Though already inhabited by Native Americans, Florida was discovered by Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de León in 1513, later becoming the first state in the US to be settled by Europeans. From the Cuban Revolution in 1959 through to the Mariel Boatlift in the 1980s, displaced Cubans settled in Miami, all of which has contributed to the state’s rich and diverse culture. You can easily travel from one end of the state to the other and wind up feeling like you’re in a whole different place.
Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of America" with its hundreds of kilometres of canals and waterways. Once a popular Spring Break venue, it now attracts an older, more refined crowd that have brought with them, style and sophistication with some great museums and open-air cafés to make the most of the pleasant climate. Join the locals and stroll along Fort Lauderdale’s palm tree-lined promenade that highlights the famous coastline.
Experience the peaceful beauty of an airboat ride through the nearby Everglades National Park. The largest subtropical wetland ecosystem in all of the US, the Everglades is America’s most endangered national park and an important breeding ground for wading birds. Wet prairie rather than swamp, it very slowly meanders towards the ocean supporting wildlife such as crocodiles, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, bald eagles and ospreys. The best time to visit is in winter during the dry season to avoid the bugs and frequent thunderstorms.
On the east coast, you can view the largest collection of artwork outside of Spain by eccentric Spanish artist Salvador Dali. Originally a private collection, its permanent home can be found at the waterfront location of St Petersburg.
