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National Florida Day

The land of sunshine! With endless beaches, theme parks, and alligators lurking in swamps, Florida's the perfect place for an adventure.

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Capitalize on January travel planning and winter escape desires by promoting Florida's beaches, theme parks, and culinary experiences as the ultimate sunshine destination.

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Beat the winter blues: Florida beach getaway packages and flight deals
Taste Florida: Spotlight local cuisine from key lime pie to Cuban coffee
Theme park season: January deals on Orlando attractions and accommodations
Adventure awaits: Everglades airboat tours and state park experiences

History

Florida has a long and diverse history. The land now known as Florida has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, including the Seminole, Timucua, and Calusa tribes.

In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León became the first known European to set foot in Florida. Spain claimed the land as a colony, and later ceded it to the United States in 1821 as part of the Adams-Onis Treaty.

Today, Florida is a popular destination for vacationers and retirees, and is known for its beaches, theme parks, and warm weather.

Additionally, Florida is an economic powerhouse, with a strong focus on industries such as tourism, agriculture, and aerospace.

Additionally, its urban centers, like Miami, and cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville have become a mix of cultures with vibrant food and entertainment scenes.

How to celebrate

Visit a Florida State Park

Florida has 175 state parks which offer a diverse range of activities, from hiking and bird watching to kayaking and snorkeling. Some popular state parks include Everglades National Park, where you can take an airboat tour to see alligators and other wildlife, and Dry Tortugas National Park, which is home to historic Fort Jefferson and crystal-clear waters for snorkeling.

Try Florida’s Local Cuisines

Florida is a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine reflects that. From classic seafood dishes, like key lime pie and stone crab, to Cuban and Caribbean specialties, like ropa vieja and jerk chicken. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a fresh squeezed orange juice, or—a Floridian favorite—Cuban coffee.

Attend a Festival or Event

Florida is home to a wide variety of festivals and events, such as music festivals, like Ultra Music Festival, art festivals, like Art Basel Miami, and food festivals, like the annual Food and Wine Festival at Epcot.

Explore Florida’s Beaches

Florida is famous for its beaches, and there are plenty of great ones to choose from. From the famous South Beach in Miami to the quieter shores of the Gulf Coast like Siesta Key, Clearwater Beach and Sanibel Island. Whether you want to spend your day lounging in the sun, surfing, or swimming, Florida has a beach for you.

FAQ

How did Florida’s climate influence its cultural diversity?

Florida’s warm climate has long attracted immigrants from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and more, shaping a unique cultural mix. For instance, Miami’s Little Havana boasts vibrant Cuban influence, from domino parks to lively music and cuisine.

What’s the story behind Florida’s ‘love bugs’?

Love bugs, often swarming highways, are not native to Florida. Introduced from Central America in the 20th century, these insects have a short life cycle but seem everywhere due to Florida’s ideal breeding conditions. Many people mistakenly think they were engineered to combat mosquitoes!

Are there any myths around the Fountain of Youth in Florida?

Legend has it that Ponce de León searched for the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine. While likely just a myth, the city embraced the legend. Today, a popular tourist attraction in St. Augustine claims to mark the mystical fountain’s spot.

What unique celebrations do Floridians hold on National Florida Day?

Some Floridians celebrate by recreating local festivals, like mock pirate invasions inspired by the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. Others host beach barbecues or fishing competitions, highlighting Florida’s rich coastal lifestyle.

Why do manatees migrate to Florida for the winter?

Manatees seek warm waters in Florida’s springs and power plant outflows when ocean temperatures drop. Places like Blue Spring State Park become manatee havens each winter, attracting visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants.

What unusual wildlife that isn’t native can be found in Florida?

Florida has invasive species like Burmese pythons in the Everglades, creating challenges for native wildlife. These snakes, likely released pets, now thrive in the swampy terrain, making python removal events popular among adventurous locals.

Did you know Florida has its own “lost city”?

Stiltsville, located in Biscayne Bay, was a community of stilt houses over water dating back to the 1930s. Though only a few structures remain, the area has a mysterious charm, with stories of illegal gambling and wild parties during the mid-20th century.

How does the legend of the Skunk Ape fit into Florida folklore?

The Skunk Ape, a Sasquatch-like creature, reportedly roams Florida’s swamps. Many Floridians have tales of encountering this elusive creature, particularly in the Everglades. The legend continues, drawing Bigfoot enthusiasts from across the country.

What’s the significance of the annual Mullet Toss in Florida?

Each spring, Floridians gather on the Florida-Alabama border for the “Interstate Mullet Toss.” Contestants throw mullet fish from Florida into Alabama waters in a unique, lighthearted event that raises funds for local charities.

Why is Florida the only state with coral reefs?

Florida’s tropical climate supports continental U.S.’s only coral reefs, found in the Florida Keys. The state holds annual events to protect these reefs, which face threats from bleaching and pollution, attracting ecotourists and marine conservationists alike.