Kissimmee Things to Do: A One-Day Route Through Downtown and Lakefront Park

Downtown Kissimmee is the starting point for this route, which continues to the Monument of States and Lakefront Park. The historic streets to explore include Main Street, Broadway and Emmet Street, with family-owned shops, galleries and more than 30 family-owned eating establishments.

Kissimmee grew from Allendale, a trading post on the northern bank of Lake Tohopekaliga. The lake and river carried steamboat cargo, while rail connections later helped local businesses ship cattle and citrus. For transport planning from the hotel area, use this guide to getting around Kissimmee.

The Monument of States is one of the landmarks at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, so include it on your walk through the downtown-to-lakefront area. The park is at 201 Lakeview Drive, between historic downtown and Lake Tohopekaliga. Downtown’s Kissimmee Sculpture Tour adds another free, self-guided way to see the area: it follows original artworks displayed around downtown.

Kissimmee incorporated in 1883. As you walk the historic streets, look for the mix of shops, galleries and restaurants that makes downtown a useful first stop before the waterfront.

Kissimmee Lakefront Park is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Its paved walking trails and bicycle paths make it easy to explore at your own pace.

Look for the park lighthouse, Veterans Memorial and Bataan-Corregidor Memorial, as well as the Monument of States. The waterfront facilities include a fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic tables, restrooms, concessions and a splash pad; pavilions and outdoor event space are also listed by the city.

For time on the water, boats can reach Lake Tohopekaliga from Big Toho Marina in the park. The public boat ramp is at 69 Lakeview Drive; it has six lanes and parking for 84 vehicles, and is open from sunrise to sunset. Bring what you need for the lakefront, and check the park’s posted facilities when you arrive.

Lanier's Historic Downtown Marketplace offers another named stop in downtown Kissimmee. For a market outing, the Kissimmee Valley Farmers Market is hosted at Lakefront Park on the first and third Friday of each month, typically from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

It brings together 15 to 20 local artisans, with vendors and offerings varying by market. For a different outing, Old Town Kissimmee and Fun Spot are also covered in a local guide.

From the hotel, drive about 12 minutes to Kissimmee city centre, then walk Main Street, Broadway and Emmet Street before continuing to the lakefront at 201 Lakeview Drive. Downtown shops and restaurants make a natural first stop before exploring Kissimmee Lakefront Park.

Park hours are 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily; the public boat ramp has separate sunrise-to-sunset access. The Kissimmee Valley Farmers Market usually runs on the first and third Friday of the month, typically 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Plan around that pattern if you want to visit, keeping in mind that vendors and offerings vary by market.

If arriving by public transport, the historic station at 111 East Dakin Avenue is an intermodal hub for Amtrak, SunRail, local Lynx buses and intercity buses. The station was built for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, and its cupola has a weathervane shaped like a steam locomotive.

What can you include in a one-day Kissimmee route?

Start on Main Street, Broadway or Emmet Street for downtown shops, galleries and restaurants. Walk the free Kissimmee Sculpture Tour, visit the Monument of States and continue to Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The park also has a lighthouse, two memorials, paved trails and a fishing pier.

Where does the route start?

Begin in historic downtown Kissimmee. The city centre’s historic streets include Main Street, Broadway and Emmet Street. Continue to Kissimmee Lakefront Park at 201 Lakeview Drive, between downtown and Lake Tohopekaliga.

Should you check event times before going?

The Kissimmee Valley Farmers Market is usually held at Lakefront Park on the first and third Friday of each month, typically 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. It brings together 15 to 20 local artisans, and vendors and offerings vary by market. The park itself is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.