Orlando: City Beautiful
Not too long ago Orlando was a quiet country town, surrounded by cow pastures and citrus fields. In the past 30 years, it has shed its sleepy image and evolved into a city of manicured lawns, skyscrapers and sparkling resorts–not to mention the hub of the country’s most popular theme parks.
Although Orlando has plenty to offer besides its theme parks, Mickey Mouse is still the ‘Big Cheese’ in this town. Where else can you tour haunted mansions, blast through outer space, get close enough to a giraffe to see its eyelashes and venture beneath the ocean all in the same day? Walt Disney put Orlando’s name on the map, and today the Magic Kingdom shares the city with more than a dozen theme parks, stylish shopping centers, grassy parks and top-notch museums.
If you take a look at a map of greater Orlando, it’s the dots of blue rather than tourist attractions that catch your eye. Situated in the heart of Florida’s lake country, metro Orlando boasts more than 300 lakes, ranging from pool-sized watering holes to boaters’ playgrounds. Lake Eola, the crown jewel of Orlando’s lakes, sits in the heart of the downtown business district and boasts a floating fountain, swan paddleboats and scenic walkways that attract visitors and locals throughout the year.
With its year-round warm weather, clean streets, a booming economy and low cost of living, the self-dubbed “City Beautiful” is a place where everyone feels right at home.
City Resources
Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau
Get detailed information about Orlando, its neighborhoods, attractions, upcoming events, weather and more.
Events Guide
Find out about the latest events and happenings in Orlando, get the scoop on the best restaurants in town and check out the top family-friendly attractions.
State Information
This handy guide is filled with everything you need to know about nursing in Florida including state nursing associations, CE requirements, salary information and more.
Orlando Sentinel
A daily newspaper that offers breaking news, sport, business, as well as real estate and travel guides.
Orlando Weekly
A weekly alternative newspaper covering arts, entertainment, events, restaurant reviews and local listings.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park
Dreams do come true throughout the Magic Kingdom. Seven enchanted lands lead the young and the young at heart on a journey of fun, fantasy and excitement.
Disney’s Epcot
Disney's unique park of exploration and discovery combines high-tech fun with a cultural celebration of eleven great nations.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Explore Disney's Animal Kingdom and encounter wild adventures, awesome prehistoric creatures, Disney characters and spectacular live shows.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Florida sun meets alpine snow in the coolest water park around.
Universal Studios Florida
Soar through time and space, fly to the stars and step into your favorite blockbuster movie!
Islands of Adventure
The adventure of a lifetime awaits at America’s hottest new theme park!
Sea World Orlando
This 200-acre aquatic playground is a place where killer whales, dolphins, otters, sea lions, polar bears and seals are the star performers.
Kennedy Space Center
Learn about the history and adventure of America's space program.
Gatorland
This 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve combines “Old Florida” charm with exciting new exhibits and entertainment.
Arabian Nights
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner while watching sultans and gypsies perform feats of spectacular horsemanship.
Cypress Gardens
Stroll through 200 acres of gorgeous botanical gardens amid lagoons, waterfalls, fountains, and manicured lawns.
World of Orchids
This conservatory is filled with exquisite flowering orchids showcased in a rainforest setting along with exotic birds and fish.
Boat Tours
Board a pontoon for a leisurely cruise along beautiful lakes and winding canals.
Parks and Gardens
With sprawling parks, preserves and greenbelts throughout the city, there’s no shortage of places to relax and unwind in Orlando.
Lake Eola Park
The largest and most-visited public park in Orlando, this is an ideal spot to picnic, paddle, fly a kite or simply relax along the water’s edge.
Biking
Get all the information you need on the best biking trails in and around the Orlando area.
Orlando Science Center
Ten exhibit halls allow visitors to explore everything from the Florida swamps to the plains of Mars to the human body.
Orlando Museum of Art
In addition to its rotating exhibits, this museum prides itself on its permanent Americana collections.