Florida – Eloray

Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom, Disney World, Orlando (Spmartin15, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)

Let’s Visit Florida

Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in Florida.
For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Florida

Highlights

Kennedy Space Center, Florida (Bill Ingalls, Wikimedia Commons)

Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Florida.

Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando) is the largest and most visited theme park in the world, offering magical experiences for all ages with its four main theme parks and numerous attractions.
Universal Studios Florida (Orlando) is known for its immersive movie-themed rides and attractions, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, making it a favorite destination for film lovers and thrill-seekers.
Everglades National Park (Southern Florida) is famous for being a vast, unique ecosystem and the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., home to diverse wildlife like alligators, manatees, and rare birds.
Miami Beach (Miami) is known for its iconic art deco architecture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful sandy beaches, attracting tourists seeking culture, sun, and entertainment.
Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral) is famous for being NASA’s primary launch center for human spaceflight, offering interactive exhibits, astronaut encounters, and the chance to witness rocket launches.
Florida Keys (Southern tip of Florida) are known for their scenic beauty, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and laid-back lifestyle, making them a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
South Beach (Miami Beach) is famous for its glamorous, sun-soaked beaches, world-class dining, and vibrant nightlife, making it a favorite destination for celebrities and tourists alike.
Busch Gardens (Tampa) is known for its thrilling roller coasters and extensive collection of exotic animals, offering a unique combination of zoo and amusement park experiences.
SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando) is famous for its marine life exhibits, live animal shows, and thrill rides, providing an interactive experience with dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures.
St. Augustine Historic District (St. Augustine) is known for being the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the U.S., offering visitors a chance to explore Spanish colonial architecture and history.

Intriguing mysteries and weird facts

The city gates of St Augustine built in 1808 (Yakin669, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

Discover these little-known facts about Florida.

Florida Has More Lightning Strikes Than Any Other U.S. State
Florida is known as the “Lightning Capital of the U.S.,” with more lightning strikes per year than anywhere else in the country, especially in the Tampa area, which is nicknamed “Lightning Alley.“
You Can Visit a Real-Life Mermaid Show
At Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, mermaids have been performing underwater shows since 1947. The performers swim in a natural spring while wearing mermaid tails, making it one of the state’s most unique attractions.
Home to the Oldest City in the U.S.
St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the U.S. It’s a city full of haunted spots, pirate lore, and beautiful Spanish architecture.
Florida Has a Skunk Ape
The Skunk Ape is Florida’s version of Bigfoot. Reported sightings of this smelly, ape-like creature have occurred in the Everglades, making it a legend in the state’s folklore.
Key West Was Once Its Own Country
In 1982, Key West “seceded” from the United States and briefly became the Conch Republic as a form of protest against a roadblock set up by the U.S. government. They still celebrate their “independence” with festivals each year.
More Alligators Than You Can Imagine
Florida is home to around 1.25 million alligators. You can even find them lounging on golf courses, crossing roads, or hanging out in people’s backyards.
Florida’s Only Snowfall Was in 1977
Although it’s known for its tropical climate, it actually snowed in Miami for the first and only time in 1977. This rare event shocked residents who had never seen snow before.
The Florida Keys are Home to Chickens
In Key West, chickens roam freely throughout the city. They are protected by local laws, and you’ll often find them wandering around the streets, cafes, and parks.
Florida is the Flattest State in the U.S.
With its highest point being only 345 feet above sea level, Florida is the flattest state in the country. This makes it great for cycling, but not ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
There’s a Town with the Longest Name in the U.S.
The town of Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg in Florida holds the record for the longest name of any place in the U.S., though locals simply call it Webster.

Notable People

Here are 10 famous men and women from Florida.

Famous Men

Burt Reynolds (Alan Light, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

Marco Rubio (1971– ) is a prominent U.S. Senator from Florida and a former presidential candidate, known for his influence in conservative politics and his role in the 2016 Republican primaries.
Jim Morrison (1943–1971) was the lead singer of the rock band The Doors, known for his charismatic stage presence and deep, poetic lyrics. He was born in Melbourne, Florida, and became an icon of 1960s counterculture.
Burt Reynolds (1936–2018) was a beloved actor born in Lansing, Michigan, but raised in Florida. He became famous for his roles in films like Smokey and the Bandit and Deliverance, and for his larger-than-life personality.
Ray Charles (1930–2004) was a legendary musician born in Georgia but raised in Greenville, Florida. He is known for pioneering soul music and blending genres like gospel, blues, and jazz into iconic hits such as “Georgia on My Mind.”
Sidney Poitier (1927–2022) was a trailblazing actor and director born in Miami. He was the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Lilies of the Field in 1964.

Famous Women

Faye Dunaway (Georges Biard, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

Gloria Estefan (1957– ) is a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and actress, famous for being the lead singer of Miami Sound Machine and for hits like “Conga” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You.” She was raised in Miami, Florida.
Faye Dunaway (1941– ) is an Academy Award-winning actress from Bascom, Florida, known for her powerful performances in films like Bonnie and Clyde, Network, and Chinatown.
Debbie Harry (1945– ) is the lead singer of the band Blondie, famous for pioneering punk rock and new wave music with hits like “Heart of Glass” and “Call Me.” She was born in Miami, Florida.
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955) was an educator and civil rights leader, born in South Carolina but spent much of her life in Florida, where she founded Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach and was a key advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Janet Reno (1938–2016) was the first woman to serve as U.S. Attorney General, holding the position from 1993 to 2001. Born in Miami, she became known for her leadership in high-profile cases during the Clinton administration.

Date of Ratification of the Articles of Confederation/
Admission to the Union

March 3, 1845 (27th)

State Capital

The Old and New Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee (DXR, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)

Tallahassee
Government of Florida

Area and Total Population

Area: 53,624 square miles

Total Population: 19,893,000

Major cities and their population

City	Population
Jacksonville	886,000
Miami	456,000
Tampa	403,000
Orlando	320,000
St. Petersburg	264,000
Port St. Lucie	245,000
Cape Coral	225,000
Hialeah	221,000
Tallahassee	202,000
Fort Lauderdale	184,000
Hollywood	154,000
Gainesville	146,000
West Palm Beach	124,000

Education

Flagler College, St. Augustine (DXR, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)

Educational Resources

Twinkl. Florida

Fairs and festivals

Florida State Fair

Flag

The flag of Florida was adopted in 1900 and modified in 1985. The red cross derives from the Confederate Battle Flag. In the middle is the State seal showing a Seminole woman, a steamboat, and the State tree—a sabal palmetto palm.

Geography

Location

Google map of Florida

Glimpses into History

Castillo de San Marcos, St Augustine (Jonathan Zander, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

A brief history of Florida

Breathtaking Landscapes

Check out these amazing landscapes and wildlife of Florida.

National Landmarks and Historic Sites

Venetian Pool. Coral Gables

National Monuments

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (National Park Service)
Fort Matanzas National Monument (National Park Service)

National and State Parks

Myakka River State Park, Florida (Mwanner, Wikimedia CCA 3.0)

National Park Service. Florida
Florida State Parks

Sports

Professional Sports Teams

Jacksonville

National Football League (NFL): Jacksonville Jaguars

Miami

Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Champions (Adamkgoodman, Wikimedia CCA 1.0)

Major League Baseball (MLB): Miami Marlins
Major League Soccer (MLS): Inter Miami CF
National Basketball Association (NBA): Miami Heat
National Football League (NHL): Miami Dolphins
National Hockey League (NHL): Florida Panthers

Orlando

Major League Soccer (MLS): Orlando City SC
National Basketball Association (NBA): Orlando Magic

Tampa Bay/ St. Petersburg

Major League Baseball (MLB): Tampa Bay Rays
National Football League (NFL): Tampa Bay Buccaneers
National Hockey League (NHL): Tampa Bay Lightning

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I Teams

Florida Gators versus Utah football game (Gatorfan252525, Wikimedia CCA 4.0)

State Motto

“In God We Trust”

State Nickname

The Sunshine State

State Symbols

State symbols. Florida

Seal

The Great Seal of the state of Florida features a Seminole woman spreading flowers next to a shoreline A steamboat sails before a rising sun. Two Sabal palms (the state tree of Florida) are also highlighted.

License Plate