Orange County Florida, located right in the middle of the sunshine state, is home to probably the most famous city in all of the state, Orlando Florida. The City of Orlando is known all over for its unique features and destinations, one of the most stand-out features being the area’s world famous theme parks and other tourist attractions. But Orange County and the City of Orlando have many more qualities than just being homes to world renowned amusement parks, some that may not be known to the average traveler to the area.

Currently, there are over 1.8 million within the Orlando area. That does not mean the City of Orlando itself though, which has a population of about 220,000 citizens, but the area referred to as the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area. Orlando’s Orange County is actually one of four other counties within the region to comprise the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area, a total of just about 50 individual cities. The residents of these cities enjoy some of the finest aspects of small community living while still having all the qualities of a bigger metropolis; a pleasing year round climate, many safe yet affordable neighborhoods, acclaimed school districts, and proximity to some of Florida’s best beaches and natural escapes.

Orlando FL Attractions

Probably the most famous part of the entire state of Florida, the City of Orlando is known the world over and often referred to as the home of Walt Disney’s famous theme park Disneyworld. This is a common mistake as Disneyworld is actually located in a neighboring town called Kissimmee; only minutes away from the Orlando are itself. To read more about Disney and the Kissimmee area, please refer to my Kissimmee Page for more information. That does not mean Orlando is without its own special attractions and world famous destinations.

With over 52 million visitors traveling through the Orlando MSA every year, the city has developed many exciting locations that aim to excite and entertain people. These various establishments cater to all different lifestyles, personalities and moods. Enjoy a night on the town with a few friends walking around the Downtown Orlando area, with the many wine bars and fine dining restaurants throughout. Take a stroll around or rent a paddle boat and enjoy the stunning and historical Lake Eola, Orlando’s own “Central Park.”

For those that are looking for out-of-this-world excitement, Orlando’s many different themed amusement parks will give you the rush you have been looking for. See the movies come to life at Universal Studios and their sister park, Islands of Adventure. Pay a visit to Shamu and friends and let them put a show on for you at SeaWorld Orlando or get nose to nose with a bottlenose at SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove. Or enjoy the shopping district and dining area of International Drive, a favorite spot among visitors to Orlando because of its many shops and unique attractions such as “Ripley’s: Believe it or Not,” and the “Wet N’ Wild” water amusement park. Whatever your style or preference, there is an area within the Orlando area that will surely bring a smile to your face.

Downtown Orlando

Home to Orlando’s vibrant night scene, the Downtown Orlando area is comprised of over 40 different bars, restaurants and nightclubs all within a 4 to 5 block radius. The Downtown district of Orlando is also home to the Amway Arena, host of the NBA greats the Orlando Magic and the Arena Football League Orlando Predators.

Lake Eola
A former sinkhole turned into a landmark, Lake Eola is often called Orlando’s “Central Park” due to its location directly within the middle of the Downtown Orlando district. Lake Eola is frequent host to many local events and festivals throughout the year but also invites people to take daily visits, enjoy swan paddle boats rides or relaxing walks around the lake’s grounds.

Theme Parks

Universal Studios Resort
Two theme parks in one location, the Universal Studios Resort area offers some of Orlando’s best larger-then-life entertainment. Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure are two different theme parks with some of the biggest rides and shows anywhere in the country. Universal Studios Florida hosts the new experience of The Simpsons Ride as well as classics like the E.T. Adventure and Universal’s Islands of Adventure allows guest to step back into time on the Jurassic Park River Adventure Ride and step into another world with the future Wizarding World of Harry Potter themed island. The Universal Studios Resort also features three Loews hotels and Universal CityWalk, home to some of the best nightlife in Orlando.

Sea World and Discovery Cove
An Orlando favorite for many years, SeaWorld Orlando features some of the entertaining and delightful marine creatures from all over the globe. SeaWorld offers guests a variety of opportunities to interact with many of the ocean’s creatures such as; fine dining with the sharks at the Sharks Underwater Grill, visiting with the park’s mascot Shamu at the Shamu's Happy Harbor exhibit or feel the rush of exploring the mythical city of Atlantis in the Journey to Atlantis ride and experience life as the legendary Kraken with SeaWorld’s own floorless roller coaster. SeaWorld’s newest experience, Discovery Cove, allows guests to interact with live bottlenose dolphins; feeding, petting and even swimming with these gentle creatures. Also at Discovery Cove, guests can interact with exotic birds, tropical fishes, rays and other land mammals as well.

International Drive
International Drive, or I-Drive as it is also called, is Orlando’s most concentrated tourist destination. All along the stretch of I-Drive, one can find a number of fine dining and shopping locales, hotels and convention centers, as well as other various small tourist attractions. International Drive is also the home to big named Orlando landmarks such as SeaWorld and Universal Studios Resort, both located on this appealing roadway. And if driving is an issue, there is the I-Ride Trolley system that runs the length of this popular rode, offering guests to the area the ability to explore with worrying about parking or traffic issues.

Orlando Neighborhoods

Dr. Philips
Hunters Creek
Windermere
Winter Garden