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Although largely inhabited by the Seminole Indians of Florida at the time, it was Ponce de León's quest for the mythical Fountain of Youth in 1513 that led to the European discovery of Florida.

For the next three centuries Spain, England and France fought for control of the territory, until 1819 when it was finally sold by Spain to the United States. In turn, the U.S. fought the original Seminole Indian tribe for control until the mid-1800's.

Today, Florida is best known as a vacation paradise offering visitors fun-in-the-sun at famous Florida beaches dotting miles of shoreline - at Daytona, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Keys - and dozens off other top hot spots while also making it a magnet for college students on spring break.

However, it is the central & family-friendly Florida that remains its most popular destination - as millions each year flock to Orlando to visit nearby Disney World and Epcot Center along with an additional big draw at the Kennedy Space Center.

More about Florida travel & tourism around the Web:

FLA USA - See the entire Sunshine State laid out with precision including beaches, major attractions, hotels, restaurants, how to get there and get around, maps and pictures, special interest features including Florida for kids.

DisneyWorld - The official site with everything you'd expect including a virtual tour of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney-MGM Studios and more, including hotels, restaurants, ticket reservations, resort and travel package booking, schedule of events.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center - Go on the virtual tour via a cool interactive map of the entire complex including pictures, schedule of launches, reservations, ticket information and online booking, driving directions, visitor hours.

Miami, Florida Travel Guide - Stay up-to-date with the latest Miami tourist blog, news and announcements, major tourist attractions including the Everglades, beaches, restaurant and nightlife guide, hotels & accommodation.

Coastal East Coast :: Along the Florida Coast - The complete road tour from Jacksonville to Key West with things to see and do along the way.

Sunsensational.org - Things to do and places to see in Central Florida's lake country, including Cypress Gardens and Polk City with hotel and accommodation guides, travel suggestions & day trip itineraries.

EcoFlorida - The guide to nature and adventure travel throughout the state, including where to book travel packages, tips on RV rentals, where to see manatees, why you shouldn't feed alligators, and a virtual class trip to the Everglades.

Florida Summer Vacation Calendar:

also see -> Christmas in Florida | Moving to Florida

Florida Wineries