Central Florida

Travel Guide

Universal Studios Florida® showing a city, rides and night scenes
Central Florida
Central Florida which includes signage and night scenes
Gatorland® showing 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

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 Church Street Station 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
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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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Orange Lake

If you're spending some time in Orange Lake, Walt Disney World® Resort and Orange Lake Golf are top sights worth seeing.

Orange Lake
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark by IHG
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark by IHG
3.5 out of 5
14500 Continental Gateway, Orlando, FL
The price is €127 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€127
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 5 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the family ...
7/10 Good! (2,375 reviews)

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark by IHG
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 €264 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
€264
includes taxes & fees
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly resort in Winter Garden. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (7,167 reviews)
"Was a nice resort for the few nights we were in the area. The rooms were clean and I liked that there was a kitchenette and balcony. The waterpark area was nice however there were only 2 water slides and my 7 year old wasn’t tall enough to go on, so definitely should’ve checked ht requirement. The ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

The Grove Resort & Water Park 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 €114 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
€114
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (6,321 reviews)
"A quick 20 min walk to universal. Staff were helpful and friendly"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal 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.
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 WiFi, 7 outdoor pools, and 7 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,813 reviews)
"It’s so lovely, so many things to do. The most I loved was the room, (Jacuzzi) in the room."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Vacation Village at Parkway
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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,393 reviews)
"Great place! 3rd time"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2025

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
3.5 out of 5
17805 US Highway 192, Clermont, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified condo in Four Corners. Enjoy free parking, 5 outdoor pools, and 4 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,256 reviews)
"Everyones very friendly! Lots to do! I brought kids from 6yo -17yo and they all had a blast! Good good, close to publix making shopping super convient for us!"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts
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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