http://www.visitflorida.com/history/ Florida boasts the oldest cities in the United States. While Spain settled St. Augustine in 1565, Florida’s first people arrived in 12,000 B.C. Until Juan Ponce de Leon came in 1512, Florida was inhabited by Timucua, Apalachee and Calusa tribes. That long history, and history made after the U.S won Florida from Spain in 1821, make Florida a top cultural travel destination. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/ponce-francis-and-henry http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/ponce-francis-and-henry Devote a day to each of St. Augustine's strongest heritage influences, escorted by three of its great lates, Ponce de Leon, Sir Francis Drake and Henry Flagler. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/small-town-charm-big-city-sophistication http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/small-town-charm-big-city-sophistication Central Florida's cultural venues are fresh, dynamic alternatives to what you find on the usual cultural circuit. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/downtown-tampa-past-and-future-rolled-into-one http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/downtown-tampa-past-and-future-rolled-into-one Tampa's development was sparked by the cigar industry, and the city continues to thrive. Experience its history and cultural diversity at museums and historic sites throughout Ybor City and downtown. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/my-big-fat-greek-vacation http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/my-big-fat-greek-vacation Though most people's introduction to Greek came courtesy of the popular movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the small town of Tarpon Springs on Florida's west coast offers a real education in Greek life and culture. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/art-for-arts-sake http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/art-for-arts-sake Get ready to gallery hop in Lakeland, Winter Haven and Lake Wales – small towns that boast big appetites for art. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/trekking-in-tally-town http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/trekking-in-tally-town A good walk can do what the best drive can't. Stretch your body, mind and soul in and around Tallahassee. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/walk-lakeland http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/walk-lakeland Lakeland is a place where you can spend more than a day exploring parks and gardens, admiring historic downtown buildings restored to their former luster, and discovering a community where art and culture abound. Experience all this and more on a walking tour of downtown Lakeland. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/saluting-diversity-on-floridas-beach http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/saluting-diversity-on-floridas-beach Sitting on Clearwater Beach, parasailing off of St. Petersburg or applauding a Blue Jays homer in Dunedin, you probably never give a second thought to the different ethnicities that helped found this area – and shape its history – more than a century ago. Here's your chance. http://visitflorida.com/articles/historical-hotspots-in-floridas-capital http://visitflorida.com/articles/historical-hotspots-in-floridas-capital "Historical site" and "hotspot" aren't often used in the same sentence, but Tallahassee breaks with tradition to offer cultural attractions that are not only educational, but downright entertaining. Check out the downtown cultural district, visit historic Mission San Luis and head outdoors to explore the city's beautiful historic gardens... http://visitflorida.com/articles/immerse-yourself-in-keys-culture http://visitflorida.com/articles/immerse-yourself-in-keys-culture At first glance, the Florida Keys are water and sky, horizon and clouds, mangroves and marshes. But look in the right places and you'll find an island chain that's alive with history and culture. From Flagler to Hemingway, the rich heritage of the Keys has left us much to appreciate. In true Keys style, the best way to explore it all is to take your time...