Kissimmee to Beach: Best Beaches Near Kissimmee and How to Get There

When you’re staying in Kissimmee, a central Florida hub known for its proximity to Disney World and affordable vacation rentals. Also known as the gateway to Central Florida, it’s the perfect base for theme park trips—but not the only reason to come. Many visitors don’t realize how close the ocean is. You can be on a real Florida beach in under an hour, with no ticket, no lines, and no overpriced snacks.

The closest beach to Kissimmee is Clearwater Beach, a white-sand paradise on the Gulf Coast with calm waters and a lively boardwalk. It’s about 60 miles west, a 70-minute drive through I-4 and US-19. If you want something quieter, Siesta Key, famous for its powdery quartz sand that stays cool underfoot. is 85 miles southwest, roughly 90 minutes away. Both are better than most people expect—cleaner, less crowded than Miami, and way cheaper than staying at a beachfront resort.

Don’t overlook the Atlantic side either. Cocoa Beach, home to surfing culture and the Kennedy Space Center. is just 65 miles east, a 75-minute drive via FL-528. It’s the best pick if you’re flying into Orlando and want to hit the beach before or after the parks. You’ll find free parking, public restrooms, and local food trucks serving fresh shrimp tacos. And yes, you can do a full beach day and still make it back to your Kissimmee hotel by sunset.

Most people assume the beach is far, expensive, or packed. But the truth? Kissimmee’s real advantage isn’t just being near Disney—it’s being close to Florida’s best natural escapes. You can spend the morning on Space Mountain and the afternoon digging your toes into sand that hasn’t been touched by a crowd in 20 minutes. No one tells you that. But it’s why locals keep coming back.

What You’ll Find in These Posts

The posts below cut through the noise. You’ll see real cost comparisons between staying in Kissimmee vs. beach towns, exact drive times from major resorts, and hidden beach access points that aren’t on Google Maps. Some posts break down which beaches are best for kids, which ones let you bring your dog, and which ones have the cheapest parking. Others explain how to combine a beach day with a Disney After Hours ticket—yes, it’s possible. You’ll also learn why some beaches are better in summer, and why others are perfect for September, when the crowds vanish and the deals kick in. This isn’t a list of tourist brochures. It’s what actual visitors used to plan their best Florida days.