Florida Fun Facts!
and Cool Florida History!
Known for endless sunshine and breathtaking beaches, Florida is also a treasure trove of amazing wildlife, diverse landscapes, fascinating history and unique cultural experiences.
You know all about our major theme parks with millions of visitors each year, but did you know our Sunshine State also has world class cave diving, key lime pie on a stick, pirate festivals and some of the most quirky and odd attractions that yes, are worth visiting!
Whether you’re a native Floridian or a curious traveler, prepare to be captivated by history, fun facts and places to add to your go-see-do list!
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Top 20 Florida Fun Facts You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know!
1. Florida attracts over 100 million tourists annually, making it one of the most visited states in the United States.
2. With over 1,200 miles of coastline, Florida boasts an impressive 825 miles of beautiful beaches, offering endless opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Here’s a list of Best Beaches, and see if you agree!
3. The state is home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks: Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando plus Busch Gardens, Legoland and, of course, Gatorland!
4. Florida is renowned for its natural springs, boasting more than 700 freshwater springs, each with its own unique charm and crystal-clear waters. Check out our list of favorite paddling locations in Florida.
5. Alligators are an iconic part of Florida’s wildlife, and the state is estimated to be home to over 1.25 million alligators, more than any other state in the country. What’s the rule? If it’s a body of water, they could be an alligator in it! Always be careful.
6. Florida’s coastal waters serve as a sanctuary for the beloved (and once-endangered) manatees, also known as sea cows, with an estimated population of around 6,500 individuals and growing! There are lots of places to see them, but only one spot to swim with them!
7. Cave diving enthusiasts flock to Florida to explore its intricate underwater cave systems, such as the Blue Grotto, Ginnie Springs and many others with extensive underwater cave systems.
8. Florida is often associated with the vibrant and flamboyant pink flamingos, but there’s controversy surrounding if flamingos are actually native to Florida or not. It’s rare to see one in the wild, though it can happen! We’ve listed Where to See Flamingos in Florida here. And find the answers to flamingo questions like Do Flamingos Fly… here!
10. Florida’s rich history dates back centuries, with the first documented European exploration occurring in 1513 when Juan Ponce de León landed on Florida’s east coast.
11. Florida is home to the only living coral reef system in the continental United States, known as the Florida Reef, which stretches over 360 miles.
12. The Everglades, located in southern Florida, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther. Here are our tips on visiting Everglades National Park (yes, it’s a must!).
13. Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States, is just 90 miles away from Cuba and is famous for its vibrant culture, historic sites, and breathtaking sunsets. Here are our tips on visiting Key West!
14. Florida is nicknamed the “Sunshine State” due to its abundant sunshine, with an average of 230 days of sunshine per year.
15. The Kennedy Space Center, located on Florida’s east coast, has been the launch site for every crewed NASA space mission since 1968, including the historic Apollo moon missions. It’s also a great place to visit! More on visiting Kennedy Space Station here.
16. The Florida Keys are a string of over 800 tropical islands connected by the Overseas Highway, which spans 113 miles and includes the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. Key Largo, Islamorada and Key West are the most popular, but there’s plenty more to stop and enjoy! Here’s some of our favorite Florida Keys places to visit, here.
17. Florida has a diverse culinary scene influenced by Latin American, Caribbean, and Southern cuisines, featuring popular dishes like Key lime pie, conch fritters, and Cuban sandwiches.
18. The state flower of Florida is the orange blossom, symbolizing the importance of the citrus industry, for which Florida is famous.
19. Florida’s diverse population includes a significant number of retirees, earning it the reputation as a popular retirement destination, with communities like The Villages being among the largest retirement communities in the world.
20. There are 175 Florida State Parks and each one is quite unique, and all are well maintained and worth the visit. There’s even a Florida State Park Passport to help you keep track of each park you visit!