From the theme parks of Disneyworld Florida and Universal Studios to the water parks of Typhoon Lagoon and Volcano Bay, and the shopping at Millenia Mall and the numerous bargain outlets, Orlando is a destination that appeals to both families and couples that are young and young at heart.
If you want to explore further afield then Florida itself has much to offer, such as the beauty of the Everglades, stunning beaches at Daytona Beach or Clearwater Beach and for a beautiful city with Spanish architecture St Augustine, the oldest city in the US is worth a visit.
Sometimes though you want a change of scene and want to combine Orlando with a twin centre break further afield, so here are my 5 USA multi centre holidays you can twin with an Orlando break. Let me know if you have been to any!
New York
New York, New York, so good they named it twice, is an amazing city that never sleeps. If you like your city breaks then there is nowhere better than New York. From the fantastic high-end shopping on Fifth Avenue to unmissable attractions like the Empire State Building, The Statue Of Liberty, Broadway and Times Square, you will never be bored in New York.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is worth a visit. It's a moving tribute to the people killed in the 9/11 attack but it is sensitively done. For a different type of activity and perfect for kids why not visit the American Museum Of Natural History? This world-class museum was the setting for the film Night At The Museum, and on their website, there is a self-guided tour of the attractions from the film. Definitely worth doing.
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of those places on everyone's bucket list, and why not make your stay with Florida a twin centre with San Francisco. With well-known communities such as Nob Hill, Chinatown and Haight Ashbury, and attractions such as The Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman's Wharf with eating, shopping and watching the seals, there is an abundance of areas to see and activities to do in San Francisco.
Top of our list was Alcatraz, the former prison set on an island is famous for housing the Birdman of Alcatraz, Robert Stroud, as well as many other prisoners. Take a tour but be sure to book in advance as it can sell out at peak times. For kids, Madame Tussauds is worth a visit, and the one in San Francisco is superbly interactive. You can play the bongos with Bob Marley or ride a bike with E.T., its a family attraction that is certainly fun.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city with many attractions linked to the movie world, after all, it's where Hollywood is, as well as many famous movie studios such as Warner Brothers and Paramount Studios. We have visited both studios mentioned and can highly recommend the tours where you can see recording studios and movie memorabilia. Warner Bros has an excellent exhibition of famous movie cars for example.
Other activities include visiting the stars on the floor of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, and people watching in the famously eccentric Venice Beach. For theme parks, you have all the fun of Universal Studios and Disneyland so it's an excellent choice if you want to visit with kids. Santa Monica is a great choice to stay if you want to do some shopping, and have access to many great restaurants. Los Angeles is certainly worth considering as a twin centre break with Florida.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is like no other place on earth. Often described as Disneyland for adults, there is a huge range of activities to do in Las Vegas. Of course, Las Vegas is known for its casinos, and whether you are an expert or novice, there are table games or slot machines with steaks from as low as 5 cents. If you are a complete beginner, check out the free lessons run by casinos such as Ceasars Palace or the MGM Grand.
However, Las Vegas has plenty of activities if you do not want to gamble too and a surprising amount of activities for kids in Vegas. We like walking from hotel to hotel to see the amazing attractions each hotel has to offer. The Venetian Hotel even has a version of St Marks Square in Venice built inside with a pretend twilight sky! Small kids can enjoy the circus at the hotel Circus Circus, the flamingo habitat at the Flamingo Hotel, and the Discovery Children's Museum whilst big kids will like the rollercoaster at New York New York and the rides atop the Stratosphere. Of course, Vegas is famous for its shows too from Cirque Du Solei to big artists like Celine Dion, Barry Manilow and Britney Spears, you can see all the music stars in Vegas too.
When we visited Iceland last we hiked a glacier and it was a brilliant experience. I highly recommend doing this through the company The Guide To Iceland. It was expensive but so worth it. You should also drive or tour the area known as the Golden Circle. This is an area of breathtaking waterfalls and many geysers - the hot spring water that can shoot up in the air. If you have time take a trip to Jokularslon known for its giant icebergs. If you are more a city person Reykjavik is an interesting city and has excellent restaurants serving all types of food including local fish.
So here are my 5 twin centre breaks with Orlando. Let me know, do any of destinations appeal? Have you ever visited Orlando or Florida on a twin centre break?
*Collaborative post
I've been to Orlando a number of times in my life, it's one of my favorite places to go.
ReplyDeleteIt's a super destination with kids or not.
DeleteOne of my daughters is off to San Francisco and I am so jealous. I'd love to explore America more. Mich x
ReplyDeleteSan Francisco is such a great destination. We enjoyed exploring Fisherman's Wharf and seeing the seals.
DeleteI went to Orlando, Florida when I was young and desperate to visit again one day with my family. Never thought of combining a holiday there with a twin break somewhere else. Fantastic idea to twin with Iceland which is top of my travel bucket list as it is such a beautiful place with lots of breathtaking natural wonders.
ReplyDeleteIceland is so beautiful. It's one of our favourite destinations for sure and makes a great stop over on the way to Orlando.
DeleteI went to Orlando in my teens, we spent I think it was 10 days doing the parks and then 4 days in Clearwater. It was a lovely way to wind down a little after all the busy times being in Florida brings.
ReplyDeleteClearwater is great, the beach is fabulous.
DeleteI have never been to Orlando before but it sounds amazing! New York I have been twice, loved it and will probably go back! I would love to visit Iceland, I know I would have to save for that trip :) Thanks for sharing these are great suggestions!
ReplyDeleteIceland is a fabulous destination and so easy to twin with Orlando now that Icelandair do cheap flights via Iceland to Orlando.
DeleteOooo now that is an idea, never thought of tagging on iceland to orlando......thanks for the suggestion
ReplyDeleteBoth amazing destinations but you would need to pack two different wardrobes :) Part of the fun though!
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