Central Florida

Travel Guide

Universal Studios Florida® showing night scenes, a city and rides
Universal Studios Florida® showing night scenes, a city and rides
Lake Eola Park featuring a park and theater scenes
Central Florida featuring night scenes and signage
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.

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(4 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Bay Lake is its exciting theme parks. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Epcot® and Walt Disney World® Resort.

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

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
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
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 P7,613 per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
P7,613
P8,565 total
Mar 9 - Mar 10
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! (4,568 reviews)
Beautiful property, clean and well maintained rooms, very nice staff.

Reviewed on Feb 11, 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 P6,331 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9
P6,331
P7,122 total
Mar 8 - Mar 9
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! (6,938 reviews)
Not only are the rooms very clean but the staff is extremely nice and the free bus to universal was a great plus. I would recommend this hotel to everyone

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
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 P9,800 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P9,800
P14,221 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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! (9,005 reviews)
We had an absolutely amazing stay at The Grove Resort. From check in to check out, the staff was warm, friendly, and truly took great care of us. Everyone was patient and kind, and the whole place has a clean, relaxing, country club style atmosphere. Our room was beautiful and very spacious, with ...

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

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.
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! (4,568 reviews)
Beautiful property, clean and well maintained rooms, very nice staff.

Reviewed on Feb 11, 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! (3,332 reviews)
My room was spotless and comfortable. I only stayed about ten hours so unfortunately I didn't get to use any of the resort amenities. Although I checked in online it still took over 20 minutes on property to get my key (this is actual time with a representative, not a line). I think I would stay ...

Reviewed on Feb 13, 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! (3,884 reviews)
I love everything in it. From the reception to the amenities, all excellent presentation. The area is so huge and it was a brilliant atmosphere. So relaxing especially being with family and friends. I would love to come back again.❤️

Reviewed on Feb 13, 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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