Last Updated on August 12, 2023
I love visiting Kissimmee and nearby Orlando, while in Florida. I’ve been here numerous times and there’s so much to do in the area.
Starting from Kissimmee, you’re near several great beaches and you can take some fun beach day trips to the Gulf and Atlantic Beaches.
From Universal to Disney to Icon Park, the Orlando area has all the rides and attractions that you could ever want.
After all the excitement that Orlando and Kissimmee have to offer, it’s nice to just find a beach somewhere and relax by the water and palm trees.
The best way to get to Kissimmee, Florida is by flying into the Orlando International Airport, and then it’s just a short drive about 30 minutes south.
Kissimmee is not a city right on the ocean but with its central location in the state, you’re just a couple of hours away from both coasts and near several amazing beaches.
Here are some of the best beaches near Kissimmee, Florida to visit while you’re in Central Florida!
Amazing Beaches Near Kissimmee, Florida-
Atlantic Coast
1. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach calls itself “The World’s Most Famous Beach” and is only an hour away from Kissimmee, Florida.
There are plenty of things to do here with the whole family.
It’s a popular city along the Atlantic Coast, known for the Daytona 500 and the bike events throughout the year, particularly Daytona Bike Week every March.
Daytona Beach is over 20 miles of beaches with white sand and also has the Boardwalk and Pier.
The Daytona Beach Pier is 1,000 feet long into the Atlantic.
There are restaurants, bars, shops, and an arcade in the boardwalk area.
Hanging out at The Boardwalk in Daytona Beach
The boardwalk also features an amusement area with attractions such as a Slingshot, Tilt-O-Whirl, and roller coaster.
Where To Eat In Daytona Beach
At the end of the pier, you can fish or get a bite to eat at Joe’s Crab Shack.
If you’re looking for more restaurants nearby, Oyster Pub Restaurant & Sports Pub is just a couple of blocks away from the beach and has good oysters, seafood, and bar food.
Other Things To Do In Daytona Beach
From Daytona International Speedway Tours to adventures on the water, there are lots of other things to do in Daytona Beach.
Check out these Daytona Beach activities.
Beaches In Daytona Beach & Nearby
√ Daytona Beach Main Street Pier
√ Frank Rendon Park
√ Sunglow Fishing Pier
√ Andy Romano Beachfront Park- Ormond Beach
√ Flagler Beach Fishing Pier
√ New Smyrna Beach
2. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is an hour away from Kissimmee on the Atlantic Coast, and a little over an hour south of Daytona Beach. This is the closest beach from Kissimmee.
The beach is known for its watersports such as surfing and is a fun spot along Florida’s Space Coast to watch the rocket launches from Cape Canaveral.
This area of the east coast is also one of the best to see sea turtles.
Cocoa Beach has a pier that goes out 800 feet into the Atlantic. The pier is decked out with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Trying a Pieradise drink while enjoying the views at The Cocoa Beach Pier.
Where To Eat In Cocoa Beach
At the end of the pier is the Rikki Tiki Tavern where you can get some food and drinks, all while checking out the amazing ocean views.
Other Things To Do In Cocoa Beach
While you’re in the area, you may want to check out the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which is about 15 minutes from the beach and pier.
The visitor complex has many attractions and there’s a lot of history regarding the different space missions.
Beaches In Cocoa Beach & Nearby
√ Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
√ Shepard Park
√ Lori Wilson Park
√ Cherie Down Park- Cape Canaveral
√ Jetty Park Beach & Pier- Port Canaveral
√ Canaveral National Seashore- Titusville
Amazing Beaches Near Kissimmee, Florida- Gulf Coast
3. Clearwater Beach
Located near St. Petersburg and the Pinellas County beaches, Clearwater Beach is under 2 hours from Kissimmee, Florida, and has some of the best beaches in the United States.
With its clear blue Gulf waters and 2.5 miles of soft, powdery sand, Clearwater is a great place to go for a beach day trip from Kissimmee.
The beach has Pier 60, a 1,000-foot fishing pier that extends out into the Gulf of Mexico.
You can spot all the birds and different wildlife from the pier and you may see some dolphins in the water as well. There is even a playground for the kids to play at as well.
Clearwater Beach is a perfect place for the whole family.
At the end of your beach day trip, be sure to watch the sunset over the Gulf, right from the pier.
Sunsets at Pier 60 are amazing
Where To Eat In Clearwater Beach
There are restaurants right on the beach such as Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill and Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar.
Other Things To Do In Clearwater Beach
If you’re looking for a break from the beach and the pier, the downtown area is within walking distance of the beach and has plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants.
Beaches In Clearwater Beach & Nearby
√ Clearwater Beach (Pier 60)
√ Sand Key Beach
√ Caladesi Island State Park- Dunedin
√ Honeymoon Island Beach- Dunedin
√ Indian Rocks Beach
4. Anna Maria Island
The first time I went to Anna Maria Island was for my friend’s wedding and I fell in love with this place!
There are actually 3 cities on this little barrier island, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach.
Anna Maria Island is only 7 miles long but there’s a lot to do here and the beaches are incredible!
There are 3 main public beaches on the island, Coquina Beach, Bayfront Park, and Manatee Public Beach.
My favorite is Manatee Public Beach. It’s in the center of the island on the Gulf side.
They have a beautiful white sand beach, a gift shop, grills, restrooms, and picnic tables.
View of the beach from The Kokonut Hut
Where To Eat In Anna Maria Island
You can grab lunch at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, which is at Manatee Beach.
There are also many great restaurants close by. The Feast Restaurant is one of my favorites in the area. They are known for their fresh seafood and craft beers.
Sharky’s is another good seafood restaurant heading south on the island. They also have live music here often.
Further south in Bradenton Beach is The Kokonut Hut. This was the first bar and grill that I went to on the island.
Great place for drinks, live music, and ocean views.
For more on Anna Maria Island restaurants, go here!
Other Things To Do In Anna Maria Island
If you want to explore other parts of the island, take the free trolley and see all the different stops.
Be sure to head to Bean Point on the northern tip of the island and check out the views. It’s usually less populated here, too.
Parking can be hard to come by on the island so come early.
The area has several nature trails and has great spots for kayaking, both in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Anna Maria Island is great for a day trip but you may want to stay for a couple of days to see everything that the island has!
Check out this post on 15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Anna Maria Island!
Beaches In Anna Maria Island
√ Coquina Beach
√ Cortez Beach
√ Bradenton Beach
√ Manatee Public Beach
√ Bayfront Park
√ Bean Point
5. Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach is just over 3 hours from Kissimmee in southwest Florida.
It’s a little bit of a drive but a great place on the Gulf Coast to take a beach day trip!
This city is located on Estero Island and offers 7 miles of coastline.
There is a pier at the beach that goes out into the Gulf of Mexico, a popular fishing spot in the area.
Watching the fishermen at the Fort Myers Beach Pier
Fort Myers Beach also has Times Square, which is full of cool gift shops and bars, street performers, and restaurants.
There is so much to do and see within walking distance.
Where To Eat In Fort Myers Beach
I recommend Smokin Oyster Brewery. It’s a great place for drinks, seafood, and bar food. They call themselves the classiest dive on Fort Myers Beach!
Other Things To Do In Fort Myers Beach
Times Square has Sunset Celebrations on Friday and Saturday nights. There is music, food, and entertainment.
Time for Sunset Celebration is 6-10 pm and it’s a great place for the family. Pets are also welcome.
Beaches In Fort Myers Beach & Nearby
√ Fort Myers Beach Pier
√ Lovers Key State Park
√ Estero Bay Preserve State Park
√ Lighthouse Beach Park- Sanibel Island
√ Bowman’s Beach- Sanibel Island
√ Bonita Beach
Final Thoughts: Amazing Beaches Near Kissimmee, Florida
As you can see, there are plenty of awesome beach day trips for yourself or the whole family, that you can take from Kissimmee!
These cities have fun things to do for days if you want to turn your beach day trip into a weekend!
Travel Resources
Book Your Next Trip! For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay.
To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!
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You know I’ve never been to Orlando but I would like to visit eventually. Hopefully to go to Universal Studios (Harry Potter here I come) Thanks for this informational post.
Great pics! Can’t wait to get back down to Florida this summer!
I want to go on a beach trip right now please
I love a beach day! Cocoa Beach is so much fun!
Florida has so many great beaches and it’s always nice to include a relaxing beach day during a busy theme park vacation in Orlando
Image you used in your post is fabulous
Thank you! This was from New Years Day 2021.