Skip the Theme Parks — Here’s the Florida Most People Never See
I was born and raised in Florida and have spent my entire life exploring this state on a budget. No Disney, no outlet malls, no $200 hotel rooms. Just the real Florida — and most of it is either free or costs next to nothing.
Whether you’re a Florida native or planning a visit, this is your guide to the best free and super cheap things to do in Florida that most people never find.
The Forgotten Coast — FREE
The most beautiful stretch of beach in Florida and most people have never heard of it. North Florida’s Gulf Coast is almost entirely undeveloped — no condos, no crowds, no noise. Just miles of white sand and emerald water.
Drive Highway 19/98 from St. Marks to Mexico Beach — one of the most gorgeous drives in the entire country. Winding along the Gulf through tiny fishing villages, over bridges with water stretching as far as you can see on both sides. Most beaches along this stretch are completely free and Florida State Parks are just $5 per vehicle.
Note: Port St. Joe was hit hard by Hurricane Michael in 2018 but has recovered beautifully. Check current park status before an overnight trip.
👉 Check Florida State Parks Current Status
St. George Island — FREE to Visit
My favorite beach in Florida. St. George is a barrier island is consistently rated one of the top ten beaches in the entire country — and almost nobody outside of Florida knows it exists.
Nothing on the island is over three stories tall. No chains, no tourist traps. Just stunning white sand, clear water, and real Florida charm. Completely free to spend the day.
While you’re there grab ice cream at Aunt Ebby’s and dinner at The Blue Parrot. After a few days here you will never go to an overcrowded beach again.
America’s Smallest Police Station — FREE
This one is just pure fun. Driving through Carrabelle, FL on Highway 98 keep your eyes open for an old phone booth on the side of the road. That’s it — America’s Smallest Police Station. Free, quirky, and impossible not to love.
Florida Caverns State Park — $5 per Vehicle
The only state park in Florida to offer cave tours to the public — and they are absolutely incredible. Stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rooms that will blow your mind.
They also offer camping and kayaking. Do not miss the nighttime cave tour. Watch for the bats — they are part of the experience!
Dry Tortugas National Park — $15 per Person
You’ve heard of Key West. Skip it and go here instead. About 68 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park preserves Fort Jefferson and seven stunning islands — the most isolated of all the Florida Keys.
You can only get there by ferry or seaplane. Camping is allowed on the island. The $15 park fee is one of the best deals in the entire National Park system — the ferry is the bigger expense but worth every penny.
Crystal River Wildlife Refuge — FREE to Visit
In the sweet little city of Crystal River you can actually swim with manatees. Unlike anywhere else in Florida, the federal government allows passive in-water observation — meaning you can get face-to-face with these gentle giants for free just by showing up.
Guided tours run $20–$30 if you want a full experience but the wildlife refuge itself is free to visit. A perfect stop if you’re traveling Highway 19/98.
Devil’s Den and the Central Florida Springs — $15–$20
Here’s one of Florida’s best kept secrets — the center of the state is loaded with crystal clear natural springs that stay around 72 degrees year-round. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking in any season.
The crown jewel is Devil’s Den — so unique they only allow scuba diving and snorkeling, no casual swimming. Entry runs about $15–$20 depending on what you’re doing.
Nearby springs worth visiting include:
- Silver Springs State Park — $2 per person
- Ginnie Springs — $15 per day
- Little River Springs — FREE
- Ichetucknee Springs — tube the river for $7
You can go tubing in the Itchnatuckney or Rainbow Springs which are nearby!
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park — $13 Adults, $8 Kids
One of Florida’s oldest and most unique roadside attractions. For nearly 60 years Weeki Wachee Springs has been drawing visitors with its famous live mermaid shows performed in crystal clear spring water. It sounds cheesy. It is absolutely magical. One of the most uniquely Florida experiences on this entire list.
St. Augustine, FL — FREE to Explore
The oldest city in the United States is almost entirely free to explore on foot. Spanish colonial architecture, incredible history, cobblestone streets, and a fort with cannons — the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is just $15 per adult and free for kids under 15.
Wander the historic district, explore the streets, and head down to A Street for some of the best beaches on Florida’s East Coast — completely free.
The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg – St. Petersburg — $15–$25
Outside of Spain the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s work in the world is tucked away in downtown St. Pete on the waterfront. The building alone is worth the trip. Spend the morning at the museum and the afternoon exploring downtown St. Pete for free — one of the most walkable and vibrant downtowns in Florida.
Tip: Check for free admission days and discount tickets online before you go.
Airboat Rides Near Orlando — $25–$50
Loud, fast, and an absolute blast. Airboat rides take you deep into the Florida backwoods and Everglades in a way nothing else can. Prices vary by operator — shop around and look for coupons online before you book. Kids love them but skip it for toddlers — they are very loud.
National Naval Aviation Museum — Pensacola — FREE
One of the most impressive museums I have ever been to — and it is completely free. Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, this massive museum covers military and aerospace history in a way that will keep you busy for an entire afternoon.
Kids can sit in actual aircraft. There is tons to explore. Admission and parking are both free.
Note: Access is currently limited to active or retired military. Check current entry requirements before visiting.
Free & Cheap Florida Vacation — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Florida? The Forgotten Coast beaches, St. George Island, Crystal River Wildlife Refuge, St. Augustine’s historic district, Daytona Beach, and the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola are all free or nearly free and absolutely worth the trip.
What is the cheapest beach in Florida to visit? St. George Island and the Forgotten Coast are completely free to visit and consistently rated among the best beaches in the country. Florida State Parks along the Gulf Coast are just $5 per vehicle.
What is the best budget road trip in Florida? Drive Highway 19/98 from St. Marks to Mexico Beach. It’s one of the most gorgeous drives in the country, most beaches along the way are free, and you’ll pass Crystal River, Weeki Wachee, and the Forgotten Coast all in one trip.
Is Florida a good vacation for families on a budget? Absolutely. Between free beaches, cheap state parks, free museums, and natural springs you can spend an entire week in Florida for almost nothing if you know where to go. This list is proof.
Have a favorite free or cheap Florida spot I missed? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to add it to the list!
