Central Florida Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Universal Studios Florida® showing night scenes, rides and a city
Central Florida
Central Florida showing night scenes and signage
Gatorland® which includes zoo animals and dangerous 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 Pointe Orlando or Aquatica while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

International Drive District
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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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 The Social or Orlando City Hall 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
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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Champions Gate

Ample dining options and top 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
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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
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
6550 Adventure Way Orlando FL
The price is ฿4,271 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
฿4,271
฿4,804 total
2 Dec - 3 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,643 reviews)
Clean room, great facilities, good food.

Reviewed on 27 Nov 2025

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

3 out of 5
9000 International Drive Orlando FL
The price is ฿2,312 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
฿2,312
฿2,601 total
14 Dec - 15 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5,349 reviews)
We had a nice stay.

Reviewed on 29 Nov 2025

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
Avanti International Resort

Avanti International Resort

4 out of 5
8738 International Dr Orlando FL
The price is ฿2,429 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
฿2,429
฿3,383 total
15 Dec - 16 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,248 reviews)
The room was clean

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

Avanti International Resort
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.
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 spa condo in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9,293 reviews)
Very nice property second time staying here. Spacious clean rooms. Had only a few faults that were minor drip from ceiling in shower due to some plumbing issue and the pillows were uncomfortable. Other than that beautiful place.

Reviewed on 26 Nov 2025

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

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

3 out of 5
9309 S Orange Blossom Trail Orlando FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,413 reviews)
20000/10 El mejor hotel en el que me he quedado no solo en Orlando, sino en Estados Unidos! Resalto el desayuno (No es buffet sino a la carta y muy bueno) la atencion del personal y sus espaciosas habitaciones, la cama y almohadas eran perfectas!! Volvería sin lugar a dudas!

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall

Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall

3.5 out of 5
1500 Sand Lake Road Orlando FL
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,267 reviews)
Excellent

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall
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