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Orlando
Florida
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Visit Orlando
Orlando, Florida, often celebrated as the theme park capital of the world, offers an enchanting blend of adventure, entertainment, and sunshine that makes it a top destination for travelers of all ages. The city is most famous for its expansive theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld, each offering a unique set of thrilling rides, spectacular shows, and immersive experiences that draw millions of visitors each year. Walt Disney World alone comprises four parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, each presenting its own magical theme and attractions. Universal Orlando hosts two main parks that appeal especially to older kids and adults – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure – with attractions ranging from high-speed roller coasters to simulations based on popular movies and TV shows.
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping rides and fairy-tale scenery, Orlando boasts a vibrant cultural scene with a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Areas like International Drive offer a plethora of restaurants featuring cuisine from around the globe, luxury shopping outlets, and numerous family-friendly attractions such as the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and an aquarium. For those seeking a more laid-back experience, the city provides lush parks and lakes, perfect for a day of picnicking, kayaking, or just soaking up Florida’s abundant sunshine. The arts are alive in Orlando too, with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums that celebrate both local and international artistry.
For visitors looking to explore beyond the parks, Orlando serves as a great starting point for day trips to nearby natural attractions and beaches. The Kennedy Space Center, an easy drive from the city, offers a fascinating look at America’s space program, complete with rocket garden and shuttle launch simulations. To the east, the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic coast beckon, while to the west, Tampa offers additional cultural and recreational activities. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or an arts enthusiast, Orlando provides a dynamic backdrop to an unforgettable vacation filled with diverse experiences.
Orlando Monthly Weather Conditions
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DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
51°F
71°F
8
February
58°F
72°F
7
March
58°F
77°F
9
April
60°F
83°F
8
May
66°F
86°F
10
June
72°F
90°F
14
July
74°F
92°F
14
August
76°F
92°F
14
September
73°F
89°F
11
October
66°F
84°F
8
November
58°F
75°F
8
December
55°F
73°F
8
Need to Know Before You Go To Orlando
Nickname:
The City Beautiful
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
America/New_York
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
75 million
Primary Export:
Travel and tourism services
Busiest Travel Months:
March, July, June
Quietest Travel Months:
September, November, August
Find your Next Adventure in Orlando
Explore Orlando
Iconic Landmarks
Walt Disney World Resort
Often the first thing people think of when Orlando is mentioned, this massive resort includes multiple theme parks like the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Universal Orlando Resort
This is another major player in Orlando's tourism industry, featuring Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and the Volcano Bay water park. It's well-known for immersive lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and thrilling rides based on popular movies and TV shows.
SeaWorld Orlando
This park combines marine animal attractions, thrill rides, and educational experiences. It's famous for its spectacular shows featuring dolphins and orcas, as well as high-speed roller coasters like Mako, Kraken, and Manta.
Orlando Eye (ICON Orlando)
This 400-foot tall giant observation wheel offers panoramic views of downtown Orlando, the theme parks, and on a clear day, the East Coast of Florida. Located at ICON Park, it's part of a larger entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, and other attractions.
Gatorland
Known as the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland provides a closer look at Florida's native wildlife, particularly alligators and crocodiles. It features breeding marshes, wildlife shows, a petting zoo, and an educational nature walk.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Though technically not in Orlando but on the nearby Space Coast, this is a must-visit for anyone interested in space and science. It offers exhibits and displays about space missions, astronaut encounters, and even the chance to see a rocket launch.
Cultural Experiences
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Located in downtown Orlando, this state-of-the-art performing arts center hosts a variety of performances including Broadway plays, ballets, orchestras, and more. It's a hub for both local and international talent, offering a sophisticated cultural experience.
Orlando Museum of Art
This museum features a diverse collection of American art from the 19th century to the present, along with African art and ancient American artifacts. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions and provides educational programs.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Located in nearby Winter Park, this museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his jewelry, pottery, paintings, and the chapel interior he designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Offering a mix of classic, contemporary, and children’s plays, this theater is a must-visit for literature and theater enthusiasts. The theater is known for its high-quality productions and community engagement.
The Enzian Theater
This is a single-screen cinema café in Maitland, just north of Orlando, which offers a unique experience for film lovers. It screens independent and foreign films in a cozy environment that includes a lush garden and a full-service restaurant.
Historic Eatonville
Just north of Orlando, Eatonville is one of the first self-governing all-black municipalities in the United States and was famously depicted in the works of Harlem Renaissance writer Zora Neale Hurston. Visitors can explore the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts and partake in the annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities.
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Just a short drive from downtown Orlando, Wekiwa Springs offers crystal clear waters ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle through the serene waters and enjoy the lush, subtropical scenery. It's a great way to spot local wildlife, including birds and aquatic creatures.
Airboat Tours in the Everglades
Experience the wild beauty of the Florida Everglades on an airboat tour.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a more tranquil adventure, take a hot air balloon ride over the Central Florida landscape at sunrise. This breathtaking experience offers stunning views of the orange groves, forests, and lakes, and on a clear day, you might even see the Disney World fireworks.
Biking at West Orange Trail
Rent a bike and explore the West Orange Trail, a 22-mile long paved route that passes through various landscapes including downtown areas, residential neighborhoods, and wooded environments. It’s a great way to see different facets of Orlando’s scenery.
Hiking at Ocala National Forest
Just north of Orlando, the Ocala National Forest offers numerous hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Explore the pine forests, sandy trails, and hidden springs. It's also a popular spot for camping and bird watching.
Ziplining at Forever Florida
Thrill-seekers will enjoy ziplining at Forever Florida, a conservation area that features one of the longest ziplining experiences in the U.S. Glide above the treetops and over wetlands, getting a unique view of the Floridian landscape and wildlife.
Off the Beaten Path
Leu Gardens
Explore the beautiful and serene Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical oasis minutes away from downtown Orlando. The gardens feature tropical and semi-tropical gardens, including one of the largest camellia collections in the south during winter months, a butterfly garden, and a house museum dating from the 1880s.
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Take a relaxing boat tour through the lakes and canals of Winter Park, an affluent suburb of Orlando. This scenic boat tour offers a glimpse of old Florida and provides an opportunity to see luxurious private homes and exquisite estates lining the waterways.
Lake Eola Park
Located in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park offers a pleasant escape with a nearly one-mile walking path around a picturesque lake. You can rent swan-shaped paddle boats, see real swans, and enjoy the view of the Orlando skyline. The park also hosts various events and markets.
The Tibet-Butler Preserve
For nature lovers, the Tibet-Butler Preserve offers a chance to experience Florida's natural environment. The preserve has several trails and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature photography, and enjoying a quiet hike away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Jack Kerouac House
Literature enthusiasts might enjoy visiting the Jack Kerouac House, where the famous author lived in the late 1950s. The house is located in the College Park neighborhood and serves as a residency site for emerging writers. Although it's not a museum, the site holds significant historical value and occasionally opens for public events.
Greenwood Cemetery Moonlight Walking Tour
For something truly different, consider a moonlight walking tour of the Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando. This historical cemetery, which dates back to 1880, offers guided moonlight tours that cover the 100-acre grounds, featuring stories of the notable figures buried there, including mayors, judges, and pioneers.
Orlando Fun Facts
Orlando, Florida, is a city rich in culture, entertainment, and history. Here are the top 10 fun facts about this vibrant city:
- Theme Park Capital of the World
Orlando is best known for its plethora of theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. These parks draw millions of visitors from around the globe each year.
- Lake Eola
Located in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola is actually a giant sinkhole. It's a popular spot for swan boat rentals, and the lake itself is home to real swans that are cared for by the city.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This world-renowned attraction at Universal Orlando Resort has contributed significantly to the increase in Orlando's tourism. It offers a highly immersive experience for Harry Potter fans, complete with a replica of Hogwarts Castle.
- Orlando's Tree Legacy
Orlando is known as "The City Beautiful," and part of that beauty comes from its commitment to green spaces. The city has been awarded the "Tree City USA" designation by the Arbor Day Foundation multiple times.
- Kennedy Space Center Proximity
While not in Orlando itself, the Kennedy Space Center is just a short drive away. This NASA facility has been the launch site for every U.S. human space flight since 1968 and is a major attraction for space enthusiasts visiting the Orlando area.
- Golfing Galore
Orlando is a golfer’s paradise, home to more than 150 golf courses. It's also the headquarters of the Golf Channel, which broadcasts golf-related content worldwide.
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
This is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. and was originally designed as a military base. Its airport code, MCO, stands for the former McCoy Air Force Base.
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Opened in 2014, this state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Orlando hosts Broadway shows, concerts, ballets, and other performances, enhancing the city's cultural landscape.
- Alligators Everywhere
Florida is known for its alligator population, and Orlando is no exception. Gatorland, one of the oldest attractions in the area, offers visitors a close-up look at these reptiles in a safe environment.
- Orlando's Citrus History
Before it was famous for theme parks, Orlando was known for its citrus industry. The city played a significant role in the citrus boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, although the industry has since moved further south in Florida.
Featured Picture Gallery
Find Magic at Cinderella's Castle in Disney's Magic Kingdom
Enjoy the Warm Weather By Renting a Swan Boat to Driver Throughout Lake Eola
Are You a Harry Potter Fan Visit Universal Studios to Immerse Yourself in the Wizarding World
Explore Downtown Orlando and All It Has to Offer
You Can't Visit Orlando Without Seeing Mickey Mouse at Disney Springs
If You Love Rollercoasters, Visit Universal Studios to Experience a Thrill
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