"The Sunshine State" is Florida's official state nickname because of the many sunny days in Florida. It was adopted by the 1970 Legislature.

Florida actually means "full of flowers" named by explorer Ponce de Leon because of all the flowers he saw when he landed here in 1513. Florida's semi-tropical climate allows it to have year-round flowers and lush vegetation.

Florida's beaches are ranked as some of the best in the country for beauty, accessibility and facilities. Families, couples and singles on the move enjoy year-round sunshine, glittering white sand and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean.

Miami, one of Florida's original vacation hot spots maintains its never-ending draw today. Replete with history, culture, and of course, nightlife and beaches, Miami is a must-see if you've never visited. This metropolitan area is influenced by Latin-American cultures, evidenced in the diversity of restaurants, arts, and festivals. Art and architecture buffs will revel in South Beach's Art Deco district, which houses over 800 Art-Deco style buildings.

As the southernmost point in the United States, Key West attracts visitors looking for an escape from the ordinary. Most people spend the day lounging on the beach and relaxing. Nature lovers and divers might enjoy a trip to Dry Tortugas Islands, located about 70 miles west of Key West (accessible by ferry or chartered plane). Sunsets are an event in themselves, signifying the end of the day and the start of the nightlife.

Famous for its theme parks, Orlando actually includes the areas of Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista. Disney World, EPCOT, Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, and several waterparks lay claim to this central Florida city. Visitors looking for respite from the typical tourist attractions can explore museums, malls, state parks, countless restaurants, and nearby small towns.

Tampa's port and international airport make it an easily accessible, popular destination in Florida. Its rich history mixes with its modern landscape, giving visitors and residents a medley of activities and attractions to choose from. Busch Gardens, various large museums, and the city's resident football team, the Buccaneers, are just a few of the major highlights. The area is rife with small towns as well, offering a glimpse into Tampa's history and diversity.

Clearwater Beach is known for its white-sand broad beaches, which offer popular watersports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and water biking. Pirate cruises and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium make Clearwater a unique family destination.

Throughout Florida, countless theme parks continually attract visitors with screaming coasters and wild waterparks. Central Florida is home to Disney World, EPCOT, Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure, and SeaWorld, as well as several other waterparks. On the west coast, Busch Gardens combines a zoo with a theme park. Shipwreck Island, a waterpark, makes its home in the northwest area of the state.