Megan duBois

Orlando truly has it all. You’ve got epic theme parks and cute historic neighborhoods, plus a host of museums and restaurants you’ll want to explore. Just as the city is diverse, so are the accommodations available, and not every place is built the same. Sure, you could stay in one of the ritzy resorts or a budget-friendly hotel, but there’s also the option to book an Airbnb in Orlando for something a little homier. No matter the length of stay or how big your travel party is, the top home rentals in the city offer something for every type of family. From romantic getaways in the treetops to themed houses, these are the best Airbnbs in Orlando. This guide was updated by Orlando-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.   Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

One of the most daunting parts of planning a vacation or staycation is deciding where to stay. After all, you need to think about price, amenities, location, and more. You are supposed to be relaxing! While there are dozens of hotels around the greater Fort Lauderdale area, some of the best hotels are just steps away from the beach, and one is even shaped like a giant guitar. A day in the Venice of America is all about time spent at the sandy beaches, top-notch restaurants, and exploring the things to do, and ends with you jumping into a cozy hotel bed as you gaze out the window to the ocean waves. There are plenty of hotels with waterfront views, mermaid shows, and luxury facilities to choose from in the area. Some resorts even have rooftop pools and award-winning restaurants. No matter what type of hotel you’re looking for or what your budget is, there’s something for everyone here. Updated August 2024: Incoming, we've spruced up this list with not one, but two new irresistible stays: The Westin and Element Fort Lauderdale. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

One hundred and fifty miles south of mainland Florida, Key West floats at the end of the road as the southernmost point in the continental United States. An offbeat, come-as-you-are island, it’s long attracted writers, artists, drifters, and outdoorsmen drawn to its freedom and natural beauty. From afternoons fishing or snorkeling near the Gulf Stream to casual day drinking on legendary Duval Street and the nightly sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, Key West has a way of bewitching its visitors. The charming Old Town district, lined with pastel “conch” cottages and Victorian-style mansions is also home to some of the island’s nicest resorts and historic inns that sit close to a whole host of great restaurants, bars, and attractions. But you’ll also find incredible hideaways in more off-the-beaten-path areas, from marina-front resorts on salty Stock Island to private cottages on Sunset Key and modern hotels across New Town. Read on for the best hotels to experience your own slice of Key West’s paradise. RECOMMENDED:🏠See the best Airbnbs in Key West🍲 Dine at the best restaurants in Key WestStay at the best family-friendly hotels in Key West This guide was recently updated by Travel Writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to

Key West is one of those places that is so idyllic it can be hard to believe it’s actually real. Picture the scene: palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, surrounded by crystalline turquoise waters, basking in year-round sunshine - absolute bliss. If that ain’t the good life, we don’t know what is. And there are few better ways to properly indulge in Key West than by renting an Airbnb. The city’s finest Airbnbs range from abodes that are mere steps away from the area’s biggest attractions to those that are perfect for lounging by the beach. We’ve sifted through all of Key West’s Airbnb rental options to find the ones that are totally unmissable: read on to find out more. Updated September 2024: The best hidden gems are often right under our noses, which is why we're leaving no stone unturned. How else would we know about this secret villa or this Old Town cottage? RECOMMENDED: 🏝Why not stay at one of the best hotels in Key West?Or the best family-friendly hotels in Key West? This guide was recently updated by Travel Writer Shayne Benowitz. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

When you think of the best parks in Orlando, you may instantly go to the theme parks, but we’re talking about green spaces and art installations. All around the city, from downtown to the outskirts of Orlando, parks of all kinds welcome locals and tourists to sit and enjoy the quiet sounds of nature. Not only do these parks give people a look at Florida’s unique landscapes, but you can also float in freshwater springs, enjoy sculptures from master artists, and more. Even cooler is that the best parks are often in the best neighborhoods, so after you’re done basking in the sun or hitting a walking trail, you can stop in for a bite to eat at one of Orlando’s best restaurants or sip on a cocktail during happy hour. With all of that in mind, these are the 11 best parks in Orlando. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Orlando🍣 The best restaurants in Orlando🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Orlando🎡 The best things to do with kids in Orlando Megan Dubois is a journalist covering theme parks, travel and more. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Whether you’re a local or a tourist in Orlando, everyone can enjoy the simple pleasures of evening happy hours. With discounted bar snacks and cheap cocktails or mocktails, many of Orlando’s best restaurants and bars also boast an incredible happy hour. No matter what neighborhood or theme park you're exploring, there’s a spot near you to belly up to the bar and enjoy a drink or two with friends. We’ve found a mix of cool local spots serving everything from flatbreads and fried green tomatoes to marinated olives and charcuterie boards paired with well drinks and glasses of wine. These are the 14 best happy hours in Orlando, and you’ll want to add them to your list of things to do in the city. Be sure to use a rideshare or designate a non-drinking driver to get to and from happy hour. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Orlando This guide was updated by Florida-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Seafood lovers, rejoice! Even though Orlando isn’t right on the ocean, it’s still home to dozens of seafood restaurants ranging in style from high-end spots and steakhouses to 1950s-style oyster bars where everyone is family. The best seafood restaurants in Orlando are shipping their seafood daily from nearby towns, so you know you’re getting a fresh catch. No matter what neighborhood you live in or what theme park resort you’re visiting, there’s an incredible seafood restaurant nearby. If you’re like me and can’t get enough shrimp, oysters, lobster, and more, keep reading because these are the best seafood restaurants in Orlando. Just be sure to don a lobster bib if you’re going to really indulge somewhere. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in OrlandoThe best restaurants in Orlando This guide was updated by Florida-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Orlando’s food scene is as diverse as the people who visit its incredible theme parks. From high-end dining worthy of a date night away from the kids to family-friendly restaurants that expose locals to new cuisines, there is no shortage of restaurants in Orlando. And even better for locals and tourists looking for a true epicurean experience, Orlando has caught the eye of the Michelin Guide, which has started awarding stars, Bib Gourmand designations, and Selected Restaurants for spots all over the city from downtown to the theme parks. If you’re looking to dine at one of the seven-starred restaurants or sole green-starred restaurants, then you’re in luck because they range from incredible sushi spots to theme park crown jewels. This guide was written by Orlando-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Orlando

Orlando seems to go big or go home (or to a castle) with most things, so the City Beautiful is known for its over-the-top displays when it comes to Christmas lights. Whether you’re looking to experience snow flurries in a way only Disney World can produce or walk through some cute neighborhood parks to see lights, there are options for everyone and every holiday vibe. There’s a reason Santa vacations in Florida and the biggest one is the Christmas lights that bring the holiday magic alive. From beautiful nights strolling through enchanted gardens to extravagant Christmas dinners, celebrating the festive season in Orlando is the best. So get your hot chocolate or iced coffee (yes, it’s still warm in December sometimes), ready to go because these are the best places to see Christmas lights in Orlando. This guide was written by Orlando-based writer Megan duBois. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in OrlandoThe best things to do with kids in Orlando

The last time I was in Key West, sitting on a barstool and looking down on Duval Street, I discovered the reason most people come here. In front of me was a parade of locals and tourists—mostly tourists, to be honest—completely drunk off their asses in the middle of the day. This wasn’t the college kid crowd of New Orleans. This rum-soaked parade included every age, every color, every single stripe of American life. It’s not that you have to be drinking in Key West to have fun (although it’ll help the heat go down). The truth is, Key West is an island where people escape to chill, to wear whatever they’re feeling at the moment, to act exactly like they wish they could back home. Whether you choose debauchery or the relaxation of an afternoon bike ride through the neighborhoods, these activities below will give you a true look into the city's everybody-welcome vibe. Below, the best things to do in Key West. This guide was updated by South Florida-based writer Eric Barton. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Key West🍷 The best bars in Key West🏖️ The best beaches in Key West🏨 The best hotels in Key West🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Key West

As a Floridian who believed our restaurants deserved more attention, I had a serious culinary chip on my shoulder. The problem was that it seemed the entire rest of the world thought of the Sunshine State’s culinary scene as nothing beyond lackluster Disney chicken fingers. That was evident in the fact that the James Beard Awards snubbed Florida’s chefs for over a decade.Then, the Michelin Guide arrived in 2022, finally recognizing Florida restaurants as they deserved. That first year, Michelin awarded only Miami spots, but since then, it’s expanded to excellent restaurants in Orlando and Tampa too. And while yes, we’re still home to the Florida Man, we at least have these Michelin-starred gems below, the best of the Sunshine State. This guide was updated by South Florida-based writer Eric Barton. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Because Orlando is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, you may think accommodations in Orlando consist only of expensive rooms near the theme parks of rooms in luxe high-rise hotels. This isn't true—in fact, Orlando has plenty of budget-friendly options for travelers who don’t want to break the bank. Curious where they are? We’ve rounded up our top picks for the 14 best cheap hotels in Orlando, whether you’re looking to stay near the theme parks or in one of the cute neighborhoods closer to downtown. And don’t worry, I’m picky about hotels too, so none of these are in questionable areas with just as questionable amenities. Keep reading to find out where you will want to stay on your next trip to the City Beautiful. RECOMMENDED: 🎢 The best theme parks in Orlando🏖️ The best beaches near Orlando🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Orlando Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Miami favorite The Wharf's Fort Lauderdale location is right along New River, a lively addition to the spate of new businesses setting up shop in the historic Las Olas district. The Wharf Fort Lauderdale brings the Hamptons to Florida with its whitewash fencing, white-and-navy nautical decor, dog-friendly Astroturf, and boat parking along the 480-foot-long dock space. And the massive space parties just as hard.  Within the expansive 1.25-acre event space are four bars and five food-court–style eateries helmed by local restaurants. Look out for noteworthy concepts including classic American fare from Lunchroom by be nice Restaurants (the group also responsible for local favorites Coconuts, Foxy Brown and Top Hat Delicatessen), Asian fusion spot Mrs. Balloo, pan-Asian cuisine from chef Timon Balloo and pizza from chef Jose Mendin’s The Piefather. During the day The Wharf is a casual eatery and hang-out spot for people of all ages, including families, but at night the 21+ crowd gets the place to themselves for drinking and dancing. Bar top seating encourages groups to sit and linger while they enjoy cocktails and outdoor games like cornhole, while seafaring elements make for perfect photo opps—not that we think this crowd needs the motivation to snap rosé selfies for the ’Gram.  Those looking for a more traditional restaurant experience should pop next door to RIVERTAIL, run by James Beard-nominated chef José Mendín. The seafood-driven restaurant has an impressive raw bar menu

We're willing to bet you know at least one kid who loves Peppa Pig. The British TV show has been enthralling youthful audiences around the world for almost two decades and has even generated a generation of American kids with fake British accents (seriously). Well, all those millions of young Peppa fans will soon have their own dedicated theme park in the United States that they can bug their parents to visit. Move over Disney World, Peppa Pig is headed to Florida.  The new theme park is slated to open in Orlando, Florida in 2022 and will feature rides, attractions, a water play area and live shows all catering to preschool-age children and their families. Kids will have the opportunity to meet Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and the rest of the animal gang as you explore the adorable world that looks like it’s been dropped right out of your TV and into central Florida.  Peppa fans will love rides such as Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride, where little piggies can hop aboard and set sail for Pirate Island, and Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, where you get to fly high above the park in one of Miss Rabbit’s hot air balloons. Other rides feature characters like Grampy Rabbit and Mr. Bull.  The park will also feature two play zones: A splash pad where kids can mimic jumping in muddy puddles (Peppa's favorite pastime) filled with fountains, slides and interactive water features perfect for hot Florida summers and a Pirate Island where everyone in the family can look for buried treasur

After a year of being deprived of the special kind of magic that is Disney World fireworks, the theme parks are introducing two new shows this fall—just in time for the park’s 50th anniversary.  The celebration begins October 1, and the resort-wide party is set to last a whopping 18 months and feature fun new attractions, destination-worthy new dishes and (drum roll, please) two brand-new firework shows at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.  At Magic Kingdom Park, the new ’Disney Enchantment’ show will light up the night with dazzling colors around Cinderella Castle and down Main Street, USA. The show will feature an all-new soundtrack, lighting, fireworks and projections—not just on the castle itself, but all the way down Main Street, too.  Artist concept courtesy Disney Meanwhile, when the lights go down around World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT, Mickey fans will be in awe of the highly anticipated new show, ’Harmonious.’ The fireworks display will be one of the largest ever presented at a Disney park, combining Disney music with pyrotechnics, actual moving fountains, and fantastic lighting. For the ’Harmonious’ soundtrack, classic Disney songs have been reinterpreted and re-recorded in more than a dozen languages by a group of 240 different artists from around the world.  Can’t wait that long for some Disney magic? Disney World is currently open for business, and starting July 1, both Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT will bring back their fireworks shows with the same nighttime spectacula