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 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
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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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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
Marriott's Grande Vista

Marriott's Grande Vista

4 out of 5
5925 Avenida Vista, Orlando, FL
The price is Rp1.713.223 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
Rp1.713.223
Rp1.927.376 total
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,133 reviews)
"Amenities"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Marriott's Grande Vista
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 Rp2.198.091 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
Rp2.198.091
Rp2.472.853 total
29 Sept - 30 Sept
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! (5,255 reviews)
"It was good"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
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 Rp1.104.499 per night from 25 Sept to 26 Sept
Rp1.104.499
Rp1.707.404 total
25 Sept - 26 Sept
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! (6,117 reviews)
"Clean"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld
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.
Floridays Resort Orlando

Floridays Resort Orlando

3.5 out of 5
12562 International Drive, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly condo in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (11,514 reviews)
"Third stay at Floridays over the past 10 years and while our family enjoyed this last stay, it was not without significant issues that had not been encountered in the past. However, the resort communicates professionally and well, and was quick to resolve the numerous concerns about the unit we had ..."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Floridays Resort Orlando
Vacation Village at Parkway

Vacation Village at Parkway

3 out of 5
2975 Arabian Nights Blvd, Kissimmee, FL
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,892 reviews)
Fab
"Great value for money , really nice accommodation lots of room , fab pools ,good location even without a car, stayed a few times will def stay again"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Vacation Village at Parkway
The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

3.5 out of 5
9309 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 3.5-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! (1,278 reviews)
"This is the fourth time that me and my family stay at this Hotel. If you want to be treated 5 STARS!!! This is IT!!! Super comfortable to be with your family. From the PROFESSIONAL STAFF, to the Rooms, and HIGH QUALITY BREAKFAST!!! Breakfast made to order, super DELICIOUS!!! And the Waiters treatment ..."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
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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