What Can You Do in Florida for Free?

From the ocean to the Everglades, the Sunshine State is dwelling to heaps of amazing attractions that will inappreciably cost you a dime. Whether you lot're visiting for the start fourth dimension or the hundredth, you'll love these cheap and free things to exercise in Florida.

Cool off in i of Florida's 700 natural springs, do the Sanibel Stoop in the Sea Shell Majuscule, or hang x on a wave effectually the country'south 1,350 miles of coastline – and that'due south just the start!

Read on for our round-upwardly of affordable things to do in Florida including options in the main vacation spots also as off the beaten rails. Check out the whole guide or jump straight to the area you're interested in using the bill of fare below:

• Northwest
• North Fundamental
• Northeast
• Central
• Central East
• Fundamental West
• Southeast
• Southwest

Cheap and free things to do in Florida, area-by-area

Northwest Florida

Political party at a seafood festival

Head to the northwest metropolis of Destin in October and yous'll exist in time for the earth-famous Destin Seafood Festival. Alluring thousands of visitors from across the state, it features a packed schedule of events including live music, seafood markets, free seafood tasting and demonstrations from summit chefs. The festival is free to attend but you'll desire to take a little spending money to use at the various food and crafts stalls.

Escape the hustle and bustle

Northwest Florida is home to some of Florida'south most beautiful state parks including those at Point Washington, Henderson Embankment and Fort Pickens. You lot can escape the hustle and bustle while retaining close proximity to local conveniences at whatsoever of these beautiful spots along the sparkling Gulf of United mexican states. At Henderson Beach Country Park the shoreline looks like its been covered with tons of pure white carbohydrate. Spend lazy days relaxing on the beach or exploring the park'south winding nature trails.

Park hours are 8am until sundown, 365 days a year and entrance is $half-dozen per vehicle.

Hang out at a famous boardwalk

Hop over to Okaloosa Island, simply off the mainland from Fort Walton Beach, and you can spend sunny days and laid-back nights at its famous boardwalk. A pop destination for couples, friends and families alike, The Boardwalk is packed with fun places to play, shop and dine. It also hosts amazing fireworks shows on Wednesday nights from tardily May through early Baronial. Fresh off the embankment? No worries! Sandy toes and salty swim suits are welcome.

Stay correct on the beach

Fancy staying right on the embankment? Book a beachfront condo or villa and aside from the stunning sunsets you'll be able to make the most of pristine sands, articulate warm waters and natural attractions all around. What's more than, it doesn't have to exist expensive. There are plenty of holiday rental companies offer great-value accommodation in this corner of Florida. Yous can rent a 6-person condo in Destin from around $150 per night – that's just $25 per person!

North Central Florida

Become upward close to butterflies

Located at the University of Florida in Gainsville, the Florida Museum of Natural History offers an array of fascinating exhibits. It'south home to more than fifty million artefacts and specimens including fossils, historic relics and the award-winning Butterfly Rainforest. In a huge outdoor enclosure attached to the museum, the rainforest houses more than 50 species of butterflies and moths from around the world. There are live butterfly releases every weekday at 2pm and on weekends at 2pm and 3pm.

Archway is $fourteen for adults, $vii for kids and costless for under 3s.

Brand a splash at a natural spring

Located forth the Santa Atomic number 26 River, Gilchrist Blue Springs is a state park with six beautiful natural springs, the largest of which produces effectually 44 million gallons of water per day. Swimming, tubing and snorkeling are all popular at the park, as are camping ground, hiking and picnicking. Whilst at that place, yous're probable to see a diverse assortment of wild animals including turtles, fish, birds and manatee.

Pavilions and grouping utilize areas are available, and a concession stand offers food, beverages and equipment rentals. Park fees are $4-vi per vehicle.

Explore Florida's capital city

Discover the majuscule urban center of Tallahassee where a deck atop the 22-storey New Capitol belfry offers sweeping views over the hilly city. Home to several universities, Tallahassee besides has a 10-cake celebrated commune, forth with museums, parks, art galleries and a natural-habitat zoo. For free things to do head to places similar Lake Ella, an essential spot for both locals and passersby to see for themselves. Besides worth a visit is Cascades Park with its sloped hills, amphitheater and self-guided walking tour.

Watch a duck race

Head to the boondocks of Branford around July quaternary and you tin can check out the town'due south complimentary festivities including alive music, a colorful parade and a duck race forth the Suwannee River. At that place's also kayak racing, and a special fireworks show in the evening – all for gratuitous! Explore the residuum of Branford and y'all'll detect quirky antiques stores, a cool cave-diving playground and plenty of fishing spots (watch out for the giant, jumping sturgeon!).

Northeast Florida

Explore Florida's favorite island

Just off the coast of northeast Florida, Amelia Island is easy to reach merely hard to forget. Habitation to more than 13 miles of gorgeous beaches, abundant wild animals and pristine waters, this bulwark island has long been a favourite with locals and visitors akin. Stroll, swim or just soak up the sights at the uncrowded Atlantic beaches, kayak through the scenic marshes, or ride a bike trail through one of the preserved areas that surround the island.

The Island of Viii Flags Shrimp Festival takes place at Fernandina Beach each May and features craft, antiques, live music, seafood stalls, shrimp sampling, a parade, fireworks, pirates and other family fun. Archway is free!

Visit its oldest city

No visit to the northeast would exist complete without a trip to its oldest city, St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, it boasts a plethora of historically significant buildings such as Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the Us. Today the metropolis celebrates it s storied past with museums, trolley tours and special events. Visit the metropolis'due south old gate, cheque out the oldest wooden schoolhouse house or caput to the St Augustine Lighthouse which offers spectacular aerial views from its towering observation deck. Another don't-miss is St. Augustine Distillery where you can take free tours around the plant and enjoy free tastings of vodka, rum, gin and whiskey.

Eat over-the-acme donuts

Head south from St. Augustine and you'll reach Ormond Beach where there's a great little donut shop with all the flavours y'all'd wait plus some totally over-the-summit creations. Try the Key Lime, Pumpkin or Fruity Pebbles donuts, or the S'mores with graham cracker cereal, chocolate and mini marshmallows. This makes a dandy outing if y'all're looking for cheap things to do. Donuts are $i.17 each or $six.49 for a box of 6.

Hang 10 on a wave

The Atlantic beach of Jacksonville boasts some of the best surfing in Florida, making it the perfect place to hang x on a wave (hang all ten toes over over the nose of your board). Take a lesson on a long lath, head out on your own, or spotter the locals mastering their moves. The winter months bring the biggest surf, and summers are platonic for beginners to test out their skills. Check the many surf-related events including training days, surf festivals and competitions which attract amateur and pro surfers from around the earth. All-time of all, y'all can spectate for complimentary!

Cardinal Florida

Savour some free Disney fun

Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) offers shops, restaurants and amusement venues for all the family. The beauty of this fun district is that you lot get close to Disney World without needing a theme park ticket. It may take some willpower not to spend any money while you're there, only information technology can be done! Savour breathtaking walks around West Side, The Landing, Marketplace and Town Center. You can enjoy a spot of window shopping, and make the most of the many photo opportunities around Disney Springs.

If you want to stay nearby, yous'll find a huge range of groovy-value condos and villas near Disney. At communities like Encore Resort at Reunion you'll do good from free transportation to and from the theme parks.

Canvass through a swamp

Motility away from Orlando's neon lights to discover accurate Kissimmee – remember swamp buggies, airboat tours and alligators. Lake Kissimmee is one of Florida's largest lakes and is teeming with alligators, some of which are huge. Pay an archway fee for the surrounding state park and head out among the nature trails. You lot might even spot some huge alligators catching some rays. An airboat ride is another option for enjoying the sights. Kissimmee Swamp Tours operates from Lake Kissimmee and will have you on an exciting bout through the untouched headwaters of the Florida Everglades.

Tours are discounted for Florida residents and are free for nether 3s.

Soak up some civilisation

Art galleries and museums abound at Winter Park which rolls out its best artsy offerings along Park Artery. You can store, lunch and stroll effectually Cardinal Park where the Autumn Art Festival takes place annually and offers free admission. Free motion picture nights are too held at the park on the second Th of each month.

Run into a famous car cruise

Quondam Town at Kissimmee offers free entertainment every nighttime of the week. Brand the near of nightly shows on the main stage and weekly car cruise-ins. Old Town also has cracking shopping, and family friendly rides similar the new 86-pes-loftier ferris bike imported all the style from Italia. For sometime-fashioned arcade games or a few games on some brand-new ones, head to Quondam Town'due south family unit fun center which has l+ video and skill games. What'south more, it's completely complimentary to arrive!

Central East Florida

Hit the e coast beaches

Florida's eastward declension is home to some of the best beaches in state. Top contenders here are Daytona Embankment, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach to proper name just a few. Surf is the discussion in these beachy locales – Cocoa Beach's Ron Jon Surf Shop stays open up 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Likewise big on the agenda are Daytona Embankment classics like the fun-packed boardwalk and the NASCAR headquarters which hosts speed-inspired events like the Daytona 500 and the Coke Zero 400. Further down the coast are wildlife reserves where you'll see baldheaded eagles, manatees and alligators.

Watch a rocket launch

At the Kennedy Space Heart on Merritt Island you lot can bout launch areas, meet astronauts, touch giant rockets and simulate take-off equally part of the Shuttle Launch Experience. If yous'd prefer to skip the entrance fee, y'all can see a alive rocket launch for free from a number of locations nearby. In that location are multiple viewing venues (all accessible past car) along the Indian River merely west of Cape Canaveral. Playalinda Beach, also known as Rocket Launch Beach, is a prime destination to bask a free launch feel. The beach is beautiful, the h2o is clear and the town around it is lovely, besides.

You can research rocket launch dates hither.

Central Due west Florida

Gloat the sunset

Florida's sunsets are spectacular, and y'all can celebrate them night later night at Clearwater Beach. You'll find special sunset celebrations at Pier lx, Clearwater Municipal Marina and Mandalay Avenue. The atmosphere is fantastic – expect to find live bands playing, local artisans peddling their wares, and all kinds of performers delighting the crowds. As sunset approaches, the political party stops to give you fourth dimension to soak up the views. Then, when the lord's day goes down, the political party continues!

Fancy staying in boondocks? The holiday homes in this part of Florida start from effectually $190 per night.

Explore a Cuban district

Head to the west coast city of Tampa and yous'll notice Cuban-inspired Ybor Urban center (pronounced EE-bore) with its signature street lamps, wrought-iron balconies and brick-paved streets. Back in 1886, Vicente Martinez Ybor visited the area and decided to set up up his Cuban-born cigar empire hither. Today, information technology'due south a vibrant Cuban-style district packed with museums, galleries, restaurants and nightlife. No visit to Ybor City would be complete without a stop at the Ybor Urban center Museum or a a stroll around Jose Marti Park, where cuban freedom fighter Jose Marti frequently stayed. Reverse the park is Ybor Factory Building, the neighborhood'southward starting time e'er cigar factory. Whilst in town, exist sure to visit the Sunshine State'southward oldest eating house, The Columbia Eatery. This family-ran institution is steeped in history, and offers a broad-ranging card of fantastic traditional food and drink – along with daily outings from flamenco dancers (apart from Sundays) that are sure to set pulses racing.

See where sponges are fabricated

Around 30 miles northwest of Tampa is Tarpon Springs, or the 'Sponge Capital of the World' as information technology is too known. Greek sponge divers migrated here in the early 1900s to help build its thriving sponge-harvesting manufacture. Today, you tin can come across the town's Mediterranean heritage in its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and rich Greek culture. Visit the waterfront sponge docks where boats depart for sponge diving exhibitions, angling trips and eco tours. Also take a drive through greek Village where you lot tin can see the wood-frame homes of the original sponge divers and sponge packing houses.

Southeast Florida

Soak upward Miami's charms

Florida's southeast is packed with heady paces like Miami where beautiful beaches and art deco delights are merely some of the many charms. There's also vibrant nightlife, tropical gardens, a lively arts scene and sizzling cuisine. Have a wander around the Art Deco District and you'll meet more than 800 colorful buildings that engagement back to the 1930s and 1940s. Miami's white sandy beaches are perfect for lazing the days away – you'll likely spot a few famous faces. Plus you'll find plenty of neighbourhood festival and fiestas that are complimentary to attend.

See endangered animals

Endangered Key deer are constitute in the lower Florida Keys and nowhere else in the earth. You can run across them roaming free in their natural habitat at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge at Large Pine Primal. Also in the surface area is Bahia Honda Land Park, known for its palm-lined beaches, gin-clear waters and magnificent sunsets. Kayaks and snorkeling gear tin be rented for a nominal fee and boat trips to the reef for snokeling excursions are available. the park is besides an amazing place to encounter a wide variety of wading birds.

Southwest Florida

Have family fun in Greatcoat Coral

With and then many fun things to do, Greatcoat Coral definitely caters for kids. Sun Splash h2o park is home to fourteen acres of h2o slides, pools and other water attractions – it offers special discounts on Mondays and for evening visits. Over at Four Mile Cove Eco Preserve you can kayak through waterways that snake through the mangroves, hike around the nature trails, or bask a spot of fishing off the observation deck on the Caloosahatchee River.

Y'all can hire a vacation home in Greatcoat Coral for cheap prices of effectually $200 for a 6-person villa with a private puddle.

Cycle around Sanibel

You lot tin can meet more than on two wheels than on two legs at Sanibel Island, just off Florida's southwest coast. The isle has 25 miles of breathtaking cycling trails and there are many places where you can hire bikes for cheap prices. Alternatively, savor long walks around the many scenic parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves. Visit the beaches on this Gulf Coast barrier island and you'll run across people doing the Sanibel Stoop. That'southward the proper noun for the bent-at-the-waist posture used past those who collect seashells on Sanibel Isle, which bills itself equally ane of the all-time shelling locations in the world.

Spot dolphins at Marco Isle

Visit a diverseness of locations around Marco Island and yous might be lucky plenty to spot dolphins swimming only offshore. Both dolphins and manatee are regularly spotted at South Embankment, plus there are dolphin-spotting points at the northern tip of Marco Island, and at Caxambas Pass Park at the southern tip. Exist aware, you lot can't merely plow up and expect to see dolphins immediately. A skillful tip is to pack a picnic and stay for a few hours to increase your chances.

Book a stay in Florida

Book your accommodation in Florida with Top Villas and and non but volition you become beautiful vacation rentals at bully prices, you'll besides benefit from amazing circular-the-clock customer service and access to a wide range of travel extras such equally car hire, attraction tickets or help with arranging a special experience.

Follow our uncomplicated online booking process and y'all can secure your dream vacation habitation in Florida instantly without any phone calls or fuss. It's like shooting fish in a barrel to check availability, go a quote and book instantly online. Alternatively, submit an enquiry and we'll go straight dorsum to you.

See all of our vacation rentals in Florida.

See also:

The best theme parks in the US (2019 guide)
The best resorts in Orlando
The all-time time to visit Florida

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Source: https://www.thetopvillas.com/blog/florida/25-free-things-to-do-in-florida/

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