Florida Travel Guide: History, Nature, Culture, and Festivals

Florida: A Journey Through Sunshine, Stories, and Unforgettable Places

This updated guide explores Florida’s history, landscapes, festivals, hidden corners, and the moments that shape its identity. Perfect for travelers planning their next adventure.

Table of contents

1. Overview
2. Florida Through Time
3. Florida in 2001
4. Top Things to See
5. Hidden Florida
6. Events & Festivals
7. Itineraries
8. Travel Tips
9. FAQs
10. Extra Resources

Overview

Florida is shaped by its geography and the cultures that met here over centuries. The blend creates a place where coastal towns sit near rocket launch sites, while historic districts share space with tropical gardens and art cities. Whether you come for the weather or the history, Florida has something that leaves an imprint.

A quiet Florida sunset along the coast.

Florida Through Time

Florida’s past stretches from Indigenous civilizations to global tourism. Here’s a look at defining chapters and ten dates that often appear in Florida’s historical narrative.

Early Peoples & European Arrival

The Calusa and Timucua shaped the region long before Europeans arrived. The Seminole nation formed later, blending multiple communities who made Florida’s forests and wetlands their stronghold.

Key Moments

1. 1565 — St. Augustine is founded.
2. 1763–1783 — Control of Florida shifts between Spain and Britain.
3. 1821 — Spain cedes the territory to the U.S.
4. 1835–1858 — Seminole Wars reshape the region.
5. 1845 — Florida becomes the 27th U.S. state.
6. 1880s–1920s — Railroads transform settlement and tourism.
7. 1969 — Apollo 11 heads to the moon from Cape Canaveral.
8. 1971 — Walt Disney World opens.
9. 1992 — Hurricane Andrew leaves lasting change.
10. 2001 — Election recount places Florida in the national spotlight.

St. Augustine’s historic corridors still reflect centuries of stories.

Florida in 2001

The 2000 presidential election recount unfolded across Florida, drawing global attention. Court rulings, ballot disputes, and political debate carried into 2001, highlighting how one state can shift national direction.

Top Things to See

Florida’s signature attractions fall into three categories: theme parks, nature, and cultural cities.

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World remains the most visited attraction, with Universal Orlando and SeaWorld expanding the region’s appeal.

Nature

The Everglades offers a landscape unlike anywhere else. Springs like Silver Glen and Ichetucknee reveal crystal-clear waters. Coral reefs in the Keys provide world-class diving.

Cities & Culture

Miami pulses with Caribbean and Latin influence. St. Augustine keeps the past alive. Tampa and St. Pete blend art, food, and coastline.

• Florida is famous for: beaches, citrus, boating, wildlife, and theme parks.
• Florida ranks high in: sea turtle nesting, cruise departures, and tourism numbers.

Walt Disney World remains a cornerstone of Florida’s tourism identity.

Hidden Florida

Beyond popular beaches and cities, Florida hides quiet escapes perfect for travelers who prefer slower, gentler days.

Cedar Key

A sleepy coastal town offering seafood, wildlife, and an old-Florida atmosphere.

St. George Island

Low-rise beaches, calm nights, and miles of unspoiled shoreline.

Devil’s Den

A prehistoric underground spring with surreal, clear blue water.

Blowing Rocks Preserve

Waves burst through limestone formations, creating dramatic sprays.

The Treasure Coast still inspires treasure hunters searching beaches for remnants from the 1715 Spanish fleet wrecks.

Events & Festivals

Florida hosts everything from art fairs and racing events to food festivals and pirate parades.

• Gasparilla — Tampa’s spirited pirate celebration.
• Art Basel — Miami’s massive global art showcase.
• Daytona 500 — A bucket-list event for racing fans.
• Fantasy Fest — Key West’s colorful and creative street festival.
• Florida State Fair — Agriculture meets carnival in Tampa.
• South Beach Wine and Food Festival — A culinary gathering of chefs and tastemakers.

Itineraries

Three Days

1. Discover Miami’s neighborhoods and beaches.
2. Explore the Everglades with a guided tour.
3. Dip into the Keys for snorkeling or relaxation.

Seven Days

1. Begin with a full day at Disney or Universal in Orlando.
2. Spend a second day exploring another park or head east to Kennedy Space Center.
3. Drive to Clearwater or St. Petersburg for beaches and museums.
4. Enjoy a slow Gulf Coast day with shelling, galleries, or a sunset cruise.
5. Take a day trip to historic St. Augustine or wander a quiet small town.
6. Wrap up with seafood and a walk along a Gulf pier.
7. Depart from Tampa or return to Orlando.

Ten Days

1. Start in Miami with beach time and neighborhood exploring.
2. Drive the Overseas Highway into the Keys.
3. Enjoy snorkeling, diving, or a laid-back island day.
4. Spend time in Key West’s historic and cultural spots.
5. Return north and explore the Everglades with a ranger or eco-guide.
6. Fly or drive to the Panhandle for emerald-water beaches.
7. Visit Apalachicola and Cedar Key for small-town charm.
8. Take a nature day in state parks around Destin or Panama City Beach.
9. Enjoy one final Gulf sunset.
10. Depart from Tallahassee or a Panhandle airport.