Central Florida Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Lake Eola Park showing theatre scenes and a park
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

Universal Studios Florida® featuring night scenes, a city and signage

Florida Center

If you're spending some time in Florida Center, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Florida are top sights worth seeing.

Florida Center
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Downtown Orlando

3/5(6 area reviews)

Ample dining options, great live music, and fantastic lake views are just a few top things to explore in Downtown Orlando. A visit to Church Street Station or Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Church Street Station or Lynx Central Station to get around town.

Downtown Orlando
Magic Kingdom® Theme Park showing interior views and rides as well as a couple

Bay Lake

4.5/5(64 area reviews)

Exciting theme parks plentiful wildlife and top sights from Epcot® to Walt Disney World® Resort – discover Bay Lake, a destination also famous for its entertainment.

Bay Lake
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Windsor Hills

While there might not be top attractions in Windsor Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mystic Dunes Golf Club and Island H2O Live!.

Windsor Hills
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Reunion

The top golf courses and fun-filled water parks 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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Lake Nona

Lake Nona is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like Austin-Tindall Regional Park and Eagle Creek Golf Club if you have time to explore the area.

Lake Nona
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
14500 Continental Gateway, Orlando, FL
The price is ฿2,920 per night from 8 May to 9 May
฿2,920
per night
8 May - 9 May
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 hot tubs and a water park. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the family ...
6.4/10 (5,289 reviews)
"Check in process took a long time."

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark, an IHG Hotel
Avanti International Resort
Avanti International Resort
3 out of 5
8738 International Dr, Orlando, FL
The price is ฿2,941 per night from 23 May to 24 May
฿2,941
per night
23 May - 24 May
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a free theme park shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,009 reviews)
"There was a lot of entertainment and dining close buy"

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Avanti International Resort
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 ฿8,049 per night from 12 May to 13 May
฿8,049
per night
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly resort in Four Corners. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,318 reviews)
"Very Spacious Rooms!!!"

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

The Grove Resort & Water Park 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.
Avanti International Resort
Avanti International Resort
3 out of 5
8738 International Dr, Orlando, FL
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a free theme park shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,009 reviews)
"There was a lot of entertainment and dining close buy"

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Avanti International Resort
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
4 out of 5
9300 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard, Orlando, FL
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,672 reviews)
"Everything was good"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
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 their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,130 reviews)
"Had a great time and everyone was great."

Reviewed on 2 May 2024

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

Things to do

Cities near Central Florida