Fort Lauderdale

Florida is the most south-eastern state in the United States of America. Known as "The Sunshine State", it became a popular winter destination for the well-to-do from colder climates over a century ago, and has gained ever greater popularity since. Its roots in agriculture are still present, with oranges being a chief export. The capital of Florida is Tallahassee, located in the "Big Bend" area of the Florida Panhandle.

The beaches are one of the most popular attractions, along with some of the world's best known theme parks, including Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

Regions

• Florida Panhandle Cities include the State Capitol of Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Panama City.
• North Florida
• Central Florida Attractions include Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios Florida, Kennedy Space Center, Cypress Gardens, Bok Tower Gardens, Daytona International Speedway and Gatorland, natural attractions including the Wildlife Refuge, with an extensive network of recreational trails.
• South Florida - Home to the beaches of Miami, the swamps of the Everglades, and the beauty of the Florida Keys.

Destinations

Attractions

• Walt Disney World
• Busch Gardens
• Daytona International Speedway
• Florida Keys
• Homestead-Miami Speedway
• Islands of Adventures
• Sea World
• Sebring International Raceway
• Universal Studios

Parks

• Apalachicola National Forest
• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Biscayne National Park
• Canaveral National Seashore
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Everglades National Park
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Ocala National Forest
• Osceola National Forest
• Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Understand

Culture

While Florida is the most southern of all U.S. states, it is not considered to be part of the more cultural region of The South. Generally, the population does not have the distinct southern dialect of English found just north in Georgia and the Carolinas. Also, do not expect to experience 'southern' culture. (For instance, sweet tea- a drink synomymous with "The South" is rarely offered in Florida restaurants. Generally, the more south you go in the state, the more 'northern' it seems. All in all, Florida is its own region of the United States in its own right.

Climate

Florida is known around the world for its balmy weather. The state's mild winters have made it a haven for retirees. Summers can be long and hot with showers providing much appreciated relief during the rainy season. Coastal areas also experience gentle breezes during the summer.

However, being a coastal area, frequent precipitation is common. While the rains are often brief, they are common, and plan for rain at least one or two of your days in Florida. Torrential daytime rains (often accompanied by a fantastic show of lightning and thunder) are a relatively common occurrence in the summer months. Many attractions such as Disney World have multiple attractions available even during downpours.

Average Annual Temperatures:

Summer: 80.5 °F degrees (26.9 °C) (North Florida) 82.7 °F degrees (28.2 °C) (South Florida)

Winter: 53.0 °F degrees (11.7 °C) (North Florida) 68.5 °F degrees (20.3 °C) (South Florida)

The six-month hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and Floridians have learned to be ready when a storm threatens the area. More Information: National Hurricane Center

Talk

English is the official language of the state. However Spanish is making inroads throughout the state. In some parts of South Florida, Spanish is the preferred language in everyday activities.

Native-born Floridians will usually speak in a southern accent. However, after the migration of millions of Americans from other states to Florida, the southern dialect is becoming diluted with other accents.

Get in

Full sized Hotel, with all anemnities and services, directly within Orlando Internatioal Airport itself.

 

By plane

The larger cities in Florida are served by busy airports:

• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale.

• Jacksonville International Airport in Jacksonville. The airport is on the north side of Jacksonville.

• Miami International Airport in Miami.

• Orlando International Airport, is located south of Downtown Orlando. The airport offers transportation, shuttles, car rentals. Disney World offers free transportation from the airport to Disney World for visitors.

• Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach.

• Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.

• Tampa International Airport in Tampa.

See

Parade on Main Street in Disneyworld

Do

• Florida's waterparks and theme parks.
  • Visit Disney World . One of the best family attraction sites in Florida and in the world.
  • Sea World, Wet and Wild, and Discovery Cove in Orlando.
  • Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Wild Waters and Silver Springs are in Ocala.

• Learn about Floridian history and see the 17th century fort in St. Augustine.

• Visit Everglades National Park, a place like no other on earth, and take an airboat ride through the swamps.

• Do enjoy the Florida beaches. Florida offers some of the best beaches in the world with miles upon miles of sand and surf tucked against the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Oceans.

Eat

Florida cuisine has come under many influences and its styles vary across the state from north to south. Early Spanish and African and Southern cuisine has been influenced by Cuban and other Caribbean cultures, as well as "snowbirds" escaping from the Northern US winters. Northern Florida has a more Southern style; the south a more Caribbean one. Being on a peninsula, Florida's chefs have always had access to fresh seafood and the long growing season provides for fresh native vegetables.

Citrus is a main export, and the tourist is apt see many roadside stands offering free samples of orange juice and fruits to be shipped or carried home. Florida also grows grapefruit, avocado, mango, papaya, passion fruit, kumquat, coconut and other tropical fruits. These often provide the base for sauces and marinades or are used in marmalades, soups, or desserts.

One food not readily available in many other locales is alligator. Most say it tastes like chicken and it is often prepared similarly. Key lime pie, found elsewhere now, is a Florida Keys invention, made from the local key limes.

Drink

Alcoholic beverages abound throughout the state and (at least for being located in the conservative Southern U.S.) has somewhat liberal drinking laws. However, five rural counties in the northern third of the state are "dry counties", and no alcohol is sold in them. Liquor stores are often built into strip malls, supermarkets, and pharmacies, and most grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores sell beer and wine. Bars and clubs are popular throughout the state. Miami Beach is well known for a variety of themed and upscale bars with innovative mixed drinks.

Like every other U.S. state, the purchase and possession age for alcohol is 21 and is fairly well enforced. Underage drinking "stings" are frequent in most tourist areas.