Few states can boast of having an ocean, a gulf, and one of the largest lakes in the world – plus one of the few massive rivers in the world that runs north!

If water doesn’t fascinate you, then maybe the 1.5 million acres of the Everglades may interest you. Or the Old Spanish Trail that runs from St. Augustine to San Diego, California crossing Florida’s northern wilderness, swamps and forests.

Either of these land masses would keep interested travelers busy for months! This diversity is part of Florida living and Florida Travel Blog brings them all to you.

History is a Big Part of Florida Life

Besides Florida’s native visual bounties, the rich history of the state is unequaled as the French, Spanish, and British explorers formed colonies looking for treasures they thought must be in this land of beauty. Little did they realize that the treasure they sought was really the land and water itself.

Many original settlers starved as their ships were harbored in waters abundant with fish, oysters and crabs. Colonies failed because of the harsh conditions and their inability to change from their European lifestyle. Florida Travel Blog logs Florida history from 1513.

Native Americans Thrived – Not So With Settlers in Early Florida Life

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Native American populations thrived in Florida for some 12,000 years before contact with Europeans. Dozens of indigenous peoples inhabited most parts of Florida from the Keys to Pensacola. Eventually, settlers learned from the societies that existed long before they arrived by living with the land and water. They learned not to challenge Mother Nature but to live in harmony with her.

Remnants of our Native American history live today with dozens of cities that originated from villages of Native American tribes throughout the state.

Tallahassee, Florida’s state capital, was a Creek village. Micanopy was named after a Seminole chief. Thonotosassa, just outside of Tampa was from the Seminole-Creek words meaning place of valuable flint. Immokalee, near Naples, was Choctaw, meaning his or her home. You can find many more Native American names here.

As we travel through Florida, our minds can’t help but see the rich history our ancestors valued before us.

Another wonderful asset Florida life has to offer is the estimated 700 springs sprinkled throughout the state. You will see and read about many of these springs (many with native American names) in Florida Travel Blog.

The state of Florida lists the more popular springs here. Many state parks are built around springs. Even attractions like Silver Springs State Park in Ocala were made into attractions because of the clear water and wooded surroundings. Many movies and TV shows were filmed at Silver Springs.