2025-12-07 06:15:48
Central Florida is legendary for its theme parks. And outside the parks, there’s even more to discover: Think water- and land-based adventures enjoyed at a slower pace. To start, we recommend splashing and picnicking at local-favorite swimming holes and visiting with celebrated horses.

For a detailed state map, see pages 20-21.


ATTRACTIONS
Explore the future of vehicles, then take a speed ride at the reimagined Test Track at Walt Disney World®’s EPCOT in Lake Buena Vista. Universal Studios Florida in Orlando welcomes its new and imaginative DreamWorks Land, inspired by beloved animated characters, as well as Epic Universe, featuring five themed lands. Embark on a drive-thru safari or ATV adventure in Lakeland’s Safari Wilderness Ranch—home to camels, ostriches, lemurs, and other exotic animals. Unleash creativity at Winter Haven’s LEGOLAND Florida Resort, where building, playing, and endless fun come together. SeaWorld Orlando’s newly opened Expedition Odyssey is the world’s first immersive Arctic experience— combining motion and sensory elements with real-world encounters with beluga whales and walruses. At sister park Discovery Cove, snorkel among tropical fish and rays or swim with the dolphins.


ACCOMMODATIONS
Scan the QR code to discover places to stay in Central Florida: VISITFLORIDA.com/places-to-stay
DINING
Enjoy brunch at The Boathouse at Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista before heading to the docks for a tour via Amphicar—vintage cars that ride on land and then splash into the water. Get ready for jousting at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Kissimmee, where you can feast on a four-course meal while watching knights compete. Get your oom-pah-pah on at Hollerbach’s German Restaurant in Sanford, which has a massive menu, market, and live German folk music on weekends. Bring your appetite to JUJU in Orlando for an immersive Japanese omakase experience, where each meticulously crafted course reflects the chef’s artistry and passion for presentation. Rustic-chic vibes meet a patio scene for Italian classics like wood-fired margherita pizza and creamy potato gnocchi at Prato in Winter Park.

OUTDOORS
Strap in for a wild airboat ride with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in Kissimmee, then uncover mine gems and wander an enchanting butterfly garden. Discover the crystal-clear waters and vibrant wildlife of Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon on a glassbottom kayak tour with Get Up And Go Kayaking. Mosey over to Ocala’s sprawling Florida Horse Park to catch a thrilling polo match, or choose a scenic horseback ride. The town of Tavares is known as “America’s Seaplane City,” so it’s the perfect place to take an aerial excursion with Jones Brothers Air & Seaplane Adventures. For a night under the stars, you can’t beat the stellar camping views at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida’s first Dark Sky Park.

EVENTS
In February, let your senses run wild at IMMERSE Fest in Orlando, where streets come alive with bold art, electrifying performances, and multisensory experiences. Step into the spotlight at the Florida Film Festival in Maitland, where indie film screenings, celebrity Q&As, and exclusive events bring movie lovers together in April.

ARTS & CULTURE
Discover a world of creativity at Ocala’s Appleton Museum of Art, where rotating exhibits and hands-on art workshops keep things fresh and inspiring. In downtown Kissimmee, vibrant walls come alive as you take a self-guided mural tour that’s equal parts local culture and Instagram-worthy artistry—curated by Osceola Arts’ ARTisNOW project. Experience the magic of live orchestrated music with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, presenting over 170 concerts each season that delight audiences of all ages. Step back in time and try a signature cocktail at Jewel Orlando, a speakeasy discreetly decorated in a 1920s Prohibition-era burlesque style. Shop local at Plant Street Market in Winter Garden, an indoor artisan market featuring natural and gourmet foods and handmade products.
Scan the QR code for a list of upcoming events: VISITFLORIDA.com/things-to-do/events
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CENTRAL
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