FLORIDA PLACES AND DESTINATIONS - ORLANDO
It’s no surprise that Orlando is one of the world’s leading vacation destinations – whether it’s a white-knuckled thrill ride, a skydive encounter, a soothing massage, a round of golf, a mega shopping junket or a moving theater performance. Rarely does a destination offer such a myriad of spectacular and diverse choices for every age and interest.
Looking for spine-tingling, white-knuckled extreme adventure? Orlando’s got just the adrenaline rush with a slew of over-the-edge activities for the daring at heart.
For thrill-seekers, O-town is the place to be with the likes of Kraken at SeaWorld Orlando and the Incredible Hulk and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando. The Richard Petty Driving Experience puts gutsy drivers behind the wheel of a NASCAR stock car on a real track. Free-fall fanatics rave about Wet ‘n Wild - Orlando’s Bomb Bay, Disney’s Blizzard Beach’s Summit Plummet and SkyVenture Orlando on I-Drive where a vertical wind tunnel uses 120 mph (193 kph) winds to simulate an unforgettable skydiving experience. Those seeking the perfect wake will find it at the Orlando Watersports Complex, the area’s premier park for wake boarding, wakeskating and waterskiing.
With more than 2,000 lakes, springs and rivers for swimming, boating, waterskiing and fishing; 168 golf courses; 800 tennis courts and 21 fitness trails for biking, walking and blading, few destinations in the world come close to rivaling Orlando’s incredible year-round outdoor activities and pastimes.
Golf aficionados are in their element in Orlando thanks to the area’s great lineup of world-class golf. With 168 spectacular golf courses located within a 45-minute drive of downtown, golfers can try their hand at an array of challenging and diverse courses designed by such legends as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tom Watson and Rees Jones.
From Gucci bags and Tiffany diamonds to Ocean Pacific flip flops and secondhand treasures – plus everything in between – Orlando has boldly emerged as an international shopping leader. And, with more than 52 million square feet (4.6 million square meters) of retail space, including nine regional shopping malls, all tastes and budgets are satisfied.
Orlando also has an impressive lineup of world-class performing arts. The Orlando Opera, Orlando Ballet, Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival, Bach Festival Society, The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, SunTrust Broadway in Orlando series and several professional and community theater companies are just a few of the area’s entertainment options. In addition, House of Blues and Hard Rock Live offer concerts.
Orlando's numerous year-round art exhibits and cultural diversity add an extra dimension to Orlando. The world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany are on display year-round at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, while 19th- and 20th-century American art are showcased at the Orlando Museum of Art. Children of all ages can also embark on a variety of learning adventures at area standouts like the Orlando Science Center and the Orange County Regional History Center.
With almost 500 hotels and 113,000 guestrooms, Orlando offers more lodging options than nearly any destination in the world. Accommodations range from luxury resorts and themed hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, economy hotels/motels and campgrounds.
Everyone deserves to be pampered – especially on vacation – and Orlando’s got just the answer. Whether it’s a couple of hours or a full day’s treatment, guests can relax at any of the area’s more than 11 spectacular destination spas.
Clermont, an affluent western suburb of Orlando, is famous for The Florida Citrus Tower. Built in 1956, the tower is 226 feet tall, and is the most famous landmark of the Orlando area. Its top is the highest point in Florida.
Photo: Visit Florida
