Top Things to Do in Kissimmee Florida

Kissimmee, Florida offers a blend of entertainment and nature, all in its thriving 22 square-mile city. If you’re looking for thrill rides, a hike through the Everglades, or a chance to step back into history, Kissimmee has it all.

The Sunshine State saw an uptick of visitors post-pandemic, with more than 122 million people flocking here in 2021. Out of those numbers, Kissimmee was one of the most visited towns that year. It was named #3 in the Top U.S. Comeback Travel Destinations for spring 2021.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Osceola County, where Kissimmee resides. So, these numbers are great news for the state, as well as those eyeing a commercial real estate investment. It’s still a good time to invest in owning vacation rentals, as well as starting a business in the county.

Kissimmee is a great vacation destination with so much to do that you’d have to visit more than once to see it all. It’s also a few miles away from even more attractions, and just more than an hour to the beach.

Kissimmee, Florida is much more than Disney World. Discover the top things to do in Kissimmee, Florida according to the locals.

Old Town Kissimmee Florida

Take a stroll in Old Town to experience the joys of classic American fun. Kissimmee’s Old Town features 18-acres of tree-lined brick streets. Here you’ll find more than 70 shops, dining, and family-friendly attractions.

This is a great place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening with family and friends. Shop for fun beach attire at Salty’s, find unique wooden puzzle boxes at Extreme Woodcrafts Gift Shop, and treat yourself to an afternoon of indulgence at Vivian’s Day Spa.

There are also many weekly events taking place in Old Town. Car shows, karaoke, and live bands are just some of the fun you’ll see here.

Kissimmee Lakefront Park

If you’re looking to find a quiet spot to enjoy the nature of Kissimmee, look no further than Lakefront Park.  Here you’ll find walking paths, picnic pavilions, a playground, and a fishing pier all on Lake Tohopekaliga (also known as Lake Toho).

Lake Toho spans 22,000 acres and is home to wildlife including otters, waterfowl, and alligators. The lake is also known for its marinas and bass fishing.

Monument of States

Also located in Kissimmee Lakefront Park, the Monument of Sates stands as a symbol of American unity. The idea for the monument was created by Charles W. Bressler-Pettis after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 during World War II.

In an effort to create solidarity after the attack, Bressler-Pettis requested that governors of each state send in local rocks. He embedded these rocks in concrete slabs and used them to build the Monument of States. Each rock is labeled with the state from which it originated.

The monument suffered wear and tear over the years, but was revitalized in 2001 by local business owners.

Fun Spot America

This exciting theme park has enough rides and attractions to keep you entertained all day. It features 18 thrill and family rides including roller coasters, go-kart tracks, and the world’s tallest Skycoaster, which reaches 300 feet.

The Mine Blower Coaster at Fun Spot America is Florida’s only wooden coaster that goes upside down. Experience the thrill of dropping 80 feet into an inversion. Or hop into the Hot Seat, where the ride’s giant arms swing you back and forth through the sky more than 180 degrees.

For those who want to take a break from the thrill rides, visitors can stop by the arcade, try their luck winning prizes on the midway or grab a bite at several eateries throughout the park.

Shingle Creek Regional Park

This stunning park is home to turtles, birds, armadillos, and more on its roughly 1,000 acres. The urban oasis is the perfect place for biking, fishing, paddling, and bird watching. For enthusiastic hikers, make sure to check out the 32-mile Shingle Creek Regional Trail.

Shingle Creek is referred to as the "Northernmost Headwaters of the Florida Everglades.” It spans 23 miles, starting in Orlando, Florida, and finally flowing into Lake Toho. The creek includes properties and parcels that were purchased via several conservation partnership efforts.

Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Tours

Cruise through the beauty of the Florida Everglades on an exciting airboat tour. See wildlife that inhabits the swamps and marshes of Florida, including alligators, white-tailed deer, otters, and the roseate spoonbill.

On the Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Tours, you’ll find small, 6-passenger boats that are perfect for private tours with your family and friends. Choose from 90-minute and 2-hour airboat rides that give you plenty of time to see the wildlife in their natural habitat.

You won’t forget this incredible tour that showcases the wonder of Florida’s natural paradise. Hop on board and don’t forget your camera.

Museum of Military History

Discover what it is like to be a member of the armed forces during war times at the Museum of Military History. You’ll find interactive exhibits featuring artifacts, uniforms, vehicles, and weapons from various wars and conflicts. You’ll also hear and listen to real accounts from soldiers.

The museum honors the brave men and women who fought in various branches of the U.S. military. It includes items from the Revolutionary War, World War I and II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, as well as the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan conflicts.

There is something here for visitors of all ages. Along with the exhibits, there are photo-op stations, an interactive phone app, and a coloring station that will keep younger children entertained.   

Osceola County Historical Society Pioneer Village

Step back in time to the 19th century and learn about the life of Osceola County’s early settlers. Local artisans, actors, and docents dressed in period clothing bring this history museum to life.  

Walk the dirt paths of this quaint village where you’ll find a citrus packing house, a museum with artifacts, and a blacksmith shop with a working forge. Local artisans can be found throughout the village. You’ll see demonstrations of cane grinding, weaving, smithing, and pottery.

Visit the Tyson House, which was originally built in 1892. This one-room log home was once inhabited by James C. Tyson, his wife, and their 11 children.

Gatorland

If you love alligators and adventure, then Gatorland is a must-visit stop. This park is home to thousands of alligators, including the rare white leucistic alligators. It also houses crocodiles, tortoises, native birds, wild cats, snakes, and other critters.

To add adventure to your visit, clip into one of the many zip lines in the park. Fly over alligators and crocodiles from 230 to more than 500 feet in the air.

Gatorland also features a free-flight aviary, petting zoo, alligator breeding marsh with an observation tower, splash park, off-road adventures, and nature trails. Catch one of the shows during your visit, including the Gator Jumparoo Show where guests will see alligators jump 4 feet or more to grab a snack.

Warbird Adventures

Take to the skies for an amazing view of Kissimmee with Warbird Adventures. For more than 20 years they have helped make a dream come true for many – flying a World War II aircraft. This experience is a must if you have aspirations for aviation.  

Fly “The Pilot Maker,” also known as the T-6 Texan with a certified instructor. During World War II most Allied pilots learned to fly in a T-6. This makes it a great plane for a first-time flyer.

Guests can book an introductory flight, get adventurous with an aerobatic ride, or book full courses. Also, check out their air shows held in the warmer months.

Chocolate Kingdom

Your sweet tooth will thank you if you visit this interactive museum and factory. Chocolate Kingdom offers 45-minute tours of the chocolate-making process, from bean to bar. Savor sweet samples as your tour progresses through a greenhouse, museum, and river of chocolate.

Stop by the gift shop for even more tasty treats. You can also create a customized chocolate bar for an additional fee.

It is also a great place for group activities. Book a hands-on chocolate-making experience or a wine and chocolate pairing. Group pricing is good for up to 15 guests.  

Cocoa Beach

If you’re looking for beaches near Kissimmee, you’ll want to check out Cocoa Beach. Located just more than an hour east of Kissimmee, it’s known as the quintessential beach town.

Spend the day near the shore with your toes in the soft sand, or venture to the area’s museums and shops. Cocoa Beach is also a great spot for deep-sea fishing and watersports.

While at the beach, make sure to visit the Cocoa Beach Pier, which draws in more than a million visitors each year. The historical pier built in 1962 reaches out more than 800 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to restaurants, gift shops, and live music.

Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens

Indulge in award-winning fruit wines and fresh, artisanal foods at Island Grove Wine Company. During your visit tour the wine-making area and explore the more than 7 acres of botanical gardens.

The wine company specializes in blueberry wine, using blueberries from their Florida plantations. They also have several berry wines, fruit and grape blends, and 100% fruit wines. Selections include Sorta Sweet Blueberry, Cranberry Harvest, Backporch Peach, and Tiki Tango Mango.

You’ll also find wines on tap where you can pour your own samples into a full glass.

Don’t forget to check out their delicious menu with fresh salads, flatbreads, a gourmet cheese board, and even filet mignon. They are also open for brunch with menu items including gourmet French toast, chicken and waffles, and eggs Florentine.

Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf

Challenge your friends and family with a round of mini-golf. The 36-hole adventure features a cave, waterfalls, and two lagoons in a tropical landscape. Guests will put their way to the top of Pirate’s Mountain.

Established in 1978, Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf has several locations in Florida, as well as in South Carolina and Alabama.

Osceola Arts

Since 1960, Osceola Arts has supported and enhanced the arts in Central Florida. They offer the opportunity to learn, watch and participate in theater and the visual arts. Each year they produce 150 theatrical performances and hold visual arts events.

During your visit, you may find Broadway-style shows, art exhibits, children’s theater, and concerts. Exhibits feature artists from Kissimmee and Central Florida with works in a variety of mediums. Plays and musicals are held in the main stage theater, which seats 235 patrons, or the black box theater, which seats 90.

Osceola Arts also holds art workshops and classes throughout the year.

Titanic Artifact Exhibition

If you’ve wondered what it was like to sail on the Titanic, make sure to stop by the Titanic Artifact Exhibition. You’ll see more than 300 artifacts from the ship, as well as costumed actors and full-scale room recreations.

Discover more about the Titanic with a guided tour. The Ship of Dreams tour will guide you through the construction of the ship, to her luxuries and technological advances during that time. Or hear about the heroes onboard the ship who showed courage and strength during the Heroes of Titanic tour.

Be a guest on the “Ship of Dreams” during a Gala Dinner on the Titanic. The evening includes a cocktail party, a tour of the exhibition, dinner, and reenactments from the night of April 14, 1912.

Walt Disney World

We can’t create a list of things to do in Kissimmee and not mention Disney. While certainly not the only attraction in town, it’s a must-see for people all over the world. It is comprised of four theme parks and sees approximately 58 million visitors every year.

Magic Kingdom Park is home to the iconic Cinderella’s Castle. This park features beloved attractions It’s a Small World, Country Bear Jamboree, Haunted Mansion, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. End your evening with Disney Enchantment – a nightly, 15-minute fireworks display that will leave you in awe.

At Epcot, you can travel across 11 countries without leaving the park. Sample food and enjoy entertainment in Mexico, Germany, Morocco, China, and others. Epcot also celebrates the wonders of technology with attractions including Mission: Space, Project Tomorrow, and Journey into Imagination.

Discover the magic of nature at Animal Kingdom. Hop on a safari and see lions, gorillas, meerkats, tamarins, elephants, and a whole lot more. Cool off with the Kali River Rapids ride, and escape a Yeti via a runaway trail on Expedition Everest.

Hollywood Studios brings movies to life. Here you’ll find attractions celebrating Star Wars, Monsters Inc., Frozen, and a lot more. Relax in the Mickey Shorts Theater for animated films of your favorite cartoon mouse, exercise your vocal cords with a Frozen sing-along, or build your own Star Wars droid.

Disney Wilderness Preserve

This breathtaking preserve is a testament to Walt Disney’s love of nature. While not affiliated with the Disney Parks, the Walt Disney Company provided the funds to restore and preserve this portion of the Everglades ecosystem.

Sitting on 3,500 acres, the preserve is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals. Some of the wildlife you’ll see are bald eagles, gopher tortoises, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and Sherman’s fox squirrels. You’ll also see oak hammocks, scrub, freshwater marsh, cypress swamp, and flatwoods.

The Walt Disney Company created the preserve 30 years ago. The property was once an 8,500-acre cattle ranch at the head of the greater Everglades watershed. When it was slated for commercial and residential development, the Walt Disney Company purchased it to create a nature preserve.

Staying in Kissimmee, Florida

If this list of things to do in Kissimmee, Florida has you excited to visit, you might consider looking into the resort and short-term rental options available throughout Kissimmee. A quick search will give you a plethora of vacation home rentals available. If you’re looking for a resort rental in or near Kissimmee, Fantasy World Resort and Champions Gate Resort are great places to start your search.

With a vacation rental or resort, you’ll find far more benefits than renting a hotel room. Plus, you’ll feel like you’re living like the locals. Rental options give you and your family more privacy and space during your stay.

A rental is a great option instead of a hotel, especially if you’re traveling with a large group. Multiple hotel rooms can add up to more than the cost of a rental home. You’ll also be able to stay together with everyone instead of room hoping to spend time together in the evenings.

Most rental and resort options also come with a full kitchen. That means fewer times eating at restaurants or ordering room service. You can also keep your favorite coffee on hand, as well as snacks and beverages. Making use of your kitchen will save you money in the long run.

You’ll also find far more amenities. Especially at a resort, most have multiple pools and/or a water park, a gym, golf courses, and offer shuttle services. Many vacation homes include a private pool, so you can relax with just your loved ones.

Your home away from home rental may also include a laundry room, which means you can come home with clean clothes after your trip.

Invest in Kissimmee Commercial Real Estate

With so many people flocking to Florida each year, you may be considering an investment in a vacation rental, retail store, or other commercial property. Commercial real estate can be more stable and predictable long-term investments. You can also purchase in an unfamiliar area with the help of a knowledgeable agent.

With travel numbers in Florida going back to pre-pandemic levels, now is a good time to consider commercial investing. The population of the state also continues to increase. Florida is also a tax-friendly state that charges no personal income tax, which can save you money in the long run.

Before you decide to make a commercial investment, you’ll need to know what type of property you want. Are you looking to cater to yearly tourists with one or more vacation homes? Or would you prefer to start your own business in the Sunshine State?

To select the type of commercial property for your needs, you’ll want to start by watching the local and national market trends. It’s also helpful to research selling prices in different neighborhoods. By doing so you’ll get a feel for what is and isn’t the best deal.

Once you have a sense of what you want to purchase and in which neighborhood get in touch with your local real estate agent to get the process started. Whether you live locally or out of town, a professional who knows their stuff can help to guide you.

Make Your Way to Kissimmee

It's not hard to see there are a plethora of activities waiting for you in Kissimmee, Florida. Whether you are moving to the area or renting a home for your next vacation, you'll never get bored here. 

Kissimmee is also an investor's dream come true, with millions of people flocking to the area every year. Tap into the vacation home market for the state's abundance of tourists, or start your own business right in Kissimmee. 

We'd love to chat with you about investing in a commercial property in Kissimmee, or any of its beautiful neighboring towns. Contact us today to find your next property.