If you can’t beat the heat, enjoy the sun poolside at a Hilton Grand Vacations resort. The Sunshine State is a perfect place to soak up the rays while staying cool and comfortable.

These five Central Florida cities offer the perfect balance of fun in the sun and spending time in the shade.

 

1. Kissimmee

Why go: Far more than a satellite city of Orlando, Kissimmee is a world all its own. Kissimmee is an underrated Central Florida gem full of championship golf courses, exciting rodeos, airboat tours and historical sites to explore.

What to do:

• See a live rodeo at Silver Spurs Arena, part of the Osceola Heritage Park. The Silver Spurs Arena hosts a variety of events, but nothing is quite like the annual bull riding competitions.
• Ride beside alligators on an airboat tour. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures takes you into Central Florida’s wetlands in search of snakes, blue herons and other creatures that call this ecosystem home.
• Satiate any appetite at Central Florida’s first permanent food truck park. World Food Trucks has nearly 70 unique food trucks covering breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. From pizza and hamburgers to Latin and Lebanese cuisine, World Food Trucks will please every palate.

Where to stay: Polynesian Isles, a Hilton Vacation Club in Kissimmee delivers island-life vibes right to the doorstep of your Suite. This tranquil, tropical-themed resort’s 1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom Suites have fully equipped kitchens, a screened patio or balcony and access to relaxing outdoor amenities.

 

2. Ormond Beach

Why go: Despite being directly north of popular Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach retains its small-town atmosphere. Expect a slower speed in this coastal city thanks to its scenic green spaces, laid-back art galleries and relaxing shoreline.

What to do:

• Drive or cycle the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail. Feel the cool ocean breeze in your hair as you ride down a 30-mile loop that takes you along the oceanfront and riverfront and through three state parks.
• Learn to ride the waves at Surfari Surf School. Florida’s “Fun Coast” has some of the best waves for amateur surfers. Join a surf instructor for lessons that’ll have you hanging ten in no time.
• Spend the evening strolling around the Ormond Beach Main Street District. On both sides of the Halifax River, Granada Boulevard hosts live music, fine and casual dining and attractions like The Casements and the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens.

Where to stay: The Cove on Ormond Beach, a Hilton Vacation Club waves back at the Atlantic Ocean tides that land at its shores. This beachfront resort ensures that your Suite has an ocean view, a private kitchen and the choice of an indoor or outdoor pool for your daily dip.

 

3. Winter Garden

Why go: Stretching from the shores of Lake Apopka to the world-famous Central Florida theme parks, Winter Garden combines a charming century-old Florida town with the contemporary conveniences of Orlando’s metropolis. Stay in Winter Garden and you can stroll a pick-your-own farm by day and watch magical firework shows at night.

What to do:

• Shop the Winter Garden Farmers Market. This nationally-recognized market is held every Saturday in Historic Downtown Winter Garden and showcases the local vendors that celebrate the city’s agricultural roots.
• Visit the Central Florida Railroad Museum. A small museum with a surprisingly large collection, the Central Florida Railroad Museum highlights the history and importance of train travel in the region’s development.
• Make magical memories at Walt Disney World®. Winter Garden is one of Central Florida’s closest cities to the Walt Disney World theme parks. Meet Mickey Mouse at Magic Kingdom, dine around the world at EPCOT or go on a safari at Animal Kingdom.

Where to stay: Aqua Sol, a Hilton Vacation Club offers a home-like stay with full kitchens in its 1-, 2- and 3-Bedroom Suites. The only thing your family will love more than being steps from the outdoor pool and children’s play area is staying seven miles away from Walt Disney World.

 

4. Daytona Beach

Why go: A city known for its speed, Daytona Beach is a buzz of activity as one of the most popular beaches in the state. Excitement reigns here for kids and adults alike thanks to its fun-filled boardwalk and sun-soaked shoreline. 

What to do:

• Listen to live music at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. The oceanfront bandshell fills the summer with soundwaves during the annual seasonal concert series.
• Visit the Daytona International Speedway. Enjoy multiple live events year-round, including the Daytona 500 and the Welcome to Rockville festival. Tours are also available for NASCAR fans.
• Find indoor and outdoor activities at the Daytona Lagoon. Whether you want to spend all day in your swimsuit or spend a rainy day indoors, the Daytona Lagoon has you covered. The waterpark features waterslides and a wave pool while the fun park has an arcade, rock wall, ropes course, laser tag and more.

Where to stay: Daytona Beach Regency, a Hilton Vacation Club has an outdoor swimming pool with a waterslide facing the Atlantic Ocean. With the beach and boardwalk only steps away, you’ll wake ready to sightsee the moment you leave your comfortable 1- or 2-Bedroom Suite.

 

5. Orlando

Why go: Orlando has a reputation for its theme parks, but The City Beautiful’s welcoming pocket neighborhoods, international food scene and affordable attractions create a memorable vacation destination with or without roller coasters.

What to do:

• Take a leisurely walk around Lake Eola, the swan-filled center of downtown Orlando. Cruise into the lake on a swan-shaped pedal boat, sample food at the weekly farmers market and sip drinks at any of the plentiful lakeside bars.
• Explore Loch Haven Park, rain or shine. This 45-acre space has walking trails with sculpture art and an outdoor performance plaza. Multiple all-age attractions are within the park, including the Orlando Science Center, Orlando Fire Museum, Mennello Museum of American Art and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater.
• Cheer on Orlando’s championship sports teams like the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center, the Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride at Inter & Co Stadium and the University of Central Florida Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
• Find fun for the young (and young at heart) at Dezerland Park. This former mall is now a family-friendly entertainment complex featuring an arcade, mini-golf, go-karts, axe throwing, bowling lanes and the Orlando Auto Museum.
• Laugh and play at ICON Park. The youthful heart of bustling International Drive, ICON Park pairs attractions like Madame Tussauds Orlando, The Orlando Eye and Sea Life Orlando Aquarium with delicious dining options, including Blake Shelton’s Old Red, Shake Shack and Yard House.

Where to stay: Grand Beach, a Hilton Vacation Club lets you unwind on an all-Suite property close to Universal® Studios Florida, SeaWorld® Orlando and Walt Disney World. With a putting green, a playground and an outdoor swimming pool, this lakeside retreat welcomes you to Orlando.     

Explore our resorts and start planning your next getaway with Hilton Grand Vacations.