Start planning your future visit with this free Central Florida travel guide.
It’s okay to daydream about your next Florida vacation—in fact, let’s dream together. We invite you to put your mind at ease and imagine the possibilities, while keeping in mind that the safety of our residents and visitors is our number one priority.
Staying in the heart of Florida gives you access to hidden gems, from east to west. Here you’ll find a quiet place to rest your head and a convenient, central location near wide-open recreation areas. Bonus — you’ll get more bang for your buck when it comes to the travel budget. You can even upgrade to a resort stay at a reasonable price.
Here are the top reasons why families and Florida enthusiasts stay in Central Florida.
Animal Watching at the Safari Wilderness Ranch
Take a walk on the wild side by embarking on your own safari, right here in Florida. Safari Wilderness Ranch allows animal lovers to drive, kayak or ride camels through areas inhabited by free-roaming animals, like zebras and ostriches. You can even hand-feed a lemur while you’re there.
Safari Wilderness Ranch is open!
Sunshine at Fairy-tale Gardens and Nature Preserves
Sunshine is a vacation essential in Florida, and there’s no shortage of tropical outdoor areas to enjoy it. Among the oldest and greatest attractions in Florida is Bok Tower Gardens—an enchanting fairy-tale tower that sits atop the highest point in the state. The beauty of this garden and tower is rivaled only by the endless views, singing bells and sweet smell of orange groves.
You can listen to the carillon players take on modern to classical tunes with live virtual concerts from Bok Tower Gardens to get a taste of why we love this special place. Bok Tower Gardens is open and a mask is required to enter.
Spending the days outdoors is easy with a list of local parks and preserves. Circle B Bar Reserve is an extensive 1,200+ acre nature preserve and home to rare and native species (the perfect place to spot an alligator!) and excellent hiking trails that take you through breathtaking Florida scenery from marshes to lake shores.
Cooling Off With Fishing and Lake Activities
Central Florida has an abundance of lakes, canals and freshwater fishing, particularly trophy bass. There are endless ways to get on the water, especially at the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, flyboarding and more. You’ll fit right into the local scene during a tour with Living Water Boat Cruises.
Check for the latest fishing guidelines and boating regulations for 2020.
Uncommon Settings—From Luxe Teepees to Resort Stays
One of the best things about a stay in Central Florida is not just the location, but our unique and reasonably priced options. You can live out your wild west dreams at Westgate River Ranch Resort. Go on an airboat ride, see their popular Saturday Night Rodeo and go horseback riding. At River Ranch, you can stay in a Luxe Teepee—your home away from home at 651 square feet, complete with a full bath, electricity and a fireplace.
Can’t wait to explore Central Florida? We’ve put together a complete vacation planning guide for you, from things to do to places to stay.
Dream up your next Florida vacation with the help of our travel guide.
All you have to do is request a copy, and we’ll mail it to you!
