Welcome to Orlando
A city beaming with an energetic spirit that rarely slows
Regarded as the City Beautiful and the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando, Florida, is a captivating city. It is the county seat of Orange County. To the southwest of Orlando are the villages of Lake Buena Vista (home to Disney World), Kissimmee, Bay Lake, and Celebration, where the bulk of the area's tourist attractions may be found. Orlando is centrally located close to the stunning beaches of the East and West Coasts.
Orlando offers more than incredible theme parks. This sunshine-filled city is home to countless excellent eateries, trendy watering holes, beautiful green spaces, and a diverse population welcoming to all walks of life. The city was founded in the early 1800s. Today, Orlando’s youthful energy can be attributed to its amazing golf courses, top-rated schools, and highly anticipated festivals and events.
What to Love
- Warm weather year-round
- White sandy beaches with pristine waters
- An abundance of theme parks
- Gorgeous scenery
Local Lifestyle
Orlando offers a lively atmosphere and is one of the nation’s top tourist destinations. There is never a shortage of things to do for both residents and visitors alike. Locals enjoy a vibrant and flourishing arts and nightlife scene in downtown Orlando, where they are often found grabbing dinner and drinks with friends or visiting a local club for world-renowned music.
Orlando is home to the largest university in the United States, the University of Central Florida, and various smaller colleges and universities, which only adds to the area’s bustling and fast-paced lifestyle.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
If you love to shop, you will love Orlando. The Mall at Millenia and Florida Mall are just two of Orlando's prime shopping destinations, where you'll discover everything from the finest in high-end luxury to rare, one-of-a-kind finds. If you're looking for a bargain, head to the Orlando International Premium Outlets, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, and Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores. Winter Park Village and downtown Orlando are home to many unique shops selling everything from major labels to locally made wares and antiques.
You can go on thrilling roller coasters, view adorable seal and turtle displays, get up close and personal with orcas, and even swim with dolphins at SeaWorld Orlando. Mako, the region's tallest and fastest roller coaster, can be found here. Walt Disney World is one of the most popular theme parks in Orlando. The park operates from dawn until sunset, providing guests with a day of wacky entertainment options, such as thrilling roller coasters, live shows of Broadway caliber, and meetings with their favorite Disney cartoon characters.
The spectacular live entertainment and world-famous rides like "Revenge of the Mummy," "The Simpsons Ride," and "Jurassic Park: The Ride" bring in approximately 11 million satisfied customers annually to Universal Studios. Harry Potter fans should not miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where visitors are taken through real-life replicas of some of the franchise’s most iconic locations, including Diagon Alley.
Things to Do
Lake Eola Park, located in Downtown Orlando, offers a tranquil respite from the city's pulsating theme parks. With its flat, circular layout, the mile-long sidewalk track makes exploring the entire area a breeze. ICON Park's primary feature is the East Coast's highest Ferris wheel, making it an ideal centerpiece for a day trip with children. It provides passengers with a breathtaking panorama of Orlando's theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, and the state's beautiful natural lakes.
Art lovers flock to the area’s food, wine, and art festivals. Explore Orlando’s most charming streets and districts while meandering through local art galleries or outdoor art displays at 1st Thursdays at the Orlando Museum of Art and the First Fridays at Baldwin Park.
Schools
The Orange County Public Schools District serves Orlando and is home to numerous top-performing schools, as well as prominent colleges and universities like:
- The University of Central Florida
