Don’t be confused, this isn’t Orange County in California. Florida’s Orange County is home to Orlando, the county seat and a major destination for visitors from around the world. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort attract millions of tourists each year, making tourism a major part of the local economy.

But there’s more to Orange County than theme parks. Downtown Orlando has a growing food, arts, and entertainment scene, while Winter Park is known for upscale shops, beautiful neighborhoods, and scenic boat tours through cypress-lined waterways. The county also has numerous lakes that provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities.

The University of Central Florida brings a youthful energy to the eastern part of the county. Traffic can be heavy, especially around the major attractions, but Orange County offers plenty of local experiences away from the tourist areas. It’s a place where you can enjoy a world-class theme park in the morning and discover live music, restaurants, and local culture in the evening.