1. Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach calls itself “The World’s Most Famous Beach,” and I love that it’s 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 has over 20 miles of beaches with white sand and also features the Boardwalk and Pier.
 
The Daytona Beach Pier stretches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic, and I always enjoy walking on the pier, taking in the ocean views, and watching fishermen reel in their catches.
 
There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and an arcade in the boardwalk area.
 

Where To Eat In Daytona Beach

At the end of the pier, I like to grab a bite at Joe’s Crab Shack. For more dining options nearby, Oyster Pub Restaurant & Sports Pub is just a couple of blocks away from the beach and serves great oysters, seafood, and bar food.

Another favorite of mine is Ocean Deck, which is right on the beach and a short walk from the pier. The food and views are amazing!

Other Things To Do In Daytona Beach

From Daytona International Speedway Tours to water adventures, there’s a lot to do in Daytona Beach beyond the sand.
 
On my most recent trip, I took the indoor tour at the Daytona Beach Speedway, and even though I’m not a huge racing fan, I thought it was a cool experience.
 

2. Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is another fantastic beach that’s just an hour away from Kissimmee on the Atlantic Coast.
 
This is the closest beach to Kissimmee, making it an easy day trip.
 
Cocoa Beach is famous for its watersports, especially surfing, and is a great spot along Florida’s Space Coast to watch rocket launches from Cape Canaveral.
 
The Cocoa Beach Pier extends 800 feet into the Atlantic, and I love hanging out there, enjoying the ocean views, and trying a drink at one of pier bars.
 

Where To Eat In Cocoa Beach

At the end of the pier, the Rikki Tiki Tavern is one of my go-to spots for food and drinks while taking in the amazing ocean views.
 
I also like eating at Coconuts On The Beach, which is another beachfront restaurant just a few miles from the pier.
 

Other Things To Do In Cocoa Beach

While in the area, you can visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which is only about 15 minutes from the beach. There’s a ton of history there about the different space missions.
 

Taking a sunset photo with my girlfriend at the Cocoa Beach Pier on my most recent trip to Cocoa Beach

3. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, located near St. Petersburg and the Pinellas County beaches, is under two hours from Kissimmee and is one of my favorite beach day trips.
 
It’s also one of the best beaches in the U.S. The clear blue Gulf waters and soft, powdery sand make Clearwater a perfect getaway.
 
Pier 60 is one of my favorite spots to check out, and if I’m lucky, I get to spot dolphins while watching the sunset from the pier.
 
There is even a playground for the kids to play at as well.
 

Where To Eat In Clearwater Beach

Some of my favorite beachfront restaurants include 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.

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.
 

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 Ulgy Grouper is one of my favorites in the area and is known for its seafood.
 
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.
 

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 Unforgettable Things To Do In Anna Maria Island!
 

5. Siesta Key

Siesta Key is 2 hours and 15 minutes south of Kissimmee and a perfect place for a day trip!
 
As the above image shows, this Florida destination is often ranked as one of the top beaches in the U.S. and has even had the top ranking several times.
 
Siesta Key’s clear waters are perfect for a wide range of water sports including snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
 
From relaxing at Siesta Beach to catching the sunset at Point of Rocks, Siesta Key is, in my opinion, the top beach destination near Kissimmee.
 

Where To Eat In Siesta Key 

If you like seafood, then I recommend Siesta Key Oyster Bar.  It’s a great place for drinks, seafood, and bar food. 

Other great places include Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood and Sun Garden Cafe. 

Other Things To Do In Siesta Key

There are also lots of things here that I love beyond the beaches, including Siesta Key Village, Mote Marine Aquarium, and Armands Circle shops. 

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