigrants who have flocked to these lands have changed the history of Florida, transforming what was once the most wild and backward region of the country into the fastest growing state in the United States.

The name "La Florida", roughly meaning "Land of Flowers", was given to the peninsula by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon when he first visited the area in 1513. It seems that he chose this name because he was amazed by the magnificent abundance of different colors and shades of plants decorating the lands. And also because he landed on these shores on the eve of the Easter holiday, the name of which in Spanish is “Pascua Florida”.

The official nickname is the "Sunshine State" to reflect the economic importance of Florida's climate, which the state's citizens consider a "critical natural resource." Other popular nicknames include the Everglade State and the Orange State.

The Florida Peninsula, which occupies most of the state, stretches south to the southernmost point of the United States - Cape Sable - approximately 610 km and has an average width of about 200 km. In the south, the peninsula is surrounded by the Florida Keys, which stretch from Biscayne Bay to the Dry Tortugas and are separated from the mainland by Florida Bay.

Occupies a large area in the south of the state Everglades- an area of ​​extensive swamps. This area was formed thousands of years ago when, after long, heavy rains, Lake Okeechobee overflowed its banks, and its waters reached the Florida and Gulf of Mexico.

The marshes begin a few kilometers north of Cape Sable on the state's southernmost border and extend north to Lake Okeechobee.

North of Lake Okeechobee lie rolling hills dotted with numerous lakes. The highest hills do not exceed 90 meters above sea level.

However, this area of ​​Florida is sometimes proudly called the Central Highlands or the Backbone of Florida. The rolling hills of northern Florida, densely covered with grass, were eventually cleared for groves of citrus plants. This area of ​​Florida is sometimes called the Land of the Lakes.

And on the Florida-Georgia border lies the vast "wild" uninhabited area of ​​the Okefenokee Swamp. After Alaska, Florida has the longest coastline in the United States. It stretches for 2,173 km. But if you measure it taking into account all the coastal depressions and islands, it will be 13,560 km.

In eastern Florida, on one of the "barrier islands" of the coast is Cape Canaveral. This island and part of neighboring Merritt Island are used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The western coast of Florida, washed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is indented by bays and bays that penetrate deep into the lands of the peninsula. The Mangrove Marshes, uninhabited islands and miles of deserted beaches stretch south of the town of Naples.

The many sandy barrier reef islands stretch from Fort Myers to Tarpon Springs. Island chains reappear off the west coast of Florida and further north, just west of Apalachee Bay and extending west to the borders of Alabama.

Hillsborough Bay, on the shores of which the city of Tampa lies, can be called one of the most beautiful harbors in the state. It is protected from the storm-open waters of the Gulf of Mexico by an extended line of alluvial sand islands and shoals.

Other West Coast harbors similarly protected from the winds by barrier islands and reefs are Pensacola Bay, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Charlotte Harbor.

Climate

Florida's climate has been called its most valuable and important "natural resource." Most of the peninsula has a humid subtropical climate, but southern Florida has an even hotter tropical climate.

It is the climate that annually attracts millions of tourists and new citizens to the state - those who love warmth and evergreen palm trees. But especially many visitors to the state come to Florida in winter.

In winter, southern Florida is one of the warmest places on the North American continent. Average January temperatures there are approximately 18° - 21°C.

Summer is the hot season in all areas of Florida. However, summer temperatures in the south of the state are no higher than in its northern cities because the weather in the southern regions of the state is influenced by ocean breezes. And while southern Florida is much closer to the tropics, it experiences far fewer extremely hot days than the northern part of the state.

Hurricanes often sweep over Florida with heavy rains that overwhelm rivers and lakes. Floods cause particularly severe damage to cities in southern Florida, where land lies near sea level.

However, modern construction techniques and accurate weather forecasting have helped reduce the amount of destruction caused by hurricanes. But this does not mean that there are fewer risky situations: in August 1992, more than 40 people died during Hurricane Andrew, which swept through southeast Florida. The material damage caused by the hurricane was estimated at more than $20 billion. In the city of Homestead, near Miami, 90% of city buildings were damaged.

Typically, Florida's rainy season runs from late July to early November. And most often hurricanes hit the state in September.

Economy

Florida is the leading US state for citrus production. Each year, two-thirds of the country's harvest comes from citrus fruits harvested from Florida groves. These are mainly oranges and grapefruits.

Only once in the last 100 years has Florida's citrus crop been killed by a cold snap. This happened in the late 80s. Farmers whose farms were located north of the cities of Lakeland and Orlando had to abandon citrus production.

In the past, when frosted fruit arrived on the market, citrus prices plummeted and farmers went bankrupt. Now, the Florida Citrus Commission's strict market controls help keep prices steady even after cold winters.

The state's other important crop is tobacco, which grows primarily in northern Florida. Tobacco cultivation began in the late 1920s. 20th century, after hordes of rodents attacked Florida cotton plantations and destroyed most of the crop. The city of Live Oak is considered the market center for tobacco growing in Florida.

In addition to citrus fruits and tobacco, heat-loving sugar cane is grown in quantities in southern Florida. The town of Clewiston, on the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee, is the center of Florida's sugarcane cultivation. Production of this crop was expanded after the events of 1961, when, after the Cuban revolution, the United States stopped importing sugar cane from the island.

Florida is one of the largest suppliers of fish to the country's markets.

The state's main fishing ports: on the Gulf Coast are Pensacola and Apalachicola. And on the Atlantic coast are the cities of Fernandina Beach and New Smyrna Beach.

And, of course, the islands of Key West. The pink shrimp, which is considered one of the most valuable gifts of the South Seas, is caught here; its habitats stretch from Tampa to the barrier islands.

In addition to shrimp, Florida fishermen supply various types of fish to the country's markets, including Spanish mackerel, black mullet, as well as clams, lobsters, and crabs. Oysters are farmed in Appalachicola Bay.

Sport fishing is very popular in the state. It can be considered an important part of Florida's tourism industry and a good source of revenue for the state.

45% of Florida is covered in forests.

Back in the old days, Florida's pine forests were the most important source of timber for the US Navy. But in the 19th century this source was exhausted - Florida's forests were almost cut down. However, citizens of the state planted new forests in place of old clearings, and in 1940 Florida sawmill production began to gain momentum again.

The tourism industry is the most important in Florida's economy and generates huge income for the state.

The most popular tourist centers in Florida are Miami, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, St. Petersburg, Panama City, Pensacola. As well as cities located in areas of national parks. It was the tourism industry that had the best influence on the development of industrial sectors of the state’s economy.

Population of Florida

Since 1920, Florida has become one of the four fastest growing states in America. From 1920 to 1990, the population increased 13 times. According to the Florida Census in 2000, the state had a population of 15,982 thousand.

Of course, population density is uneven. Approximately 85% of the state's citizens live in areas of major cities and coastal resorts. The central and northwestern regions of the peninsula also have a significant number of Florida citizens engaged in agriculture living in agricultural areas. But large areas of southern Florida, including the Everglades region and the Gulf Coast islands, are virtually uninhabited.

In 1990, the percentage of Florida's population was: 83% white; 13.6% are black, 1.2% are Asian and only 0.3% are American Indian. Hispanics in Florida are mainly former Cubans and children of those who left the island due to the revolutionary events of the 50s. XX century.

Many of Florida's Native American Indians are descendants of the Seminole tribe, whose ancestors retreated to the Everdays swamps under white pressure after the Second Seminole War in 1842.

One group of Seminoles in the state now live on reservations in the swamps north and east of Lake Okeechobee. The other is on a reservation in the Big Cypress Swamp, which lies in the northwestern Everglades. In 1957, American Indians founded the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. and elected their first (since 1848) constitutional government.

Attractions

For many years, tourism has been the main source of income for the state. Initially, the southern state attracted tourists from the northeastern United States, who came to Florida for winter holidays. Now Florida resorts are open all year round to numerous tourists not only from the American states, but also from all over the world.

For travelers to Florida, the beautiful landscapes of Everglades National Park, located at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, and the amazing historical cities of Saint Augustine and Pensacola, both located in northern Florida, are attractive.

In 1996-997 There were 38 public and 96 private institutions of higher education in Florida. Of these, the oldest and most famous are Rollins College, founded in 1885 in the city of Winter Park; "Stetson University" (1883) which is located in De Land and "University of Miami" (1925) - in Coral Gables.

The Florida Museum of Natural Resources in Gainesville houses an interesting collection of Native American Indian art.

In the city of Saint Petersburg, there is the Salvador Dali Museum, which presents a large exhibition of works by the famous surrealist: his early paintings made in the styles of impressionism and cubism, as well as the later “classical” works of the master.

In Fort Myers there is a winter house - now a house museum - as well as the laboratory of the famous scientist and inventor Thomas Edison.

Marineland, located on the coast between the cities of St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, is the world's first oceanarium museum. There are also aquariums similar to Mariland in Miami, Islamorada, Titusville, Saint Petersburg Beach and near Fort Walton Beach.

And at the Saint Augustine Alligator Farm, the Saint Augustine Zoo has one of the world's largest zoological collections of alligators and crocodiles.

The famous National Aeronautics and Space Museum attracts tourists to Cape Canaverel. The center is named after John F. Kennedy. From here the United States launches spaceships and satellites into orbit.

From 1963 to 1973, the legendary Cape Canaverel, thanks to the space center, was known as Cape Kennedy. Not far from the Space Center is one of the American Air Force bases, Patrick Air Force Base. Of course, the famous space center attracted not only new citizens to these lands, but also tourists from all over the world.

Cities

City St. Augustine was named after the greatest Latin priest, one of the most prominent religious figures - Father Augustine (354-430), who was one of the first missionaries and theologians of Christianity.

St. Augustine was founded in 1565, 50 years before the first Pilgrims arrived in New England. This is the very first permanent settlement of Europeans in the United States. More about St. Augustine »

- one of the oldest cities in the southeastern United States, which was built on the shores of a beautiful bay, protected from the sea winds of the Gulf of Mexico by Santa Rosa Island. Scientists suggest that the name came from the language of the Native American Indians, in which "Pensacola" meant "long-haired people."

Now, after so many years, it is a large industrial center, whose enterprises produce not only textiles and building materials, but also nuclear reactors. In addition, Pensacola is home to a large military airfield for the US Air Force, which was built back in 1914. It is also home to the University of West Florida, built in 1963.

The city has an interesting historical past: from Spanish rule, Pensacola passed under the rule of the French and British. It was only in 1812 that the city was captured by US troops led by Andrew Jackson. More about Pensacola »

The most popular tourist destination is Orlando(Orlando) with its wonderful parks surrounding the city and numerous resort towns located along the coast of Florida.

To the south of Orlando, back in 1971, the world-famous fairy-tale attraction city with a giant amusement park was built: Walt Disney World. Since then, Disney World has expanded greatly to include the fabulous realms of Sea World and the Universal Studios pavilions, making Orlando one of the main tourist centers in Florida.

It is in the cities serving the state's tourists that the largest number of state citizens live.

The most populous city in Florida is considered to be Jacksonville, located in the north of the state; the largest metropolis should rightfully be called the metropolis of Miami, in the south of Florida. The capital is Tallahassee, located near the center of the state's northern border.

Jacksonville is a northeastern Florida city. It is named after Andrew Jackson, the first territorial governor of Florida, who later became the seventh President of the United States. Interesting fact: Jackson himself never visited the city named after him in his life.

Jacksonville is a leading financial center and capital of the insurance industry in Florida. In 1968, Jacksonville merged with the Duval area, thereby forming the largest metropolitan area in the United States, covering an area of ​​1,964.8 sq. km. This is one of the largest ports on the Atlantic Ocean. More about Jacksonville »

In the southeastern United States, near the southern tip of the Florida peninsula, there is a city. Miami's climate is tropical and temperate, with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters. On average, the annual air temperature in Miami is 24°C.

Located on the Atlantic coast, Miami grew very quickly as a resort area. However, since 1980, large manufacturing enterprises began to appear in Miami.

The city's economy is closely linked by cooperation with Latin American countries. Miami has a long history, being located in the area where the native American Indians of the Bay of Biscay originally lived. Today Miami is one of the largest cities in Florida, the most important financial and manufacturing center, as well as the capital of the industrial fishing industry of Florida.

There is a city not far from Miami Miami Beach(Miami Beach), it is located on a long narrow island and adjacent islets of the Florida Keys archipelago - between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay. The city was founded in 1915. Miami Beach is a world-famous year-round resort with many luxury oceanfront hotels, exotic nightclubs and extensive sandy beaches.

The island's once marshy lands, where the first colonists settled in 1870, were drained thanks to the enthusiasm of, among others, John S. Collins in 1907. During Florida's building boom between the 1920s and the end of World War II, these islands were rapidly populated and developed.

Causeway roads connect Miami Beach to the mainland.

Miami Beach is home to interesting art museums - the Bass Museum of Art and the Art Deco Historic District. In addition, the city has more than eight hundred architectural monuments-buildings built in the 20-30s. last century. Theological educational institutions such as Horeb Seminary and Talmudic College of Florida are located here.

Tallahassee Tallahassee, located in northern Florida in Leon County, is the state capital. In addition, Tallahassee is a major educational center, home to many educational institutions, including some of the oldest educational institutions in the United States - Florida State University, founded in 1887, and the Florida Agricultural and Medical University. Mechanical University), operating since 1887. This city is home to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, a state-of-the-art research institute.

Among the city's most interesting architectural monuments and museums are the Old State Capitol, built in 1845 and reconstructed in 1902 - now a museum; Florida History Museum, which houses the state archives, as well as archaeological and historical exhibitions.

In the vicinity of Tallahassee, archaeological excavations are underway at an ancient Indian ceremonial center, the appearance of which dates back to 1200-1500. As well as excavations by scientists in the area of ​​the archaeological site of St. Louis - the place where the Appalachian Indians lived in the 17th century.

Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto visited what is now Tallahassee in the winter of 1539–1540 and found an Appalachian Indian village there. Almost 100 years later, Franciscan monks founded 16 missions here.

After the United States officially purchased Florida from Spain in 1821, the Tallahassee site was chosen for the construction of the capital of the Florida Territory. The reason was the convenient location - in the middle between the cities in which the main population of these lands was concentrated: Saint Augustine and Pensacola.

The state legislature first met in Tallahassee in 1824. During the Civil War (1861-1865), the city remained the only Confederate capital city east of the Mississippi that was not captured by the Union Army. It got its name from the Indian - “old city” or “abandoned field”. More about Tallahassee »

Florida, or Sunshine State, is strongly associated with relaxation and entertainment,
Indeed, the coast of Florida along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico lasts as much as 1600 km, and the sun shines here 3000 hours a year!

Florida is the land of beaches, palm trees, surfing, year-round fruit, theme parks and a wide variety of entertainment.

Summer in Florida lasts all year round, with the only difference being that the average summer temperature in southern Florida is plus 28C, and in winter – plus 20C.

Florida beach east coast Florida photo okstudio.photo

Major parts of Florida

North Florida

the city of Tallahassee - the capital of the state of Florida and Pensacola, famous for the pilot base located here, the city of Jacksonville - once one of the largest and most popular resorts in Florida, the northern part of Florida also includes the city of St. Augustine, unique in its historical center, and the town of Greenfield in the middle of the huge.

Panama City Beach- one of the most famous beaches in Florida and the world is located on the Gulf Coast in northern Florida, 180 km from Tallahassee.

City of Jacksonville Florida photo okstudio.photo

Central Florida

The kingdom of theme parks and entertainment, here is located with a unique number of theme parks, the following park names do not need introduction: , , , and much, much more.

The central part of Florida includes the city of Daytona Beach on the Atlantic coast, famous for its beautiful sandy beaches, and on the Gulf Coast.

Amusement park Universal Studios Orlando Florida photo okstudio.photo

South Florida

Miami Beach Florida photo okstudio.photo

How to Travel in Florida How to Get to Florida

The most common way travel around Florida - car. The roads of Florida, like all roads in the United States, are comfortable and well equipped for traveling by car, because traveling by car is one of the favorite ways to travel around America.

With development railway communication The state has also made it possible to quickly and comfortably travel by train between the cities of Florida: Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, Daytona Beach, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Naples, Ford Myers, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lake City, Tallahassee and Pensacola.

Regular trains run from New York to Miami, stopping along the route in the cities of Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale.
View train routes in and to Florida at the official website of the Amtrak railway company tickets.amtrak.com.

If you are planning a trip to Florida from afar, of course you cannot do without air travel. The main major airports in Florida are located in Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Total There are more than 20 airports in Florida.

Orlando International Airport photo okstudio.photo

One of the largest intercity bus lines Florida Greyhound www.greyhound.com.

We must not forget that the state of Florida is surrounded by ocean on three sides, and of course, Florida's maritime connections are one of the most important transport networks. Florida is a state of cruise ports, with cruise ships sailing from here to Hawaii, the Canary Islands, along the East Coast to New York, to Europe and even longer routes.

What to see in Florida
Top Attractions and Activities in Florida

It is difficult to list the numerous entertainments in Florida; we will try to list here the main and most popular entertainments.

Islands of Adventure amusement park Orlando Florida photo okstudio.photo

The first place is certainly occupied by Disneyland Florida located in the city of Orlando, the largest Disneyland in the world, annually attracting more than 50,000,000 tourists. If we add the numerous guests of the thrilling amusement parks Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many others, also located in Orlando, we can safely call Orlando is the most visited and most touristic city in Florida..

In addition, the huge Marine Aquarium in Miami is also very popular.

Orlando is of constant interest to guests of all ages.

Gatorland Alligator Park Orlando Florida photo okstudio.photo

Florida's unique museums Ernest Hemingway House-Museum on Key West Island Florida Keys archipelago
And Salvador Dali Museum in downtown St. Petersburg, with its largest collection of Dali's works in America. Visiting is popular among guests Seminole and Miccosukee Indian Reservations.

The cable-stayed bridge across the bay is called a Wonder of the World - Sunshine Skyway Bridge- the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is 6.6 km long.

A 90-minute drive from the island of Key Largo, unique, is John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park / John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park- America's first underwater park. Here, at a depth of 6 meters, there is a bronze sculpture of Christ, 3 meters high and weighing 1.8 tons, a copy of the statue of the same name in the Mediterranean Sea near the city of Genoa, Italy.

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Florida(English) Florida (inf.), IPA [ˈflɒrɪdə], from Spanish. florida - « blooming") is a state in the southeastern United States with the capital in Tallahassee, located on a long peninsula of the same name between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, washed by the Strait of Florida to the south. It borders the states of Alabama and Georgia. It is the fourth most populous state in the United States (after California, Texas and New York).

Story

Spanish Florida

Before the arrival of Europeans in America, the peninsula was inhabited for thousands of years by the Timucua (disappeared in the 18th century), Calusa and Seminole Indians[ source not specified 2628 days]. The Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, who landed here in 1513, declared the region a possession of the Spanish crown and named it la tierra florida (“the flowering land”). The first city on the peninsula was San Augustine (now St. Augustine), founded in 1564. Under the Treaty of Paris, Britain exchanged Florida from the Spanish king for Havana, but ceded the peninsula to the Spaniards following the American War of Liberation.

In the 18th century The Creeks and Yemassee carried out devastating raids on Florida, the victims of which were mainly local Indian tribes, who completely disappeared (the remnants were resettled by the Spaniards in Cuba).

In 1819, Spain sold Florida to the United States. The agreement came into force on February 22. In 1845, Florida became the 27th US state.

Civil War

Geography

Location

Florida borders Alabama and Georgia to the north. Within the peninsula, the border follows the coastline, also including the Florida Keys in the south. Florida Bay is located between the peninsula and the Florida Keys archipelago. It is washed on the west by the Gulf of Mexico, on the south by the Strait of Florida and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean.

Most of the state of Florida is located on the peninsula of the same name between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the Straits of Florida. In summer the time zone is GMT-4, in winter GMT-5.

The highest natural point in the state, Britton Hill, at 105 m (105 m) (and the lowest of the highest points in all states), is located in the northern part of the state and does not belong to the Florida peninsula. The highest point on the peninsula is Sugarloaf Mountain. Most of the state's territory is lowland, only the northern part is hilly.

Geology

The Florida Peninsula is a plateau of karst limestones perched on top of a cliff known as the Florida Platform. The largest deposits of potassium salt in the United States are located in the state of Florida.

Extensive systems of underwater caves, sinkholes and springs are found throughout the state and supply much of the water used by local residents. The limestone is covered with sand that has accumulated on ancient beaches over millions of years, dating back to sea level rise. The last ice age was marked by a decrease in sea level and the development of a dry climate, due to which the peninsula's landmass increased. The geology of the peninsula became savannah type. The Everglades is extremely wide, with a slow-moving river spanning the southern edge of the peninsula. Sinkholes damaged a total of $2 billion in private property from 2006 to 2010.

Florida ranks last as the state with the fewest earthquakes in the United States. Earthquakes are rare because Florida does not lie near tectonic plate boundaries.

Attractions

Everglades National Park in south Florida is the largest protected park in the southeastern United States. The Everglades swamps occupy the tip of the Florida Peninsula, bounded on the west by the Gulf of Mexico and on the south by the Florida Keys.

A huge number of animals live here, including many alligators, and the American crocodile is less common. Hummingbirds and other birds live here.

The state of Florida is located on the peninsula of the same name, and it is the southeasternmost state of the United States. Another name for Florida is the “Sunshine State.” This is a popular winter destination, a land of oranges, beaches and world-famous theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios.

The western coast of Florida, washed by the Gulf of Mexico, stretches for 1000 km. The 660 km long east coast is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Each coast has its own specifics: the eastern coast is a paradise for surfing fans, the western coast is perfect for families, including those with small children.

Florida is divided into four regions. The first is the Florida Panhandle, home to the state capital and Pensacola, the famous military pilot base. North Florida is dominated by cosmopolitan and vibrant Jacksonville; The college town of Gainesville and historic St. Augustine are also of interest. Central Florida is the theme park capital of the world, home to, among others, the Kennedy Space Center, Cyprus Gardens, Daytona International Speedway and SeaWorld. And finally, South Florida is Miami and Palm Beach, the Everglades swamps and the beautiful Florida Keys.

The largest cities are Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville.

How to get there

Most travelers arrive in Florida by plane or car. The main airports are in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Miami, Orlando and Tampa. And the main operator operating bus routes to long-distance destinations is Greyhound.

Rail service is provided by Amtrak's Silver Meteor and Silver Star trains, which travel from New York to Miami, passing through Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

And since Florida is almost completely surrounded by ocean, it is also a major cruise ship port. Fort Lauderdale is considered the largest transatlantic harbor in the United States.

Search for flights to Miami (closest airport to Florida)

Weather in Florida

The local climate is considered one of the warmest and most favorable in the country, so vacationing in Florida is comfortable at any time of the year. The average temperature in winter is +18...+20 °C.

Surfing in South Florida

Florida Beaches

The best beaches in Florida are Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach and West Palm Beach.

With numerous hotels and white sand, Panama City Beach offers beach activities for everyone: swimming pools, parasailing, water skiing, boating, sailing. In 1995, the beach was ranked fifth among all beaches in the world, and in 2000 - fourth among American beaches.

Daytona Beach, on the east coast of central Florida, is best known for hosting motorsports events, including The Great American Race.

West Palm Beach is 27 km of Atlantic Ocean coastline with white sand.

Popular hotels in Florida

Guides in Florida

Entertainment and attractions in Florida

The state's most popular beach resort is undoubtedly Miami. In addition, many tourists, especially families with children, come to Florida to visit Orlando with Disney World, Sea World, Wet and Wild, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Discovery Cove and Busch Gardens.

Also interesting is the Space exhibition at the Center. Kennedy, "alligator land" Gatorland in Orlando, the Salvador Dali Museum in downtown St. Petersburg (considered the largest collection of Dali's work outside of Europe), the Sunshine Skyway Bridge - the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world, the Seminole and Miccosukee Indian Reservations.

On the island of Key Largo, a 90-minute drive from Miami in the Florida Keys, is the first underwater park in the United States - John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. In December 2010 it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Here you can see a 3-meter bronze sculpture of Christ weighing 1.8 tons, at a depth of 6 m under water (a copy of the statue of the same name, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea near Genoa, Italy).

The Florida National Scenic Trail stretches across Florida. The most interesting route goes around Lake Okeechobee.

Florida is a very hot state of America, this can be seen by the number of people on the beaches, there are hundreds of them. Of course, I enjoyed my holiday here, but I can say that entertainment here is quite expensive, although, of course, it is worth the money. Most of all I wanted to visit Everglades park and look at the crocodiles, it is a very exciting sight.

Where is Florida located?

Florida is the state located directly in the southeastern USA. Florida is the most populous of the southeastern states and the second most populous southern state after Texas. Capital - Tallahassee. Marine Florida has more than 13,500 km of coastline, including about 8,200 km along the bay. Among the US states, only Alaska has a longer coastline.

The state also contains a significant portion artesian springs in the country, most of which are located in the central region. Lake Okeechobee(1,800 sq. km) is the third largest freshwater lake located entirely in the United States. Florida produces most citrus fruits of the country and ranks second in California in the area vegetable growing, and growing grapefruit The state of Florida is not only the most highly developed in the country, but also accounts for a significant share of the entire world. Tomatoes are the main vegetable crops, the state also produces on a very large scale sugar cane.

Large Cities in Florida:

• Miami;
• St. Petersburg;
• Orlando;
• Tampa;
• Hialeah.

Kennedy Space Center- here you can look at various types of spacecraft and instruments, and you will also be shown two films in IMAX format, the astronaut hall of fame, and tell you about future of space exploration and travel.

Space Shuttle Launch-Florida is the only place in the world where you can observe launch of a spacecraft, as Russia and China launch their spacecraft into remote, confined areas. On clear days the launch can be seen from more than 250 km away. In addition, rockets (carrying satellites) launch almost every month. You can check the launch schedule online so you don't miss it.

Be sure to visit one of Florida beaches. You have many options such as Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach, South Beach and West Palm Beach, these beaches are some of the best not only in the state but in the world.

Visit Everglades park, perhaps this is the only such place on earth. Stay in the Shark Valley to admire the beautiful sights and scenery. But be especially vigilant and do not go close to the swamps without the guide’s permission, this place is simply infested with crocodiles.