Millions of people from all over the world flock to Florida each year, and it's no wonder. The Sunshine State's combination of sunny beaches, wild swamps, theme parks, and sizzling cities make it a top-notch travel destination, especially when cold weather grips many other places. Year-round, travelers will find an abundance of activities and attractions to enjoy.
Most of Florida's land is flat, with a mean elevation of 100 feet above sea level. Two geographical areas make up the state: the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the Florida Uplands. The Atlantic Coastal Plain wraps all the way around Florida's coastline, including the Gulf coast. Here the land is lowest, with sand bars, coral reefs, and barrier islands just off shore. The Everglades and Big Cypress Swamp, which cover much of southern Florida, are considered subsections of this area. The Florida Uplands stretch from the Panhandle's northwestern corner along Florida's northern edge for about 275 miles, dipping down into the middle of the state. In this area, abundant forests cover gentle, rolling hills. Lakes abound also, especially further south. The Uplands boasts Florida's highest elevation, a mere 345 feet above sea level at Britton Hill in Lakewood Park, near Alabama.
Of course, one of Florida's main draws is its gorgeous weather. Winters are among the mildest in the country. Average January high temperatures range from Miami's balmy 75 degrees Fahrenheit to Pensacola's chillier 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter lows mainly stay in the 40s or 50s, though occasional cold snaps can bring temperatures down below freezing. Generally, winter temperatures are a bit warmer along the coast than in the interior. Summer highs vary less, with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s common. Further from the coast, temperatures tend to be hotter. Humidity is fairly high across the state, particularly during the state's long summers. Tornadoes can strike, especially in the spring, with the strongest tornadoes usually occurring in the Panhandle. Summer brings thunderstorms with highly-charged lightning, as well as the possibility of hurricanes.
With more than 1,100 miles of sandy shores, it's no surprise that Florida's beaches consistently rank among the nation's best. The state's vast coastline means that visitors can find any type of beach they enjoy. From secluded areas teeming with wildlife to crowd-pleasing beaches lined with resorts, restaurants, and hot clubs, Florida has it all. You'll also find boardwalks with carnival rides, lighthouses, excellent beach combing spots (where you may even pick up a gold doubloon), historic forts, and quaint beach towns home to vibrant artist communities. Want to check out some of Dr. Beach's favorite picks? Try Fort DeSoto Park, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, St. Andrews State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, or Bahia Honda State Park.
Florida's abundant coasts, lakes, rivers, and springs provide plenty of opportunities for fun. Scuba diving sites abound all over the state, including historic shipwrecks in Pensacola, the pristine reefs of Looe Key, the caves of Devil's Den, and the clear waters of Ginnie Springs. Snorkeling is excellent, too, especially in the shallow waters of Dry Tortugas National Park in the Keys. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, snorkel or swim with endangered Florida manatees at Crystal River - the only place in North America where it's allowed. If surfing is more your style, grab your board and head to Florida's Atlantic coast, where you'll find the state's best waves. North Florida's springs and sinkholes provide perfect swimming holes to cool down on a hot day. Or get an inner tube and float down one of the state's rivers; Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a popular spot for this pastime. And Florida's fishing can't be beat. Saltwater species include blue marlin, wahoo, sailfish, swordfish, and blackfin tuna, among many others. The state's fresh waters support more than 250 species, such as bass, bluegill, crappie, bream, and sturgeon. Fishing aficionados may want to consider entering one of Florida's many fishing tournaments.
Theme parks attract many visitors to Florida. While Orlando boasts the most mega parks, like Sea World, the Disney parks, and Universal Studios, many smaller theme parks operate throughout the state. Central Florida offers plenty of them, including the state's first theme park, Silver Springs, which opened in 1878. At Silver Springs, visitors can take a glass-bottomed boat ride to see the bubbling springs, enjoy an outdoor concert, and stroll through wildlife exhibits. Like Silver Springs, many of Florida's smaller theme parks incorporate or center on natural attractions. Some of the theme parks you'll find in Florida include Parrot Jungle Island in Miami, Weeki Wachee Springs (north of Tampa, offering mermaid shows, water slides, and a wilderness river tour), and St. Augustine Alligator Farm. In addition to these parks, Florida is full of zoos, wildlife parks, aquariums, and gardens.
Naturally, with Florida's ample untamed lands, travelers can also view wildlife in their own habitats. Home to 1,200 types of animals, Florida places third in the country for wildlife diversity. Florida's state animal, the Florida Panther, once roamed from west Texas throughout the Southeastern states; now reduced to a population of only about 70, this beautiful wildcat can only be found in the Sunshine State. Florida is also the only place in the world where both alligators and crocodiles live. Birdwatching excels, with the self-guided Great Florida Birding Trail making it easy for birders to find excellent sites all over the state. Birds to look out for include bald eagles, herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, and wood storks. The best place to see Florida's wildlife is the Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the country.
Florida's people are as diverse as its wildlife, particularly in the southern areas. The Seminole tribe inhabits six reservations in south Florida, offering cultural attractions, casinos, wilderness tours, and camping. The Miccosukee tribe operates a resort with casino and an Indian Village in the Everglades, as well as a golf club in Miami. Hispanics make up Florida's largest ethnic group, primarily Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and Mexicans. Cuban culture is the strongest, with enclaves in Miami's Little Havana and Ybor City in Tampa. A large number of Asians have also made Florida their home, including Indians, Filipinos, Chinese, Vietnamese, Koreans, and Japanese. Greek culture abounds in Tarpon Springs, which boasts a larger Greek population than anywhere else in the U.S. To experience the Bahamas right here at home, visit Bahama Village in Key West. Founded in the 1870s by Bahamian immigrants, its residents have retained its island flavor, complete with restaurants, shops, and roaming chickens. Perhaps most surprisingly, south Florida boasts the largest Finnish population outside Finland, at around 15,000 residents.
Even with all this, Florida has much more to offer. Attend a space shuttle launch at the Kennedy Space Center. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city. Rejuvenate at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, home to five natural springs considered sacred for centuries. Cheer on your favorite driver at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, considered one of the most challenging Indy races. Hop on your Harley and head to Daytona Beach for Bike Week. Watch international equestrians compete at the Red Hills Horse Trials in Tallahassee. Spend a day browsing the antique shops of Mount Dora or Micanopy. Then top it all off with a night at the symphony, theater, or ballet.
Florida's reputation as a vacation paradise is well-deserved. Whether you're going on spring break, planning your perfect honeymoon, traveling with the kids, or staying for the winter, Florida has everything you could want and more.