Yahoo Finance 12 Cheap and Fun Activities for Summer Vacationers in Florida
The Sunshine State is the place to go if you’re looking for fun in the sun, long beach days and outdoor excursions like hiking, jet skiing and walks along historic routes. The great thing about many of these activities is that they’re often free or very low cost. This means you can have a great summer vacation without having to empty your wallet.
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If you’re planning a trip to Florida and want to keep things budget-friendly, here are some of the best cheap, fun activities you can do this summer.
Beach Days
Not everyone who goes to Florida wants to spend their days at the beach, but beach combing, swimming and sunbathing on the sand are definitely popular summer vacation activities.
“Florida boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches,” said Hollie McKay, VP of communications at HotelPlanner. “Head to Siesta Key Beach near Sarasota for its powdery white sand, or explore the lively shores of Miami Beach. Pack a cooler with snacks and drinks, build sandcastles with the kids, or catch some waves — all free!”
Beach access is free, but you will need to pay for parking — unless you’ve booked a hotel near enough to walk. According to McKay, parking ranges from $1 to $3 an hour, or $5 to $10 a day. It depends on the beach and when you go.
Live Summer Concerts
Brittany Betts, CMO at Florida Panhandle, suggested catching a live concert at the Bandshell during the summer. They’re open to the public and free, but if you want to splurge for VIP access, you’ll need to shell out $15 per person.
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State Parks
If it’s not too hot, stretch your legs and go hiking along one of the state’s many scenic trails. Visit Carlin Park in Clearwater for something a bit easier, or challenge yourself at Torreya State Park near Tallahassee.
“State parks typically have a small entry fee, usually less than $10,” said McKay. “State park entry fees are typically less than $10 per vehicle. For example, entry to Torreya State Park is $3 per vehicle.”
If you already have a national pass, entry should be free — minus the cost of the pass.
Another state park worth visiting is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. There, you can go snorkeling for $29.95 per adult or kayaking for $17 an hour, said McKay. Other options include John U. Lloyd Beach State Park near Fort Lauderdale and Bahia Honda State Park in the Keys.
Natural Springs
If you’re trying to get away from the summer heat, hit up a natural spring or two. McKay suggested Weeki Wachee Springs State Park if you’re near Tampa, or Rainbow Springs State Park if you’re near Ocala. Depending on where you go, you could go swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding.
For Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, the entry fee is $13 per adult and $8 per child. Kayak rental fees range from $32 to $42. Rainbow Springs State Park costs $2 to enter per person. Kayak rentals are $16 to $20 an hour.
Shell Island
“Take a shuttle to Shell Island to see wildlife and seashells,” said Betts. Shell Island is located on the Emerald Coast, just south of Panama City Beach. However, you can only get there by boat, which costs an average of $25 per person.
Market Days
If you’re a foodie, Florida’s got a lot to offer — all on a relatively tight budget.
“Skip expensive restaurants and explore vibrant farmers’ markets,” said McKay. “St. Petersburg’s Saturday Morning Market and Grand Central Market in downtown Miami are bustling with local vendors selling fresh produce, delicious baked goods, and unique crafts.”
These markets are free to enter, but you’re bound to spend some money — anywhere from a few dollars to $20 or more — by the end of your visit.
Free or Low-Cost Museums
“Many museums offer free admission on specific days,” said McKay. “Check out the Miami Children’s Museum’s free admission days or explore the Orlando Science Center’s exhibits during their ‘Discount Days.'”
The Miami Children’s Museum has free admission on the third Friday of each month from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Other museums have their own policies, so check them out.
Shopping Excursions (or Window Shopping)
Buying a lot of souvenirs and personal items can quickly add up, but window shopping can still be really fun, too. Betts suggested visiting Pier Park, a shopping mall in Panama City, or Harborwalk Village in Destin. Both are free.
Picnicking
If you want to keep things affordable, fun and outdoors, have a picnic at a local park or one of the state parks.
“Lake Eola Park in Orlando offers swan boat rentals and a beautiful backdrop, while Fort De Soto Park near St. Petersburg boasts several beaches perfect for a picnic spread,” said McKay. “You might need to pay for parking, which can range from $2 to $5.”
If you want to rent a swan boat, expect to spend around $15 for a 30-minute trip.
Historic Tour
“Many cities offer free walking tours that glimpse the local culture and history,” said McKay.
For example, you could do a walking tour of St. Augustine — for its colonial past — or Coconut Grove — for its unique artistic vibe. Donations are generally accepted.
Amusement Park
You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars at Disney to have a great time. Florida has a lot of smaller amusement parks that are still fun to visit — but much less expensive.
If you’re near Panama City Beach, Betts suggested spending some time at Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure. It costs between $3 and $10 per person.
Fishing
If you’re looking for another water-based activity, try fishing in the Atlantic Ocean or off the Gulf Coast this summer. You can fish from piers, boats or the shore — you’ll just need a fishing license.
Fishing license prices vary, said McKay. A non-resident three-day license is $17, while a non-resident seven-day license is $30.
“Pier access can range from free to $8 per day,” she added. “Boat rentals vary widely, typically starting at around $50 per hour.”
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