About Kissimmee - Located right in the center of Florida, in Osceola County, Kissimmee is a family-oriented destination known for its off-the-beaten-path adventures, endless sunshine, and proximity to world famous theme parks. It checks all the vacation-planning boxes with both natural and man-made treasures. Commonly referred to as “Kissimmee-St. Cloud” area due to the short distance between it and the adjacent city of St. Cloud, Kissimmee is that Florida destination with a wealth of attractions, dozens of great outdoor areas, and hours of sunshine almost every day of the year making it the perfect choice for short vacations and long-term stays. For your accommodations, Owner Direct can provide vacation rentals that will help you get the most out of your Kissimmee trip in a hassle-free way.

Where to Stay & Why - Owner Direct offers a wide variety of vacation rentals in Kissimmee, even pet-friendly homes with spaces where your furry pals can run around. No matter which lodging you choose, it will surely have multiple rooms, furnished living areas, a fully equipped kitchen, private pools, patio with a BBQ grill, and parking space(s). Some homes even have a hot tub, games room, theater room with surround sound, a breakfast area, and a screened lanai.

Other amenities can include TV (some have them in every bedroom), cable, high-speed internet, free phone calls within the US and some countries, DVD player, AC units, fans, washer and dryer, and for those traveling with babies or toddlers, there are even homes that provide high chair, crib, and an extra Pack ‘n Play.

If you decide to stay in a condo rental or a villa in a gated community, you’ll have access to the community park, BBQ area, clubhouse, and common pool.

What to See & Do - If you’re here for theme parks, go to Disney World - “The Happiest Place on Earth”, or step onto the movie set in Orlando Universal Resort. For adrenaline-rush attractions, head to the Forever Florida Ziplines, Panther Pounce tower jump, or the Peregrine Plunge. You can speed across the water on an air-boat at Cypress Lake or go canoeing at Shingle Creek Regional Park. Love shopping? The city boasts several malls and outlets, like Perfume Paris and Nike Factory Store.

Kissimmee is also a haven for nature lovers, and home to varied bird species and wildlife. Kissimmee lakes are popular with anglers. Take a trip to Tohopekaliga Lake and explore the Floridian flora and fauna, or stay on land to check out other entertainment spots. Florida is famous for alligators, and you can admire the great reptiles at Gatorland. Observe thousands of different species by riding the Gatorland Express Railroad or Screamin’ Gator Zipline. You’ll find recreational parks with playgrounds, waterside piers, boat slips, and social spaces in Downtown Kissimmee. Old Town is both an amusement park and a shopping mall. It’s a retro recreation of decades past, giving visitors a nostalgic trip. For something educational, take the young ones and young-at-heart to the Museum of Military History and Green Meadows Petting Farm.

Where to Eat & Drink - Foodies love Kissimmee. Everything from steaks and BBQ, to Mexican and Chinese food, can be found close to the city center. For a special night out, try Medieval Times on Irlo Bronson Highway, where your meal is accompanied by medieval entertainment like jousting, in an actual castle. The Bahama Breeze Island Grille offers a taste of the Caribbean, while Cafe d’Antonio serves tasty Italian dishes in a beautiful lakeside setting. Dessert? Kids will be amazed seeing ice cream made with liquid nitrogen at Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory on Main Street.

How to Get Here & Getting Around - With three airports serving the Central Florida area, getting here is easy. You can get in via the Orlando International Airport (MCO), Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM), or Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB). If you’re driving, take exit 242 if you’re coming from the north, or exit 249 from the south. Those traveling from Daytona Beach or the Tampa Bay area can take the I-4.

Getting around Kissimmee using public transportation is easy, but having a car is an excellent option. If you intend on visiting several theme parks, plan day trips and outings to the coast or Cape Canaveral, you will be able to control your schedule.

When to Go - The fantastic Florida climate makes Kissimmee a great option at any time of year. The three high seasons are Spring Break (March to April), Summer, (June to August), and Winter (December to January). The city tends to be busier at these times and attractions like Disney World are packed. October is one of the best months for a vacation here. It’s still warm, the city is less crowded, and there are Halloween events at Universal Studios for adults and Disney World for children.

Looking for more inspiration on what to do during your Kissimmee vacation? View our travel guide for ideas to add to your trip!

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