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

Default Image

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 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld

4 out of 5
10100 International Drive, Orlando, FL
The price is Rp1.151.714 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
Rp1.151.714
Rp1.762.692 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly resort in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (6,189 reviews)
The device was amazing the lady in the front was the best. She deserves a raise.

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

3 out of 5
9000 International Drive, Orlando, FL
The price is Rp1.495.724 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
Rp1.495.724
Rp1.682.710 total
5 Nov - 6 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5,144 reviews)
Clean

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2025

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
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 Rp2.208.066 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
Rp2.208.066
Rp2.484.073 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,496 reviews)
The room was clean the carpet felt wet and the room seemed humid but all and all we had a great stay

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach 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.
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 3-star aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,331 reviews)
Everything about this property was great. I will definitely stay here again, and will recommend ti others

Reviewed on 24 Oct 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9,234 reviews)
The pool was very nice.

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025

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 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,181 reviews)
Very pleased with my stay.
The hotel room is clean and cozy. I like the fact the hotel is exactly conjoined with the shopping mall which is very convenience. I will come back to this hotel if I come back to Orlando. The front staff are very friendly and warm.

Reviewed on 24 Oct 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