Recreation & Entertainment
Industry
Snapshot | Economy/Cost of
Living
Education
| Transportation
| Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List
Few states offer such extensive recreation and entertainment opportunities as Florida. With its many beaches, exciting cities, theme parks, wetlands, islands, and sports venues, the Sunshine State has something for everyone.
Florida’s capital city is Tallahassee. Other popular cities in Florida include Miami, Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, the oldest permanent city in the nation, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West.
Opportunities abound for the young and young-at-heart in the Sunshine State. Florida boasts world-famous theme parks such as Walt Disney World in Orlando, Sea World Orlando, and Universal Studios. Whether collecting seashells on Sanibel Island, enjoying hands-on exhibits at Miami Children’s Museum, or visiting the NASA Kennedy Space Center, attractions in Florida seem only limited by the imagination.
Seemingly endless outdoor activities can be enjoyed in the Sunshine State. There are approximately 1,200 miles (1931 kilometers) of sand beaches and 1,800 miles (2,897 kilometers) of coastline. Florida offers spectacular bird watching; the Great Florida Birding Trail alone is a 2,000 mile (3,219 kilometer) trail specifically for enjoying birds in their environment. Fishing fans can rejoice over the many rivers, bays, marshes, lakes, shores, and deep-sea environments. Florida is an ideal locale for camping, kayaking, snorkeling and diving, and boating. Information on boating, hunting, and fishing can be obtained from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The National Park Service manages several areas including the Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States; Biscayne National Park; Big Cypress National Preserve; Dry Tortugas National Park; and Gulf Islands National Seashore, the nation’s largest.
Sports aficionados have much to celebrate in Florida. With over 1,250 golf courses, there are more courses in Florida than in any other state. Additionally, several professional sports teams call Florida home. Baseball fans have the Florida Marlins in Miami, and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in Tampa Bay. Football fans can enjoy the National Football League teams, the Miami Dolphins, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Basketball fans can cheer the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic.
Related Resources:
|
