Free Activities in Florida

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While traveling is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding and exciting hobbies around, it can also easily be counted amongst the most expensive. It is certainly possible to vacation for a reasonable price, but between the costs of travel, meals, lodging, and incidentals, it does add up quickly. One of the best ways to offset the costs of taking a trip is to seek out free attractions when you travel. Luckily, there is no shortage of free outdoor attractions and activities to do here in Florida that can help you keep a little spending money in your pocket without sacrificing enjoyment or excitement.

If you’re looking for a great free activity in Florida, the first place you’ll want to look is out to sea. With over 2,000 Kilometers of coastline, Florida boasts some of the most gorgeous public beaches in the world. You can easily spend the day catching a tan, swimming, and checking out the marine life at no extra cost. No matter where you go in Florida, you’re never more than a day trip away from a beach, so it has remained a staple of our great state. Each beach is different here as well, so this activity can be done multiple times in multiple places without losing its novelty. You’ll just have to spring for sunblock and drinks, but it’s not hard to find free parking and enjoy a day for minimal cost.

Another perk of visiting Florida is gaining access to the vast numbers of parks and trails in the area. Despite loads of development over the years, Florida has still maintained much of its wild roots and you will seldom find yourself very far from a nature trail or a park. There are actually over 5,000 miles of hiking trails alone in the sunshine state. While the federal and state parks do cost money to visit, the fees are negligible and will hardly break the bank. However, it’s also completely possible to get enjoy nature without any price tag. Most areas of Florida boast at least a few scenic trails, local parks, or preserved natural areas that don’t cost a dime to visit. You’ll have to research the area you plan to travel to in order to find out what options are available, but hiking or nature watching is a great free activity. You will never have the same experience twice, as the flora and fauna are constantly changing.

Festivals and local gatherings offer another option for those looking for a low-cost addition to their travel itinerary. One of the benefits of visiting Florida is getting to enjoy our temperate climate. The weather here is seldom harsh, meaning we have festivals and outdoor attractions almost year-round. These vary by location and the time of the year, but if you keep your eye out you’re very likely to find something that would appeal to you. Common local outdoor freebies include arts festivals, movie screenings, concerts, food truck rallies, and educational/wildlife presentations. These activities are family friendly and offer a real glimpse into Florida culture.

Overall, Florida is one of the absolute best vacation destinations when it comes to finding free outdoor activities. Whether you’re more into relaxing in the sun, getting some exercise in nature, or having a cultural experience, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. IVHE also has loads of wonderful vacation properties that are in keeping with a luxurious vacation without breaking the bank. There are plenty of other things you can spend money on during your trip, save a little bit and consider finding some free outdoor activities when you plan to travel to Florida!

Thank you to guest travel writer Emma Sledge.