Florida is a land of diversity;
although no point in the state is farther than 100 km (62 mi) away from the ocean, its
beaches greatly vary from one part of the coast to the next. Its towns are also very
distinct, such as gracious Old South Tallahassee, exciting Fort Lauderdale, and historic
Key West. Here, the past and the present are equally celebrated: exhibits of Spanish
treasures, re-creations of pirate invasions, and hikes along trails that were used by the
first explorers will acquaint you with the rich history of this state. On the other hand,
visiting the Kennedy Space Center and EPCOT Center will propel you into the future, where
everything is possible.
Miami
Miami and its elegant Art
Deco district are at the very heart of those television and tourist brochure images of
Florida. A true urban centre, this is a place where Spanish is just as likely to be heard
as English. Latin shows and shops, Cuban cuisine and ethnic music give Miami a
cosmopolitan, Latino atmosphere.The Gold Coast Caressed by the Atlantic, the Gold Coast
stretches to the northern limits of Miami, as far as Jupiter Inlet. This region, whose two
major cities are Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, is characterized by stunning beaches and
constant development.The East Coast Trying to catch up with their bustling, more popular
counterparts, many areas of the East Coast are now getting a major facelift. But this
region also features quieter areas, especially near Georgia. Almost all beaches are
accessible here, from Daytona, famous for its car races, to the old-fashioned fishing
villages and the island of Amelia.Central Florida Although there are no beaches here, the
heart of Florida is undoubtedly its most diverse region, as you can see from the
magnificent St. Johns River and the Ocala National Forest. Citrus fruit reign in many
areas, and Lake Okeechobee fights for survival while providing irrigations to farmlands.
But, the site that undoubtedly attracts the most tourists to this region is Walt Disney
World, near Orlando.The Everglades and the Keys Beyond Miami's city lights lie the
Everglades and the Keys. Despite their marshy environment, the Everglades and their unique
treasures are pure heaven to nature-lovers. To the south, the Florida Keys are a string of
islets that mark the separation between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.The West
Coast The West Coast, which is delimited by Marco Island and Cedar Key, moves to a varied
rhythm in an equally diverse environment. Signs of this growth are omnipresent from Fort
Myers to Tampa-St. Petersburg, and in high season, the area is packed with vacationers.
Nevertheless, many communities, such as the more isolated Sarasota, Tarpon Springs and
Cedar Key, have managed to preserve their unique charm.