According to abbreviationfinder, Florida is located in the southern United States and is a state of extremes. You will find all the well-known amusement parks here, but also beautiful nature with a special flora and fauna, such as in the Everglades (PHOTO BELOW). The pearly white beaches with palm trees contrast with the skyline of the Miami metropolis. Exuberant and trendy nightlife meets rich history: St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, is located here. In short, Florida actually has everything that makes a visit attractive.
According to countryaah, the larger cities of Florida, such as Orlando, Miami, St. Petersburg and Tampa, are easily accessible by plane from the Netherlands and Belgium. For more information about times and prices, please contact your travel agency or one of the many airlines that fly (directly) to Florida. Florida is mainly a state to travel by car. All major rental companies are present.
Climate and best time to travel to Florida
Florida isn’t called ‘The Sunshine State’ for nothing. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees Celsius during the day with huge thunderstorms and at night it doesn’t really cool down. In winter it can get cold in the northern part, in the south the mercury hovers around 20 degrees Celsius. Spring and autumn are probably the best times to visit: not too hot, not too cold and little precipitation.
Food and Drink in Florida
After a visit to Florida you have at least lost another prejudice: that Americans only eat hamburgers with cola and thick steaks. Even though you see a lot of fast food places along the road, especially in Florida you can find a wide variety of food offerings, both in shops and restaurants. The different ethnic groups that have settled in Florida over time have each left their own mark on the kitchen. The proximity of the sea also ensures a richly varied dish.
Fort Lauderdale
In the southeast of Florida, halfway between Miami and Palm Beach, lies the small town of Ft. Lauderdale. It is especially sought after by tourists for its pleasant subtropical climate, lots of natural attractions and a diverse range of cultural and historical attractions. A wide range of entertainment is also available to visitors. Fort Lauderdale is not a big city by American standards, and that is perhaps the reason why it managed to maintain such a relaxed and pleasant seaside atmosphere.
The town boasts a beautiful beach, which is sought after by tourists from all over the world. The sunshine here reaches up to 3000 hours a year. The beach is suitable for relaxing and active rest, as it offers many opportunities for various water sports. Americans also sometimes call the city “Venice of America” because it is intertwined with an ingenious system of canals that run on water taxis. Water taxis are a great and cheap way to get to all the city’s attractions and sights. City attractions include Museum of Discovery or Museum of Art.
Every year, Business Week announces the best places in the world that are suitable for family life and raising children. Fort Lauderdale has been in the top ten several times in a row. Fort Lauderdale is also renowned for its many private schools and universities, and last but not least, it is one of the safest cities in the United States. Neighboring areas such as Surise, Plantation, Miramar, Cooper City or Weston offer a wide range of affordable housing for families with children.
Fort Matanzas National Monument
On the northeast coast of Florida is the town of St. Augustine (Saint Augustine), which is the oldest city in the United States. Its history dates back to 1565, when it was founded by the Spaniards and therefore does not deny its European roots. Not far from it is the little-known settlement of Fort Matanzas, which was also founded in the same year by the Spanish conquerors.
In Fort Matanzas there is a fortress from 1740, which was used in the past to protect the city. It is built of soft limestone, which is complemented by millions of small seashells. Today, the fortress is open to tourists, who can get acquainted with its history during a 45-minute tour. In addition, the guide will show them the remnants of cannonballs, which penetrated several centimeters into the local walls.
Another landmark in St. Petersburg. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos, which was used by the US military until 1899. It was declared a national monument in 1924 and 9 years later became part of the system of national parks. In 1942, Congress decided to restore its original name, Castillo de San Marcos. Interestingly, the fortress was also built from a material called Coquin, which is a bond of crushed sea shells. Today, this historic, 35-foot-high fortress with its accompanying foundations lies in a 10-hectare park and is washed by the sea on one side.
