|
| Florida |
| Capital City |
| Tallahassee |
| State Nickname |
| Sunshine State |
| Population |
| 18,089,888 |
| Location |
| South of Georgia and Alabama; west of the Atlantic Ocean; north of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico; east of Alabama and the Gulf of Mexico. |
| Area |
| 53,927 square miles |
| Time |
| Eastern Time Zone, except for parts of Northwest Florida (Central Time Zone) |
| Climate |
| Subtropical |
The Florida Guide
is your detailed guide to one of the world's most popular vacation spots. From the crystalline beaches of the Florida Keys to the historic forts of St. Augustine, whether you prefer to spend your days at exciting theme parks or exploring the Everglades, we'll help you learn all about the Sunshine State.
Your Florida experience begins well before you step foot in the state.
Before you embark on your vacation, planning is helpful, though it can be a little daunting.
The earlier you begin gathering information the better, and the Internet makes it easier than ever.
Sites like this one and the one maintained by the Florida Commission on Tourism will help you plan the perfect trip to Florida. More...
Florida's close vicinity to the Caribbean Islands, as well as Cuba and Puerto Rico, is reflected in its culinary stylings.
Authentic Caribbean cuisine has fused with natural Florida fare to create a new style of food called Floribbean.
This method of food preparation uses traditional Caribbean dishes, but with less frying and oil, though the flair of colorful spices remains.
Vacationers would be remiss if they did not try Hispanic favorites, such as arroz con pollo, platanos, and Cuban sandwiches.
Don't forget to sample fresh squeezed Florida orange juice or locally caught seafood.
Visitors flock by the hundreds of thousands each year to Orlando's main theme parks, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
These parks host exhilarating rides and roller coasters based upon popular movies and television shows, while allowing travelers to visit on-the-lot sound
stages where actual productions were filmed. Here, you'll learn about special effects, as well as the secrets of Hollywood makeup. (More...)
Whether you're interested in taking in a ballet performance or putting on your own dancing shoes, dance offers a great way to enhance your vacation.
Aside from night clubs, Florida is home to several dance organizations, such as the Florida Folk Dance Council, that promote and organize dance events.
Instruction on various forms of dance like flamenco, salsa, or belly dance are available in many locations, and local ballet and modern dance companies in each
region perform frequently. (More... )
The diverse population of Florida has contributed to a music scene that is eclectic and all-encompassing. Large college towns are breeding grounds for local bands.
While South Florida's great Hispanic community brought about an explosion of Latin music, Orlando was once considered a pop music factory that created boy bands and female vocalists.
Additionally, cities and towns throughout Florida offer classical music choirs, symphony orchestras, night clubs offering live entertainment,
and jazz festivals that can enliven your vacation. ( More... )
