Florida Sunshine Trail

Florida: history

The Spanish explorer Ponce de León landed in 1513 and named the land La Florida. St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest city in the United States settled by Europeans. Florida passed to the United States in 1821 and became a state in 1845.

Henry Flagler's railway reached Miami in 1896 and Key West in 1912, and opened the coast to visitors. Apollo 11 left for the Moon from the Kennedy Space Center in 1969, and Walt Disney World opened in 1971.

Florida: tourist attractions

• Walt Disney WorldFour theme parks, led by the Magic Kingdom.
• Universal OrlandoHarry Potter, big rides and the newest park, Epic Universe.
• Kennedy Space CenterA Saturn V Moon rocket and the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
• South Beach, MiamiArt Deco hotels along Ocean Drive.
• Everglades airboat rideAlligators and birds in the 'river of grass'.
• Overseas HighwayThe drive over 42 bridges to Key West, including the Seven Mile Bridge.
• Mallory Square, Key WestThe sunset celebration at the end of the road.

Florida: excursions nearby

• Legoland Florida about 45 miles from OrlandoA theme park for younger children.
• Crystal River about 90 miles from OrlandoManatees in clear springs, best in winter.
• St. Augustine about 105 miles from OrlandoThe old Spanish fort and town.
• Clearwater Beach about 105 miles from OrlandoSoft white sand on the Gulf coast.
• Dry Tortugas 70 miles by sea from Key WestA brick sea fort on a coral island, reached by ferry or seaplane.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.