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70 million-plus visitors flock to Florida each and every year to experience the thrill of the theme parks, beaches and sights that make the 'Sunshine State' famous. Read on to find out why.

We take a look at the Sunshine State: a vast region of theme parks and attractions galore, but also a diverse place rich in history – natural and otherwise. But what is it that makes those 70 million visitors come back year after year? We went in search of the real Florida USA.

Want to 'try before you buy'? Well now you can - just follow this link to access our special 'Florida Diary' report.

First, A Little History...

Cities and towns across Florida are entrenched with a history that is rich, varied and offer visitors the opportunity to experience a wealth of diverse culture in every corner of the state.

From the oldest city in the country (St. Augustine - see 'Must-See Places', below) to the former site of the flourishing cigar industry, every region in Florida is full of opportunities to hear the stories of years’ past and to discover first-hand the history of Florida’s rich culture. The influences of the Spanish, French, Cuban, Italian and Native American cultures has left 21st Century Florida with a legacy of culture, traditions and customs that are apparent everywhere you go.

Discovered by Spanish born adventurer Juan Ponce de León back in 1513 – allegedly while employed on a quest to find the fabled ‘Fountain of Youth’ - the region was claimed for the Spanish crown – and got its name. Attacks by the - understandably - alarmed native Indian peoples meant that no Spanish colony was established on the site at that time. When later European pioneers finally did arrive and set about forging a new home in the region it was some 50-plus years later. The settlers based themselves in a region that became known as St. Augustine, of which, more later...

Florida Timeline

1513: Spanish adventurer Juan Ponce de León discovers a new part of the New World and names it Florida

1565: First permanent European settlement is established in San Agustin (modern day St. Augustine) by Spain. Fort Caroline captured by Spanish settlers

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Early 19th Century: The State of Florida becomes officially a part of U.S. territory

1821: Florida becomes a U.S. Territory. General Andrew Jackson initially serves as military governor until Congress ratifies a territorial constitution.

June 1823: William P. Duval, Florida's first civil governor, calls the first Florida Legislative Council into session in Pensacola.

March 1845: Florida officially admitted to the Union – and becomes the twenty-seventh state of the fledgling US of A.

1886: Spanish-born Vicente Martinez Ybor establishes a centre for cigar manufacturing near Tampa. This place rapidly becomes a haven for expert cigar makers and connoisseurs alike and shortly becomes known as Ybor City.

July 1962:Cape Canaveral - now known as 'The John F. Kennedy Space Center' - is designated as the NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Launch Operations Center, beginning more than four decades of work for America's premier spaceport - and meaning Florida becomes for ever more associated with the Space Age. This historic NASA base from which astronauts including John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride and Jim Lovell have all trained and launched on missions into space is still the workplace of over 10,000 NASA staff – as well as a major tourist attraction. See 'Must-See Places', below).

Mid 1960s - Florida also became home to thousands of Cubans fleeing from the Communist regime established there by Fidel Castro. Florida has long been – and remains to this day - one of the fastest growing states in the US.

1971: Florida’s Walt Disney World opens.

2003: 74.5 million visitors come to the 'Sunshine State'. As the state's biggest source of income over 870,100 Floridians are directly employed in the tourism business.

Quick Facts

Population

The ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida is made up of sixty-seven Counties and becomes home to an estimated 1,000 new people each and every day of the year. These new arrivals travel to Florida not on their way to the coast – or on holiday - but with the intention of settling for the good life for good. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s (and they should know!) 2000 Census, the total State population of Florida in that year was: 15,982,378. This means Florida is easily ranked 4th for size of population in the U.S - behind only California, Texas & New York.

Tourism

The state's number one industry – tourism generated $50.8 billion for the state’s economy in 2002. In the same year, some 69.8 million tourists visited the ‘Sunshine State’ – making it one of the World’s most consistently successful holiday destinations. With such an enormous volume of tourists the trade is also a massive employer. Figures for 2001 reveal that 870,100 Floridians were directly employed in the tourism industry that year!

Visitors

According to Visit Florida 2003 was an all-time record year for tourists in the state, with 74.5 million visitors, maintaining Florida as one of the top travel destinations anywhere in the world. Florida tourism is big business – and generates an estimated $50 billion economic impact each and every year!

Although visitors flock to Florida from overseas the top three areas of origin for air visitors to Florida back in 2001 came from within the US: from New York, New Jersey and Illinois. The top three non-air travellers also came from the home nation - from Georgia, Alabama and Ohio, the same year.

Interestingly, the top three overseas visitors (based on figures from 2000) came from: Canada, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela, in that order.

Getting There

If you’re thinking of flying in to Florida then you’re in luck – the state has twenty major commercial and twelve international airports! All of these are hooked up to the road networks (remember – they’re ‘freeways’ – people will laugh if you refer to ‘motorways’).

Weather

Florida is known all around the world for its somewhat ‘balmy’ weather. The state's mild winters have made it a well-known haven for retirees. Summers can be long and hot with showers providing much appreciated relief during the rainy season. Coastal areas also experience gentle breezes throughout the summer.

Accommodation

If you’re after accommodation then there’s lots to choose from: Florida has 370,000 hotel rooms in Florida – and if you’re more of an outdoors person you’ll be happy to know there’s more than 700 (that’s around 100,000 campsites), that are used by 6 million campers each year. Nearly all camp sites offer facilities for America’s much-loved ‘recreational’ vehicles – so parking your hire car should present no problems.

To give you an idea of just how in-demand Florida has become average occupancy rate (one of the key ways the hotel trade measure the success of their enterprises) in the state was a whopping 65% in 2001. For the same year the average daily room rate – was just over $94.00, so don’t expect to pay much more than $75.00.

On The Coast

Florida can boast no less than fourteen deep water ports, over seemingly endless sand beaches - stretched across an impressive 1,800 miles (2,898 km) of coastline. In 2001, almost twelve million cruise passengers passed through Florida's ports. The Port of Canaveral was officially the busiest cruise port in the world that same year, with more than 3.5 million (!) passengers, followed by the Port of Miami with 3.4 million passengers. Other seaports include: Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, Tampa, Palm Beach, and Manatee.

From surfing, sailing and snorkelling to boating, bronzing and basking, Florida beaches offer activities for all ages. Something of a Florida signature - fine sand beaches account for 1,100 miles (1,770 km) of the state's coastline. Actually, Florida is as much a coastal state as a sunshine one – with over 8,460 miles (13,620 km) of tidal shoreline making it second only to Alaska in the coast league tables!

On The Beach

Florida's beaches are not just prodigious – they are also highly rated and regarded among the finest in the U.S. Florida International University professor of environmental studies: Stephen Leatherman - who researches and rates the nation's beaches on everything from water and sand quality to temperature and beauty – rates them among the very best. In 2002 St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Northwest Florida was rated the number one beach in the whole of America!

Sports

Professional sports franchises in the Sunshine State include numerous international household teams and names:

National Football League (NFL) - Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Arena Football - Orlando Predators and Tampa Bay Storm.

National Basketball Association - Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.

Women's National Basketball Association -Miami Sol and Orlando Miracle.

Major League Baseball - Florida Marlins (Miami) and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

National Hockey League (NHL) - Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers (Coral Springs).

Fancy a night on the dogs or watching the gee-gees? Well there are also no less than 14 greyhound racing tracks, five jai-alai frontons, four thoroughbred race tracks and one harness race track.

For the golf enthusiast Florida also hosts 1,250 golf courses. This staggering figure means that not only does Florida have more golf courses than any other state in the US, but also the County of Palm Beach has more golf courses than any other county anywhere in the country!

Parks

There are 156 state parks across the state, featuring crystal-clear springs, miles of beaches, rivers, lakes and an abundance of wildlife, terrain and outdoor activities. Several feature 'living history' exhibits (see ‘Must See Places’, below) reflecting life in Florida during Spanish colonisation, the Civil War, the Seminole Wars and the early days of cattle ranching.

National Parks to be enjoyed in the State of Florida include:

Biscayne National Park - Located in Dade County Biscayne includes over 180,000 acres of water – making it the largest marine park under the protection of the US National Park Service.

The Everglades National Park – The world-famous, striking Everglades represents the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. Located across 1.5 million acres of swamp and wetlands and supporting a unique ecosystem.

Dry Tortugas National Park – 70 miles (112.9km) west of Key West is a cluster of seven islands composed of coral reefs and sand.

Aside from the parks, Florida's three national forests - Apalachicola, Osceola and Ocala - feature more than one million acres, and are famous for recreation and a variety of wildlife. There are no less than 31 state forests in Florida.

According to Visit Florida, some 22% of travellers to the state are aged between the ages of 18 and 34 - taking their parents or grandparents with them on vacation. Multi-generation travelling is becoming more popular al the time and in Florida you’re more than catered for if there’s a large age difference in your party.

Whether you look to please your five-year old son or your 65-year-old mother, Florida’s the perfect vacation destination for the entire family. From its sandy beaches to its breath-taking parks, Florida is the ideal choice, with everything from history to the hottest attractions.

'Must-See' Places

Florida’s numerous cultural, sporting and dining options make ‘going out’ in the place a question of ‘how much can we do’ rather than ‘what is there to do?’ In fact, there are so many things to do in Florida, you really will be spoilt for choice, no matter how many visits you make.

Here's a handy guide to just a few of the great attractions:

Walt Disney World

If the family can’t decide between swanky shopping, beautiful beaches, historical highlights or nature at its best, combine them all with a visit to Walt Disney World, where you are bound to find something to please everyone. In the heart of central Florida, this fun-filled themed park is adjacent to one Orlando’s best shopping districts, which includes the Mall at Millenia and the Premium Outlets.

If the kids can’t take their minds off the sandy shores, Blizzard Beach will do the trick. With its slippery slides and its thrilling rides, this water park is sure to make a splash with the whole family. Epcot will have grandma and grandpa enjoying a magnificent cultural experience, as they travel around the globe with its spectacular shows and wondrous attractions.

For more information, visit the Walt Disney World website.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For the nature lovers in the family, Disney’s Animal Kingdom allows visitors to travel to the heart of the African motherland without leaving the country. Plan an evening for the whole family in Downtown Disney, where they can be amazed at the wonders of Cirque de Soleil La Nouba, rock out at the House of Blues or, for the grown-ups, dance the night away at one of the 25 themed clubs in Pleasure Island. If that’s not enough, try one of its fabulous resorts. The family can have a taste of Hawaii at the Polynesian resort or a sense of the outdoors at the Wilderness Lodge. Walt Disney World has everything a family could want for a vacation.

For more information, visit the Disney’s Animal Kingdom website.

The John F. Kennedy Space Center (formerly 'Cape Canaveral')

An impressive visitor complex of attractions and theme parks close to NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) world-famous launch headquarters. Billed as: “the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet an Astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch.” For once, the hype seems to be true – the exploration of space is such a truly staggering endeavour to catch even a glimpse of this that is a truly out of this world day out.

Among many other things the complex houses the U.S. 'Astronaut Hall of Fame', The International Space Station Center, the IMAX® Space Films cinema - and of course the world’s largest retail ‘Space Gift Shop’ for those all-important souvenirs! A must for all fans of all things space-age – as well as anyone interested in the modern history, engineering – or just HUGE launch vehicles with MASSIVE engines!

Around 45 minutes drive from most of the other Orlando attractions The John F. Kennedy Space Center is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day and certain launch days) from 9am until 7pm. The Astronaut Hall of Fame is open between 10am and 8pm. Visit the website for admissions charge – which varies from $16.00 to close to $60.00 – depending on what you choose to do on your visit.

Follow this link to our ‘Days Out’ section for a full feature on visiting The John F. Kennedy Space Center.

Alternatively, visit The John F. Kennedy Space Center's own website.

Constitution Convention State Museum

In North Florida, political history enthusiasts and visitors alike can take a step back in time with a visit to the Constitution Convention State Museum in Port St. Joe. Here, you can pay tribute the site of Florida’s first Constitution Convention and learn about the work of the men who wrote Florida’s first constitution in 1838. Their achievements are memorialized in the museum where the convention hall setting is recreated with life-size delegates and where audio-animated mannequins portray the key historical roles.

Continue on your journey of discovering Florida’s past and travel west from Port St. Joe to Tallahassee, Florida, the state’s capital, where Mission San Luis awaits. Mission San Luis functioned as the capital of the western missions in La Florida from 1656 to 1704 and, at one time, enjoyed a population of more than 1,400 Apalachee Indians. Today, Mission San Luis hosts costumed living history interpreters on the third Saturday of every month, while the visitor centre offers a number of hands-on exhibits and provides an opportunity to examine archaeological collections.

For more information, visit the Florida State Parks website.

Fort Caroline National Memorial

Travel even further back in time with a visit to Jacksonville, Florida, where the Fort Caroline National Memorial commemorates the French effort to establish a permanent colony in Florida in 1564. Since the Spanish settlement to the South (San Agustin) captured Fort Caroline only a year later in 1565, there are no remains from the original settlement.

Today, however, the site offers a near full-scale rendering of the fort and a number of stimulating exhibits in the visitor centre, all of which combine to provide a real-life glimpse of the French colony, their interaction with the native Timucua and the colonists' brief struggle for survival.

While adults peruse the exhibits, kids can delight in the ‘Mystery Box,’ a hands-on activity that provides children the opportunity to discover shells, animal bones and a sampling of local plant life. Both kids and adults alike can also enjoy the Saltmarsh Program, which includes a live demonstration of seine net fishing.

For more information, visit the Fort Caroline National Memorial website.

St. Augustine

To learn more about the Spanish settlement that captured Fort Caroline, travel south to St. Augustine - America’s oldest continually settled municipality - that settled in 1565, 39 years before the first settlers arrived in Jamestown, Virginia.

Walking in St. Augustine is like taking a trip through the pages of history, with its cobbled streets, quaint old-time architecture and live exhibits demonstrating cooking techniques, blacksmithing, candle-making and other crafts. History, not only of Florida but of the United States, comes alive in St. Augustine, where you can visit the Oldest House, the Oldest Wooden School House in the USA, the Oldest Store and the Old Jail.

For the perfect match of history, culture and beauty, travel to Florida’s east coast and experience St. Augustine is hard to beat with the family. As the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine amazes visitors with its ancient cobblestone streets and its quaint cafes. Charming bed and breakfasts enchant families with their relaxing atmosphere, and their almost-like-home feeling.

A host of historical landmarks and attractions, such as the 310-year-old Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, allow the kids to travel back to the early Spanish empire in the New World. St. Augustine also offers families a host of contemporary attractions, yet they pride themselves on cherishing the old world. So, whether grandma and grandpa want to dive into the Fountain of Youth, or the kids want to be amazed at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the welcoming walls of this ancient city will leave the whole family pleasantly surprised.

For more information, visit the Old City website.

Ybor City Museum State Park

Voyage forward several centuries in history with a visit to Ybor City and discover the area where Spanish-born Vicente Martinez Ybor arrived in 1886 to establish a centre for cigar manufacturing. Located near Tampa, Ybor City attracted cigar makers from Spain, Cuba and Italy and the colourful culture of these groups remain in tact today.

Downtown Ybor City delights visitors with architecture from the time period, including wrought iron balconies, globe streetlights and brick-lined walkways, while culture and entertainment opportunities abound. The Ybor City Museum State Park covers approximately one-half of a city block and includes an ornamental garden and restored cigar workers’ houses. The Museum also offers authentic cigar rolling demonstrations, where visitors can witness a Cuban cigar roller hand rolling cigars.

For more information visit the Ybor City Museum State Park website.

Fort Myers

South of Ybor City in Fort Myers, visitors can enjoy delights of another era past with visits to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s winter estates. While the Edison home contains many antiques and appliances of years gone by, guests will discover many innovations that aren’t present even in today’s modern homes. In addition to the sprawling homes, the estates are home to one of America’s most exotic gardens, containing many of the same plants that Edison imported from around the world. Visitors to the estate will be amazed by Edison’s lab, which was home to a number of experiments by Edison in his later years.

For more information, visit the Eddison-Ford Estates website.

Gatorland

Seeing is believing with a trip to one of Florida’s variety of attractions and sights. Visitors to Florida often look to see if they can spot one of the infamous alligators roaming around one of Florida’s many lakes and canals, but for a sure sighting head to Gatorland, the alligator capital of the world. This 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve is home to more than 1,000 alligators and 200 crocodiles. Filled with educational games for children, endless numbers of ways to view the alligators and a miniature water park, visitors to Gatorland can be assured of an experience like no other.

For more informatrion, visit the Gatorland website.

Apalachicola National Forest

While the Sunshine State is deservedly famous for theme parks and thrilling attractions: the glitz and glamour of the roller coasters and palm trees, this state is also home to approximately 4,000 miles of nature trails - from the depths of the Everglades to the heights of the tallest trees in the Apalachicola National Forest. These parks and trails offer excellent opportunities for discovering the unique natural beauty of Florida's wildlife, by land or sea. Whether your preferred method of transportation along Florida's trails is a horse, a bike, a kayak or your own two feet, an assortment of options exist for the backwoods traveller.

From Pensacola to Key West, a wide variety of nature trails are available for public use across the state of Florida. While the mention of a ‘trail’ often evokes thoughts of hiking tree lined paths with a walking stick, Florida also has many unique water trails twisting throughout the interior of the state.

Though surrounded by water on three sides, Florida's interior is also bathed in water due to ‘Karst topography'. This is an irregular situation in which a thin layer of topsoil sits on top of soft limestone. The limestone is continually eroded by groundwater, leaving gaping holes in the rock. These holes collect water resulting in lakes, rivers and springs. This invisible source of water creates a unique condition that provides Florida with 7,800 lakes, 1,700 rivers and creeks, and more than 350 springs. The deepest known spring in the world is located at Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee, Florida!

Rails to Trails Conservancy

Florida's water trails abound in a wide variety of ecological wonders such as mangroves, many different types of birds, sunken rivers, caverns and even the occasional manatee family moseying along. All of Florida's major cities are within one hour of a paddling trail, with plenty of opportunity for kayaking and canoeing. No technical paddling skills are needed, making these water trails appropriate for beginning or recreational kayakers and canoeists.

Another organization providing recreational opportunities through conservation is the Rails to Trails Conservancy. This national effort creates a network of public nature trails from abandoned railway lines. Often times these lines stretch through undeveloped pieces of land, creating an exciting riding surface and an excellent opportunity to view wildlife. More than 30 trails of this type have been created in Florida, offering a multitude of activities such as hiking, biking, rollerblading and horseback riding. With Florida's warm climate and gentle terrain, these trails are suitable for both novice and experienced bikers and hikers.

For more information, visit the Rails to Trails Conservancy website.

The Great Florida Birding Trail

Closer inspection of the many ecological delights of Florida reveals a total of more than 470 verified species of birds, making Florida something of a giant aviary. Fortunately, many trails in Florida are designed around bird habitats, creating an amazing opportunity to discover and observe Florida's diverse species of birds. The Great Florida Birding Trail unifies birding sites through a series of clusters in different regions of the state.

Each cluster, selected because of its great bird-watching or bird education opportunities, highlights special ecosystems and communities of birds. Florida is home to an incredible variety of birds that are rare and nonexistent in other parts of the United States, including the Florida burrowing owl and the scrub-jay.

For more information, visit the Great Florida Birding Trail website.

Siesta Public Beach

For fun in the sun, Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota is the place. This family-friendly beach has shallow waters for the kiddies and year-round lifeguards. Equipped with plenty of picnic tables, recreational fields, an incredible playground and much more, this ultimate getaway has something for everyone in the family.

While the kids have a ball at the popular Turtle Beach, parents or guardians can enjoy some much-deserved rest and relaxation on the whitest sands to be found anywhere in Florida. If heat is a concern, there's no need to worry as Siesta’s reflective quartz sand will keep the entire family’s feet cool, and there are many cold drink concession stands to quench the thirst. These sensational shores not only appeal to the eye, but also make huge splashes for beach goers, young and old.

For more informatrion, visit the Siesta Public Beach website.

Everglades National Park

For families seeking to explore the outdoors together, Florida has another great destination awaiting you. The only subtropical preserve in North America, Everglades National Park is nature’s playground. With its luscious wetlands and more than 150 miles of canoeing and walking trials, this reserve will excite a family of nature lovers of all ages. Bring the kids and take part in a slue of outdoor activities, from hiking and bicycling, to camping in the wilderness.

Alternatively, travellers can simply relax on one of the park’s three boat or tram tours. While on the tour, observe the fascinating bird life, including the wading Wood Storks or Great Blue Herons, or catch a glimpse of the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side. With so many things to see and do at the Everglades National Park, plan to stay for more than one night.

For more information, visit the Everglades National Park website.

Greenways and Trails

Greenways and Trails, a division of Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, is one organization that makes it easy to discover Florida's natural side through a state-wide system of 11 trails and greenways for both recreation and conservation purposes. Greenways and Trails, in conjunction with Florida State Parks, also provides trails through 12 state parks. Many of these parks offer campsites and cabins for overnight stays.

The Florida Trail Association, a non-profit private partner with Greenways and Trails, offers information and guidebooks about the many trails in Florida. The Florida Trail Association also hosts many activities throughout the year, including guided hiking tours and even maintenance hikes to ensure proper upkeep of the trails.

Although close in proximity to Florida's top tourism spots, the slower pace of Florida's natural side offers a complementary alternative to the bustle of crowds. This creates a unique experience for visitors to observe and experience nature in a temperate and beautiful setting.

Destin Fishing Rodeo

Every October, fishermen flock to Destin - long renowned as the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,’ - to participate in the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo and try their luck at searching for king mackerel, marlin, grouper and more. Fishermen compete for daily, weekly and overall prizes in men’s, women’s and junior angler categories throughout the month. For those land dwellers, Destin has an abundance of shops and golf courses to keep you occupied. Don’t miss a visit to AJ’s, a beachfront restaurant and the official weigh-in site for the rodeo, to watch the boats arrive and enjoy the fresh catches.

For more information, visit the Destin Fishing Rodeo website.

Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens

In addition to Florida’s numerous festivals, fall is the perfect season to stroll through Florida’s various scenic gardens. Cool breezes and affordable admission prices make fall the ideal time to treat yourself to a leisurely walk amidst vibrant flowers, soothing waters and native wildlife. Plentiful throughout the state, Florida’s more than 40 luscious gardens can easily be added to your itinerary regardless of your vacation destination.

Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee, is home to the tranquil Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens. The heart of these gardens is the lush greenery and leafy foliage arrangements, which stimulate the senses.

The Camellia Walk, one of several paths at Maclay Gardens, displays a striking contrast of dark green leaves and pale blossoms. A sheltered trail leads to the intimate Secret Garden, surrounded by delicate leaves, overgrown trees and a ground sprinkled with pine needles. Enjoy a visit to the gardens for nature’s finest relaxation and serenity.

For more information, visit the Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens website.

Maria Selby Botanical Gardens

For flower fans (and there are plenty about, Florida has it’s own ‘State Flower’ – the Orange Blossom) why not try the Maria Selby Botanical Gardens.

For orchid enthusiasts in particular, the Maria Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota offers a dazzling floral experience. Named one of America’s ‘Top Ten Botanical Gardens’ by Country Living Gardener Magazine in 2003, Selby Gardens has won several international orchid prizes for its collection of 6,000 vibrant orchids displayed in an open-air, under-glass museum. The rich hues of these blooms are most attractive to the colourful at heart and will stop any passers-by in their tracks.

For more information, visit the Maria Selby Botanical Gardens website.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Slightly more exotic is South Florida’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. This distinctive 83-acre botanic garden offers a broad assortment of rare tropical plants and is a leader in tropical plant research. Visitors lose themselves in the new Keys Coastal Habitat with mangroves and native Florida species and forget they are near the heart of vibrant Miami. Currently in development is a lush rainforest, which displays labelled tropical plants from around the world that will teach visitors the importance of preserving these unique environments.

For more information, visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden website.

Butterfly World

Enjoy the opportunity to experience life among the tranquil butterflies at Butterfly World in Coconut Creek. The world’s largest butterfly habitat, Butterfly World is home to thousands of brilliantly coloured butterflies, eight species of hummingbirds and a wide variety of tropical plants. Guests can explore a Tropical Rain Forest, walk among exotic gardens filled with fluttering butterflies, and hand feed rainbow coloured Lorikeet birds. This natural paradise offers a breathtaking experience you don’t want to miss!

For more information, visit the Butterfly World website.

Daytona International Speedway

For the adventurous (and speed junkies!), visit Daytona USA, the Official Attraction of NASCAR at Daytona International Speedway. Challenge each other to the renowned 16-second pit stop challenge or race each other in one of the Daytona Dream Laps simulator rides. For those lovebirds who aren’t as daring, Daytona USA also offers Speedway tours, the New IMAX NASCAR 3D, Daytona 500: The Movie, and a historic tour of racing in Daytona.

For more information, visit the Daytona International Speedway website.

Undiscovered Florida

For more information about Florida while in the US, pick up a copy of Undiscovered Florida, a magazine and guide produced by the Visit Florida organisation, featuring various nature, historical and cultural heritage offerings throughout the Sunshine State. Undiscovered Florida contains nine themed feature stories designed to take travellers off-the-beaten-path and on to discover some of Florida's best-kept secrets that are waiting to be discovered. Travellers can receive a free copy of the Undiscovered Florida magazine by calling 1-888-7FLAUSA (1-888-735-2872). If you’re not in the country already, head towards www.flausa.com and visit ‘Tools’ and ’Vacation Guide.’

The state's official source for travel planning: Visit Florida was created by the Florida Legislature in 1996 as the operating company for the Florida Commission on Tourism, a private/public partnership. Visit Florida markets the state worldwide and maintains international offices in London, Paris, Toronto and a dedicated office serving Latin America. Check out their first-class website (above) for more information.

Follow this link for all you need to know about visiting one of USA's top destinations: the sunshine state of Florida.

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