Central Florida, FL

Travel Guide

Universal Studios Orlando showing a city, rides and night scenes
Lake Eola Park featuring a park and theater scenes
Central Florida showing signage and night scenes
Gatorland which includes zoo animals and dangerous animals
Central Florida showing 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 Aquatica or The Orlando Eye while you're exploring the neighborhood.

International Drive District
Magic Kingdom® Park showing rides and interior views as well as a couple

Bay Lake

4.5/5(2,826 area reviews)

Home to all four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and one water park, this city offers endless entertainment, including Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses.

Bay Lake
Universal Studios Orlando featuring signage, a city and night scenes

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

4/5(769 area reviews)

Orlando's historic core boasts art galleries, retail, restaurants, and nightclubs, with attractions like Lake Eola Park, Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, and performing arts theaters, all accessible via public transportation.

Downtown Orlando
#OrlandoSunset

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
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
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

3 out of 5
9000 International Drive, Orlando, FL
The price is ₩114,585 per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
₩114,585
per night
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5,177 reviews)
Great hotel near universal studios
Check in was quick and easy. Room was very clean. In the middle of everything! Will definitely be back

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
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 ₩99,374 per night from Nov 23 to Nov 24
₩99,374
per night
Nov 23 - Nov 24
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly resort in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (6,200 reviews)
Clean rooms and property. The breakfast buffet was great. I would definitely stay there again

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld
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 ₩190,521 per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
₩190,521
per night
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,513 reviews)
My room was clean My room was starting to look its age and they only cleanrooms every other day.

Reviewed on Oct 28, 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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,335 reviews)
Rooms were very clean only thing eas our sink was clogged but we had a wonderful stay, parking are looks a little off but inside hotel makes up for it, very friendly staff.

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2025

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
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 WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,193 reviews)
Great accommodations and great stay. Great location to everything.

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025

Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall
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! (9,236 reviews)
It was clean shower curtain had mold on it

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
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

Cities near Central Florida