Florida is well-known for its gorgeous seashores, sunny, heat climate, and juicy oranges – however there are many attention-grabbing, bizarre, and humorous information concerning the Sunshine State you in all probability don’t know. Like, do you know that Tampa has the longest continuous sidewalk on this planet? Or that Opa-Locka was beforehand referred to as Opatishawockalocka? Say that thrice quick!
From wildlife and theme parks to climate and historical past, Florida is packed to the brim with fascinating information. Right here’s all the things you must know concerning the Alligator State.
15 Enjoyable Details About Florida
Ever since I moved to Florida over a 12 months in the past, I’ve been in awe of all the things I’ve realized concerning the state. Coming from the West Coast, I actually had no thought how superior Florida really is – check out what I’ve realized:
1. Florida is Dwelling to Over 22 Million Individuals
Florida is dwelling to an estimated 22.6 million individuals. That’s fairly a quantity! Actually, that statistic makes Florida the third most populous state – coming in after California and Texas, respectively. With roughly 2% development every year, Florida continues to achieve increasingly more recognition.
A good way to see the dimensions of this place from a unique perspective is to view the sprawling skyline of Miami by helicopter with a 30-minute personal helicopter tour.
2. Florida is the Flattest State in the usA
In case you love a difficult hike, you gained’t discover it in Florida. Really, you gained’t actually discover any hills in any respect. Florida is topographically the flattest state within the nation, with a lot of the state at, or barely under or above, sea stage.
The flat lands of Florida make it the proper place to cruise round on a golf cart. It’s an effective way to get round and discover extra of the world. Lease one in Tampa.
3. Britton Hill is the Highest Pure Level
Talking of hikes and hills, the closest factor to an incline you’ll get is Britton Hill. At simply 345 toes elevation, Britton Hill isn’t precisely intimidating. Positioned close to the Florida-Alabama state line, this “mountain peak” has a path that’s lower than a mile lengthy and will be accomplished in about quarter-hour or so.
Because you’ll be close to Destin, whereas right here, I like to recommend you guide a Dolphin Watch Cruise at sundown.
4. St. Augustine, Florida is the Oldest Metropolis in the usA
Many individuals consider the Pilgrims on the Mayflower and different European settlers within the Northeast as the primary U.S. settlements, however that’s incorrect. St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest constantly occupied settlement within the nation – based in 1565, fifty-five years earlier than the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.
Take a guided tour of St. Augustine on a hop-on hop-off trolley tour, the place you’ll be taken round to all essentially the most well-known and historic spots, and have the prospect to hop on and off at your leisure.
5. Florida has the Most Golf Programs in the usA
Florida is named a {golfing} mecca, and for good cause – it’s dwelling to the most golf programs out of another state within the United States. You by no means should drive far to seek out the closest golf course when the state has over 1,200 golf programs scattered about. Except for the occasional thunderstorm throughout the wet months, Florida’s sunny climate makes it supreme for a spherical of 18 holes.
Be sure you make a cease on the World Golf Corridor of Fame simply north of downtown St. Augustine. They show over 4,000 items of golf memorabilia from the 155 legends that make up the members.
6. Florida Produces 70% of the Nation’s Oranges
Due to Florida’s improbable climate offering the proper stability of solar and rain, it’s the proper local weather for rising oranges. Now, all these commercials make sense! The orange grove farmers of Florida develop 70% of the oranges within the United States.
Cease by Florida’s Pure Customer Heart the place you’ll be able to pattern quite a lot of tasty and refreshing juices.
7. Panthers are Indigenous
You would possibly consider bobcats or mountain lions once you consider “large cats” in america, however, panthers are a local cat to Florida. They’re principally discovered within the southern a part of the state, though they’re generally noticed within the north as effectively.
Look out for wildlife on an exciting airboat tour within the Florida Everglades the place you’ll journey by 4,200 acres of protected swamps, marshes, and rivers.
8. Florida Held the First Scheduled Passenger Flight
After all, the primary flight came about in 1903 with the Wright Brothers, nonetheless, the primary scheduled passenger flight occurred in 1914 in Florida. The quick flight flew from St. Petersburg to Tampa and lasted 23 minutes. It was an thrilling feat as a result of, on the time, the journey would take practically 11 hours by practice.
Be taught extra about Tampa’s historical past on a cruise tour whereas taking in views of the town’s million-dollar houses, museums, and the well-known Plant Lodge.
9. Florida has the Longest Shoreline within the Decrease 48
Positive, California has some spectacular seashores, however it has nothing on Florida’s majestic coast. Coming in with over 1,500 miles of shoreline, it has practically double the stretch of California. It’s no marvel hundreds of thousands of individuals flock to the wonderful seashores yearly. Lease a motorbike in South Seaside, Miami, and cruise alongside the coast for the day.
10. Suntan Lotion was Invented in Miami
It’s no shock with all this speak of sunshine and seashores that suntan lotion would discover its origins in Florida. A pharmacist in Miami created the primary trendy sunblock throughout World Struggle II, later perfecting the system, and beginning the well-known Coppertone model.
Placed on some sunblock and go on a shelling and sightseeing boat cruise off Marco Island. It’s an excellent method to spend a day catching some rays and enjoyable.
11. Florida Holds the File for the World’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt
The Cypress Gardens Journey Park in Winter Haven, Florida, hosted the world’s largest Easter egg hunt on April 1, 2007. The Easter egg hunt broke the Guinness World File when 9,753 kids looked for 501,000 eggs hidden all through the park. The document is but to be damaged.
Winter Haven is positioned close to LEGOLAND – a LEGO-themed journey park with over 50 rides, reveals, and sights.
12. 58 Million Individuals go to Disneyworld Each 12 months
The Walt Disney World resort is among the largest the reason why individuals go to Florida all year long. This huge attraction is comprised of 4 theme parks, a water park, and varied motels, and over 58 million individuals go to the resort each single 12 months, making it probably the most visited sights on this planet.
Keep cool throughout the sizzling summer season months on the Walt Disney World Water Park. They’ve 56 acres of slides, wave swimming pools, rivers, and different sights. A go to right here is among the finest issues to do in Orlando.
13. Crocodiles and Alligators Stay Collectively
Often, you’ll by no means discover alligators and crocodiles in the identical habitat within the wild; however not in Florida! The Florida Everglades, within the southern a part of the state, is the one place the place the 2 giant reptiles reside collectively in the identical atmosphere, aspect by aspect.
Expertise the Everglades on an entire new stage by taking a Evening Airboat Tour. You’ll skim throughout the grassy waters at 40 mph, and maintain an out for the shining eyes of alligators and crocodiles.
14. Key West is the Southernmost Metropolis within the Continental U.S.A
Though Key West is just a small island, it’s nonetheless thought of to be part of the continental United States, and it’s as far south as you will get (aside from Hawaii). You’ll be able to attain Key West by taking a lovely drive over an astonishing 42 bridges, together with the well-known 7 Mile Bridge which takes ten minutes to drive throughout alone.
Calm down in a sandbar with lunch and limitless drinks on a Key West Sandbar Tour & Kayak Tour.
15. Tampa has the Longest Steady Sidewalk
Head to Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, Florida, and take a stroll on the world’s longest steady pedestrian walkway. The 4.5-mile-long sidewalk runs alongside the Higher Hillsborough Bay and follows the seawall from Columbus Statue Park to Gandy Boulevard.
If you wish to give your legs a break, try this Guided Metropolis Tour of Tampa in a golf cart and expertise among the liveliest neighborhoods in model.
FAQs: Details About Florida
Listed here are some solutions to essentially the most continuously requested questions on Florida:
Florida’s nickname is The Sunshine State due to its 237 days of sunshine yearly.
Listed here are 5 historic information about Florida:
– St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest metropolis within the nation
– The primary scheduled passenger flight flew from St. Petersburg to Tampa
– Florida was the third state to hitch the Civil Struggle
– Spain managed Florida till 1762
– Florida turned the twenty seventh state in 1845
Ever because it was formally settled, Florida has at all times been referred to as Florida. It interprets to Land of Flowers.
The commonest identify for males is John and Mary for ladies.
510 years in the past, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León landed in what he named “Florida.” Some say it’s translated to Land of Flowers.
In Closing
Florida by no means ceases to amaze me, and these enjoyable information are only the start! I appear to study one thing new and attention-grabbing practically day by day. It makes me excited to maintain exploring this lovely state, and I at all times encourage my family and friends to do the identical. So, plan your subsequent trip to Florida – you by no means know what you’ll discover out.
