Beat the Heat in Central Florida
Chill out! Cool places to beat the heat in Central Florida
Ah, summer—the season of sun-kissed days, warm nights, and incredible vacations. But here in Central Florida, summer can really turn up the heat. As the temperature rises, we’re all on a mission to find the ultimate chill-out spots.
In this blog, we share the coolest places (literally) to help you escape the heat while still soaking up all the fun Central Florida has to offer. So, grab your sunscreen, pack your swimsuit, and get ready to dive into a world of splash-tastic adventures and sun-soaked fun. Let's beat the heat, Central Florida style!
Catch a wave at Central Florida’s watersports and adventure parks
The Orlando Watersports Complex is a wakeboarding, waterskiing, and kneeboarding paradise where adrenaline junkies and water enthusiasts come to play! A series of state-of-the-art cable systems pull wakeboarders, water skiers, and kneeboarders across pristine, man-made lakes. The park features different levels of courses, boasting a series of challenging ramps and rails to test even the most experienced boarders and a separate, slower course where newbies can practice their skills under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors. Plus, the complex has a giant, inflatable obstacle course that floats on the water, offering a fun and exhilarating experience for all ages.
Another fantastic watersports attraction is Nona Adventure Park. The wet-and-wild playground offers an array of diverse activities designed for thrill seekers of all ages and skill levels. Guests can enjoy cable-pulled wakeboarding, waterskiing, and kneeboarding, a scenic zip line, a 60-foot climbing tower, a ropes course, and kayaks and paddleboards. And, during the summer, Nona Adventure Park hosts special events, including live music, movie nights, karaoke, and wakeboard competitions.
Note: Nona Adventure Park has different operating hours for certain attractions. Please visit the official website for more information.
Buena Vista Watersports is known as Orlando’s Ultimate Watersports Experience, and rightfully so. An “Old Florida Paradise,” Buena Vista Watersports is located on the shores of Lake Bryan in Orlando, where lush palm trees, towering oak trees, and white sandy beaches provide an idyllic backdrop for a day of fun and sun. The family-owned facility offers a range of rentals and activities, including boats, jet skiing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, and paddleboarding. Visitors can cruise along the crystal-clear waters of Lake Bryan, take lessons from professional instructors, or simply relax in the beach area for the perfect summer afternoon.
Cool off at the top water parks in Orlando
When the Florida summer turns up the heat, it's time to swap the theme parks for water parks! Orlando is renowned for its incredible water parks. In fact, USA Today recently named two Orlando water parks as the best in the country: Aquatica Orlando® and Island H2O Water Park®.
The official water park of SeaWorld®, Aquatica Orlando® offers the perfect combination of thrilling attractions, water adventures, and up-close animal encounters. The park's signature attraction is Reef Plunge, where you go down clear tube slides that pass through a dolphin habitat. Other popular attractions include Taumata Racer, a high-speed competitive mat ride where you can race your friends, Loggerhead Lane, a one-of-a-kind lazy river that takes you on a leisurely ride through an underwater world of exotic fish, and Walhalla Wave, a family-friendly raft ride offering non-stop excitement as you navigate the twists and turns.
Island H2O Water Park® is Central Florida’s newest water park located in Kissimmee. What makes Island H2O so unique is how it blends traditional water park rides with cutting-edge technology to offer an immersive experience. Popular attractions include exhilarating slides like “Follow Me Falls” and “Hashtag Heights,” the interactive “Live Streaming Lazy River,” and “The Downloader,” a multi-person raft ride. Plus, with innovative elements, such as the H2O Water Park App and smart wristbands, guests can customize their experience and share memories instantly!
Dive into nature at Central Florida’s beautiful, crystal-clear springs
Did you know that Central Florida is home to more than 148 beautiful parks, natural springs, and outdoor recreational areas? During the summer months, a great place to beat the heat in Central Florida is at refreshing, crystal blue natural springs.
Kelly Park, also known as Rock Springs Run State Reserve, is a hidden gem nestled in Central Florida, just a short drive from Orlando. This enchanting natural paradise captivates visitors with its crystal-clear waters with a refreshing temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. You can go swimming, rent inner tubes and float down Rock Springs Run, or grill and chill in their picnic pavilions.
A popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, DeLeon Springs is a peaceful retreat in the heart of Central Florida. This natural oasis offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from swimming and snorkeling in the cool spring waters to picnicking along the shaded banks. One of the highlights of DeLeon Springs is the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House, where visitors can cook their own pancakes on griddles built into their tables.
Spend a day at Central Florida’s must-visit beaches
When you think of Orlando, you may not think of beaches, but the theme park capital of the world is located just a short drive from some of Florida’s most beautiful coastal destinations.
Cocoa Beach is renowned for its picturesque sandy beaches along Florida's Space Coast (just one hour away from Orlando). Plan a day trip to Cocoa Beach and enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, or simply strolling along the shoreline. The popular East Coast beach town boasts a vibrant dining and entertainment scene, with a plethora of restaurants with fresh seafood, cafes, bars, and live music venues in a laid-back atmosphere.
Approximately two hours from Orlando, Clearwater Beach is famed for its white sands, turquoise waters, and a vibrant beachside community. Visitors can bask in the sun, swim in the gentle waves, or indulge in a variety of water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. The charming beachfront promenade features delightful eateries, shops, and entertainment, while the iconic Pier 60 provides the perfect spot for stunning sunsets and evening festivities.
Dive into the ultimate summer escape at Caribe Royale Orlando
Summer is officially here and it’s the perfect time to pack your bags, leave the routine behind, and escape to paradise at Caribe Royale Orlando! Imagine lounging by sparkling, palm-fringed pools with a tropical drink in hand, indulging in luxurious spa treatments, dining at extraordinary restaurants, and ending each night with a sumptuous Cuban-inspired libation before retreating to your spacious suite or villa.
Caribe Royale Orlando is the quintessential destination for an unforgettable summer getaway. A newly reimagined, all-suite resort with sparkling pools and a 75-foot water slide, eight unique dining experiences, a luxurious Island Spa, and on-site biking, fishing, basketball, Padel Tennis and pickleball, Caribe Royale Orlando offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for your summer vacation.
Plus, as a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor® Hotel, Caribe Royale Orlando offers guests exclusive perks, including shuttle transportation to all four Disney® Theme Parks and Disney Springs® and the ability to purchase Disney tickets in advance or on-site. Plan your summer getaway at Caribe Royale Orlando now and take advantage of special offers available for a limited time.