Central Florida Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Universal Studios Florida® which includes a city, rides and night scenes
Central Florida
Central Florida which includes night scenes and signage
Gatorland® which includes dangerous animals and zoo animals
Central Florida which includes 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

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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 while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

International Drive District
Magic Kingdom® Theme Park featuring rides and interior views as well as a couple

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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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
Universal Studios Florida® which includes a city, night scenes 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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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
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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
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 NZ$264 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
NZ$264
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,498 reviews)
Great place to stay

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
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 NZ$153 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
NZ$153
29 Nov - 30 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified 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! (3,881 reviews)
Great hotel, great space

Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
Ramada by Wyndham Suites Orlando Airport

Ramada by Wyndham Suites Orlando Airport

3 out of 5
7500 Augusta National Dr, Orlando, FL
The price is NZ$168 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
NZ$168
24 Nov - 25 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,051 reviews)
The hotels is lovely and clean. I cant say enough about the young man who checked us in. He was amazingly helpful. He went above and beyond. He even lent the stapler to me . Breakfastis delicious. I love the fresh fruit and granola, with greek yogurt. Thank you

Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Suites Orlando Airport
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.
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 3-star aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,358 reviews)
Best breakfast, good variety. Parking was easy and safe. Will definitely stay here again when in the area.

Reviewed on 7 Nov 2025

The View Studio Suites and Event Venue
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
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,214 reviews)
Good location

Reviewed on 9 Nov 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
Stay at this 4-star 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! (9,257 reviews)
Accommodations were excellent! Staff pleasant and accommodating. On site dining was not very disappointing…

Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
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

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Cities near Central Florida