Orlando, FL, US vacation rentals: Houses & more

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Destination guide

Enjoying the city from an Orlando vacation rental

If it's possible for a city to serve as a giant playground for its visitors, Orlando just might be the place! Theme parks rule the landscape in this Central Florida city, and Walt Disney World is king. Visit the resort and spend the day frolicking with pirates at the Magic Kingdom, travelling the world at Epcot, and floating down lazy rivers at its numerous water parks. Not a fan of the mouse? The city also hosts Universal Studios Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, plus scores of golf courses, kid-friendly museums, and massive shopping centres. Orlando's endless stream of enormous resorts and vacation rentals cater to a variety of travellers, including families, large groups, and couples.

History

To get a broad view of Orlando's past, you could start with a visit to the Orange County Regional History Center. Housed inside the city's grand 1927 Beaux-Arts courthouse, the museum covers more than 12,000 years of the area's history. There's also the Orlando Science Center, which explores the region's natural history, and the Wells' Built Museum, which examines Orlando's African American community, including its role in the Civil Rights movement. The 100-hectare Bok Tower Gardens offers a peaceful and pristine setting with a landmark attraction at its centre – a 62-metre bell tower from the 1920s that chimes daily.

Activities

Activities and attractions in Orlando

Are you looking for attractions to visit while you're in the area? Venture out of your cozy vacation rental and experience everything that makes Orlando a fun place to get away. These are some of the major attractions to put on your list, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

Universal Studios Florida™ (7.7 mi / 12.4 km)
SeaWorld® Orlando (10.4 mi / 16.7 km)
Walt Disney World® (15 mi / 24.2 km)
Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ (7.2 mi / 11.6 km)
Aquatica (10 mi / 16.1 km)
Discovery Cove (10.6 mi / 17.1 km)

Natural features

Exploring the natural features in Orlando

Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Orlando is a great place to get outside. Here are a few of the area's most eye-catching features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

Lake Eola Park (0.4 mi / 0.6 km)
Lake Eola (0.4 mi / 0.7 km)
Dickson Azalea Park (1.3 mi / 2.1 km)
Mayor Carl Langford Park (1.3 mi / 2.1 km)
Lorna Doone Park (1.4 mi / 2.2 km)
Lake Ivanhoe (1.5 mi / 2.4 km)

How to get there

Traveling to and around Orlando

Fly into Orlando, FL (MCO-Orlando Intl.), the closest airport, located 8.7 mi (14.1 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Kissimmee, FL (ISM-Kissimmee Gateway), which is 17.4 mi (28.1 km) away.

If you prefer train travel, the main station serving the city is Orlando Station.

How to get around

How to navigate from your Orlando vacation rental

There's a reason Orlando is the largest car rental market in the world – the sprawling landscape makes having a vehicle a necessity if you want to explore the region extensively. Travellers who plan on sticking to the major tourist attractions may be able to rely solely on public transportation by using the affordable city bus and trolley system. You'll find even more transportation options at Disney World, as monorails, buses, and water taxis provide service between the parks and the resort's hotels. There's also plenty of taxi companies available across Orlando, but you'll most likely need to call ahead to arrange for pick-up.

Food & drink

Oranges in Orlando – enjoying Florida's freshest foods

Orlando offers a wide array of cuisines, but if you really want to sample a variety of international flavors, Epcot is the place for that. Where else can you find Moroccan, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, and Norwegian foods all in one spot? There's also plenty of German beer and French wines on hand if you want to relax with a drink. To experience true local delicacies, however, adventurous eaters can try such unique dishes as fried gator bites, conch fritters, and rock shrimp. And nothing says Florida breakfast like a fresh squeezed glass of orange juice and toast with kumquat marmalade.

Essential info

Key information for your Orlando vacation rental stay

The Orlando metropolitan region features more than 2.3 million residents, making it Florida's 3rd largest metro area. English is the city's official language, although over 16% of the population speak Spanish fluently. If you plan to enjoy a night of dining and drinking, tips typically range from 15-20%, depending on the quality of service, and the legal drinking age is 21. Although crime in Orlando is low, tourists are typically the targets of most thefts, so stay alert. For immediate medical assistance, to report a crime, or in the event of fire, you should dial 911.

How many vacation rentals are available around Orlando?

Our 2019 vacation rental listings offer a large selection of 40,884 house rentals around Orlando. From 14,616 Houses to 12,423 Villas, find unique vacation rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends. The best place to stay around Orlando is on HomeAway.

What is the best area to stay when travelling to Orlando?

Whether you're travelling with family or friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Orlando:

Florida Center: 167 vacation rentals
Southwest Orlando: 16,463 vacation rentals
Downtown: 72 vacation rentals
Southeast Orlando: 41,282 vacation rentals
Florida Center North: 40 vacation rentals

For other neighbourhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

What are the popular points of interest near where I can stay when travelling to Orlando?

HomeAway offers a large selection of lodging choices near lovely places in Orlando. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

Disney World: 41,196 home rentals
Universal Studios: 39,856 home rentals
Little Lake Bryan: 41,496 home rentals
Orlando Premium Outlets Vineland Ave: 41,261 home rentals
Shingle Creek Golf Course: 40,684 home rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Orlando listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.