Kissimmee
Spend a few days in Kissimmee and enjoy its amusements, museums, swamp tours, nature trails and other outdoor activities. The lakeside city’s proximity to Orlando’s biggest theme parks and its budget-friendly hotel accommodation make it a popular vacation destination.
Theme parks are not the only places for adventure in Orlando. Get out and explore the wilderness on Kissimmee's backdoor. Go wildlife spotting on a nature trail near Lake Tohopekaliga. Jump on an ATV for a ride through the countryside or go deep under the waves on a scuba diving trip off the Florida coast. Kayak down one of the area’s many lakes, with the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes being the largest. Travel to the far reaches of the Florida Everglades by taking an airboat tour.
Historic downtown Kissimmee is a mix of shops, restaurants and attractions. Shop for collectables at Lanier's Historic Downtown Marketplace, a large antique mall. For lunch or dinner, head over to Dakin Avenue, home to some of the city's most popular restaurants and bars. At Lakefront Park, find the Monument of States, a 50-foot (15-meter) tower made from minerals, fossils and pieces of buildings from all over the United States. Come back to the park at dusk on the first Friday of every month for the outdoor cinema.
If you are interested in history, devote some time to Kissimmee's museums. Watch World War II planes being restored at the Kissimmee Air Museum and stroll through Pioneer Village to see authentic buildings from the late 19th century including a citrus packing house.
On the weekends, visit the old town for the classic car show. The big draw is the Saturday Nite Cruise where you can watch the parade of pre-1975 American cars and dance to live music. Old town’s other attractions are its themed dinner restaurants, shops and amusement rides including a roller coaster and bumper cars.
Kissimmee is approximately 23 miles (37 kilometers) south of Orlando. The city is less than a 30-minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando.
