With up to eleven hours of sunshine a day, Florida has truly earned the name «Sunshine State»
The most south-eastern US state has much more to offer than beautiful beaches and theme parks. Eat fresh seafood directly on the coast, do water sports on one of the beautiful beaches or go out to celebrate in one of the metropolises – Florida offers travellers plenty of variety. Here are ten places that should not be left unvisited during a trip to the Sunshine State:
Amusement parks
The Walt Disney World Resort is one of the largest leisure complexes in the world and is located near Orlando. Several theme parks, water parks and hotels offer attractions for young and old: roller coasters, stage shows, shops and Disney characters add to the park’s special atmosphere. Backdrop of Disney Castle at night
The «Magical Kingdom» theme park is particularly popular, with Cinderella Castle and the «Disney Dreams Come True Parade«, where Disney characters roam the park. Just the thing for Disney fans! The competition to the Walt Disney World is the Universal Orlando Resort.
Go shopping in Hogsmeade and drink a butter beer in the restaurant «Die Drei Besen»? The «Wizarding World of Harry Potter» makes it possible! The Wizard Theme Park opened at the resort in 2011 and features some of the locations and attractions from the Harry Potter book series.
Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the tropical marshland in the south of Florida. It is home to the only wild flamingos in the USA. The park is also the only region in the world where alligators and crocodiles live. The Everglades National Park from a bird’s-eye view
During a walk over the Anhinga Trail, a wooden footbridge which leads over a water pond, numerous animal species can be observed.
Key West
Key West is located in the south of Florida. The main part of the city is located on the island of the same name, which belongs to the Florida Keys Islands. The city is known for its eccentric inhabitants, the writers Ernest Hemingway and Truman Capote have also worked here. Milestone at the southernmost point of the USA
From the lighthouse you have a great view over the island and you can also stand on the «Southernmost Point in the US«, the southernmost point of the mainland of the USA. If you rent a car, you can also reach the city via the U.S. Highway and experience a picturesque coastal scenery.
Miami
During a visit in Florida the metropolis Miami should not be missed. Worth seeing is for example the Seaquarium palm trees at the beach of Miami
There are shows with dolphins and sea lions as well as aquariums and facilities with sharks, a tropical reef, crocodiles and stingrays. In the Cuban Little Havana quarter, the Calle Ocho Festival gives you a taste of the Caribbean carnival: Reggeaton and Salsa, various stages with live music and numerous street vendors provide a colourful hustle and bustle every year.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, also known as the Venice of the USA, is located north of Miami and is known for the network of canals that runs through the city. With a water taxi you can explore the city or watch the boats in one of the many restaurants on the water. Fort Lauderdale also has a beautiful beach and a vibrant nightlife.
West Palm Beach
Florida and Strand belong together! There are many beautiful beaches in Florida, for example in the city of West Palm Beach (north of Fort Lauderdale). The John D. MacArthur Beach State Park with its shallow reef full of fish is perfect for snorkelling. A picturesque Palen beach in Florida
There are also some hiking trails and the possibility to kayak. There is also a very special beach activity in Florida. You can see space ferries starting over the sea. By day and also by night they fly from Cape Kennedy and are clearly recognizable from the coast, with view to the north.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Here you can experience space travel up close: If you don’t just want to watch from the beach, you should also visit the Kennedy Space Center – east of Orlando – from the inside. Interactive simulators, huge rockets, live shows and even former NASA astronauts can be expected and seen here. The history and future of space travel will be highlighted at the Kennedy Space Center. NASA logo at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Florida Trail
The best way to discover the breathtaking landscape of Florida is on foot. One of eleven picturesque hiking trails is the Florida Trail. One of the most popular routes is the section surrounding Lake Okeechobee. Florida’s largest lake is located in the south of the state and is surprisingly shallow for its size. After hiking, just put your feet in the water and admire the unique scenery and wildlife of Florida.
Fort Myers
The city with the tropical climate invites you to cycle and take long walks along the beach. People at the beach of Fort Myers
From Fort Myers you can also reach the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, most of which are under nature conservation. The islands have been preserved in their natural state and the inhabitants are actively working to protect their flora and fauna. A special feature of the beaches on Sanibel is the large quantity of shells that are washed up there.
Lighthouses
Florida has a coastline of 2,173 kilometers with a total of 30 lighthouses. These beautiful historic buildings mark the coast of the state and are well worth a visit. In Ponce de Leon Inlet stands with 53 meters the biggest lighthouse of Florida. lighthouse at the coast of Florida.
The viewing platform offers a breathtaking view over the Atlantic Ocean and the coast and in the adjacent museum you will be informed about the lighthouse itself, the lighthouse keepers and their families, the Fresnel lens as well as the local history. Other lighthouses worth seeing are St. Augustine, Cape Florida and Key West.
