
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who loves classic movies, Florida has way more to offer than just its beaches and theme parks. With more than 22 million people calling it home—the Sunshine State is packed with exciting and fun things to discover. Here are 15 facts you should know about Florida.
Florida is Home to Over 22 Million Citizens

Florida is home to around 22.6 million people—quite a lot! In fact, it’s the third most populated state in the U.S., right after California and Texas. With about 2% growth every year, Florida keeps getting more popular. Want to see just how big this state is? Take a 30-minute private helicopter tour over Miami and check out the city’s stunning skyline from above.
St. Augustine is the Oldest City in the United States

Many people picture the Pilgrims on the Mayflower and other European settlers in the Northeast as the first U.S. settlements, but that’s not accurate. St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the country—founded in 1565, fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. You can explore St. Augustine on a guided hop-on hop-off trolley tour, where you’ll visit all the most famous and historic spots.
Florida is the Flattest State in the Nation

If you’re into tough hikes, Florida might not be the place for you. You won’t find many hills at all. It’s the flattest state in the U.S., with most of the land right at or above or below sea level. But Florida’s flat terrain is perfect for cruising around on a golf cart! It’s a fun and easy way to explore. You can even rent one in Tampa.
Britton Hill is the Tallest Natural Point

Speaking of hills, the closest one you’ll find is Britton Hill. At just 345 feet above sea level, it’s not exactly intimidating. Located near the Florida-Alabama border, this “peak” has a trail that is less than a mile long, and you can finish it in about 15 minutes. Since you’ll be near Destin, we recommend booking a Dolphin Watch Cruise at sunset while you’re there.
Florida Has the Highest Number of Golf Courses

Florida is known as a golfing paradise, and for good reason—it has the most golf courses of any state in the United States. You never have to drive far to find the nearest one, as the state has more than 1,200 golf courses. Aside from the occasional thunderstorm during the rainy months, Florida’s sunny weather makes it perfect for a round of 18 holes.
Florida Grows 70% of the U.S. Orange Supply

Thanks to Florida’s amazing weather, which offers the ideal mix of sun and rain, it’s the perfect climate for growing oranges. Now, those commercials really make sense! The orange grove farmers in Florida produce 70% of the oranges in the United States. Visit Florida’s Natural Visitor Center, where you can sample a variety of delicious and refreshing juices.
Miami is Where Suntan Lotion was First Created

It’s no surprise, with all this talk of sunshine and shores, that suntan lotion originated in Florida. A pharmacist in Miami created the first modern sunblock during World War II and later perfected the formula and launched the well-known Coppertone brand. Slather on some sunblock and take a shelling and sightseeing boat cruise off Marco Island.
Florida was the Site of the First Scheduled Passenger Flight

Of course, we know the first flight occurred in 1903 with the Wright Brothers; however, the first scheduled passenger flight took place in 1914 in Florida. The short flight traveled from St. Petersburg to Tampa and lasted just 23 minutes. It was an exciting achievement because, at the time, the journey would take nearly 11 hours by train.
Florida Holds the Title of the World’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt

The Cypress Gardens Adventure Park in Winter Haven hosted the world’s biggest Easter egg hunt on April 1, 2007. This event broke the world record when exactly 9,753 little kids searched for 501,000 eggs hidden throughout the area. The record remains unbroken to this day. Winter Haven is also located near a LEGO-themed adventure park with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions.
Panthers are a Native Species in Florida

You might think of bobcats or mountain lions when you hear “big cats” in the United States, but panthers are native to Florida. They’re mostly found in the southern part of the state, though they can occasionally be spotted in the north as well. Keep an eye out for wildlife on an exciting airboat tour in the Florida Everglades, where you’ll glide through 4,200 acres of swamps, marshes, and rivers.
Crocodiles and Alligators Live in Harmony in Florida

Speaking of animals, you usually wouldn’t find alligators and crocodiles sharing the same habitat in the wild—but not in this state. The Florida Everglades is the only place where these two large reptiles coexist in the same environment, side by side. You can experience the Everglades in a whole new way by taking a Night Airboat Tour.
Florida has the Longest Coastline Among the Lower 48 States

We know California has some stunning beaches, but it can’t compete with Florida’s majestic coast. With over 1,500 miles of coastline, it boasts nearly double the stretch of California. It’s no surprise that millions of people flock to the beautiful Florida beaches every year. Rent a bike in South Beach, Miami, and enjoy a day cruising along the coast.
58 Million Visitors Go to Disney World Each Year

The Walt Disney World resort is one of the biggest reasons folks visit Florida all year long. This huge attraction includes four theme parks, a water park, and a bunch of hotels, drawing in over 58 million visitors every year—making it one of the most popular spots in the world. Keep cool during the hot summer months at the Walt Disney World Water Park, where you can enjoy 56 acres of slides, wave pools, and other fun attractions.
Tampa Has the Longest Continuous Sidewalk

Head over to Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, Florida, and take a stroll on the world’s longest continuous pedestrian walkway. This amazing 4.5-mile-long sidewalk runs along the beautiful Upper Hillsborough Bay, giving you stunning views of the water and the lively city. It follows the seawall from Columbus Statue Park all the way to Gandy Boulevard.
Key West is the Southernmost City on the U.S. Mainland

Even though Key West is just a tiny island, it’s still part of the continental United States, and it’s as far south as you can go (besides Hawaii). You can get to Key West by taking a stunning drive over an impressive 42 bridges, including the popular 7 Mile Bridge, which takes about ten minutes to drive across all by itself.