The US city of Kissimmee is a popular tourist destination thanks to its central location and close proximity to most of Florida's biggest attractions. Situated just south of Orlando, Kissimmee lies in the very heart of the Florida state, providing easy access to nearby tourist resorts, like Tampa Bay. Many tourists are drawn to the area by Florida's incredible theme parks, which offer outstanding family entertaining for kids both young and old. Walt Disney World Resorts in Bay Lake dominate the area, with four vast parks to explore. There's also the Universal Orlando Resort, the home of movie inspired rides at Universal Studios, and Seaworld Orlando, with its thrill rides and interactive wildlife experiences. If you prefer to avoid theme parks, the central Florida area still has plenty of exciting attractions to make your trip a special one. You can spend a fascinating day at the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral to explore Nasa's space complex and get up close to the space shuttle launch pad. For visitors who want to explore the history of the wider area, a two hour drive north up the east coast leads to St Augustine, the oldest settlement in the United States. Here you can visit a number of historic landmarks, such as the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort. Kissimmee is a wonderful holiday destination for families, and when you add to this the beautiful sandy beaches, fabulous sunshine and plethora of attractions, it's easy to see why Kissimmee is described as "The Gateway to Fun".
Kissimmee overview
When to fly to Kissimmee
Florida's subtropical climate can cause temperatures to be extremely humid in summer, with average temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The high temperatures are typically followed by outbreaks of thunderstorms, which are most prominent between June and September. If you want to avoid the rainy season it is worth visiting between May and October when the weather is generally dry.
For the best prices on flights, accommodation and theme park tickets, you should avoid the busiest periods, which are typically the school holidays, summer and Christmas period. The first few weeks in December are the lowest point of the tourist season, but you may find that some parks are closed.
Getting around Kissimmee
The easiest way to get around the central Florida area is to hire a car, as motorways are easily navigable. If you prefer to be driven, there are many different taxi companies that run throughout the local area. There is also a network of Lynx bus routes that run from Downtown Kissimmee along various routes.