ORLANDO

Things to do in

Visit Orlando

Home to more than a dozen theme parks—including Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld Orlando entices families, thrill seekers, and Mickey Mouse fans alike. But this central Florida city serves up more than just big attractions. For a true taste of the area, catch an airboat tour along the Everglades, off-road in an ATV, horseback ride through an eco reserve, or board a scenic cruise around the city. For a lesson on human spaceflight, head east to the famous Kennedy Space Center, and look for a gator or two if you opt to tour the area’s swampland.

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Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center has been hurtling humans and shuttles into space since 1968 and is still a primary site for NASA launches. Parts of the sprawling campus are open to the public with daily tours offering opportunities to interact with real astronauts, test your skills with a simulated space flight, and see artifacts from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs.

Icon Orlando 360

Icon Park is an entertainment complex located on one of Orlando's main drags—International Drive—commonly known as I-Drive. Opened in 2015, Icon Park (formerly known as I-Drive 360 and Icon Orlando 360 is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions—including an aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and a 400-foot-tall (122-meter observation wheel, appropriately named The Wheel—which is the centerpiece of the park.

Universal Studios Florida

Go behind the scenes, beyond the screen, and jump right into the action of your favorite movies at Universal Studios Florida™, the world's premier movie and TV-based theme park. This Orlando favorite, part of Universal Orlando Resort™, offers rides, shows, movie sets, and attractions that bring to life blockbuster movies likeTransformers,Despicable Me, andHarry Potter.

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Roughly 40,000 gallons of water and 45,000 pounds of sand make up SEA LIFE® Orlando, the home of over 5,000 sea creatures, including green sea turtles, jellyfish, seahorses, black tip reef sharks, and colorful clownfish. Visitors can admire sharks and exotic fish from all angles and watch rays float gracefully overhead at theAtlantic Ocean Exhibit with its 360-degree tunnel, or check out the interactive rockpool to touch starfish, spot hermit crabs, and learn about coastal rock pools.

Walt Disney World®

Walt Disney World®, the world's biggest amusement park, is a self-contained city, covering an area twice the size of New York's Manhattan. Four main parks comprise the bulk of Walt Disney World®—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom®—each with its own themed areas, shows, rides, and attractions. More than 50 million visitors pass through the gates each year into the self-proclaimed “Happiest Place on Earth” and home of Mickey Mouse.

Universal’s Volcano Bay

Universal’s Volcano Bay™ water park is a tropical-themed attraction located at Universal Orlando™. Attractions draw on South Pacific influences, and the centerpiece of the park is a towering 200-foot (61-meter) volcano called Krakatau™, which is the base for thrilling water slides. Other rides include an aqua coaster and a body plunge.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is one of Central Florida’s most imaginative theme parks. Opened in 2011, the resort comprises a theme park, water park, and a botanical garden, and is home to more than 50 rides, sideshows, and restaurants.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Universal Orlando's Harry Potter attraction is spread across two parks at the resort: Diagon Alley on the Universal Studios Florida side and Hogsmeade at Universal's Islands of Adventure. The two are connected by Hogwarts Express train, and each features shops, dining, and attractions inspired by the young wizard.

orlando city hotels

Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Downtown Little Italy 3*

Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Downtown Little Italy is located in Downtown San Diego, a neighborhood in San Diego, and is in the entertainment district and near the beach. Travelers eager for a bit of culture can stop by USS Midway Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Balboa Park and Old Town San Diego State Park. Check out an event or a game at Petco Park, and consider making time for San Diego Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including whale-watching. 

Hotel Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort 3*

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort is located in Florida Center, a walkable area in Orlando with good shopping. Mall at Millenia and Florida Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Universal’s Volcano Bay and Universal Studios Florida. Traveling with kids? Make time for Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or check out an event or a game at Amway Center. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing. 

Hotel La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando I-Drive Theme Parks 3*

Located in Orlando, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando - IDrive Theme Parks is near theme parks. Disney Springs® and Disney Springs® Area are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Universal Studios Florida and Epcot®. Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ are not to be missed. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including outlet shopping. 

Hotel Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando 3*

Next to a golf course and in the business district, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando is in an area with great shopping. Orlando International Premium Outlets and Florida Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Florida. Traveling with kids? Make time for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, or check out an event or a game at Amway Center.