How Far Is Kissimmee from the Ocean?

When you’re staying in Kissimmee, a central Florida city known for its proximity to Disney World and affordable vacation rentals. Also known as the gateway to Central Florida’s theme parks, it’s a popular base for families—but many wonder how close it is to actual beaches. The answer isn’t one distance—it’s two. Kissimmee sits about 50 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, the eastern coastline of Florida, home to popular spots like Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. And it’s roughly 70 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, the western coast with quieter, shell-filled beaches like Clearwater and Sanibel Island. So while Kissimmee isn’t coastal, it’s close enough to make a beach day easy.

Most visitors drive to the Atlantic side first because it’s quicker and has more direct routes. From Kissimmee, you can hit Cocoa Beach in under an hour—perfect for sunrise surf sessions or grabbing a seafood taco at a roadside shack. If you’re heading west, the drive to Clearwater Beach takes about 75 minutes, but you’ll trade traffic for softer sand and fewer crowds. Many locals skip the busy Orlando-area beaches entirely and head straight to Siesta Key or St. Pete Beach, which are closer to 90 minutes away but worth the extra miles for the powder-white sand and calm waters. The key? Don’t assume all Florida beaches are the same. The Atlantic side has bigger waves and more activity; the Gulf side is calmer, with shallower water and more shells.

What’s surprising is how many people don’t realize Kissimmee is practically in the middle of Florida’s peninsula. You’re never more than 90 minutes from either coast, which makes it ideal for mixing theme park days with beach days. You can ride Space Mountain in the morning and be barefoot on the sand by lunch. And if you’re staying in a vacation rental with a kitchen, pack a cooler, grab some snacks, and make it a full-day trip. No need to book a hotel on the beach—you’re already halfway there.

Some travelers think they need to stay on the coast to get the beach experience. That’s not true. Kissimmee gives you the best of both: low-cost lodging, easy park access, and a quick drive to the ocean. Whether you’re chasing waves, looking for a quiet sunset, or just want to let the kids dig in real sand, the coast is never out of reach. Below, you’ll find real guides on nearby beaches, the best times to go, and how to plan a beach day without the stress.