Central Florida

From the inherent commercialism of Walt Disney World to the backwoods wilderness of Central Florida's far reaches, this region offers the state's widest diversity. At its heart, Orlando delivers museums, culture, spa resorts, vibrant nightlife, and culinary finesse to balance the blatant frivolity of its theme-park, tourist-trap world. Head north out of town to reach the realm of thoroughbred horse farms, national forest, gurgling springs, antiquing towns, and agricultural communities that make up its back yard. To the south, small towns and lands of lakes promise history and watersports, particularly water-skiing, which claims its capital ...

From the inherent commercialism of Walt Disney World to the backwoods wilderness of Central Florida's far reaches, this region offers the state's widest diversity. At its heart, Orlando delivers museums, culture, spa resorts, vibrant nightlife, and culinary finesse to balance the blatant frivolity of its theme-park, tourist-trap world. Head north out of town to reach the realm of thoroughbred horse farms, national forest, gurgling springs, antiquing towns, and agricultural communities that make up its back yard. To the south, small towns and lands of lakes promise history and watersports, particularly water-skiing, which claims its capital in Winter Haven, home of Cypress Gardens. Extreme sportsmen can try their skills throughout the region at wakeboarding, cave diving, hang-gliding behind a boat, and even surfing at a simulated surf park.

About the Expert

Chelle Walton is coauthor of Fodor's Florida and author of Fodor's Compass American Guides: Florida and The Sarasota, Sanibel Island & Naples Book: A Complete Guide.