Kissimmee is perfectly placed for those looking for calm and tranquillity – but with the fun stuff never too far away. Surrounded by lush greenery, Kissimmee is sheltered from Orlando’s main tourist area, but those big rides and attractions are only a short distance away along International Drive.

Getting to Orlando, where you’ll find all the main theme parks including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, is easy. Head on to Florida’s Turnpike North Ramp, following the road for about 45 minutes before joining Interstate 4. SeaWorld’s unforgettable animal experiences are even closer – around 25 minutes away along the North John Young Parkway.

To swap the theme parks for the coastal delights of Tampa, leave Kissimmee on Route 192 and then take the I-4 south-west. For the opposite coast, Route 192 runs south-east and takes you to Palm Bay, from where you can head north to Cape Canaveral or south to Palm Beach and Miami.

As well as Route 192, the other main routes through Kissimmee include Main Street, which runs north to south, and John Young Parkway, which runs along the edge of Lake Tohopekaliga before dropping south through the very heart of Florida’s interior. Whichever way you venture forth from Kissimmee, you’ll find natural splendour and welcoming towns.

The main rule of the road to remember is to drive on the right-hand side. It’s also permitted to make a right turn at an intersection when the light is red as long as the way is clear and no signs prohibit it. Speed limits also vary from 70mph on interstates (US motorways), to 65mph on four-lane highways and 30mph in the more built-up areas.

Kissimmee has a little something for everyone. There are superb places to stay – from swish hotels to spacious family villas – and you’re close to Orlando, but based in a much more relaxed area, with Florida’s most magnetic attractions only a handy drive away. Kissimmee is ideal for those rest days when you’ll want to wind down and relax after all the excitement.

Premier Parks

There’s no doubt that the theme parks are the main draw for many people arriving in Florida, whether it’s for the first time or as a repeat visitor. They certainly don’t disappoint no matter how old you are, in either scale or execution.

Universal Studios arguably has the most cutting-edge rides, and the expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter has opened it up to a new generation. Expect movie-themed thrills and spills, and be sure to visit the adjacent Islands of Adventure. They’ve recently opened Volcano Bay, too, a stunning Polynesian themed water park.

Walt Disney still rules the roost when it comes to family fun, however, walking the tightrope between rides for grown-ups and lots to keep kids occupied. The Magic Kingdom wows with its castle, encounters with Disney characters and rides based on its famous films. Enjoy the animated parades and be sure to catch one of the legendary firework displays while there. But don’t forget to visit the enchanting Animal Kingdom, Epcot Centre and Hollywood Studios, too.

Head downtown 

The historic centre of Kissimmee is a refreshing antidote to the chain shops and souvenir stores of Orlando and International Drive. Here you’ll find an old-fashioned main street straight from American central casting, with antique shops and charming cafes lining the street. There are parks here too, but they tend to be folksier and quainter, such as Old Town with its vintage cars and Gatorland, where you can get up close and personal with crocodiles and alligators. Dare devils will love the chance to take a ride on the Screamin’ Gator zipline, where you can fly through the air above 130 giant alligators below.  

There’s family-friendly fun to be found Fun Spot America. An alternative type of theme park, this is one without the branding, queues or ticket prices of its more famous counterparts. There’s still joy to be found in the sky-high coaster, go-kart tracks and a bunch of charming old-timey rides that will have the older members of the party feeling nostalgic for the fairs and carnivals of their youth.

Lakefront lounging

The south-eastern edge of Kissimmee rubs up against the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga, one of the largest in the area and known locally as Lake Toho. You’ll see local bass fishers and birdwatchers aplenty here, while there’s plenty of wildlife to spot. Head to Lakeview Drive for Kissimmee Lakefront Park, which has pleasant walking paths to stroll on, a playground that provides a respite from the sunshine and plenty of nearby places to stop for a snack. From Big Toho Marina you can rent a pontoon or a fishing boat and head out yourself. It’s a great way to catch some rays, even if you don’t manage to catch any fish.

Kissimmee car hire opens up these chilled out experiences and puts you within reach of Orlando’s theme parks, making it the perfect way to see Florida on holiday.