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
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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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
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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
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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
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 AU$174 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$174
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (6,697 reviews)
"The hotel was really nice. The room was nice room service was good. It was clean. The hot tub did not work. The pool is amazing cause it was 9 feet deep. I love that and it wasn’t super cold but the restaurant in the hotel gave me moldy cheese. They did try to accommodate me afterwards but they’re ..."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 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 AU$150 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$150
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,192 reviews)
"I loved our villa. Clean with everything we needed to make our stay comfortable. The property itself is beautiful."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 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 AU$229 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
AU$229
30 Sept - 1 Oct
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! (5,305 reviews)
"Clean and so fun. People are great! Everything and everyone has been wonderful and we are frequent Disney Resort visitors and Holiday Inn resort owners, but this place beats both!"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 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.
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! (9,184 reviews)
"Overall staff and location were wonderful. The only thing we noticed was one of the hot tubs had an extra amount of algae growing in it which made it unusable."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (11,524 reviews)
"Staff extremely nice and helpful. Room clean but just ok feel to it."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Floridays Resort Orlando
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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,295 reviews)
"We had a great stay!"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 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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