Where to Visit in Orlando and Florida in 2026: Best Attractions, Beaches, Parks, and Family Spots

 

Where to Visit in Orlando and Florida in 2026: Best Attractions, Beaches, Parks, and Family Spots

Florida is one of those places where you can build ten different vacations without leaving the state. Theme parks, wildlife, beaches, springs, small historic towns, nightlife, quiet islands — it’s all within reach. Orlando sits in the middle of everything, which makes it the perfect starting point. From there, the coast is an hour each way, and the state unfolds into regions that feel completely different from each other.

If you’re planning a Florida trip in 2026, this guide walks you through the best places to visit in Orlando and the spots around the state that truly deliver memorable experiences. No fluff. No generic lists. Just the places that matter, what they’re really like, and who they’re best for.

Why Orlando Should Be Your Starting Point

Orlando gives you instant access to fun, entertainment, dining, and a travel rhythm that works well for families and couples alike. It’s structured, easy to navigate, and everything is designed for visitors. But what people don’t always realize is that Orlando also has neighborhoods, lakes, parks, and cultural districts that feel far removed from the theme parks.

Let’s break down the places worth visiting.

Best Places to Visit in Orlando in 2026

1. Walt Disney World

Disney isn’t just a theme park — it’s a fully developed environment built to keep you entertained from morning to night. With four parks and two water parks, you can spend days here without repeating experiences.

Here’s how the parks differ:

Magic Kingdom

Classic rides, fireworks, Main Street charm, and the kind of atmosphere that makes kids and adults feel the same level of excitement.

EPCOT

World Showcase, seasonal festivals, futuristic attractions, and incredible food. EPCOT is the park that grows on you the more you visit.

Animal Kingdom

Expansive landscapes, wildlife trails, shows, and the stunning Pandora: The World of Avatar.

Hollywood Studios

Home to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and thrill rides like Tower of Terror.

2. Universal Orlando Resort

Universal brings more energy and more intensity. Rides are faster, theming is bold, and the parks have a modern feel.

Top attractions

• Harry Potter areas in both parks

• VelociCoaster

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

• CityWalk dining and nightlife

• The Bourne Stuntacular

Families with older kids usually rank Universal above Disney.

3. ICON Park

A great place when you want a lighter day after the theme parks.
You’ll find:

• The Wheel

• Restaurants

• Small attractions

• A walkable layout

It’s perfect for evenings, families, and budget-friendly days.

4. Winter Park

Just north of Orlando, Winter Park feels like a different city entirely.
Expect:

• Scenic boat tours

• Park Avenue shopping

• Local cafés

• Museums

• Beautiful lakes

This is the calm side of Orlando people often miss.

5. Lake Eola Park

Located downtown, Lake Eola is a break from amusement rides and crowds. Great for:

• Walks

• Swan boats

• Farmers markets

• Evening city views

Perfect for a relaxed half-day.

6. Lake Nona

Modern, organized, and filled with outdoor food halls, events, and live performances.
Good for:

• Evening outings

• Dining

• Family-friendly outdoor activities

Where to Visit Beyond Orlando in 2026

Florida becomes a completely different experience as soon as you leave Orlando. Beaches, small towns, state parks, wildlife encounters — and you don’t have to drive far to access any of it.

To make this simple, we’ll break the state into three parts: the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, and South Florida.

THE ATLANTIC COAST: Beaches, Space, and Surf

The eastern side of Florida delivers waves, boardwalks, and easy day trips from Orlando. It’s the side you visit if your family likes a little more movement and activity.1. Cocoa Beach

The closest beach to Orlando, roughly an hour away.
Great for:

• Learning to surf

• Pier restaurants

• Long walks

• Family-friendly beach days

It’s relaxed, casual, and easy.

2. Kennedy Space Center

Near Cocoa Beach, this is one of Florida’s best attractions outside of Orlando.
You can:

• See actual rockets

• Visit launch sites

• Sit inside simulation capsules

• Watch IMAX films

• Learn about real missions happening right now

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who loves science, this becomes a trip highlight.

3. Daytona Beach

Known for:

• Wide beaches

• Beach driving areas

• Family attractions

• Speedway events

It’s louder and more energetic than Cocoa Beach, making it ideal for teens and families with older kids.

4. St. Augustine

The oldest city in the United States.
Picture:

• Narrow streets

• Spanish-style buildings

• Old forts

• Cozy cafés

• A slow-moving pace

Great for couples and families who like culture rather than just beaches.

THE GULF COAST: Soft Sand, Calm Water, and Sunset Beaches

The Gulf Coast is warm, gentle, and perfect for travelers who want relaxing beach towns.

1. Clearwater Beach

A consistent award-winner and one of the most photographed beaches in the country.
Families love it because:

• Water is calm

• Sand is soft

• Food options are close

• Sunset views are outstanding

2. St. Pete Beach

A little less busy than Clearwater but just as beautiful.
Great for:

• Couples’ trips

• Quieter beach days

• Waterfront resorts

3. Sarasota & Siesta Key

Sarasota brings culture, while Siesta Key brings powder-soft sand and clean water.
Excellent for:

• Relaxation

• Family stays

• Walkable beaches

• Art galleries

4. Naples

An upscale coastal city with beautiful beaches, golf courses, and nature tours.
Better for:

• Families wanting quiet

• Couples

• Sunset cruises

SOUTH FLORIDA: Culture, Nightlife, and Island Adventures

Once you reach South Florida, the energy changes. Everything gets louder, brighter, and more colorful — in a good way.1. Miami

Miami blends beaches, art, nightlife, food, and culture into one place.

Top things to see:

• South Beach

• Wynwood Walls

• Brickell dining

• Bayside Marketplace

• Art Deco district

It’s not just a party city — the food and culture scene keeps growing every year.

2. Fort Lauderdale

Often called “the calmer Miami,” with:

• Clean beaches

• Riverwalk areas

• Boat tours

• Shopping streets

Great for families and couples who want Miami’s atmosphere without the chaos.

3. Palm Beach

Very organized, clean, and upscale.
You’ll find:

• Luxury hotels

• Quiet beaches

• Beautiful shopping districts

It’s a totally different pace.

FLORIDA KEYS: A Different World

The Keys don’t feel like the rest of Florida. That’s the charm.

1. Key Largo

Home to some of the clearest snorkeling in the state.

2. Islamorada

Fishing charters, small resorts, and scenic drives.

3. Key West

Colorful houses, sunset celebrations, historic homes, live music, and a relaxed vibe that keeps people coming back.

Best Family Spots in Florida for 2026

If you're traveling with kids, these places consistently deliver:

• Magic Kingdom

• EPCOT

• Universal Islands of Adventure

• Clearwater Beach

• ZooTampa

• LEGOLAND Florida

• Orlando Science Center

• Daytona Lagoon

• Sarasota Mote Aquarium

• Miami Children’s Museum

These aren’t filler attractions — each one offers something different.

Best Nature & Park Experiences

When you want a break from cities and theme parks, head to the state parks.

Blue Spring State Park

Winter manatees gather here in huge groups — unforgettable sight.

Silver Springs

Glass-bottom boat tours and wildlife sightings.

Everglades National Park

Airboat rides and unique ecosystems.

Ocala National Forest

Springs, hiking, and calm lakes.

Dry Tortugas National Park

One of the most remote and beautiful national parks in the country — accessible only by boat or seaplane from Key West.

Suggested 7–10 Day Itinerary

A simple plan travelers love:

Day 1–4: Orlando

Theme parks, ICON Park, Winter Park, Lake Eola.

Day 5–7: Gulf Coast or Atlantic Coast

Choose Clearwater or Cocoa Beach depending on what you prefer.

Day 8–10: Miami + Keys (Optional)

If you have time, this creates an unforgettable mix of city and island life.

Costs for a Florida Trip in 2026

Prices will shift, but these ranges are realistic.

Hotels

• Orlando: $120–$250

• Clearwater/Sarasota: $150–$350

• Miami: $180–$380

• Keys: $250–$600

Food

• Budget: $25–40/day

• Mid-range: $50–90/day

• High-end: $100–150/day

Attractions

• Disney: $120–180/day

• Universal: $120–160/day

• Space Center: $60–80

• Everglades: $30–60

• Museums and local attractions: $20–40

Who This Guide Is Best For

This trip layout fits:

• First-time Florida visitors

• Families with kids

• Couples

• Solo travelers

• Theme park fans

• Beach lovers

• Road trip travelers

Florida is flexible — you can design your trip around whatever pace you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Florida delivers more variety than almost any other state. Orlando gives you theme parks and entertainment, the coasts bring beaches and small towns, and South Florida adds culture, nightlife, and island adventures. With smart planning, you can build a 2026 trip that feels exciting, balanced, and unforgettable.