Central Florida Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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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 at ICON Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

International Drive District
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
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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
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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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
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 £77 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
£77
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (6,566 reviews)
"Absolutely will stay again"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
Marriott's Grande Vista

Marriott's Grande Vista

4 out of 5
5925 Avenida Vista, Orlando, FL
The price is £73 per night from 18 Sept to 19 Sept
£73
18 Sept - 19 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,923 reviews)
"Easy check in- Beautiful Grounds"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Marriott's Grande Vista
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 £119 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
£119
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,162 reviews)
"very good"

Reviewed on 25 Aug 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.
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 Wi-Fi, 7 outdoor pools and 7 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,796 reviews)
Great deal
"So clean, spacious and close proximity to Disney."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Vacation Village at Parkway
The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue

3.5 out of 5
9309 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,258 reviews)
"The room was very clean. The beds were nice. Very spacious."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
Floridays Resort Orlando

Floridays Resort Orlando

3.5 out of 5
12562 International Drive, Orlando, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly condo in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (11,473 reviews)
"Truly an amazing experience. Cleanliness was superb. Only recommendation would be. Please update mattress in the master! That bed was a sink whole. Other than that, an amazing stay!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Floridays Resort 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Central Florida