Things to do in Kissimmee

Kissimmee sits immediately south of Orlando, and most visitors know only its spine: US 192, a corridor of hotels, pool-equipped vacation homes, and small attractions that runs east-west for miles. The historic downtown, on Lake Tohopekaliga, is a different place entirely, with a marina and airboat departures.

The south entrance to Walt Disney World is close, typically 15 to 25 minutes depending on where you start and the time of day. Families come for airboat rides across the marshes and lakes, alligator and bird watching, long-stay home rentals, and dinner shows.

Winters are dry and pleasant for the outdoors; summer afternoons bring daily storms, and hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.