Central Florida, FL

Travel Guide

Festive atmosphere at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando during the holiday season with vibrant lights and crowded streets
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

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 Pointe Orlando 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
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
$131 nightly
The price is $148 total per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
$148 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel 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! (4,517 reviews)
The room was clean and comfortable and they tried to accommodate our requests to the best of their ability. No late check out, even with an early request which is hard when you have late flights. Have stayed here multiple times and have never had them say yes. Other than that it’s a lovely place ...

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

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

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

4 out of 5
9300 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard Orlando FL
$254 nightly
The price is $286 total per night from Mar 3 to Mar 4
$286 total
Mar 3 - Mar 4
Total with taxes and 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! (3,967 reviews)
The room was wonderful, and the view was nice. I’d give it 4.75 stars—only because of noise. It’s not the hotel’s fault. They have quiet signs posted. I could hear the people next door and people walking down the hall on and off all night. That’s not really fixable, but it did wake me a few times. ...

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

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

The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando

4 out of 5
14501 Grove Resort Avenue Winter Garden FL
$208 nightly
The price is $234 total per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
$234 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
Total with taxes and 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! (9,021 reviews)
Great service and the place was so clean!! I would stay again. And they upgraded our room from a two-bedroom to a three-bedroom condo!

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

The Grove Resort & Water Park 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 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! (3,280 reviews)
First time staying there. Loved everything about the property

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2026

Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration
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! (9,491 reviews)
Front Desk Staff was so welcoming and had everything ready to go. Check in was a breeze. We stayed in a 3B/3B and it was the perfect size to accommodate our family. Location is perfect to reach theme parks.

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

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! (1,604 reviews)
Room was clean. close to many shops and restaurants.

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

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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