Best Things to Do in Central Florida
Central Florida has long been a premier vacation destination, and it’s easy to see why. There are few places on Earth that offer more ways to have fun in the sun. And although summer is always a great time to visit, the milder temperatures of fall open up whole new avenues of opportunity for groups, friends, couples, and family to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Central Florida.
Theme Parks
Fans of theme parks always have Central Florida at the top of their “must-visit” lists. That’s because this area offers visitors more ways to enjoy rides, entertainment, characters and experiences than anywhere else. Of course, Walt Disney World is an extremely popular family destination, incorporating four parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) in one. Universal Studios Orlando offers guests The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay Water Park, and more. And don’t forget about SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLand Florida, or Busch Gardens, all of which offer guests incomparable experiences all year-round.
Outdoor Adventures
Central Florida has no shortage of stunning scenery and natural escapes. Those with a thirst for adventure can avail themselves of paddleboard excursions or glass-bottom boat tours. Bok Tower Gardens is a must-see for fans of lush botanical garden experiences. Polk’s Nature Discovery Center is a great spot for bike rides, bird watching and fishing. Enjoy the fruits of your journey at Ridge Island Groves, where you can tour the groves, and pick your own citrus. See the area from the water when you kayak the Peace River Paddling Trail. You’re also free to explore to your heart’s content at Lake Kissimmee State Park
Animal Encounters
Fans of the rich diversity of nature will appreciate all of the opportunities Central Florida offers to observe, and even connect with these magnificent creatures. SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove allows guests to interact with dolphins, feed tropical birds, and more. The Central Florida Zoo is a 116-acre park filled with incredible animals of all kinds. SeaLife Orlando Aquarium features more than 5,000 species of ocean life, as well as a full 360° underwater tunnel for guests to walk through. Enjoy an African savanna-style excursion at Safari Wilderness, where you’ll be able to take a look at exotic wildlife like zebras, long-tailed lemurs and water buffalo. And Gatorland gives visitors an up-close — but safe! — look at nature’s most fearsome prehistoric predators.
Exceptional Hiking
There may be no better way to take in Central Florida’s natural beauty than by putting on your boots and hitting the hiking trails. Thankfully, you have many scenic vistas from which to choose. Lake Highlands Scrub affords hikers some easy looping trails with stunning scenery. SUMICA is a popular hiking and biking spot featuring towering pines, serene marshes, and more than nine miles of trails. Heading to Crooked Lake Sandhill will offer plant and animal lovers a rich array of diversity, as it’s home to many interesting species of life. Tiger Creek Preserve and Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve are also can’t-miss.
Magnificent Museums
Who said educational opportunities can’t be fun? Central Florida is home to endless amounts of history, so it’s also host to some truly fantastic museums. The world of aerospace is on display at The Florida Air Museum, where you can check out some amazing airplanes, and exhibits on the history of flight. Admission to the exceptional Polk Museum of Art is always free. Madame Tussaud’s of Orlando lets you get up-close and personal with spot-on wax figures of celebrities. See the weird, wacky and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe it Or Not! And Kissimmee’s Museum of Military History lets armed forces buffs explore.
Truly, Central Florida is a playground overflowing with amazing activities. And when you decide to plan your visit, there’s no better place to stay than at Balmoral Resort! We don’t do cramped hotel rooms here — our residential-style family-sized vacation homes within a gated community are spacious, private and pristinely clean. Each comes complete with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens and bathrooms, and your own private pool. Plus, we’re centrally-located just south of Orlando, so we’re close to everywhere you want to be. When you’re ready to book your stay, we’ve got just the space for you! Visit our reservation site, and secure your preferred travel dates today!
