The Sunshine State or state of sunshine

During the past three years I have made several trips to Florida to visit friends and family. I love the climate, the serenity, the flora and of course the food. South Beach and Key West weren't too shabby either. However, my last trip to the Sunshine State was mainly about work and for the most part sans friends. The climate was nice but the state of sunshine wasn't its usually self. I guess what you see is only as good as the people you share it with.