You can spend a lot of money on a Florida vacation. It is possible to take in some of the best sights and experiences in the state for nothing.

We searched all over the state for top beaches, fun walks, natural attractions and more for people who want to stretch their dollars and see as much as possible for less. There are many free things to do in Florida.

Start with beaches...then continue with more beaches

You can't go to Florida without hitting the beach. Some of Florida's most well known spots are free to the public. South Beach in Miami, Daytona Beach, and Panama City Beach are just a few of the options. If you use public transport or bike to get to the sand, it may be more economical than driving.

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Admission-free Disney: Disney Wilderness Preserve, Disney Springs and Disney’s BoardWalk

Admission to Disney World isn't free. You can get into the spirit of Disney without spending a lot of money. You can stroll through the dining, entertainment and shopping of Disney Springs or the action-packed Board Walk at Disney's Boardwalk Inn. The Disney Wilderness Preserve is an area full of hiking and bird watching.

young manatee close up portrait underwater
The iconic but often elusive manatee is one of Florida's most beloved creatures © Andrea Izzotti / Shutterstock

Watch manatees chill out 

Dolphins, sea turtles and panthers are some of the most popular animals in Florida. It can be difficult to find one in the wild or on a boat, but there are a few places where they congregate. The pleasantly warm discharge water from a power station draws packs of these gentle creatures. There are butterfly gardens as well as an environmental education building to explore.

Join a nightly sunset party

Why not celebrate the sunset every day in the sunshine state? Sunset celebrations occur each night up to the final rays of the day in some Florida destinations. There is a daily party at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach that features acrobats, musicians, clowns and everything in between.

People shopping on St George St by stores, shops and restaurants American and international flags, St Augustine, Florida, USA
Bustling St George St in St Augustine offers historic sights, quirky boutiques and plenyt of people watching © Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock

Take a stroll down St Augustine’s historic St George St

The oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States is the city of St Augustine. The main drag of the town is St George St and it has a balance of history and modern life.

Enjoy Florida’s creative vibe at public art installations

If you take a stroll, you can see some of the state's most unique art. One of the highlights of the state is a sculpture by a South African artist called "Thrive". The new Underline park is one of the top art spots. At the other end of the state, there is a Buddhist temple and statue park.

Get some quirky culture at free museums

Although most of Florida's museums require paid entry, there are a few free-admission options scattered around the state. The National Naval Aviation Museum, the Museum of Florida History, and the Florida Museum of Natural History are all free.

Feel the pull of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Some of the strongest magnets in the world are located in Florida. The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is located on the campus of Florida State University and is dedicated to testing all forms of magnets. Groups of eight or more can take a private tour of the facility with three weeks' notice.

An aerial drone photo of the guitar-shaped Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino illuminated in blue lights at night, Seminole, Florida, USA
Opened in 2019, the wonderfully gaudy Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino puts on a free nightly light show © Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

Jam out at the Guitar Hotel

Is this the most fun hotel? The Guitar Hotel is located on the grounds of the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood. The building is made of a giant guitar that is 36 stories tall. The sky is lit up by a rooftop beam at night. The hotel usually puts on a light show at 9 and 9:30 pm.

Watch mammals take flight from the University of Florida’s bat houses

There are bat houses on the campus of the University of Florida. We're not interested in baseball. Half a million bats emerge from the two wooden structures after sunset to eat insects. There is no need to worry since the public can see the spectacle from nearby.

Start (or end) a journey at mile 0

How many times do you see a marker? Taking a picture in front of a landmark is more than just a photo. The southernmost point of US Route 1 goes from here to the border with Canada, some 2400 miles away.

The southernmost point in the US can be found in Key West, so it makes sense that you would want a picture with it.

A man with a backpack hikes down a road with oak trees and Spanish moss in Myakka River State Park Wilderness Preserve, Sarasota, Florida, USA
Throughout the state of Florida, roads and paths are shaded by oak branches draped with Spanish moss © Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

Linger under the Spanish moss on canopy roads

There is no shortage of views on Florida's roads. The long branches of Spanish moss cover live oaks, hickories and other flora, creating a tunnel-like and unforgettable drive. You will definitely want to stop for a picture.

Feel the old-school grandeur of the Biltmore Hotel

It is rare to find an old school elegance in South Florida. It was originally built in 1926 and is now a national historic landmark with a 271-room resort as its anchor. Non-paying guests can take two free tours on Sundays.

The article was first published in June of 2021.