When it comes to pinpointing exciting vacation destinations on the map that travelers are longing to experience for themselves year after year, Orlando sits at the top of the must-visit list. There’s a reason this vibrant and welcoming city in Central Florida welcomes more than 74 million visitors annually—numbers that have earned it a prestigious spot as one of the top travel destinations in the U.S. Defined by world-class theme parks, rich history and architecture, a fantastic downtown, lush surrounding landscapes, and award-winning restaurants and entertainment venues too, Orlando is a place with something for everyone to enjoy no matter when they arrive. If you haven’t yet been to Orlando, now is the right time to make it happen. When you do, the following can be used as your ultimate first-time visitor guide to make sure you make the most of every exciting moment ahead. Whether you decide to add every recommended stop to your itinerary or you opt to save a few for the next journey in this direction, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring your first trip to Orlando, FL is exceptionally memorable.
Getting to Your Vacation Destination in Central Florida
No matter what your point of origin might be, your first trip to Orlando will be a breeze. Most visitors choose to fly into town and when they do, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) is their landing point of choice. This airport is easy to navigate and welcomes a wide range of carriers and routes on a daily basis.
Getting Around Once You Arrive
The vast majority of travelers heading to Orlando in the name of a fun vacation do so with a rental car in place. That’s because Orlando is a sprawling getaway destination with a ton of activities and attractions you’re going to want to add to your list. It’s nice to be able to hop in the car and go whenever the mood strikes and having a rental car available makes that possible. Orlando also has rideshare services available to travelers as well as the SunRail transportation system. The local LYNX Bus service is another way to get around as it serves the greater Orlando area including major tourist destinations. Single-ride fares are just $2, making this a convenient and relatively affordable option depending on how frequently you plan to use the service.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Orlando
It’s typically agreed upon that the two of the best times of year to travel to Orlando for first-time visitors would be winter and early spring. This keeps you far from the crowds that convene in the city in the summertime and avoids some of those soaring temperatures Central Florida is known for certain times of the year too! It’s good to keep in mind when traveling this way that the Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June through the end of November and coastal storms certainly impact Central Florida locations like Orlando as well. The most predictable and mild weather patterns in Orlando are typically found between November and March with daytime highs lingering anywhere from the mid-70s to the low 80s.
Local Neighborhoods to Explore
While your first visit to Orlando should most definitely include stops at the top-rated attractions in town, if you want to get a feel for how locals live, it can be nice to set aside some time to explore surrounding neighborhoods as well. Places like Winter Garden are just 20 minutes west of central Orlando and showcase a charming historic downtown to explore as well as a fun weekly farmers market to check out. Over at Mills 50 north of Orlando, you can enjoy admiring the large murals that adorn the community and make time to unwind at a Michel Guide-recommended eatery like Sticky Rice or two afterward. Lake Nona isn’t far from Orlando and is located just Southeast of the airport. This fast-growing community is known for its great restaurants and hosts the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden which is free to visit and spans more than 50,000 feet of exhibition space. You’ll also want to make time on the itinerary to explore Winter Park, which is just a short drive from Orlando and was established back in 1887. It’s a great place to book a scenic boat tour, stroll through the East End Market, or shop your way through charming local boutiques.
Wonderful Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss
It’s fair to say that Orlando is a city filled with fantastic options for fun and entertainment no matter what your travel interests might entail. The hardest part about planning a visit for first-time travelers is typically narrowing down the list of things they want to do to fit the vacation timeframe they have available. If you’re looking to tailor your to-do list, be sure that time set aside to catch a show at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts remains firmly at the top. This performing arts venue is top-notch and is a one-stop hub for enjoying everything from comedy shows and ballets to Broadway musicals and symphony performances as well throughout the year.
If you want to make time to get into nature, don’t leave Orlando without visiting nearby Wekiwa Springs State Park at least once. You’ll only have to travel a few minutes outside of the city to reach this lush oasis that hosts a stunning freshwater spring on-site. Visitors come to enjoy swimming in the spring or kayaking their way through a sunny afternoon in good company too.
Of course, it’s hard to imagine a trip to Orlando without quality time at the local theme parks on your itinerary. Places like Universal Orlando are well worth your time to explore while you’re in town when you’re excited to check out rides themed around film franchises fans know and love! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter brings the magic of Hogwarts into reality while over at the Island of Adventure, films like Jurassic Park and the world of Marvel are made into immersive experiences as well. CityWalk is an outdoor dining and entertainment destination at Universal where guests can treat their tastebuds to amazing moments and if temperatures are on the rise, an afternoon at Volcano Bay will treat you to time at one of the best water parks in the city.
Walt Disney World is another must-visit destination in Orlando for guests who are traveling with kids or have always been a kid at heart. It’s called the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” for a reason, and upon arrival, it won’t take long to see why. Whether you spend your time at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, you’ll find yourself enjoying character meet-and-greet, amazing rides, incredible performances, and fantastic food of all kinds!
While you could easily spend the vast majority of your first time visiting Orlando at the theme parks alone, the city has much more to enjoy when you want to get to see it all. You won’t want to leave Orlando without exploring the natural beauty of the Harry P. Leu Gardens, which span 50 acres of stunning terrain. Time on International Drive puts you within reach of the iconic Ferris Wheel at ICON Park as well as places like Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Shopping enthusiasts heading to Orlando for the first time will be delighted with every moment spent at places like The Mall at Millenia while an afternoon at The Orlando Science Center is a great way to infuse engaging activities and learning into your trip when you’re traveling with little ones. At Lake Eola Park downtown, you can take time to enjoy a swan boat ride on the water before heading over to The Orlando Museum of Art on North Mills Avenue and enjoying the vast array of creative exhibits and displays available to browse at your own preferred pace.
Can’t Miss Restaurants
Whatever you find yourself craving in Orlando, you’ll be pleased to know that you’ll be able to find the solution during your first trip to Orlando and every visit afterward. When you’re looking to dine in style and try some fan-favorite selections at stops made famous by award-winning chefs, make time to head over to Disney Springs. Here, you’ll have easy access to restaurants owned and operated by well-known names like Guy Fieri (Chicken Guy), Jose Andres (Jaleo), and Sommelier Geroge Miliotes (Wine Bar George).
Beyond Disney Springs, the culinary options across Orlando only expand. Make your way to Norigami in nearby Winter Gardens’ Plant Street Market when you find yourself craving top-notch sushi. You’ll want to make reservations earlier rather than later at this eight-seat sushi counter which has found itself on best city eats lists time and again. Try the toro carpaccio with truffle sauce and you’re sure to understand why. Domu is another must-try eatery in Orlando with two locations available to patrons at the East End Market in Winter Park and near Dr. Phillips in Orlando. It’s a delicious stop for ramen lovers, and you can’t go wrong when you order the Domu Wings that are coated with mouthwatering kimchi butter sauce. Capa is a Spanish steakhouse that’s earned its place among the Michelin-starred favorites in Orlando that’s well worth your while to make a reservation at while Susuru is another elegant dining stop featuring Japanese izakaya with a decidedly retro aesthetic in place.
If you’re in the mood for casual and modern American fare, don’t overlook Artisan’s Table which is located downtown. This creative kitchen and bar is a great place to settle in and enjoy everything from a short-rib-and-brisket burger to pan-seared salmon upon request. They also have a full kids’ menu with items like PB & J on a brioche highlighted so you can enjoy a meal here no matter how picky your youngest eaters might be!
For those times when nothing sounds better than an interactive dining experience, The Melting Pot near Dr. Phillips is a family-friendly eatery and welcoming chain restaurant where you can share fondue right at the table. Pick and choose from what you melt and what you dip with options like bread cubes, veggies, fruit, and chocolate all right at your fingertips.
Book Incredible Accommodations to Top Off Your Getaway in Style
When you’re ready to make the most of a well-deserved first-time trip to Orlando, picking the right vacation accommodations to enjoy during your stay is just as important as making sure your itinerary is tailored perfectly to your interests. That’s where the option to partner with the hospitality experts at Casiola Orlando is key to an amazing getaway. Here, we’re a team of property professionals who are passionate about the places and people we serve and are unwaveringly committed to making sure our guests get settled into a vacation rental with every reservation that takes their trip to the next level of excellence.
Our portfolio of vacation rental options across Orlando is designed to not only meet travelers’ needs but exceed their every expectation as well. From cozy hideaways off the beaten path to property options that keep you directly in the heart of theme park fun, we can help everyone find the home away from home that matches their ideal getaway style. From elegant retreats fit for a romantic escape to family-friendly, Disney-Themed villas, making your stay a one-of-a-kind experience from start to finish is a breeze when you book your accommodations through Casiola Orlando.
Take time today to browse our wide variety of inviting property options across Orlando online and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing when you find the perfect getaway for you and your traveling crew, reserving your place is as simple as the touch of a button. Our team is here to answer any questions you might have along the way and if you need even more recommendations on how to make your trip to Orlando unforgettable, we’re here for that as well! We can’t wait to be a part of your exciting first getaway to Orlando and truly look forward to seeing you in sunny Central Florida soon.
