Welcome to Central Florida, home to some of the most exciting and family-friendly attractions in the world! Whether you’re a theme park fanatic or a nature lover, this part of Florida has something for everyone. From rollercoasters and water slides to wildlife tours and scenic hiking trails, you’ll never run out of fun things to do.
In this video, we’ll take you on a thrilling journey through the best things to do in Central Florida. We’ll explore the top theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, and provide tips on how to make the most of your visit. We’ll also dive into the natural wonders of the area, including the Wekiwa Springs State Park and the Canaveral National Seashore, while showcasing the stunning beaches and water activities you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Central Florida regular, this guide will help you plan the ultimate trip filled with adventure, excitement, and memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, and let’s get started on a journey through the best things to do in Central Florida!
Visit Some Of The World’s Best Theme Parks
Central Florida is renowned for its theme parks, and for good reason. This area is home to some of the most thrilling and entertaining attractions in the world, making it a must-visit destination for theme park enthusiasts of all ages. Let’s take a closer look at the best theme parks in Central Florida and what makes them so special.
First on the list is Walt Disney World, one of the most iconic and beloved theme parks on the planet. With four different parks to choose from, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, there’s something for everyone. From classic rides like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean to newer attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the park is filled with fun and excitement around every corner.
Next up is Universal Studios, which offers a unique mix of thrilling rides and immersive experiences based on some of the biggest movies and TV shows of all time. From the heart-pumping thrills of rollercoasters like the Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit to the magical world of Harry Potter in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, there’s no shortage of adventure and excitement.
Last but not least is SeaWorld, a marine-themed park that offers a mix of rides, shows, and animal encounters. From the exhilarating rollercoasters like Mako and Kraken to the incredible marine animal exhibits, SeaWorld provides a unique and unforgettable experience that combines entertainment and education.
No matter which theme park you choose to visit, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure filled with thrills, excitement, and plenty of fun. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the best theme parks in Central Florida!
Stroll Through Florida’s “Central Park”
Bok Tower Gardens is both a beautiful and musical destination. This floral oasis was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr, the famous landscape architect who designed New York’s renowned Central Park.
Visitors are treated to a wide variety of flowers, trees, herbs, and greenery that are spread out around an impressive 205 ft. tall European-style carillon tower featuring 60 bells that play music at various times of the day.
As you stroll around the 200-acre park, you’ll see flora like azaleas, palms, camellias, ferns, and other rare endangered plants. Bok Tower Gardens is an excellent place to have a relaxing family picnic, but you can also snag a bite to eat over at the nearby Blue Palmetto Cafe.
Get Lost In Space At The Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is a world-renowned facility located on the east coast of Florida, just a short drive from Orlando. This center is best known as the launch site for NASA’s space shuttle program, and for its iconic contributions to the history of space exploration.
Visitors to the Kennedy Space Center can experience the excitement of space travel first-hand through a variety of interactive exhibits, tours, and attractions. One of the most popular attractions is the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which showcases the space shuttle Atlantis and allows visitors to get up close and personal with this incredible spacecraft.
Another must-see attraction is the Rocket Garden, where visitors can see a collection of historic rockets and spacecraft up close. You can also tour the massive Vehicle Assembly Building, which is one of the largest buildings in the world by volume and was used to assemble the Saturn V rockets that launched the Apollo missions to th e moon.
In addition to the exhibits and tours, the Kennedy Space Center offers a range of hands-on experiences for visitors, including simulators that give visitors a taste of what it’s like to be an astronaut. You can also meet real-life astronauts and hear firsthand accounts of what it’s like to live and work in space.
All in all, the Kennedy Space Center is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers an immersive and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Take A Dip At the Wekiwa Natural Springs
The Wekiwa Springs State Park is a beautiful nature reserve located just a short drive from Orlando and is home to the crystal-clear natural springs of Wekiwa. These springs are a natural wonder and a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Central Florida.
The Wekiwa Springs are fed by an underground aquifer, which keeps the water crystal clear and cool year-round. The water is a beautiful turquoise color and is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom. The area surrounding the springs is filled with lush greenery, towering trees, and various wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
Visitors to the Wekiwa Springs can take a refreshing dip in the cool water or rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards to explore the springs and surrounding waterways. The park also has miles of hiking trails that wind through the lush forest and offer stunning views of the springs and wildlife. Additionally, there are picnic areas and campsites available for those who want to make a day or a weekend out of their visit.
All in all, a visit to the Wekiwa Springs is a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with the splendors of nature.
Drive Through A Safari Park
Wild Florida and Safari Wilderness are two unique outdoor destinations located in Central Florida that offer visitors the opportunity to experience the region’s natural beauty and wildlife up close.
Wild Florida is a wildlife park and airboat tour company located in Kenansville, Florida, about 45 minutes south of Orlando. The park is home to a variety of animals, including alligators, eagles, zebras, and sloths, among others. Visitors can take guided airboat tours of the surrounding wetlands and see Florida’s native wildlife in their natural habitat. The park also offers a drive-thru safari experience, where visitors can see and feed exotic animals such as giraffes and buffalo from the comfort of their own vehicles.
Safari Wilderness is another privately owned animal reserve located in Lakeland, Florida, about an hour’s drive from Orlando. The reserve is home to over 500 animals, including lemurs, ostriches, and water buffalo, among others. Visitors can take guided safari tours of the reserve, see the animals up close, and even feed them by hand if they’re feeling brave. The park also offers a range of other outdoor activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and zip-lining, all while surrounded by the beautiful natural landscapes of Central Florida.
Both Wild Florida and Safari Wilderness offer unique and immersive experiences for visitors, allowing them to connect with nature and wildlife in a way that is truly unforgettable.
Explore The Canaveral Coast
The Canaveral Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline located on the east coast of Florida, just south of the Kennedy Space Center. This area is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and natural beauty.
The Canaveral Coast is home to several popular beach towns, including Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, and Cape Canaveral, all of which offer a wide range of outdoor activities and attractions for visitors. The beaches in this area are some of the most beautiful in Florida, with soft white sands, calm waters, and an abundance of marine life.
In addition to the beaches, the Canaveral Coast is also home to several state and national parks, including the Canaveral National Seashore, which offers miles of unspoiled beaches and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can also take part in outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing.
Unleash Your Wild Side At ZooTampa
ZooTampa is a family-friendly zoological park located in Tampa, Florida. The zoo is home to over 1,300 animals from all around the world, including giraffes, elephants, tigers, and manatees, among others. In addition to the animals, the zoo offers a variety of interactive exhibits and experiences, such as feeding the giraffes and rhinos, petting stingrays, and even a behind-the-scenes elephant experience.
Visitors can also take guided tours of the zoo, attend animal shows and presentations, and explore the various habitats and ecosystems represented throughout the park. ZooTampa is committed to conservation and education, and offers a range of programs and initiatives to promote wildlife conservation and animal welfare. It’s a great destination for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking to have an enjoyable and educational experience.
Go Fishing In Central Florida’s World-Renowned Lakes
Fishing in Central Florida’s lakes is a popular and enjoyable activity for both locals and visitors alike. The region is home to over 30,000 lakes and ponds, making it a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. Some of the most popular species of fish found in the region’s lakes include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
The warm climate and abundance of waterways make fishing in Central Florida possible year-round, with peak seasons for certain species varying throughout the year. Some of the best times to fish for largemouth bass are during the spring and fall, while crappie are typically more active during the winter months.
Many of the region’s lakes are accessible to the public and offer boat ramps, fishing piers, and picnic areas. Anglers can fish either from the shoreline or rent a boat. Some of the best places to fish in central Florida include Lake Kissimmee and Lake Toho.
Central Florida already is known for being one of the top tourist destinations in America, but hopefully, now you have a few more things to look forward to on your next trip down to one of the Sunshine State’s most beloved regions.
On that note, we’d love to hear from you. Have you been to Central Florida before? If so, what are a few of your favorite attractions and sights? If you haven’t yet visited Central Florida, what are you most excited to see on your trip? Let us know in the comments, and as always, happy travels!