Kissimmee Explore Local With RVshare

Located in Florida, just south of Orlando, is the city of Kissimmee, which has been dubbed the ‘theme park city’. It’s home to the massive Walt Disney World Resort complex, as well as SeaWorld, and other family-friendly attractions that draw-in visitors by the hoards.

Despite being a city, downtown Kissimmee doesn’t possess any skyscrapers. In fact, the tallest building in the downtown is the 4-storey Osceola County courthouse, with most other buildings being no more than just two or three storeys tall.

Even those who have lived in the city for a decade would agree they haven’t experienced all that Kissimmee has to offer, while for those new to the region – well, they’ve got a lot to look forward to as well.

Ready to discover the best of Kissimmee, Florida? Let’s get started!

*Note: Some of the suggestions may not be doable due to coronavirus closures, but keep this list handy for when things start opening back up more! Be sure to check individual pages for specific operation details.

Kissimmee isn’t all hustle and bustle! There are also plenty of state parks and national parks both within and surrounding the area, all of which provide a tranquil escape for those looking to surround themselves by nature.

Lake Louisa State Park

Just a 45-minute drive from Kissimmee is the popularLake Louisa State Park, which is referred to as the “natural theme park” of Florida. It’s home to three major lakes, including Louisa, Hammond, and Dixie, as well as a wide variety of wildlife, such as deer, bobcat, gopher tortoises, fox squirrel, bald eagles, and osprey. Enjoy outdoor activities here including fishing, boating, camping, hiking, swimming, and so much more.

Lake Kissimmee State Park

Lake Kissimmee State Park is so much more than your average state park. You see, it’s actually a 1876-era cow camp that provides living history demonstrations, celebrating the state’s intriguing cowboy history. Here, you can also enjoy over 13 miles of hiking trails, full-facility campsites, and activities such as fishing, horseback riding, paddling, mountain biking, and more.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Less than an hour’s drive from the city, you’ll findWekiwa Springs State Park. It’s known for its gorgeous emerald springs and lush, tropical vibes. It’s also Orange County’s longest-running tourist attraction and offers fun outdoor activities such as bicycling, camping, hiking, paddling, snorkelling, wildlife viewing, and tons more.

Blue Spring State Park

With its pristine, 72-degree waters, record numbers of manatees, and close proximity to Kissimmee,Blue Spring State Park is a highly popular attraction within the region. It’s a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, as well as other activities such as camping, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and more. If you haven’t been already, it’s a must-visit!

Still need to get your nature fix? If you’re craving seeing even more of the beautiful scenery that surrounds Kissimmee, then there are also plenty of hiking and walking trails for you and your family to enjoy.

Steffee Homestead Trail

Located in the Mary Kendall Steffee Nature Preserve is the popular Steffee Homestead Trail, a 1.6 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail. It’s great for all skill levels and is accessible year-round. Look out for stunning wildflowers on your travels, and if you want, you can bring four-legged friends too – as long as they remain on a leash!

Disney Wilderness Preserve Loop and Interpretive Trail

Not too far from the scenic Lake Russell is the Disney Wilderness Preserve Loop and Interpretive Trail. It’s 5 miles in length and is a moderately trafficked loop trail that’s perfect for all skill levels. It’s most popular during November to May and, along with hiking, is also used for nature trips and birding.

Catfish Creek Preserve Trail

The Allan David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is another natural attraction within the region and it’s also home to the magnificent Catfish Creek Preserve Trail. As any local will tell you, it’s a landscape unlike any other you’ll find in Florida, and features ridges of snow-colored sand and super steep ascents and descents. It’s certainly a physical challenge, and therefore is more suitable for more experienced hikers.

Kissimmee is home to a bustling and trendy dining scene, so there’s sure to be a restaurant, café, or diner to satisfy your cravings. If you’ve worked up an appetite after a long hike, or simply feel like treating yourself to a delicacy, then you’re in luck. Here are our top restaurant recommendations!

El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant

El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant has been Kissimmee’s number one destination for authentic and tasty Mexican food since 2012. Delicious meals are prepared daily from scratch, while those delicious meat dishes? They’re marinated overnight for maximum flavor! With a seemingly endless menu featuring all of your Mexican favorites, there’s certainly something here for everyone.

Savion’s Place

Savion's Place combines an island essence with Modern American flavor, offering a culinary experience like no other. Locals know it’s the go-to for quality food at an affordable price, plus you can even enjoy your food out on their breezy patio when the weather calls for it. We hear the Caesar salad with grilled salmon is out of this world, as is the lobster mac and cheese and lobster bisque.

Woodsby’s Countryside Café

Looking for Kissimmee's premier cafe experience?Woodsby’s Countryside Café is highly recommended, with its big and generous breakfasts, scrumptious sandwiches, healthy choices, and homemade desserts (just to name a few!) It’s the perfect destination for a quick bite to eat or a lengthy lunch – or dinner – with your favorite people.

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

You’ll findBJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse located in The Loop Shopping Plaza off of Osceola Parkway. The brewhouse started back in 1978 and since then, has been perfecting its craft. These days, it’s the perfect place for a pre-movie dinner, birthday bash, or catch-up with friends and family. Enjoy menu favorites such as jumbo spaghetti and meatballs, hickory brisket and bacon burger, and slow-roasted tri-tip. Don’t miss them!

Big John’s Rockin’ BBQ

Looking for some homestyle BBQ?Big John’s Rockin’ BBQ won’t disappoint, as the restaurant serves up fantastic favorites such as slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork sandwich, and loaded potatoes (just to name a few). The homemade sauces are like nothing you’ve tasted before and as for the decor? Any rock n’ roll fan will feel as though they’re in heaven!

After feasting and enjoying all that the hiking trails and state parks have to offer, you may be wondering: “what next?” Well, when it comes to Kissimmee’s attractions and activities, you’re only just getting started. Here are some of the most fun things on offer in and around the city!

For kids and families

Looking to entertain some little ones? Or perhaps you’ve got some teenagers in-tow who are starting to get a little bored? Either way, these attractions will entertain both children, teens, and adults alike!

Walt Disney World Resort

Whether you’ve visitedWalt Disney World Resort once or ten times before, we’re sure you’ll still find the time to visit the happiest place on Earth – whether you live in Kissimmee or are passing through the region. It doesn’t matter if you most enjoy the luxury accommodation, thrilling rides, fashionable boutiques, or exciting events – there’s something for every member of your family here.

Seaworld

They don’t call Kissimmee the ‘theme park city’ for nothing. Along with its proximity to Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll also find that the city is home toSeaworld, a premier marine animal park featuring rides, animal exhibits, and other attractions. Bring the kids, young or old, for a fantastic day out.

At night

What should you do in Kissimmee once the sun goes down? We’re glad you asked! Here are our suggested night-time attractions.

Old Town

Looking for something to do at night?Old Town is the beating heart of Kissimmee, offering a wide range of activities including events, stores, dining, and attractions such as a carousel, ferris wheel, rollercoaster, haunted house, magic hall, and so much more. Trust us, you could spend every night of the week here and still not experience all of the amazing things on offer!

Medieval Times Dinner Theater

For something a little different, try a night-time show at theMedieval Times Dinner Theater. Here, you can enjoy a 2-hour medieval jousting tournament featuring 6 competing knights, beautiful horses, and real weapons. You can also choose to enjoy a four-course meal and beverages while you attend, turning it into the ultimate night experience in Kissimmee.

Cheap things to do in Kissimmee

What can you do in or around Kissimmee that won’t cost anything more than a few dollars? The answer: plenty! Here are just two of our favorite attractions within the area that can be enjoyed on the cheap.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

It might exist right here in Kissimmee, butBoggy Creek Airboat Adventures has become a “must-see” attraction for travelers from all around the world! In this park, you’ll find a Native American Village, Gem Stone and Fossil Mine, Alligator Oasis, covered pavilions, tiki bar, swamp photo shack, and the Boggy Bottom BBQ restaurant. It’s a full day of adventure, with airboat tours alone starting at just $25 per person.

Museum of Military History

Want to learn more about the American military experience? At theMuseum of Military History, you can enjoy interactive, interpretive exhibits designed for visitors of all ages which offer a historical glimpse into our military heritage. Admission costs just $7 – 12 per person.

Free things to do in Kissimmee

Looking to get the most out of your time spent within the city of Kissimmee? Whether you want a fun way to waste away a Sunday afternoon or a date idea that won’t break the budget – here are our most recommended things to do in Kissimmee that won’t cost you a cent.

Oak Street Park & Community Center

If you’re looking for your local community center, look no further than theOak Street Park & Community Center. It’s home to amenities such as aerobics classes, BBQ grills, fitness programs, picnic tables, playground, tennis courts, and more. It’s a great free resource within the community and is catered toward all ages.

Lake Tohopekaliga

As the largest lake located in Osceola County, Lake Tohopekaliga should be on every Kissimmee resident’s or visitor’s to-do list. It’s home to a wide array of waterfowl, alligators, turtles, and other species and also features a miniature lighthouse and children's playground area. Other activities to be enjoyed here include bass fishing and birdwatching.

Spas in Kissimmee

Alright, by now you’ve probably been on your feet all day exploring the sights and delights that Kissimmee has to offer. If you’re craving some rest and relaxation, or even a bit of pampering, these are two of the best spas in the region.

Nature’s Wax and Spa

Nature’s Wax and Spa offers a wide range of services to help you look and feel your best. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to a facial, massage, body contouring, teeth whitening, or more – this place offers it all.

Universal Day Spa & Massage

When locals are seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating massage, they often seek out the services of theUniversal Day Spa & Massage. They offer treatments such as foot massages, reflexology, Thai massage, hot stone massage, pregnancy massage, essential oil massage, and more.

Best gyms and yoga studios

If rejuvenation for you is less about deep relaxation and more about sweating it out, then you’re in luck. Kissimmee is home to some of the highest-rated gyms and yoga studios within the region.

New World Wellness

New World Wellness is unlike any yoga studio you’ve experienced before. You see, this place is more like a community, offering everything from yoga classes and yoga teaching, to life coaching, hypnosis, counseling, and more. It’s your one-stop-shop for all things health and wellness.

Looking to fulfill your wanderlust by heading outside of the region for a day? You could spend decades within Kissimmee without barely scratching the surface of all there is to do in this large city, but consider these day trips next time you fancy a new adventure.

Big Cypress National Preserve

Just a short drive south of Kissimmee will take you to the famous Big Cypress National Preserve. It protects over 729,000 acres of vast swamp and contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities. If outdoor recreational activities are your thing, then you’re in luck, as there are plenty of things to do here! From stargazing and canoe tours, to biking, bird watching, camping, and more – there’s certainly something for everyone.

Clearwater

Clearwater is another city within Florida which is just a 2.5-hour drive from Kissimmee. It’s known for its sunny weather and gulf coast beaches and is home to attractions such as Honeymoon Island State Park, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pier 60, Florida Botanical Gardens, and more.

As a final reminder, some of these activities may need to wait until businesses fully reopen from coronavirus closures. However, there is still much to see and experience in Kissimmee that you can enjoy today! What are your favorite spots in Kissimmee? Send them our way to [email protected] or by tagging us on Instagram @rvshare and using the hashtag #rvsharelocal.