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 Pointe Orlando or Aquatica 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
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
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
#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
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
6550 Adventure Way Orlando FL
$133 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from Dec 10 to Dec 11
$150 total
Dec 10 - Dec 11
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,685 reviews)
The wait to check in was over 30 minutes. The desk agent I had DJ was marvelous. She was very personable and helpful. It was worth the wait to have someone so wonderful

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
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
$89 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Dec 16 to Dec 17
$101 total
Dec 16 - Dec 17
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (6,884 reviews)
Very nice hotel. Beautiful and convenient.

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Avanti International Resort

Avanti International Resort

4 out of 5
8738 International Dr Orlando FL
$97 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Jan 8 to Jan 9
$109 total
Jan 8 - Jan 9, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,267 reviews)
I like it and I’ll come back

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2025

Avanti International 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.
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
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,226 reviews)
Visited the Florida Black Friday weekend. The proximity to the Florida mall makes it a great location for shopping. This is a huge mall with a large assortment of shops. We were impressed with the cleanliness in the hotel and the mall. Our room was clean and quiet. The bed was very comfortable. Crickets ...

Reviewed on Dec 3, 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
Book a stay at this 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! (9,312 reviews)
Great location! Accessibly to all of the parks, shopping, restaurants local culture. Highly recommended…we will be back soon!

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2025

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
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 aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,434 reviews)
It was ok

Reviewed on Dec 2, 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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