The United States’ southern state of Florida is known for being a tourist destination during summer for some sun and sand, as well as during the winter to escape the snow and cold. With its tropical climate (which is especially pronounced in the southern half of the state), it is considered warm all year long. The temperature, combined with the thousands of miles of beaches, help make tourism the largest sector of the state’s economy, averaging about 60 million tourists each year who bring in many billions of revenue (this allows the state to have a very low sales tax). Besides the beaches, Florida is probably most well-known for Disney World in Orlando, which has large numbers of visitors during the summer and winter vacation months. Then, there is also Tampa and the Clearwater area. As the name suggests, they are known for their beautiful beaches, particularly in the hot summer months and the weeks of spring break. These two destinations are probably the largest and most recognizable cities in the Sunshine State.
Orlando The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions this city, is The Disney World Resort, the largest and most visited theme park in the world. Actually, it is a collection of 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and over 20 hotels. The first park opening in 1971 and it has been a huge success ever since, greatly surpassing the original Disneyland in California that it was founded on. But there is so much more to this large, bustling city. Other theme parks that also enjoy wild success are Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and the Holy Land Experience. All these vacation attractions explain why it is the third most-visited city in the entire country. Beyond tourist attractions Orlando is also home of the University of Central Florida, the second largest university in the nation. While the locals often enjoy the theme parks and other tourist attractions, Orlando is probably best-loved to the locals for its vast shopping options and wealth of cultural arts.
Tampa and Clearwater The other side of Florida’s tourist industry are its beaches. Tampa is located on the Gulf Coast, and directly south of it is the Clearwater area. There is also the lesser known area of St. Petersburg bordering the two bigger vacation locations. Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular Spring Break destinations during the education systems’ spring vacation weeks through the country. The beautiful beaches, nice-sized waves, a plethora of water-sporting options, and the array of hotels and condos available directly on the beach-front are what have made it a favorite for tourist and locals over the years. The whole area is usually referred to as the “Tampa Bay Area”. With over 4 million residents, many of the locals enjoy the area for the sports and with its tropical climate, they can be enjoyed all year long. Most distinguished are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (known simply as “the Bucs” in the NFL world), the Tampa Bay Lightning (a part of the NHL), Tampa Bay Rays (their mascot appropriately being a sting-ray for the MLB), and the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies in the NASL (soccer).
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