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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.

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

However, it is 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.

But it ain't just Disney World

It's important to note that the Sunshine State at 447 miles in length is -- surprise! -- a lot more than Orlando and Miami.

Besides the famous draw of Disney World in Orlando, (left) other top Florida attractions around the state
include historic St. Augustine (middle) and the ornate beauty of the Ringling Complex in Sarasota (right).

In fact, often making the list of Top Ten Florida tourist attractions each year are places like historic St Augustine, the oldest occupied (and arguably the most charming) European settlement in the US, where horse-drawn carriage rides and gaslit streets are only part of the draw. Watch its Spanish past come alive in historic forts and houses coupled with a colorful trip back in time at the Pirate & Treasure Museum.

2023 Florida travel events and festivals

Just up ahead, check out our 2023 Florida travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information. Happy travels!

Attracting a million visitors every year, Miami's Calle Ocho festival stretches for blocks with 10 music stages, food, art and a giant conga line!

March 3 - March 12, 2023 -- Bike Week Daytona Beach

March 11 - March 12, 2023 -- Marathon Seafood Festival Marathon

March 12, 2023 -- Calle Ocho Festival Miami

April 21 - March-23, 2023 -- Pompano Beach Seafood Festival Pompano

April 29 - April 30, 2023 -- Fort Lauderdale Air Show, Fort Lauderdale

May 5 - May 7, 2023 -- Sunfest West Palm Beach

July 5 - July 8, 2023 -- Pensacola Beach Air Show, Pensacola Beach


More Florida top spots? They include Amelia Island (almost on the border with Georgia) where more historic charm awaits along the 13 miles of some of America's most beautiful barrier island beaches. Here at one time or another, the French, Spanish and English all laid claim to the island, and today several historic houses serve as wonderful bed & breakfast accommodations for visitors.

Sarasota, too, always deserves a mention -- if only for its ties to 19th century circus baron John Ringling. Today, the Ringling Circus Complex is an 'only-in-America' mix of European art exhibition and circus museum. Plan to spend at least a day at the 66-acre estate that also includes the Ringling's outrageously ornate neo-Renaissance home as well as acres of landscaped grounds and flower gardens.

also see -> Christmas in Florida  |  Florida Campgrounds

More about Florida travel & tourism around the Web:

Visit Florida - 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.

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