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 The Orlando Eye or Pointe Orlando 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
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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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
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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
Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center

Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
6515 International Drive Orlando FL
The price is Rp1.047.992 per night from 14 Jan to 15 Jan
Rp1.047.992
Rp1.519.576 total
14 Jan - 15 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private pools. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (4,059 reviews)
10/10

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center
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 Rp2.236.927 per night from 13 Jan to 14 Jan
Rp2.236.927
Rp2.516.542 total
13 Jan - 14 Jan
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! (5,996 reviews)
The mobile check-in counter representative was amazing. Everything about this hotel is remarkable…

Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach 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 Rp2.842.411 per night from 12 Jan to 13 Jan
Rp2.842.411
Rp4.124.860 total
12 Jan - 13 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly resort in Four Corners. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 6 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (8,949 reviews)
Good

Reviewed on 6 Jan 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.
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! (9,409 reviews)
Was was clean. Nice staff.

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
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! (2,415 reviews)
Great location with mall access and awesome outdoor heated pool and hot tub. I wiyld definitely stay here again.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall
Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration

Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration

3 out of 5
2975 Arabian Nights Blvd Kissimmee FL
Stay at this family-friendly condo in Kissimmee. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 7 outdoor pools and 7 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,173 reviews)
The stay and staff were amazing the only reason why I wouldn’t rate my stay as 5 stars is because of the mattress being super hard and not comfortable.

Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026

Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration
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