By the numbers
A Lifestyle That’s Anything But Ordinary
The Orlando region pairs globally known attractions with everyday access to trails, pro sports, international cuisine, and a thriving arts scene. Whether you’re kayaking before class, catching an MLS match after work, or exploring local galleries on the weekend, life here offers something for every lifestyle — all within reach.
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4 professional sports teams
across basketball, soccer, football and hockey
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100+ top-rated golf courses
in the region
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50+ museums, galleries and historic sites
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300+ miles of walking and cycling trails
THEME PARKS & ATTRACTIONS
With a unique mix of legendary theme parks, water parks, world-class entertainment, and blockbuster rides and attractions, it would take about 67 consecutive 8-hour days of fun to visit all of the region’s entertaining offerings.
Walt Disney World Resorts
Want to visit the happiest place on Earth whenever you like? You’ve come to the right place. Explore four theme parks (Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom), two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), Downtown Disney area and ESPN Wide World of Sports whenever the mood strikes you.
Universal Orlando Resorts
In addition to incredible rides and exciting characters straight from your favorite movies at three immersive theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort offers entertainment, shopping and dining and nightlife at Universal CityWalk, and is the only place in Orlando where you can follow in you favorite witch or wizard’s footsteps at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.
SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment
Dive into a world of water at SeaWorld® Orlando, where sea life comes alive in animal encounters, splashy shows, thrilling rides and fun for all ages including Sesame Street. SeaWorld’s water park, Aquatica, is home to some of the world’s most thrilling water rides and 84,000 square feet of shimmering sandy beaches. At Discovery Cove®, an all-inclusive day resort, guests have the opportunity to swim with dolphins, rays and tropical fish and hand-feed exotic birds.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Built for kids 2-12, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is located just 45 minutes from Orlando and features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions inspired by popular LEGO brands and characters, plus LEGOLAND Water Park, the 152-room LEGOLAND Hotel and the 166-room LEGOLAND Beach Retreat.
International Drive
Home to the Orange County Convention Center and Orlando’s Official Visitor Center, International Drive is an 11 mile stretch of entertainment, dining, nightlife and shopping located less than 20 minutes from Wald Disney World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. Visitors flock to the walkable entertainment district, which includes Pointe Orlando featuring the original WonderWorks, Kings Dining & Entertainment, Chocolate Kingdom, Ripley’s Believe It of Not, iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving, I-Drive NASCAR, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, Topgolf Orlando and tons more.
Orange County Convention Center
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center is the second largest convention facility in the United States. Each year the OCCC attracts more than 230 events to the Central Florida area. As a result, roughly 1.4 million attendees contribute approximately $2.4 billion to the area’s economy each year.
ICON Park
Icon Park features more than 40 restaurants, funky bars, boutique shops and can’t-miss attractions including a must-do, can’t-miss observation wheel that towers over Orlando at 400 feet tall. Plus, the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium offers the opportunity to come face-to-fin with sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and more, and Madame Tussauds Orlando features the likeness of the world’s top celebrities, including Justice League™ heroes!
Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America is Central Florida’s only family-owned adventure park, with locations in Orlando and Kissimmee. Both parks offer different levels of thrills for all ages including multi-level racing go-kart tracks, Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster, Kissimmee’s wooden-steel hybrid roller coaster with an inversion, family rides and an arcade.
Orlando StarFlyer
The Orlando StarFlyer is the world’s tallest swing ride attraction standing 450 feet high and rotating at speeds of up to 45mph. Perfect for thrill seekers who are young or young at heart, the family friendly ride also features the StarBar where guests can watch the fun, relax and enjoy live music.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Visitors get an up-close, hands-on feel for the story of humans in space at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where attractions and tours are grouped by chronological era from the dawn of space exploration to current and ongoing missions. In addition to offering the closest views of live rocket launches, the Smithsonian Affiliate attraction also features behind-the-gates Kennedy Space Center bus tour.
Crayola Experience
Discover the magic of color at Crayola Experience, Crayola’s premier, one-of-a-kind family attraction featuring dozens of hands-on, creative activities at The Florida Mall. The colorful adventures of Crayola Experience help kids and adults alike explore art and technology, express their creativity and experience color in a whole new way.
Gatorland
Welcome to “The Alligator Capital of the World®” – Gatorland is the Orlando region’s best place to see alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, from babies to the 14-foot monsters. More than just a gator park, this old-Florida amusement also sports a free-flight aviary, petting zoo, one-of-a-kind animal shows, a zip line and off-road adventure.
Theatre & Performing Arts
From family-friendly performances at Orlando Family Stage to world-class touring productions at the Dr. Phillips Center, the performing arts scene brims with variety and excitement for everyone.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Named one of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “25 New Tourist Attractions Worth Adding to Your Bucket List”, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a brand new premiere destination for world-class arts, culture and entertainment. The Center presents everything from Broadway to comedy and educational programs to outdoor festivals.
Orlando Ballet
Central Florida’s only professional ballet company, Orlando Ballet brings the transformative power of dance to the stage and the community.
Orlando Family
Stage
Orlando Family Stage is the only professional theatre for young audiences in the state of Florida.
Orlando Shakespeare Theatre
In Loch Haven Park, Orlando’s “Cultural Corridor,” Orlando Shakespeare Theater delights audiences with classic and contemporary
Central Florida Community Arts
A nonprofit arts organization home to 400 community choir members, a 155-member community orchestra, a full children and youth arts program.
Orlando Philharmonic
The third oldest continuously operating Bach Festivals in the United States.
Bach Festival Society of Winter Park
The third oldest continuously operating Bach Festival Society in the United States.
Wayne
Densch Performing Arts Center
One of the oldest theaters in the nation, this Sanford theater was completed in 1923.
Timucua Arts Foundation
The Timucua Arts Foundation was created by Benoit Glazer and Elaine Corriveau, who began organizing concerts in their home. Their home now includes a 100-seat concert hall at its heart, hosting over 100 events each year.
United Arts of Central Florida
The leading local arts agency in Central Florida. We fund and fuel the organizations and events that shape our community
Museums & Galleries
From exclusive art collections at the Alfond Inn to the many public art galleries in the City of Orlando, the region’s vibrant arts community is well-represented in both historic and contemporary galleries.
City of Orlando’s Public Art
Large art installations are displayed in highly trafficked areas around the downtown Orlando area to reflect the character of the vibrant arts community.
Orlando Museum of Art
Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art is a leading cultural institution in the region.
Osceola Center for the Arts
The Osceola Center for the Arts promotes interest and participation in the arts by offering events and programs that are accessible for everyone. The Center hosts five art exhibits in their gallery and produces a two-day art festival in downtown Kissimmee.
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Explore the inspired world of internationally acclaimed Czech sculptor Albin Polasek.
City Arts Factory
CityArts is downtown Orlando’s largest collective of art galleries located in the historic Rogers Kiene Building.
Mennello Museum of American Art
The Mennello Museum of American Art works to create programming that delivers access to captivating American art of all genres.
Morse Museum
Located in Winter Park, the Morse Museum is internationally known for its Tiffany Glass collection.
Cornell Fine Arts Museum
The Cornell Fine Arts Museum is located on the Rollins College campus and is the only teaching museum in the greater Orlando area.
Educational & History Centers
From the interactive wonders of the Orlando Science Center to the local heritage showcased at the Orange County Regional History Center, there are lots of enriching and educational experiences to discover for curious minds of all ages.
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is where visitors can explore and discover science and technology together and home to exciting, hands-on exhibits, amazing giant-screen movies and engaging live programming.
Orange County Regional
History Center
Housed in a historic courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando, the Center offers four floors of exhibits exploring 12,000 years of Central Florida’s rich heritage. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum also offers visiting exhibitions and a wide range of programs for families, children, and adults.
Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida
The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida is an organization dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, racism and prejudice.
Art & History
Museums Maitland
Just minutes from Downtown Orlando, the five museums that comprise the Art & History Museums – Maitland feature countless opportunities for visitors to experience hands-on history and fine art exhibitions.
Festivals and Interactive Experiences
The Orlando region doesn’t just host events — it dreams them up. From can’t-miss festivals to boundary-pushing immersive experiences, Orlando redefines what celebration means.
Florida Film Festival
FFF isis an Oscar®-qualifying festival, premiering the best in current, independent and international cinema held in Orlando’s Enzian Theater.
Zora Neale Hurston Festival
The Zora Neale Hurston Festival is an internationally known celebration of the cultural contributions that Africa-descended people have made to the United States and to world culture.
Fringe Festival
Orlando’s Fringe Festival is the oldest and long-running Fringe Theatre Festival in the U.S.
IMMERSE
Produced by the Creative City Project, IMMERSE annually brings more than 1,000 artists from more than 100 arts organizations to the streets and public spaces of Downtown Orlando for a multi-day performing and interactive arts experience.
SHOPPING & DINING
From award-winning restaurants to global street food, and luxury outlets to local makers, Orlando’s culinary and retail scene spans continents and styles. Retail alone could fill 900 football fields.
Fine Dining
While Universal and Disney deserve credit for long-ago elevating Orlando’s dining with Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Emeril’s Orlando at Universal Orlando Resort, the wave of celebrity chefs keeps building.
Coffee Shops
From award-winning brews to classic hipster hangouts, there’s a lot more to Orlando’s coffee scene than you might think. From nationally recognized brews like Foxtail and Lineage Roasting in East End Market, to name-your-price charitable shops like CREDO – there’s a caffeine fix waiting around every corner.
Mills 50
The Mills 50 Main Street district in Orlando has gained national exposure for it’s multicultural food scene including many unique Asian-owned mom-and-pop restaurants and shops including Hawkers Asian Street Fare, Ming’s Bistro, Tako Cheena, Pho 88 Noodle, Mamak Asian Street Food, Qreate Coffee, Tori Tori pub and many more.
Craft Breweries
Orlando is far from a Golden Girls Narnia, and the number of local breweries is enough to prove it. There’s Orlando Brewing, Redlight Redlight, Ten10 Brewing, GB’s Bottling Company, Sideward Brewing and Hourglass Brewery all within a ten mile radius of downtown Orlando. And if you’re up for a challenge, join the Central Florida Ale Trail to try them all.
Farmer’s Markets
Orlando neighborhoods play host to many weekly farmer’s markets including in the middle of downtown at Lake Eola Park. Other neighborhoods with markets include Audubon Park, College Park, Maitland, Parramore, Windermere, Winter Park, Winter Garden and more.
America’s Largest Shopping Destination
Orlando’s retail offerings are vast enough to fill 900 American football fields, with 12 shopping malls and outlets within a 20-mile radius of the City of Orlando. And that doesn’t even include fresh-air, open shopping areas like Winter Park’s Park Avenue, Ivanhoe Row, Winter Garden Village, and Waterford Lakes Town Center.
Park Avenue
Surrounded by the quaint brick roads of Winter Park, Park Avenue combines a small College town feel with high-end shops and restaurants. The main street leads into Rollins College, the oldest university in Florida.
The Mall at Millenia
An award-winning, up-scale shopping destination that features luxury brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, plus retailers like Apple, Tory Burch, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s.
SPORTS & RECREATION
Discover year-round sports from pro teams to PGA events and immerse yourself in an active lifestyle with miles of trails, water access and a climate that makes the outdoors a way of life.
Arnold Palmer Invitational
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is a professional golf tournament played each March at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, a private golf resort owned since 1974 by Arnold Palmer in Bay Hill, a suburb southwest of Orlando.
NFL Pro Bowl
The Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League played at the end of the season. The Pro Bowl has been hosted in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium since 2016.
Citrus Bowl
The seventh-oldest collegiate bowl game in the country, the Vrbo Citrus Bowl has hosted top teams from the Big Ten and Southeastern conferences. In the College Football Playoff era, the game will also occasionally host top teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Daytona 500
Held every year in Daytona Beach, an hour drive from Orlando, the Daytona 500 is a 500-mile-long Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series motor race held at Daytona International Speedway. Around 200,000 people from all over the world attend the race.
Silver Spurs Rodeo
The Silver Spurs Rodeo is the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi and is annually ranked among the top 50 events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The Silver Spurs Rodeo history stems from a humble gathering of Osceola County ranchers.
Bike Week
The world’s largest motorcycle event, thousands gather for Bike Week each year in Daytona. Bike Week is run by the Daytona Chamber of Commerce. New Smyrna Beach, 30 minutes from Orlando, also hosts an annual bike week.
Horrible Hundred
The Horrible Hundred is Central Florida’s premier cycling event held in Clermont. This two-day cycling and fitness expo draws riders from around the country.
RAM Rodeo Circuit Finals
Osceola County hosts the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo each year in downtown Kissimmee.
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic competes in the NBA at Amway Center with famous past players including Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard.
Orlando City Soccer Club
The Orlando City Soccer Club competes in the Eastern Conference in the MLS league.
Orlando Pride
The Orlando Pride plays in the National Women’s Soccer League, the top level of women’s soccer in the U.S. The team plays their home games at Exploria Stadium in downtown Orlando.
Orlando Solar Bears
The Orlando Solar Bears ice hockey team compete in the South Division of the ECHL’s Eastern Conference.
Orlando Valkyries
Orlando’s newest pro team is making waves in the Pro Volleyball Federation. The Valkyries bring elite athleticism and fast-paced action to the Addition Financial Arena, energizing fans with every set.
UCF Knights
Representing the University of Central Florida, the Knights compete in the Big 12 Conference alongside powerhouse programs in football, basketball, soccer, and more, rallying a loyal fan base from across the region.
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Held each December at Camping World Stadium, the Pop-Tarts Bowl matches top college football teams from the Atlantic Coast and Big 12 conferences, delivering big plays, big crowds, and sometimes even edible mascots.
COMPARE YOUR EVERYDAY
See How Orlando Stacks Up
Wondering how the cost of living, lifestyle, and opportunities in the Orlando region compare to other major metros? Use our How Orlando Compares tool to explore how life here measures up, and why so many people are making the move.