Like most areas of the United States, Orlando was originally inhabited by Native Americans, most prominently, the Seminoles, a tribe that consisted mostly of Creek Indians who had migrated to Florida in the 1700s. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Spanish colonists ruled central and north Florida until selling the land to the United States in 1821. By the 1840s, population growth accelerated as more settlers migrated to the new state. Towns and cities, especially near military forts, began to blossom. The swamps and wetlands became less prohibitive as settlers began to build roads and infrastructure, helping to facilitate development. In the 1950s, The Martin Company (today, known as Lockheed Martin Corporation) opened a missile factory in Orlando. Around the same time, the NASA space program expanded to Cape Canaveral, building a massive campus. Combined with the arrival of amusement parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando has continued to grow over the years, and today, it’s the fourth largest city in Florida.

As you might imagine, Orlando is bursting with things to do. From resorts and theme parks to shopping, golf, museums, and beautiful parks where you can unwind, there’s plenty of fun to be had here.

The International Drive resort area provides visitors and locals alike with world-class attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping. It’s fun for all ages and a convenient place to explore some of the best entertainment options in Orlando.

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. It is home to 12 main theme parks. These include the Walt Disney World parks, the Universal Studios parks, and SeaWorld. From Walt Disney World’s Epcot center to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, there’s a lot of fun to be had here.

If you love sports, Orlando not only has a professional basketball and soccer team. Head over to the Amway Center downtown to see the Orlando Magic, Orlando’s basketball team play. For golfers, Orlando has several world-class golf courses as well.

Want to enjoy some time in nature? The mild winters mean there is plenty to do year-round in Orlando as well. The streams and surrounding lakes provide ample places to fish, while kayaking and boat tours are perfect for those who love water activities. Lake Eola Park is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll. Located in downtown Orlando, the walk around the lake is just under a mile, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy views of the skyline. You can even rent paddle boats to head out to the water with the swans. The Walt Disney Amphitheater is also here, and they often host live concerts and performances.

Discovery Cove is a resort where you and your family can spend time swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with tropical fish and rays, hand-feeding exotic birds, and relaxing on pristine beaches. It’s a great opportunity to get up close with wildlife.

Enjoy art? Orlando has plenty of art enthusiasts to see as well. The Orlando Museum is a leading institution, which often has 10-12 exhibitions on-site annually. This means you can come back again to see different pieces, from contemporary art to landscapes, photography, and more.