Ideas for a Kissimmee relaxed vacation

Question

After a hectic period, we want to just unwind and relax. We rented a vacation home (parents and adult son) and now have no clue what to do. LOL

We're spending 5 nights in Kissimmee then 4 nights in St Augustine. Not interested in the parks but nice road trips, good food, sightseeing, etc.

Can anyone please give us suggestions?

Answer

If your goal in Kissimmee is to relax and enjoy a slower pace rather than theme parks, there are plenty of options for scenic drives, nature, and good food. Kissimmee is centrally located, so it also makes a great base for easy day trips around Central Florida.

Local Relaxation & Scenic Options

Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho): Enjoy a leisurely morning or evening by the lake. Great for birdwatching, walking along the shore, or renting a kayak/canoe for some quiet time on the water.
Shingle Creek Regional Park: This is the headwaters of the Everglades and has calm hiking trails, picnic areas, and canoe/kayak options. Perfect for reconnecting with nature without the crowds.
Old Town Kissimmee: Stroll this retro-style entertainment district. It’s relaxed with vintage shops, classic cars on display, and occasional evening events without being overwhelming.
Local Golf or Mini-Golf: Even if you don’t normally play, Florida has many well-maintained courses and fun mini-golf spots that can be a light, relaxing activity for a morning or afternoon.

Road Trips & Scenic Drives

Scenic Highway 27: A quieter route through rural central Florida with lakes, farms, and small towns. Stop for local produce stands or small eateries along the way.
Winter Park: Just a short drive north, Winter Park is perfect for a leisurely day. Walk along Park Avenue for boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Take a scenic boat tour through the chain of lakes for a peaceful water experience.
Orlando Scenic Drives: If you want a touch of city life without the parks, drive through neighborhoods like Thornton Park or College Park for charming streets, historic houses, and local coffee shops.

Food & Dining Experiences

Local Seafood Spots: Kissimmee has several casual and mid-range seafood restaurants worth trying — perfect for fresh catches without the theme park hustle.
Farm-to-Table or Cafe Dining: Look for small independent cafes in Kissimmee or nearby St. Cloud, which often have locally sourced menus and a relaxed atmosphere.
Evening Dining Out: Consider an evening in Celebration, FL, a picturesque community with lakeside dining, shops, and walking paths. Great for a calm stroll after dinner.

Nearby Day Trips

St. Cloud: Historic downtown with antique shops, quiet streets, and lakeside views.
Mount Dora: Slightly further north, known for its quaint downtown, artisan shops, and beautiful lakefront. Perfect for a day of relaxed exploration.
Winter Garden: Charming town with a historic downtown district and a scenic walkway along the West Orange Trail.
Ocala National Forest: About 1.5 hours drive, offers serene nature trails, springs for swimming, and very few crowds compared to more tourist-heavy areas.

Evening & Leisure Activities

Sunset drives around local lakes for quiet views and photography.
Wine tasting or craft breweries in Winter Park or Orlando suburbs.
Outdoor live music events if your timing coincides — smaller local venues can be very relaxing and enjoyable.

Overall, your Kissimmee stay can be a calm, restorative experience with a mix of lakeside relaxation, gentle road trips, and small-town exploration, perfectly balanced before heading to historic St. Augustine for your next leg.

Ideas for a Kissimmee relaxed vacation

More Kissimmee Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions