Central Florida

Travel Guide

Universal Studios Orlando showing night scenes, a city and rides
Central Florida
Central Florida showing signage and night scenes
Gatorland featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals
Central Florida featuring 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.

Where to stay in Central Florida

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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 Aquatica or The Orlando Eye at ICON Park while you're exploring the neighborhood.

International Drive District
Magic Kingdom® Park showing interior views and rides as well as a couple

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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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
Universal Studios Orlando showing a city, night scenes and signage

Florida Center

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

Florida Center
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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
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Windsor Hills

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Windsor Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Mystic Dunes Golf Club and Island H2O Live!.

Windsor Hills
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 $129 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
CA $129
CA $145 total
Sep 10 - Sep 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (6,570 reviews)
"Everything was excellent."

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Marriott's Grande Vista

Marriott's Grande Vista

4 out of 5
5925 Avenida Vista, Orlando, FL
The price is CA $121 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
CA $121
CA $136 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,898 reviews)
"I simply love it. Best relaxed time ever."

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Marriott's Grande Vista
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

3 out of 5
9000 International Drive, Orlando, FL
The price is CA $99 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
CA $99
CA $112 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,818 reviews)
"Well run, great staff. Very good prices."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Rosen Inn at Pointe 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.
Vacation Village at Parkway

Vacation Village at Parkway

3 out of 5
2975 Arabian Nights Blvd, Kissimmee, FL
Stay at this 3-star 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! (2,774 reviews)
"I love it thank you"

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Vacation Village at Parkway
The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

3.5 out of 5
9309 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,252 reviews)
"Buen hotel, cuartos cómodos y espaciosos. El desayuno es excelente. Buena localización, cerca de parques, restaurantes y tiendas. Lo recomiendo."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa

4 out of 5
8113 Resort Village Drive, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 4-star spa condo in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9,089 reviews)
"The property needs to update tvs and linens in rooms. Love the location, proximity to shops and restaurants, friendly staff."

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
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.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Central Florida