The Top Central Florida Attractions & Hidden Gems

Central Florida has many attractions but let's face it, Walt Disney World will always be number one. Since the theme parks are the largest draw I will cover both the well known and lesser known theme parks in Central Florida and then, some hidden gems and must see locations.

Central Florida | Tampa FL

Walt Disney World Resort & Universal Orlando Resort Rule Central Florida Theme Parks

Walt Disney World consists of 4 theme parks and 2 water parks plus Disney Springs. Universal Orlando is basically Universal Studios, Universal Orlando Resort and Volcano Bay. I absolutely love Volcano Bay and it has large sections for the very young. How popular are these theme parks? Over fifty million people visited Walt Disney World last year. Over seventy million people visited Orlando Florida.

International Drive & Icon Park

The more experienced visitor knows that being the theme park capital of the world means copy cats. LOL actually we are glad so many smaller theme parks have sprung up. International Drive is where many are located and on US-192. Icon Park is a must see especially when we have sunny skies. You can easily see downtown Orlando and even Winter Park from the top of the 400 foot ferris wheel. You can take a self guided walking tour and bask in outdoor activities and the top attraction here fairly easily.

Downtown Orlando Florida & Lake Eola Park

When exploring Central Florida you should see the major cities like Orlando & Tampa when you can. Both have fantastic and walkable downtown locations. Lake Eola Park is the centerpiece in downtown Orlando and is suitable for family fun both day and evening. Up to five people can ride in a swan boat rental. There is a choreographed light show every night and many scheduled events.

The Greater Orlando area holds the West Orange Trail a National Historic Landmark in an amazing city named Winter Garden Florida. One of my favorite cities in the Central Florida area. There are many historic buildings, bike rentals and much more. There are more trails in Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Kissimmee FL On A Florida Vacation?

Actually Walt Disney World was built on land purchased in Kissimmee FL. Lake Kissimmee, Lake Toho, Lake Buena Vista, Lake Wales and Winter Haven Florida should also be visited with time permitting. The whole family will have something to find there. namely Legoland Florida Resort, Bok Tower Gardens (botanical gardens) and horseback riding at the Westgate River Ranch. All more than worth seeing all on their own.

Day Trips From Orlando & A Break From The Theme Park

Just one hour from Orlando is Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, the Kennedy Space Center & Cape Canaveral. Also when visiting Central Florida you can visit Lakeland and Plant City in Polk County FL. Lakeland has the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture features at Florida Southern College. Afterwards maybe sneak over to the west coast of Central Florida and visit Tampa and the amazing Clearwater Beach and St Pete Beach areas.