Central Florida, FL

Travel Guide

Festive atmosphere at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando during the holiday season with vibrant lights and crowded streets
Lake Eola Park featuring a park and theater scenes
Central Florida showing signage and night scenes
Unique alligator resting on a platform at Gatorland in Orlando, Florida during a sunny day
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 Orange County Convention Center or Aquatica while you're exploring the neighborhood.

International Drive District
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

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
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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
Central business district in Orlando city, is the 23rd largest metropolitan area in the United States of America.

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
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
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 ₩265,107 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
₩265,107
₩379,638 total
Apr 12 - Apr 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly resort in Four Corners. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,106 reviews)
Loved that we had a top floor, the views were nice and the screened porch. Sadly there was a lot of dead foliage at the resort from recent freeze. Not the resorts fault, but I image it would have been more beautiful. The grounds were very nice otherwise. Time will likely allow for regrowth or replacement. ...

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

4 out of 5
9300 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard Orlando FL
The price is ₩338,121 per night from Mar 17 to Mar 18
₩338,121
₩380,393 total
Mar 17 - Mar 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,045 reviews)
Enjoyed ability to walk to bag check while my wife slept in.

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

4 out of 5
8800 Vistana Centre Dr Orlando FL
The price is ₩219,122 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
₩219,122
₩246,512 total
Apr 10 - Apr 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly condo in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,848 reviews)
Lovely location. Relaxing if you do not plan on the parks.

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/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.
Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando

4 out of 5
8800 Vistana Centre Dr Orlando FL
Book a stay at this family-friendly condo in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,848 reviews)
Lovely location. Relaxing if you do not plan on the parks.

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration

Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration

3 out of 5
2975 Arabian Nights Blvd Kissimmee FL
Book a stay at this 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,588 reviews)
The staff allowed me to check in very early since we just arrived from a Disney Cruise from the east coast. They also allowed a late check out due to an illness from a family member at another Hotel. Clean rooms and plenty to do here!

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026

Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration
Marriott's Grande Vista

Marriott's Grande Vista

4 out of 5
5925 Avenida Vista Orlando FL
Book a stay at this spa condo in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,013 reviews)
Everything was fantastic. The room was extremely clean, the staff was very friendly and helpful. The only negative thing was that the walls are thin and you can hear your neighbors easily, which wasnt a big deal just something I had noticed

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Marriott's Grande Vista
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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Cities near Central Florida