Orlando is home to some of America's most iconic and internationally popular tourist attractions, the most famous of which is Walt Disney World, which offers enough fun and activities to keep the average family entertained for weeks. If you're looking to explore further afield, rent a car in Orlando and see what else Florida has to offer, including the sun-baked beaches of the Gulf Coast and plenty more besides.
Walt Disney World welcomes more than 52 million guests every year, making it the world's most-visited vacation resort. Comprising four theme parks - the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom - as well as water parks, themed hotels, golf courses and more, it offers a vast array of family holiday experiences that members of every generation can enjoy.
On International Drive, an 11-mile thoroughfare that serves as Orlando's main tourist strip, you'll find Universal Orlando Resort, which combines the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks, as well as the Volcano Bay waterpark and other attractions. This resort will be one of the first ports of call in Orlando for film fans, with particular highlights including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and rides inspired by the Jurassic Park, Despicable Me and Transformers movie franchises.
SeaWorld is the place to visit if your family are all about the aquatic attractions. Highlights of this park include the Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin habitat, Dolphin Cove and the Jewel of the Sea aquarium, as well as the Manta, Kraken and Mako rollercoasters. Visitors also get to enjoy regular dolphin, sea lion and killer whale shows at SeaWorld.
Orlando may be all about the theme parks and thrill rides, but venture beyond the city and you'll find some of the most luxurious coastline and sunniest beaches in the United States. One seafront destination that's absolutely worth a visit is Daytona Beach, which is about an hour's drive away from Orlando via I-4 E and US-92 E. In addition to the 23 miles of white-sand beaches, the city is home to attractions including parks, the Ponce Inlet lighthouse and a famous boardwalk.
The area surrounding Tampa Bay on the west coast of Florida offers plenty for visitors to do, from seeing the wildlife at Lowry Park Zoo and Florida Aquarium in Tampa to exploring the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo. One of the area's most famous attractions is Busch Gardens, an African-inspired theme park with nine rollercoasters, two water rides and various animal exhibits. Arrange a car rental in Orlando and take I-4 W to reach the outskirts of Tampa in less than 90 minutes.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore more of Florida, a drive of just over three hours southbound from Orlando, mostly on I-95 S, will take you to Fort Lauderdale, which is famous not only for its beaches, but also for its rich culture, local events and arts scene. You can get a taste of what the city has to offer by taking a 90-minute amphibious tour of Las Olas Boulevard and checking out the mansions and yachts that line Millionaires' Row.
A convertible would be the ideal Orlando car rental to enjoy the sunny conditions, or a comfortable sedan will appeal if you're planning some long drives to explore the coast.
Orlando International Airport
Major roads in the wider Florida area, like I-75 and Florida's Turnpike, charge tolls.
June is the sunniest period, with 11 hours per day on average.
July, with upwards of 190 mm of rainfall on average.
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios