ORLANDO, FLORIDA

THE SUNSHINE STATE

BY: JENNIFER LE

BEACHES

SUMMER IS HERE!

TAN, RELAX, SWIM, BE ACTIVE!

COCOA BEACH Cocoa Beach is located on a barrier island of Florida’s Space Coast, famous for its beaches, space launches, and the Indian River Lagoon. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Banana River you can build sand castles in the morning and kayak in the afternoon with manatees and dolphins. It’s the closest beach to Orlando, so you can enjoy Orlando’s attractions and also get to relax on the east coast of Florida.

DAYTONA BEACHThe sunshine is soaked up with waves of laughter and there is as much to do off and on the beach. Build mighty sandcastles along our 23 miles of sun soaked beaches. Zip through the air on the all-new Oceanside roller coaster. Spend family dinners seaside with the day’s fresh catch. Do all the things that make your vacation a whole lot better. So grab it. Make it yours. Seize it.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

After a day of fun at the beach, settle in for a fun and relaxing evening checking out all the classic cars and hot rods at the East Coast Cruisers Classic Car Show. Seafood Festival immerses marine-eating enthusiasts in a bevy of culinary selections.  The Rotary Clubs of Edgewater and New Smyrna Beach are hosting Cheeseburger in Paradise. Riverside Park, New Smyrna Beach. This is the largest fall fishing tournament in the New Smyrna Beach area. Enjoy an all jazz weekend!

CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE

Since ancient times, this barrier island has provided sanctuary to both people and wildlife. Many threatened animals find refuge here, including sea turtles who nest on its shores. Like Indians and early settlers, you too can find tranquility. Swim in the ocean. Fish in the lagoon. Stroll down a wooded trail. Or reflect on the longest expanse of pristine shore in Florida - the way it used to be.

MELBOURNE BEACH

Surf's up in Melbourne!Set beside the Indian River Lagoon along Florida's Space Coast, Melbourne offers beaches, fishing, golf, snorkeling, and many other outdoor activities. You can bask in the sunshine on miles and miles of unspoiled beaches by daylight or, at night, enjoy a romantic moonlit walk, complete with tropical breezes. You’ll find all types of shopping and restaurants in Historic Downtown Melbourne.Melbourne also is the home of annual festivals such as the Independent Filmmaker's Festival, Arts Festival, Aviation Day and Oktoberfest.

LAKES

LAKE EOLA PARK  Lake Eola remains an unchanging emblem of Downtown Orlando. It is surrounded by the dining and shopping of Thornton Park, South Eola District and the Central Business District, truly making Lake Eola the center of Downtown. The majestic fountain and graceful swan boats make Lake Eola an exceptional amenity to the area. Go for a jog, picnic, bike riding, yoga, FAMILY TIME!

WATERFORD LAKES TOWN CENTER

Waterford Lakes Town Center is an outdoor mall in Orlando, Florida, USA. The mall is located a few miles south of the University of Central Florida on North Alafaya Trail. It is frequented by college students. There are stores on both sides of the road. The mall includes: A Regal Entertainment Group movie theater A Barnes & NobleA  Target Corporation store,  Best Buy PetsMart  This also includes several more stores, and restaurants such as Five Guys, Crisper's, Pizza Hut and Panera Bread.

RIVERS

ALAFIA RIVER The most challenging off-road bicycling trails in Florida can be found at Alafia River State Park. It is home to 17 miles of bike trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. Alafia also offers equestrians and hikers the opportunity to explore mixed hardwood forests, pine Flatwoods and rolling hills with 20 miles of hiking and horse trails. The abundance of wildlife found along Alafia's trails will delight any bird-watcher or nature enthusiast. The south prong of the Alafia River and the lakes scattered throughout the park provide ample opportunities for canoeing and fishing. The 6,260 acre park also offers picnic pavilions, a playground, horseshoe pit and volleyball court. For overnight stays the park has a full-facility campground, as well as equestrian friendly campsites.

ANCLOTE RIVER

This beautiful and serene park setting offers 300' of swimming area on the Gulf of Mexico and picnic areas, playgrounds, designated fishing and boating area, large boat ramp and the park is known for its Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. This is a great place to bask in the sun, take a swim, cast a line and do some fishing, or launch your boat and set sail for a day on the Gulf. Keep your eyes open for the dolphins, fish, crabs and sea turtles passing by. Follow the channel out and head south toward Anclote Key Island, which is a State Park located just 3.5 miles south and you can camp overnight right on the island. 

Reserve a shelter are strictly only for weekdays only!

HILLSBOROUGH RIVER

Great adventure option to go Kayaking or Canoeing on the Hillsborough river and you will see a lot of Alligators which makes your trip unforgettable! You get the feeling that you are alone in a Jungle! This river has many access points available so research what you want to do and find the appropriate type of access. Fishing, water skiing, Nature watching, PWC or canoe/kayak. Very big park but it's very well label so you won't get lost. There a place to ride canoes, trails for hiking or mountain bike, walking trails, picnic tables, even areas to walk with your dog.

AMUSEMENT PARKS

UNIVERSAL ORLANDOThe Universal Orlando Resort, commonly known as Universal Orlando, is a theme park resort in Orlando, Florida. It is wholly owned by NBCUniversal and its affiliates. Universal Orlando is the largest property operated by Universal Parks & Resorts, is the largest resort in Orlando, Florida, and is the second-largest resort in Greater Orlando after Walt Disney World.

SEAWORLD ORLANDOSeaWorld Orlando is a theme park, and marine-life based zoological park, in Orlando, Florida. It is owned and operated by SeaWorld Entertainment. When combined with its neighbor Discovery Cove and Aquatica, it forms SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando, an entertainment complex consisting of the three parks and many neighboring hotels. In 2013, SeaWorld Orlando hosted an estimated 5.1 million guests, ranking it the tenth most visited amusement park in the United States and nineteenth worldwide.

MAGIC KINGDOM Fairytale dreams come true for children of all ages at Magic Kingdom park. Delight in classic attractions, enchanting fireworks, musical parades and beloved Disney Characters across 6 whimsical lands. See fantasy become a reality as you explore Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland—open while undergoing the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history! Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A areas. Zoom through space, become a swashbuckling pirate and watch fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle.

MONUMENTS

It is known as City Hall Commons, Orlando City Hall in many respects is typical of an American government building, while still managing to include features that set it

apart architecturally from buildings constructed for similar purposes in other

US cities.

The Tupperware Tower is a sturdy construction made

entirely from plastic Tupperware bowls that rise to 100 feet. The tower serves no purpose other

than to reinforce the Tupperware Company's position in American history and popular

contemporary culture.

ORLANDO CITY HALL

TUPPERWARE TOWER

MUSEUM VENUETHE ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ARTAn educational institution whose mission is to enrich the cultural life of Florida by providing excellence in the visual arts. It is an inspiring venue to view priceless artifacts and vibrant modern art

MUSIC VENUETHE SOCIALOrlando's premier independent music venue, The Social, is located in the heart of downtown Orlando's entertainment district. The live venue hosts everything that's hot in the underground from uber-hip no wavers to chubby punks rapping along with laptops. The bar offers a wide selection, and the cathedral ceiling opens up what would otherwise seem like a shoebox.

MUSICAL VENUETHE PHANTOM OF THE OPERABEST BROADWAY SHOW EVER. YOU CANNOT AN NCREDIBLE PERFORAMCE LIKE THIS!

MALLS

Florida MallThe Florida Mall is an upscale shopping mall located in unincorporated Orlando,

Florida, on the southeast corner of Orange Blossom Trail and Sand Lake Road; it

opened in 1986.

Waterford Lakes Town Center An outdoor mall in Orlando, Florida, USA.

Located a few miles south of the University of Central Florida on North

Alafaya Trail. There are stores on both sides of the road.

RESTAURANTS

BULL AND BEAR STEAKHOUSE

Dining at the award-wining Bull & Bear is a culinary journey unlike any other. Named Best Fine Dining by Orlando Home & Leisure, the restaurant offers a menu featuring re-imagined steakhouse classics and trend-setting fare, including Pan-Roasted Dover Sole, Veal Oscar, Escargot & Gnocchi, Pasta Explosion, Flaming Lobster on the Spit and its signature 28-Day Dry-Aged Tomahawk Rib Eye.Bull & Bear is renowned for tableside preparation and the highest levels of personalized service. Our team of experienced sommeliers will be delighted to suggest the perfect wines to accompany your meal.The dining room and lounge exude the warmth of a private club, with exquisite views overlooking the resort’s pool and golf course. Views of the nightly Epcot® fireworks can be enjoyed from select tables.Be certain to leave room for dessert, especially the delectable Lemon, the delightful Bull & Bear Beignets or the decadent Chocolate Bar.

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

Pricey but so worth it. This is at least a once a year, special occasion type of place for me and my family. Ruth's Chris steakhouse is famous for its exceptional food and wine. The restaurant serves the best USDA prime steak sizzling hot.Ruth's Chris Steak House in Orlando, FL serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes, etc

HOTELS

WALDORF ASTORIA ORLANDOWaldorf Astoria Orlando is a stunning luxury resort near Walt Disney World Resort, offering golf, a spa, two pools, private cabanas and complimentary shuttle.

THE RITZ-CARLTON ORLANDO, GRANDE LAKESA hotel in Orlando that delights it – by creating memories that stay vivid long after you leave this Florida oasis. 500 acres of natural beauty, a luxurious retreat where you can surrender to the serenity of our relaxing spa, indulge in fine dining, or play 18 holes on our golf course, a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. With exceptional amenities and impeccable service, one of the most breathtaking luxury hotels in Orlando is the perfect place to relax, meet or experience the wedding of your dreams, all while enjoying the quintessential all-American city. 

STATE PARKS

WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE

PARKRelax in a natural setting, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the cool spring. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. Thirteen miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding.This is a very popular park on weekends. To ensure entrance into the park, we recommend arriving early, otherwise, the parking area will be full and you may not be able to enter. Options for camping include a full facility campground and primitive camping areas. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. 

LAKE GRIFFIN STATE PARK

 This 620 acre park is home to one of the state's largest live OAK TREES. A short trail near the park entrance takes visitors to the mammoth oak tree. A canal connects the park to Lake Griffin, the eighth largest lake in Florida, where visitors can enjoy boating and canoeing, as well as fishing. Anglers will find plenty of largemouth bass, bluegill, speckled perch, and catfish. Visitors can observe the park's wildlife while picnicking or strolling along the half-mile nature trail. A shady, full-facility campground beckons travelers to spend the night or an entire vacation here. There is no swimming due to a healthy alligator population. Canoe & kayak rentals are available.  Located three miles north of Leesburg and 30 miles south of Ocala.

SCENIC TRAILS

EASTERN CONTINENTAL TRAIL176.3 or 188.2 miles. Not technically part of the Florida Trail but a connector to it, the Florida portion of the Eastern Continental Trail begins at Key West and is primary a road walk to the southern terminus of the Florida Trail in Big Cypress. At the Alabama border, hikers following the ECT connect with a larger system of trails terminating in Cape Gaspe, Quebec.

FLORIDA TRAIL, BIG CYPRESS37.6 or 45.4 miles. Winding deep into the wilds of the Big Cypress Swamp, this is the most remote section of trail in the state of Florida. The landscape is likened to the savannas of Africa, but also has pockets of rainforest-like botanical beauty enveloped in thick humidity. Hiking here means ankle-to-knee deep wading for several days.

WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT?Orlando is the fifth largest city in Florida, andthe state's largest inland city. Orlandoisnicknamed "The City Beautiful" and its symbolis the fountain at Lake Eola.

By far, the number one reason for scheduling a Florida vacation is to sit on The Sunshine State's incredible beaches and enjoy the soft sand, warm water, and beautiful sunsets you'll find there. With thousands of miles of coastline, the beaches in Florida are many and quite varied.

THEME PARKS!

Calm water-related pursuits like fishing or sailing to more exciting adventures, such as jet skiing, SCUBA diving, kite or wind surfing, wake boarding, parasailing, and more ARTS & CULTURE!

SPORTS!

HISTORY!

NIGHTLIFE SPOTS!

Every good vacation has a little shopping time built in.

KEYLIME PIE!