Travel Guide U.S.A.: Florida

Florida is a state in the southwest of the United States of America. The "Sunshine State" of the USA has a tropical to subtropical climate that has formed a landscape of unique flora and fauna with over 300 sunny days a year.

White sandy beaches, vibrant metropolises, fascinating natural landscapes and endless leisure activities attract countless visitors year after year to the 27th state of the USA. Kayaking in the Florida Keys, a Miami city trip or an exploration tour through the Everglades – the possibilities to discover Florida are limitless.

Profile

Name
Florida

Location
In the far southeast of the USA

Size
approx. 170,300 km²

Capital
Tallahassee

Best travel time
End of October until beginning of May

Highlights
National parks such as Everglades National Park, Gulf Island National Park or Timucuan National Park, the Florida Keys chain of islands and vibrant Miami

Visiting Florida

Location, geography and climate

Florida is the 27th state of the USA and is located in the very southeast of the country. Florida shares borders with the states of Georgia and Alabama. The east side is located at the Atlantic Ocean, the west side at the Gulf of Mexico. The largest cities are Orlando and Miami. Together with Hawaii Florida is one of the most southern states of the USA. It extends over an area of 170,000 km². More than 1,060 km of the 1,930 km long coast are beaches. Besides that there are more than 17,000 km of waterways and a lot of lakes and rivers. With 440 km the St. Johns is the longest river of Florida.

Florida can be considered as peninsula. The high planes of the state mainly consist of limestone. The landscapes are characterized by many lakes, rivers, underground springs, caves and dolines. The beaches are made of sand. Florida’s southern peak is well known due to the tropical landscape which is formed by the Everglades.

There are two main climate zones in Florida. The northwest as well as the central part are rather cold during winter and hot during summer. The south is warm or hot all over the year.

Flora and fauna in Florida

Florida's landscape is diverse, ranging from freshwater and mangrove swamps, riverine landscapes and prairies to picturesque coastal areas with endless sandy beaches. While the north is mainly characterized by pine forests, in more southern regions there are often swamps in which mangroves, lilies, ferns and orchids grow. Florida's most famous tree, the Sabal Palm, grows – like some other palm species – almost everywhere.

And also the animal world has a lot to offer: In Florida you have got the chance to see wild alligators, sea cows and many different bird species. Some of these animals are highly endangered, e.g. the Florida panther. The heraldic animal lives in the Everglades and is technically no panther, but a puma. Also manatees are endangered animals. If you are lucky, you can observe them in the coastal areas around Florida. They are very peaceful animals and related to elephants. For several years the green iguana spreads over Florida. These fascinating reptiles are vegetarians and can reach lengths of over 2 meters.

Highlights in Florida

Floridas wonderful nature can be enjoyed especially during a visit to a national park. An icon among the parks of the state and beyond is certainly famous Everglades National Park. This is located in the very south and is a large swamp area in the waters of which a large number of alligators cavort. Gulf Island National Park is also an enchanting destination, with white sandy beaches and a wide range of hiking trails for nature lovers, the park in northern Florida is a worthwhile destination. If you are a birding enthusiast, Timucuan National Park is the ideal destination. Here you can explore the area by kayak and get to know Florida's birdlife better.

Who would like to experience a little paradise flair, should absolutely pay a visit to the Florida Keys: These are a chain of tropical islands that extend from the southern tip of the state of Florida between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico over a distance of about 120 miles into the sea. If you want to go fishing, boating, snorkelling or diving, this is the place for you. A cool drink in a bar in Key West, the southernmost city, rounds off a successful outdoor day.

Florida travellers should not miss a trip to the vibrant city of Miami. In this cosmopolitan metropolis, art, culture and cuisine, which all reflect the influence of Cuba, can be explored and enjoyed extensively.****