Florida is well-known for its beautiful seashores, sunny, heat climate, and juicy oranges – however there are many attention-grabbing, bizarre, and humorous details in regards to the Sunshine State you most likely don’t know. Like, do you know that Tampa has the longest continuous sidewalk on the earth? Or that Opa-Locka was beforehand known as Opatishawockalocka? Say that thrice quick!
From wildlife and theme parks to climate and historical past, Florida is packed to the brim with fascinating details. Right here’s every part it is advisable to know in regards to the Alligator State.
15 Fun Facts About Florida
Ever since I moved to Florida over a 12 months in the past, I’ve been in awe of every part I’ve discovered in regards to the state. Coming from the West Coast, I actually had no thought how superior Florida really is – take a have a look at what I’ve discovered:
1. Florida is House to Over 22 Million Individuals
Florida is dwelling to an estimated 22.6 million folks. That’s fairly a quantity! In reality, that statistic makes Florida the third most populous state – coming in after California and Texas, respectively. With roughly 2% development annually, Florida continues to realize increasingly reputation.
A good way to see the dimensions of this place from a completely different perspective is to view the sprawling skyline of Miami by helicopter with a 30-minute non-public helicopter tour.
2. Florida is the Flattest State in the united statesA
In case you love a difficult hike, you received’t discover it in Florida. Really, you received’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 beneath or above, sea stage.
The flat lands of Florida make it the right place to cruise round on a golf cart. It’s a nice option to get round and discover extra of the world. Hire 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 may be accomplished in about 15 minutes or so.
Because you’ll be close to Destin, whereas right here, I like to recommend you e-book a Dolphin Watch Cruise at sundown.
4. St. Augustine, Florida is the Oldest Metropolis in the united statesA
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 repeatedly 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 possibility to hop on and off at your leisure.
5. Florida has the Most Golf Programs in the united statesA
Florida is called a {golfing} mecca, and for good motive – it’s dwelling to essentially the most golf programs out of every other state in america. You by no means should drive far to search out the closest golf course when the state has over 1,200 golf programs scattered about. Apart from the occasional thunderstorm in the course of the wet months, Florida’s sunny climate makes it excellent 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
Because of Florida’s unbelievable climate offering the right stability of solar and rain, it’s the right local weather for rising oranges. Now, all these commercials make sense! The orange grove farmers of Florida develop 70% of the oranges in america.
Cease by Florida’s Pure Customer Middle the place you may pattern a number of tasty and refreshing juices.
7. Panthers are Indigenous
You would possibly consider bobcats or mountain lions if you consider “large cats” in america, however, panthers are a native cat to Florida. They’re principally discovered within the southern a part of the state, though they’re typically noticed within the north as properly.
Look out for wildlife on a thrilling airboat tour within the Florida Everglades the place you’ll journey by means of 4,200 acres of protected swamps, marshes, and rivers.
8. Florida Held the First Scheduled Passenger Flight
In fact, the primary flight occurred in 1903 with the Wright Brothers, nevertheless, 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 almost 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 properties, museums, and the well-known Plant Resort.
9. Florida has the Longest Shoreline within the Decrease 48
Certain, California has some spectacular seashores, but it surely has nothing on Florida’s majestic coast. Coming in with over 1,500 miles of shoreline, it has almost double the stretch of California. It’s no surprise tens of millions of individuals flock to the wonderful seashores yearly. Hire a bike in South Seashore, 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 fashionable sunblock throughout World Battle 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 a super option 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, exhibits, and points of interest.
12. 58 Million Individuals go to Disneyworld Each 12 months
The Walt Disney World resort is among the largest the reason why folks go to Florida all year long. This huge attraction is comprised of 4 theme parks, a water park, and varied accommodations, and over 58 million folks go to the resort each single 12 months, making it some of the visited points of interest on the earth.
Keep cool in the course of the scorching summer time months on the Walt Disney World Water Park. They’ve 56 acres of slides, wave swimming pools, rivers, and different points of interest. A go to right here is among the greatest issues to do in Orlando.
13. Crocodiles and Alligators Reside Collectively
Often, you’d 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 stay collectively in the identical setting, facet by facet.
Expertise the Everglades on a complete new stage by taking a Evening Airboat Tour. You’ll skim throughout the grassy waters at 40 mph, and hold 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 barely a small island, it’s nonetheless thought-about to be a a 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 stunning drive over an astonishing 42 bridges, together with the well-known 7 Mile Bridge which takes ten minutes to drive throughout alone.
Chill out 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, take a look at this Guided Metropolis Tour of Tampa in a golf cart and expertise a few of the liveliest neighborhoods in model.
FAQs: Facts About Florida
Listed here are some solutions to essentially the most often requested questions on Florida:
Florida’s nickname is The Sunshine State because of its 237 days of sunshine yearly.
Listed here are 5 historic details 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 affix the Civil Battle
– Spain managed Florida till 1762
– Florida grew to become the 27th state in 1845
Ever because it was formally settled, Florida has all the time been known as Florida. It interprets to Land of Flowers.
The most typical title for males is John and Mary for girls.
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 details are only the start! I appear to study one thing new and attention-grabbing almost day by day. It makes me excited to maintain exploring this stunning state, and I all the time 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.