Central Florida Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Universal Studios Florida® which includes a city, rides and night scenes
Universal Studios Florida® which includes a city, rides and night scenes
Lake Eola Park featuring a park and theater scenes
Central Florida which includes night scenes and signage
Gatorland® which includes dangerous animals and 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.

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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 neighbourhood.

International Drive District
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Bay Lake

4.5/5(24 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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Champions Gate

Ample dining options and top 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

If you're spending some time in Florida Center, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Florida are top sights worth seeing.

Florida Center
Downtown Orlando

Downtown Orlando

4/5(2 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 Orlando City Hall 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
Reunion which includes golf and landscape views as well as a small group of people

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
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 AU$209 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$209
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 6 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,565 reviews)
It was perfect

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
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 AU$346 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
AU$346
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly resort in Four Corners. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 6 outdoor pools and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,056 reviews)
Very clean, friendly staff

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

The Grove Resort & Water Park 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 AU$169 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
AU$169
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly resort in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (6,530 reviews)
I love it

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld
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
Stay at this 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 in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,331 reviews)
My room was spotless and comfortable. I only stayed about ten hours so unfortunately I didn't get to use any of the resort amenities. Although I checked in online it still took over 20 minutes on property to get my key (this is actual time with a representative, not a line). I think I would stay ...

Reviewed on 13 Feb 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
Stay at this spa condo in Orlando. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9,515 reviews)
Was just what we were looking for had a great vacation

Reviewed on 13 Feb 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 Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,627 reviews)
Went to hotel twice - fitst time daultless second a nightmare

Reviewed on 11 Feb 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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