Overview
Kissimmee is a city in Osceola County. Kissimmee (pronounced /kiˈsimi/, accent on second syllable) is a popular Central Florida tourist destination because of its sunny weather, spring training baseball for major league clubs, and close proximity to Disney World.
3 sights · 5 things to do · 5 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 16 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kissimmee
Osceola County Stadium
Home of the Gulf Coast League Astros, a Rookie-level affiliate of the Houston Astros.
Lake Tohopekaliga
Known locally as "Lake Toho," it is the largest lake in Osceola County, and is renowned for some of the best bass fishing in the state.
Osceola Heritage Park
Events and recreation complex that includes Osceola County Stadium, Silver Spurs Arena, and other facilities.
Silver Spurs Arena
A multipurpose events arena which hosts shows ranging from rock concerts to competitive rodeos. The annual Silver Spurs Rodeo is hosted here every year in late February.
Boggy Creek Airboat & Swamp Buggy Rides
Naturalists often refer to Boggy Creek wetlands as, 'The Central Florida Everglades'. Take one of these airboat or swamp buggy rides for an up-close look at exotic birds, turtles.
Shingle Creek Regional Park
A nature park that encompasses 1,033 acres (418 hectares) of natural Florida along the banks of beautiful Shingle Creek-Headwaters to the Everglades. The park features hiking/canoeing trails, picnicking and play areas pl…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 50°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Aug. (climate data from nearby Orlando)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MCO Orlando International Airport, Orlando — 11 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SFB Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando — 35 mi away (major hub). Directions
Most visitors arrive on the Florida Turnpike by taking exit 242 (going north) or exit 249 (coming south). The turnpike uses automated toll collection booths on many exits that require exact change, so be sure to have a pocketful of quarters with you when driving.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $46–$179 a night (typical $101), from 15 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $10 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$80, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$300.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Osceola Heritage Park, Silver Spurs Arena, Osceola County Stadium
- Lunch Paul's Italian Deli and Restaurant
- Afternoon Art In Motion LLC Custom Motorcycles, Shingle Creek Regional Park
- Dinner 3 Sisters Speakeasy
- Evening Vintage Vino
Day 2
- Morning Boggy Creek Airboat & Swamp Buggy Rides
- Lunch Fat Boys' Bar-B-Q
- Dinner Medieval Times
- Evening Breeze
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Just south of Orlando in what is commonly referred to as the "Kissimmee-St. Cloud" area, due to the short distance between it and the adjacent city of St. Cloud. It is centered directly between St. Cloud and Disney World on Highway 192 and leads into SR-535, which leads directly into Disney World theme parks. Most tourist activity is centered around Highway 192 (also known as Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and Vine Street in the city of Kissimmee). Since the opening of Disney World in 1971, Kissimmee has been primarily a tourist-driven town. Before that the town relied on agriculture and ranching, with a population of just over 4,000 through the 1950s.
Get in
By plane
- Orlando International Airport (MCO), your entry point for most international and domestic flights. It is about a 25-minute drive down I-4 from Kissimmee. Be aware that airport security lines can become extremely long (1 hour), especially during the summer tourist season and near holidays. Combined with long check-in lines, it is advisable to arrive 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure.
Go Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM)
The closest general aviation facility to Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Orlando, the Orlando-Orange County Convention Center. Used primarily for private business jets or small commercial aircraft.
By car
Most visitors arrive on the Florida Turnpike by taking exit 242 (going north) or exit 249 (coming south). The turnpike uses automated toll collection booths on many exits that require exact change, so be sure to have a pocketful of quarters with you when driving.
By train
Kissimmee is served by two daily Amtrak trains, the Silver Star and Silver Meteor. Both run between New York City and Miami, taking slightly different routes. Also the Silver Star makes a detour to serve Tampa, adding two extra hours for southbound services. Kissimmee station is in downtown at 111 E Dakin Ave.
The regional commuter rail system SunRail has hourly trains from Orlando, with a journey time of 25 minutes.
By bus
The following are intercity bus companies traveling between Orlando and Greater Miami in South Florida through Kissimmee:
Go Greyhound & Flixbus
Travels on the Turnpike between Orlando and Miami through Kissimmee, West Palm Beach, Hollywood, and/or Ft Lauderdale. Other variations of the route detour through Ft Pierce from Kissimmee and then down towards West Palm Beach via US 192 and I-95. Passengers transfer in Orlando, West Palm Beach or Miami to reach additional destinations.
Get around
By bus
Kissimmee's public transportation is the Lynx bus service. Trips cost $2 per ride (transfers included). Check out Go Lynx for routes and fares. +1 407-841-LYNX.
By car
Interstate 4 is the most preferred route, and carries a driver toward Tampa going west and downtown Orlando and Daytona Beach going east. The road can get very congested at times. The Osceola Parkway is a toll road that runs parallel to 192.
The primary surface highway in Kissimmee is US 192, running west to east through the area. From Hoagland Blvd. (near the city's municipal airport) to the west, it features large purple "mile marker" towers which serve as reference points through their tourist area. (The main entrance to Walt Disney World is at mile marker 7.)
See
Do
Do Lake Tohopekaliga
Known locally as "Lake Toho," it is the largest lake in Osceola County, and is renowned for some of the best bass fishing in the state.
Do Shingle Creek Regional Park (Steffee Landing)
A nature park that encompasses 1,033 acres (418 hectares) of natural Florida along the banks of beautiful Shingle Creek-Headwaters to the Everglades. The park features hiking/canoeing trails, picnicking and play areas placed amongst the remnants of the historic Shingle Creek community's pioneer homes and farms.
Do Babb Landing
Park entrance at the termination point of some of the hiking and canoeing trails.
Do Art In Motion LLC Custom Motorcycles
Here you can see custom motorcycles being built. At their 6 acre (2.4 hectares) facility, you can visit a working motorcycle shop with 100% custom motorcycles, motorcycle customizing, a full parts counter and gifts. The "three-wheeler" restroom offers a "magic spot" where if you park your vehicle in the right place out front, you can see it projected upside-down on the silver wall inside. Also offers a "build your own bike while on vacation" service for people with the inclination to build a motorcycle but not enough time or knowledge to do this on their own.
Buy
- Disney Springs (2 minutes off of 192; N on 535) in Lake Buena Vista offers a wide range of specialty stores.
Eat
Eat Capone's Dinner and Show (Capone's)
Gangster themed dinner show featuring period costumes and comedy.
Eat Fat Boys' Bar-B-Q
Traditional, quality Bar-BQ. A local favorite.
Eat Medieval Times
Dinner show with medieval reenactments including horseback jousting, all set in a huge castle.
Eat 3 Sisters Speakeasy
What started out as a historical speakeasy from the Prohibition Era has found its place in Downtown Kissimmee as a hip eatery serving eclectic American fare. Hosts Trivia Night Tuesdays, live music four nights per week, and other special events.
Eat Paul's Italian Deli and Restaurant (Paul's Deli)
Authentic Italian deli serving customizable subs and related lunch specials. Small seating area often fills up on busy days. Closed Sundays.
Drink
The local tap water supply is rumored to correlate to increased cancer rates.
Drink Breeze
Offers a large selection of whiskey as well as craft beers. DJs and live music during weekends.
Drink The Fox & Hounds Public House
Authentic British pub with great atmosphere.
Drink Vintage Vino
Small wine bar that also serves craft beers and excellent cheeses.
Sleep
There are a vast number of lodging options around the parks, with quality varying greatly. In general lodging prices decrease the further away from Disney World you travel. Families and groups planning multi-day stays may also want to consider short-term rentals, vacation homes, or timeshares in the Disney-area; in general these may offer a better value when multiple rooms are needed for a 3 nights or more. At the last count, there were over 15,000 such vacation rentals in Kissimmee alone, offering approximately 60,000 bedrooms, sleeping 120,000 guests each night.
Lodging is also available in the nearby towns of Davenport, Orlando, and Lake Buena Vista.
Budget
Mid-range
Stay Celebration Suites
1 mi from Disney Parks. Apartment style suites with full kitchens, dining area and living room with murphy bed. 1-bedroom suite-sleeps 6, 2-bedroom suite-sleeps 10, free shuttle to parks, full eat-in kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, full sized refrigerator & coffee maker, spacious dining & living rooms, each room has 2 TV's & private balcony or patio, free cable TV & HBO, 2 large heated swimming pools, coin laundry on site, game room, and outdoor grill/picnic. Walking distance to 18 restaurants; clubs/bars; Property is next door to Old Town Entertainment and amusement center.
Stay Staybridge Suites Orlando Royale Parc Suites
One- and two-bedroom suites that can sleep up to 10 people with kitchenettes, decorated in a French Quarter motif. Amenities include pools and sundeck, game room, fitness and business centre. Free breakfast buffet, nightly managers reception and wireless internet. One mile from the gates of Walt Disney World Resort, with free scheduled shuttle to major theme parks.
Stay Kapp and Kappy B&B (Autrey House)
Built in 1913 and completely renovated in 2016, the house combines all the charm of a century-old home with modern amenities and a funky elegant decor. All of the guest rooms in the original Autrey house require walking up a single flight of stairs, since they are located on the second floor. Each has en-suite bathroom with shower, Keurig coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, flat-screen TV and a sitting area. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the residence.
Splurge
Stay Silver Lake Resort
A beautiful resort offering 1- and 2-bedroom condos with amenities including a clubhouse, 3 pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, a movie theater, a fitness center, cabana bar, simulated golf, game room, Internet access, fully equipped kitchen, flat screen TVs and Jacuzzi tubs, and is located next door to the Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom.
Go next
- Disney World is minutes away, just north.
- Orlando hosts Sea World and Universal Studios, 10 miles (16 km) north on the Florida Turnpike.
Nearby
St. Cloud
City / town · 8 listings · 8 mi away
Celebration
City / town · 38 listings · 8 mi away
Lake Buena Vista
City / town · 27 listings · 9 mi away
Walt Disney World
City / town · 15 listings · 11 mi away
Universal Orlando
City / town · 154 listings · 13 mi away
Orlando
City / town · 144 listings · 13 mi away
Davenport
City / town · 21 listings · 15 mi away
Haines City
City / town · 10 listings · 19 mi away
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