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With a warm, comfortable year-round climate, a vibrant and growing population, and a status as one of the country's emerging and most vital tech and industrial centers, Orlando, Florida, has established itself as a premier 21st-century city.
With its population growing by 60% over the past two decades, Orlando is renowned as a premier travel destination for Americans and international travelers from around the globe. Known as the "Theme Park Capital of the World," the city's seemingly endless array of attractions is highlighted by the presence of Disney World, The Walt Disney Company's flagship property with four fantastic theme parks, two water parks, and more than a dozen other attractions, as well as Universal Orlando Resort's three individual parks. Based on 2022 attendance numbers, Orlando is home to four of the world's ten most visited parks, with over 17 million visitors annually to Walt Disney World.
Thanks to its incredible appeal, the area is highly desirable for those hoping to invest in a second home, whether a vacation property or a short-term rental. The area around Disney World is perfectly set up for short-term rental investment profitability. After all, it’s more than just a land of costumed characters and roller coasters; Orlando has experiences to suit all tastes and desires, whether geared to young and old or those seeking adventure or leisure.
Whether you’re considering your next adventure or your next investment, read on for a local guide to the most popular tourist activities in Orlando for 2023.
The major theme parks
Orlando's legendary theme parks captivate millions of visitors every year. Each park, featuring its own unique character and attractions, offers immersive experiences beyond just amusement—they provide visitors with memories that last a lifetime.
Disney World
When one thinks of Orlando, Disney World is often what first springs to mind—and rightfully so. Spanning four individual parks—Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom—plus two additional water parks and myriad other attractions, this magical realm captivates both young and old. From iconic parades and fireworks at Cinderella's castle to heart-racing rides, showstopping performances, and globally inspired cuisines at every park, Disney World truly has something for everyone.
Universal Orlando Resort
A movie lover's dream turned reality, Universal Orlando Resort is where the magic of cinema comes to life. Divided into three main parks—Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay Water Park—plus the vibrant dining and entertainment at CityWalk, it offers visitors a chance to step straight into their favorite movie. From facing a T-Rex in Jurassic Park to walking through the enchanting alleys of Diagon Alley in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to seasonal themes and cinematic shows and stunt performances, Universal effortlessly blends cutting-edge technology with storytelling.
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SeaWorld Orlando
Orlando visitors looking for a change of pace from the two big-name parks will find a welcome retreat at SeaWorld Orlando. Though it boasts its share of gravity-defying rides, including the always-popular hypercoaster Mako and the gravity-defying Manta, SeaWorld's attractions transcend thrill-seeking and offer a true sense of wonder. The park showcases spectacular performances by graceful bottlenose dolphins, powerful orcas, and playful sea lions and otters. Along with educational animal experiences and the highly-rated water park Aquatica, SeaWorld is an engaging, immersive, and enlightening adventure for the whole family.
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Dining, entertainment, and things to do
Beyond its iconic theme parks, Orlando has plenty to offer for those who are ready to explore the inland oasis that was the top travel destination in the U.S. for 2022. The food scene is legendary, with a vast menu of cuisine. Elsewhere, the city has no shortage of shopping, entertainment, and experiences that will take you to new heights and even out of this world.
Restaurant and bar scene
From the freshest Atlantic and Gulf-caught seafood to locally-sourced meats, fruits, and vegetables, Orlando transports your tastebuds across continents in many creative ways. Every eatery, from romantic hideaways and chic urban cafes to internationally-rated dining spectacles and upscale resort establishments, promises a memorable dining experience you'll talk about long after returning home.
To start your journey of culinary discovery, head out to one of Orlando's celebrated dining districts, including Restaurant Row, Universal CityWalk Orlando, Downtown Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort & Lake Buena Vista, and I-Drive.
I-Drive District
International Drive, or I-Drive, is the epicenter of Orlando entertainment. Sure, the big theme parks bring in the crowds, but I-Drive is where one goes to curate their own Orlando-based adventure. I-Drive serves as Orlando's fourth major theme park, a nearly 11-mile stretch of road from the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets to the Dezerland Park, Orlando Outlet Marketplace, and the Orlando International Premium Outlets.
In between, you find over 275 restaurants and 200 shopping opportunities; over 75 cafes, bars, and entertainment venues; and more than 50 museums, activity and gaming centers, tour operators, and immersive event spaces. The entire stretch buzzes with energy. I-Drive's most prominent attractions include The Wheel at ICON Park, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel offering breathtaking city views, and Pointe Orlando, a dynamic shopping and entertainment complex.
Golf
For those wanting an escape to the solace and serenity of lush fairways and smooth-running greens, Orlando is nothing short of a golfer's paradise. The city boasts more than 100 golf courses in or around the city and 100 more within an hour's drive. The most notable of these lush, green Central Florida links in the area include Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Reunion Resort & Golf Club, Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge, and the Ritz-Carlton Carlton Golf Club at Grande Lakes.
The Mall at Millenia
Situated 10 minutes south of Downtown Orlando, The Mall at Millenia epitomizes luxury shopping. Housing an array of high-end brands, boutique stores, and major retailers and eateries—from Burberry and Chanel to Hermes and Louis Vuitton—The Mall at Millenia offers a shopping experience that is both eclectic and exclusive.
Orlando City SC
While not known for major professional sports, with the NBA’s Orlando Magic being the city's sole professional franchise when they entered the league in 1989, the Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer has tapped into the city's growing international identity, including its passionate, flourishing, soccer-loving Brazilian community. Home games are a must-see at Downtown Orlando's beautiful, purpose-built Exploria Stadium.
Beaches
Orlando might be landlocked, but the city's Central Florida location places you approximately one hour away from the glorious beaches along the Atlantic coastline and two hours from those on Florida's Gulf Coast—truly the best of both worlds and perfect for every kind of beach lover.
Canaveral National Seashore
Atlantic Coast
Stretching across 58,000 acres, the Canaveral National Seashore is nature's purest form. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, this seashore is a sanctuary for wildlife and features three major beaches: Apollo, Klondike, and Playalinda.
Cocoa Beach
Atlantic Coast
For those who ride the waves, Cocoa Beach is the ultimate playground and an ideal landing spot for families visiting for the day from Orlando, thanks to its area shops, restaurants, iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, and endless sun-soaked shoreline.
Daytona Beach
Atlantic Coast
Along with its legacy as a premier destination for American auto racing, Daytona Beach also provides visitors with a wonderful beach experience that includes fishing, parasailing, and sunbathing on its 23 miles of Atlantic coast. And, if one ever feels the need for speed, plenty of nearby attractions satisfy it.
New Smyrna Beach
Atlantic Coast
Seventeen miles long and open to vehicles from sunrise to sunset, New Smyrna Beach is an Atlantic Coast gem with a bohemian vibe while offering a great spot to surf and the 73-acre Smyrna Dunes Park. The adjacent beachfront town helps reinforce the come-as-you-are aesthetic with art galleries, quirky boutiques, and festivals.
Ponce Inlet
Atlantic Coast
Semi-secluded from the Daytona region's busier beaches by creeks and lagoons, Ponce Inlet is a favorite destination for Atlantic Ocean swimming and surfing. Hikers and wildlife watchers will feel right at home at the 52-acre Lighthouse Point Park.
Clearwater Beach
Gulf Coast
Clearwater Beach is where the energy of Florida comes alive. Renowned for its sugary white sands and vibrant beach scene, the two-hour trip from Orlando is worth the chance to partake in swimming, beach volleyball, and parasailing. You can even explore the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and a vast selection of food and drink.
Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island State Parks
Gulf Coast
For the ultimate experience in beach-set seclusion, few places are better than Caladesi Island State Park—-or its neighbor to the north, Honeymoon Island State Park. These barrier island gems feature powdery white sand, unspoiled natural trails, mangroves, and a sense of seclusion that’s rare in today's fast-paced world.
Day Trips
Orlando's charm is not confined to its city limits. Its strategic location acts as a gateway to many unique destinations, each offering a distinctive slice of Florida's rich tapestry, worthy of a half-day visit or more.
Kennedy Space Center
An easy hour's drive east, Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit destination for those with an insatiable curiosity about the cosmos. The iconic facility offers a one-of-a-kind deep dive into the history and future of space exploration. Visitors can touch a moon rock, feel a rocket's power in the Shuttle Launch Experience, and even meet an astronaut. The Kennedy Space Center is always full of fascinating exhibits, including the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the colossal Saturn V rocket.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Venturing deep into the heart of Florida, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is a 54,000-acre testament to the state's untamed beauty. Featuring sprawling prairies and abundant wildlife a little over 90 minutes from Orlando, the park was also Florida's first Dark Sky Park and offers one of the state's most incredible spots for stargazing the night's celestial bodies.
Ocala
Even if you head to Ocala just for the Glass Bottom Boat tours of the crystal clear waters in Silver Springs State Park, it's well worth the 90-minute drive. This Central Florida gem also boasts outdoor excursions, bike trails, and—most famously—more than 600 thoroughbred horse farms.
Discover Orlando's investment potential
The allure of Orlando extends beyond its world-famous attractions. If you're ready to discover the investment opportunities that await in Orlando, contact Andrea Alonso today to begin your real estate journey.
Andrea’s vast experience and expertise will guide you through the neighborhoods surrounding Disney World that have become prime real estate spots for second-home buyers and investors. These resort communities provide excellent proximity to one of the world's most popular destinations and boast exquisite homes with state-of-the-art amenities—all perfectly designed to appeal to short-term vacation renters and international buyers alike.
