Central Florida

Travel Guide

Universal Studios Orlando showing night scenes, a city and rides
Universal Studios Orlando showing night scenes, a city and rides
Lake Eola Park featuring a park and theater scenes
Central Florida showing signage and night scenes
Gatorland featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals

Families love Central Florida with good reason, as the region is packed with exciting theme parks, outdoor escapes and fascinating museums.

The exhilarating family attractions of Central Florida dominate many itineraries for people visiting the region. Away from the excellent theme parks, however, you’ll discover architectural wonders, artistically minded cities and pleasant, tourist-free pockets of natural beauty.

Explore the Polk County History Museum for an overview of the history of Central Florida. Replica Seminole Chickee Indian homes explain the stories of Florida’s Native American communities.

Stay in Polk County to enjoy more of Central Florida’s best cultural attractions. Marvel at the masterpieces from around the world in the Polk Museum of Art or watch touring Broadway performances in the atmospheric and outdoor Polk Theatre.

Experience the cinematic magic and thrills of Orlando’s theme parks. Enchanting Walt Disney World® Resort features six different parks. Travel around the world at Epcot®, meet princesses in the Magic Kingdom® Theme Park or look backstage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Ride thrilling roller coasters at Universal Orlando® Resort, which also features The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.

Orlando offers more entertainment outside of its popular theme parks. Walk down Central Boulevard in the Downtown region to enjoy multiple public art installations. Browse a vast collection of African, Ancient American and contemporary paintings and sculptures in the Orlando Museum of Art.

Stroll between 13 different Frank Lloyd Wright buildings at Florida Southern College. Take a docent-led tour through the stunning campus to learn about the great architect’s involvement with the university.

Find some tranquility in the gardens and forests of Central Florida. Bok Tower Gardens covers 150 acres (60 hectares), featuring children’s play areas and a historic monument in the center. Canoe or hike around the lakes and rivers of Ocala National Forest for a scenic escape from the cities. Disappear into Circle B Bar Reserve and watch the trees for rare bird life.

Fly into Orlando International Airport to land in the heart of Central Florida. The region remains warm and accessible in every season, making it a fun destination throughout the year.

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Where to stay in Central Florida

International Drive showing landscape views

International Drive District

Visitors to International Drive District rave about its breathtaking beach views, exciting theme parks, and popular shops. You might also want to make some time to see Pointe Orlando or Aquatica while you're exploring the neighborhood.

International Drive District
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Bay Lake

4.5/5(195 area reviews)

Home to all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and one water park, this city offers endless entertainment, including Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses.

Bay Lake
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Champions Gate

Abundant dining options and pristine golf courses are well-reviewed features of Champions Gate. Make a stop by top sights like ChampionsGate Golf Club while you're exploring the area.

Champions Gate
Central business district in Orlando city, is the 23rd largest metropolitan area in the United States of America.

Florida Center

While visiting Florida Center, you might make a stop by sights like Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Florida.

Florida Center
Downtown Orlando

Downtown Orlando

3.5/5(17 area reviews)

Orlando's historic core boasts art galleries, retail, restaurants, and nightclubs, with attractions like Lake Eola Park, Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, and performing arts theaters, all accessible via public transportation.

Downtown Orlando
Reunion which includes golf and landscape views as well as a small group of people

Reunion

The waterparks and pristine golf courses are top of the list for many visitors to Reunion. A stop by Reunion Resort Golf Course or Jack Nicklaus Course might round out your trip.

Reunion
The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando

The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando

4 out of 5
14501 Grove Resort Avenue Winter Garden FL
The price is CA $218 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
CA $218
CA $321 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly resort in Four Corners. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,124 reviews)
Room and restaturant cleaning standards are subpar. We had sticky tables, and sticky light switches with candy or other substances. The market and hallways are all dirty and worn out. This place needs better housekeeping standards and upgrades.

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

4 out of 5
8800 Vistana Centre Dr Orlando FL
The price is CA $179 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
CA $179
CA $202 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,706 reviews)
Enjoyed it very much!

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

4 out of 5
5780 Major Blvd Orlando FL
The price is CA $134 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
CA $134
CA $150 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (6,925 reviews)
Room was clean, pillow smelled bad, low hot water in shower, no free coffee bar, food very expensive. Good service, free shuttle to Universal.

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

4 out of 5
8800 Vistana Centre Dr Orlando FL
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,706 reviews)
Enjoyed it very much!

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration

Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration

3 out of 5
2975 Arabian Nights Blvd Kissimmee FL
Book a stay at this family-friendly condo in Kissimmee. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and 7 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,471 reviews)
This is an OK place. the aptos are decente size and the beds were clean. the floors are cleaned in a way that is sticky if you are barefoot and the old dirt will stick to you foot.

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration
Marriott's Grande Vista

Marriott's Grande Vista

4 out of 5
5925 Avenida Vista Orlando FL
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,938 reviews)
Un hotel muy básico para ser tan caro he ido a resores más económicos y más cómodos y grandes. Los apartamentos como por ejemplo star island

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2026

Marriott's Grande Vista
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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