Central Florida, FL

Travel Guide

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

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 neighborhood.

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

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
Universal Studios Orlando featuring signage, a city and night scenes

Florida Center

While visiting Florida Center, you might make a stop by sights like Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Florida.

Florida Center
#OrlandoSunset

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
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
Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center

Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
6515 International Drive Orlando FL
The price is ¥10,577 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
¥10,577
¥15,107 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (4,046 reviews)
After paying for the tower ,at arrival to the room we were sharing a door to another room this been said I could hear everything in the other room ! Making us have to switch to a regular room outside the tower but with no change in the price !

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

Wyndham I-Drive Avanti Resort & Conference Center
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 ¥21,074 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
¥21,074
¥23,709 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,033 reviews)
Great shrimp tacos and chicken tenders, family enjoyed their quesadillas too. Stayed in Americana building 6 with Volcano Bay view, beautiful and clean. Facilities gates were hard to open with hotel key, family could not get several gates open throughout stay which was frustrating. Others also having ...

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2026

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

3 out of 5
9000 International Drive Orlando FL
The price is ¥11,064 per night from Jan 29 to Jan 30
¥11,064
¥12,446 total
Jan 29 - Jan 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5,603 reviews)
Very convient to the convention center and dining options. The staff was professional and helpful. Should know that there is a $10 charge per nite charge for parking which is new.

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2026

Rosen Inn at Pointe 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.
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! (9,438 reviews)
clean spacious room for good price

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2026

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
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! (3,181 reviews)
Great for families. Laundry in the room. Cooking options and bathtub were useful

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026

Vacation Village Orlando, Celebration
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
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Orlando. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,425 reviews)
It's attached to the Florida Mall which made it a really nice stay to be able to go shopping to pass time you have multiple food courts there are a few restaurants that are only for hotel guests, they have a nice gym a beautiful outdoor pool area the hotel is very secure needing key cards to get ...

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026

Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall
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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia