1. There’s nothing quite like the way the sun slides silently up over Florida waters
Source: Flickr user GunnerVV
Florida sunrise
2. Prompting the beautiful birds to take flight in the new day’s light
Source: Flickr user Bob Jagnedorf
Pelican in the Florida sunset
3. To find their fresh seafood breakfast
Source: Flickr user James Diedrick
Red egret in Fort Desoto County Park, FL
4. All the other strange and wonderful creatures emerge
Source: Flickr user Andrea Westmoreland
Florida softshell turtle, Lake Woodruff
5. While the large and lovable manatees play just beneath the surface
Source: Flickr user U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region
Florida manatees
6. And the serene, stunning beaches come to life
Source: Flickr user Don Miller
7. Head out onto the water for a day of thrills
Source: Flickr user Jay Ebberly
8. Or explore one of Florida’s unique cities, whether it’s the metropolis of Miami
Source: Flickr user joiseyshowaa
9. Funky, artsy St. Pete…
Source: Wikimedia user Ebyabe
The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, Fla.
10. America’s first city
Source: Flickr user H. Michael Miley
St. Augustine, Fla.
11. One of the many arts- and culture-rich smaller cities and towns
Source: Flickr user Zinnia Jones
Chalk Festival, Sarasota, Fla.
12. Where there are always small treasures to encounter
Source: Flickr user Mitch Kloorfain
Stuart, Fla.
13. And there’s always fun-filled Orlando
Source: Flickr user Jared
Lake Eola, Orlando, Fla.
14. Or you can escape it all in the Everglades
Source: Flickr user John T Howard
15. Where many new friends await you
Source: Flickr user Miguel Vieira
American alligators from Everglades National Park Anhinga Trail
16. Some thrilling
Source: Flickr user Trish Hartmann
Florida Water Snake
17. Some adorable
Source: Flickr user Andrea Westmoreland
Gopher Tortoise
18. And maybe even one that will catch you by surprise
Source: Flickr user Scott Kinmartin
T-Rex Dinosaur at Universal Studios
19. Find shade under an old, majestic moss-draped oak
Source: Flickr user jc.winkler
Oak tree with Spanish moss
20. Or head back out to the beach
Source: Flickr user Arturo Donate
21. Watch the tide roll in
Source: Flickr user Don Miller
Caspersen Beach Sunset
22. Or head down the pier for an unforgettable sunset view
Source: Flickr user Don Miller
Sunset at the Pier
23. Or enjoy a local delicacy
Source: Flickr user jacky_oh_yeah
24. Because the only thing sweeter than life in Florida, is its fruit
Source: Flickr user Department of Agriculture
Navel oranges in Florida citrus grove
25. Later, relax to the gentle lapping sounds of ocean waters as evening approaches
Source: Flickr user josue armando serrano
Tampa Bay, Fla.
26. Maybe take in the sunset with friends along the coastline
Source: Flickr user Don Miller
Florida beach at sunset
27. Or venture out on the water to mingle with good company and the setting sun
Source: Flickr user Bud
Sailing off Key West, Fla.
28. Or take in one of Mother Nature’s famous Florida summer fireworks displays
Source: Flickr user naql
Lightning on a Florida beach
29. Have a ball at a county fair in the cool night air
Source: Flickr user Ricymar Photography
Florida Fair
30. Or don your shorts and feel the holiday spirit around the Christmas light-wrapped palm trees
Source: Flickr user Eric Kilby
Florida Botanical Gardens
