Storm coming into Siesta Key Beach

Aside from pricey theme parks and tourist attractions, Florida also offers many wonderful free natural areas. Those on a budget will find that there are plenty of entertaining sights to see without spending a dime. When visiting Florida, it’s hard to imagine that anything is free, based on the absurd prices you pay for theme parks, resorts, and other tourists traps.

However, if you venture out a bit, you will find that every area of the state offers its’ own unique pockets of free natural wonders. The Gulf Coast, in particular, is home to some of the state’s most gorgeous beaches and parks. Take a look below at 10 free things to do on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Incorporate a few of the suggestions into your itinerary for a budget friendly vacation.

 1. Relax on a smooth, sandy beach

Relaxing on beautiful Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota
Relaxing on beautiful Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota

Florida’s miles and miles of beaches draw millions of visitors per year. Beach vacations are a great alternative to theme parks as you can spend all day relaxing without spending anything. Bring your own sunblock, beach chairs and umbrellas, and snacks to avoid any extra costs. Most of these beaches offer sugary smooth sand. You will want to throw your flip flops off and dig your toes into the smooth white sand of the following beaches:

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater is famous for its’ smooth, white sand that almost feels as if you are walking on flour. There are no broken up shells anywhere, so everywhere you step is just pure soft sand. Whether you feel like taking a long morning stroll, sunbathing, reading a book, or playing a game of volleyball, the setting is right for a full day’s worth of fun. There is one downside to enjoying the smooth, white sand, and that is, sharing the space with crowds and crowds of people! Visit on a weekday morning to avoid some of the congestion.

Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach.
Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach.
The flour like consistency of the sand at Clearwater Beach.
The flour-like consistency of the sand at Clearwater Beach.
A beautiful sunset at Clearwater Beach.
A beautiful sunset destination

Siesta Key

Siesta Key is another beach featuring some of the smoothest sand you will ever step foot on. The 99% pure quartz sand is magnificently soft and absolutely cool to the touch. Depending on the time of the year you plan your visit (winter is typically the busy season), you will experience hoards of crowds or a surprisingly peaceful setting. Aside from sunbathing and swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf, Siesta offers a little outdoor recreation in the form of volleyball and tennis courts.

A look at the 99% pure quartz sand found at Siesta Key.
A look at the 99% pure quartz sand found at Siesta Key.
A summer storm making its' way through the beach.
A summer storm making its’ way through the beach.

Crescent Beach

Like Siesta, Crescent features the same soft powdery sand, only fewer crowds. The beach is wide and sandy with plenty of room to stretch out, relax, and enjoy the mild winter weather. Don’t expect to find any shells here, just cool, smooth sand. Bring with your beach chair and umbrella (a must on sunny days) and enjoy a peaceful day of people watching, reading, and listening to the waves.

A beautiful wide & sandy beach.
A beautiful wide & sandy beach.
A view down the beach on a warm January afternoon.
A view down the beach on a warm January afternoon.
Check out this smooth, soft sand!
Check out this smooth, soft sand!

2. Look for Seashells

Collection seashells in Clearwater, Florida

Many of Florida’s beaches are hotspots for collecting seashells. Beach-combing is a wonderful free activity: there are so many unique crafts and creations you can make with your finds. A seashell picture frame is the perfect memento of your vacation. Beach-combing also gives you something more exciting to do at the beach, rather than just sunbathing all day.

Sanibel Island is perhaps the most well-known beach combing oasis. Here you can find layers upon layers of all different types of shells. Sanibel is conveniently located just a half hour from Ft. Myers, making it easily incorporable into any trip.

Here are a few other fantastic choices for beach-combers

Sand Key

Although Sand Key lacks the smooth, fine white sand of popular neighbor Clearwater, a visit to Sand Key can be just as exciting due to the high concentration of seashells found along the coast. Here you can find all sorts of shells, possibly even a starfish. There are never many crowds, so you can easily walk up and down the shore without much congestion. This less touristy, underrated beach is best enjoyed by the beach-goer looking to add new shells to their collection.

Starfish at Sand Key Beach in Clearwater, Florida
A starfish at Sand Key. Note they are illegal to keep when alive

Indian Rocks

Low-key Indian Rocks is a quaint Gulf Coast beach, hidden in between Clearwater and St. Petersburg. It’s the perfect option for a laid-back, yet fun-filled afternoon spent searching for seashells. Here you can easily spend a few hours strolling along the shore, collecting unique shells. Afterwards, park your beach chair and umbrella and enjoy a relaxing afternoon listening to the waves and enjoying the pretty views.

A look down the beach.
A look down the quiet beach.
As you can see, the water is pretty clear.
As you can see, the water is pretty clear.
A beautiful winter sunset.
A beautiful winter sunset.

Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach is Sarasota’s hotspot for beach-combing. Not only is the beach absolutely gorgeous, it also happens to be much less crowded than touristy neighbor Siesta Key. You won’t find the same white, baby powder sand here, however, you will find plenty of unbroken seashells that you can take home as a souvenir. Add in a picture-perfect peaceful setting for relaxing with a good book, picnic tables for a scenic lunch, and miles of coastline to walk along, and you have yourself a pretty nice day set up.

The most beautiful beach in Sarasota - secluded with natural surroundings.
The most beautiful beach in Sarasota – secluded with natural surroundings.
One of the most picturesque Gulf Coast beaches for a stroll...
One of the most picturesque Gulf Coast beaches for a stroll…
You will find all different types of shells here!
You will find all different types of shells here!

3. Photograph alligators in their natural habitat

Lots of alligators down "Alligator Alley" at Lakeland's Circle B Bar Reserve
Lots of alligators down “Alligator Alley” at Lakeland’s Circle B Bar Reserve

With over a million spread throughout the state, Florida’s alligator population is second only to Louisiana. Your chances of seeing one on your visit are pretty high, especially if your trip falls during the right time of the year (gators prefer temperatures in the range of 82-92). Although you could pay for a pricey airboat tour, a wise alternative is to catch a glimpse of one of these prehistoric creatures at a park or preserve. Florida as it is one of the best places to photograph alligators in the wild.

Take advantage of the opportunity to visit a state park or preserve and view one of these unique creatures up-close in their wild surroundings. Grab your walking shoes or bike and enjoy a free self-guided tour. As with any wildlife, follow safety precautions to reduce your risk of injury. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation has some great alligator safety tips to check out before your visit. Here’s a few great parks & trails to check out on your visit:

John Chestnut

Beautiful small park in Palm Harbor, a quaint suburb in Pinellas County. The main feature here is a gorgeous boardwalk trail through beautiful native cypress swamps. Lots of gator, armadillo, and deer sightings here.

Alligator sighting at John Chestnut Park in Palm Harbor, Florida

The Everglades National Park

The Shark Valley Trail at Everglades National Park is a 15 mile loop which can be used for walking or biking. Or you can go the relaxing route and book a scenic tram ride. Although the thought of relaxing in a narrated tram ride is enticing, it will also cost you $29+ per person, which can get pretty pricey depending on the size of your party. On the other hand, biking the route is free. Not to mention, you can spend as much time as you want taking photography and enjoying the natural sights as you move along at your own pace. You are almost guaranteed to see dozens of gators along this popular trail.

Myakka River State Park

Located in Sarasota, beautiful, historic Myakka River State park is home to thousands upon thousands of alligators. You can see them throughout the park, near any body of water. Although the boat tour here is fabulous, you can just as easily see a gator near any of the lake observation decks. Aside from gators, the park is absolutely beautiful for biking, hiking, birdwatching, and any other type of recreational activity.

Alligator spotted in the lake, near one of the trails.
Alligator spotted in the lake, near one of the trails.
An excellent closeup view of an alligator's head taken on an observation deck.
An excellent closeup view of an alligator’s head taken on an observation deck.

Circle B Bar Reserve

Located in Lakeland, just an hour’s drive from Orlando, is the wonderful & free Circle B Bar Reserve, home to a decent sized population of alligators. Here you will even find a trail called “Alligator Alley,” which is a bit scary to walk through due to the presence of water on both sides. The trail is very narrow, however, worth the scary trek it if you really want to see an alligator upclose. Depending on the weather you could see dozens, and possibly even capture a shot of one crossing the road. Bring your camera and be prepared for endless photo opportunities. What a wonderful souvenir to take home with you!

A great full body shot of a gator on the Alligator Alley trail.
A great full body shot of a gator on the Alligator Alley trail.
A gator hiding behind the trees. Look very closely while strolling down Alligator Alley. They tend to blend in very well with their surroundings!
A gator hiding behind the trees. Look very closely while strolling down Alligator Alley. They tend to blend in very well with their surroundings!

4. Visit a nature preserve

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, located in St. Petersburg, is one of the many wonderful preserves found in Tampa Bay.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, located in St. Petersburg, is one of the many wonderful preserves found in Tampa Bay.

Florida is home to many great parks. Just driving on the highway, you would think that Florida is nothing but overcrowded malls, restaurants, and hotels. However, if you venture out a bit, you will find that wonderful parks and natural areas exist in large quantities throughout the state. Visiting a park is a fantastic free day out, which includes exercise, photography, and the opportunity to explore local plants and wildlife. The Gulf Coast is loaded with some of the best parks in the state. Listed below are a few noteworthy parks and preserves to add to your must-see list.

John Chestnut

Gorgeous Pinellas County park featuring shady picnicking areas, a swampy boardwalk trail, volleyball courts, beautiful views of Lake Tarpon, and ample wildlife watching opportunities.

Lush boardwalk trail at John Chestnut Park in Palm Harbor, Florida
Take a walk on the lush boardwalk trail featuring gorgeous tropical plant life
Bird watching at John Chestnut Park in Palm Harbor, Florida
A great bird watching destination

Robinson Nature Preserve

This quiet Bradenton area (located just a half hour north of Sarasota) preserve offers an unmatched tranquil setting. It’s one of the best parks in the Sarasota area. A variety of easy nature trails, a 40 foot tall observation tower, and picnicking areas will keep you busy for hours. Climbing the tower should be tops on your list – here you will be treated to one of a kind views of Tampa Bay, along with beautiful panoramic landscapes of the preserve.

Beautiful views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from the Robinson observation tower.
Beautiful views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from the Robinson observation tower.
More gorgeous natural views at one of the area's best preserves.
More gorgeous natural views at one of the area’s best preserves.
A view of the quaint, natural trail on a beautiful overcast day.
A view of the quaint, natural trail on a beautiful overcast day.

Weedon Island Preserve

St. Pete’s Weedon Island is a great alternative for those who aren’t keen on the beach atmosphere. This quiet park is busting with all different types of wildlife, including gopher tortoises and armadillos. A peaceful walk around the shady grounds is a much nicer experience than any man made tourist attraction. Like Robinson, the preserve’s observation tower offers fantastic views of Tampa Bay.

Great views of Tampa Bay from the observation tower.
Great views of Tampa Bay from the observation tower.
Abundant moss trees provide much needed shade on the trails during the hot, humid summer season.
Abundant moss trees provide much needed shade on the trails during the hot, humid summer season.
Armadillo on the trail. You are bound to see at least one, along with other small forms of wildlife.
Armadillo on the trail. You are bound to see at least one, along with other small forms of wildlife.

5. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride

Biking along Tampa's scenic Bayshore Blvd. path.
Biking along Tampa’s scenic Bayshore Blvd. path.

Bike riding is one of the best ways to explore a new area without spending a ton of money. More often than not, you can find a quality bike path within a short drive of almost anywhere. Florida’s year-round warm climate and flat landscapes lead to some excellent biking conditions. Here’s a sampling of a few of the great paths to check out during your visit:

Bayshore Blvd.

At 4.5 miles, this beautiful waterfront path claims the title as “world’s longest continuous sidewalk.”The views of the Bay and Tampa skyline are gorgeous. Set out early enough in the morning and you may see some manatees. Another bonus here is the convenient access to downtown and the Riverwalk.

The beautiful Bayshore Blvd biking path in Tampa, Florida
Easily the most gorgeous biking/walking trail on the Gulf

Upper Tampa Bay Trail

The 7.5 mile long tree-lined Upper Tampa Bay Trail is one of Tampa’s hidden gems, a wonderful, peaceful recreation path located in the midst of a busting metro area. The 14 mile round-trip path is flat and fast, making it perfect for weekend recreational use. The most scenic views include those of the Hillsborough River. Birdwatching, small wildlife, and plenty of beautiful trees comprise this picturesque biking path.

Relaxing bike ride along the Upper Tampa Bay bike trail
Tree-lined views along the trail provide a little summertime relief from the heat.
Gorgeous views of the Hillsborough River is one of the highlights of the trail.
Gorgeous views of the Hillsborough River is one of the highlights of the trail.

Jay B. Starkey Park trail

This 6+ mile trail located within scenic Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park connects to the longer 42 mile long Suncoast Trail. Any beginner or seasoned cyclist will appreciate the scenic wooded views, flat course, and lack of crowds. An easy trail which is perfect for fall and winter recreation, due to the mild climate.

Peaceful views and few crowds make the Jay B. Starkey Bike path one of the best in the area.
Peaceful views and few crowds make the Jay B. Starkey Bike path one of the best in the area.
The wooded views are wonderfully relaxing.
The wooded views are wonderful.

Pinellas Trail

This lengthy 45+ mile Pinellas trail has been rated one of the best rail trails in the country. With multiple access points, it’s easy to get in a refreshing ride no matter where you are staying. Start in beautiful downtown Dunedin and continue until reaching Tarpon Springs (home to the famous Sponge Docks). Treat yourself to some authentic Greek food (Hellas is great) before heading back.

Tree-lined views on Florida's Pinellas Trail
Convenient bike and walking lanes
Pinellas Trail near downtown Dunedin, Florida
Lively downtown Dunedin offers much to do
Palms lining the Pinellas trail in Florida
A beautiful tropical section in Tarpon Springs

Flatwoods Regional Park Loop

Located in suburban New Tampa, Flatwoods is another great suburban oasis. It’s tree-lined for the entire 11 mile length, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely ride. What a great way to start off your weekend with lovely wooded views, fresh air, and a little healthy exercise. It’s the perfect distance for a long, yet not overly exhausting workout. This peaceful ride offers a much appreciated wooded setting with the added bonus of a complete absence of any traffic noise.

Flatwoods provides a much needed rural escape for city-dwellers.
Flatwoods provides a much needed rural escape for city-dwellers.
Beautiful pines line both sides of the path.
Beautiful pines line both sides of the path.

6. Explore a historic downtown

Historic downtown Dunedin, Florida
A section of downtown Dunedin near the start of the Pinellas Trail, a 30+ mile bike ride.

Skip the standard malls in favor of a walkable, quaint downtown. Many small Gulf Coast towns feature free community events throughout the year, such as live concerts, community holiday celebrations, and farmers markets. Dunedin (home of Honeymoon Island State Park), Safety Harbor (where the famous Fountain of Youth was reported to be discovered), Anna Maria Island (a quaint, old fashioned Gulf Coast community), and St. Armand’s Circle (a wonderful old-fashioned shopping and dining district) in Sarasota are a few of the best.

Be on the lookout for special events in these towns throughout the year. Strolling around one of these charming downtowns is a great alternative when you bore of the standard, stuffy malls which populate the area.

Grand Central District in St. Petersburg is a quaint, interesting area to walk around.
Grand Central District in St. Petersburg is an interesting area to walk around.
Columbia is one of the must visit restaurants in Sarasota's charming St. Armand's Circle.
Columbia is one of the must visit restaurants in Sarasota’s charming St. Armand’s Circle.
Dunedin's annual holiday boat parade is one of the most popular events of the year.
Dunedin’s annual holiday boat parade is one of the most popular events of the year.
Snow in Florida! Tarpon Spring's annual "There's Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs" holiday festival.
Snow in Florida! Tarpon Spring’s annual “There’s Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs” holiday festival.

7. Enjoy a beautiful sunset

A gorgeous sunset at Sarasota's Lido Beach
A gorgeous sunset at Sarasota’s Lido Beach

It wouldn’t be right to visit Florida’s Gulf Coast without taking some time out to enjoy a beautiful sunset. The best part is that this wonderful activity won’t cost you a dime. Grab a beach chair, your camera, your loved one and enjoy a romantic evening out on the beach. The Gulf coast is known to be home to some of the most gorgeous sunsets in this country. Here’s a few sunset photos for you to feast your eyes on.

Sunset at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin.
Sunset at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin.
Sunset at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin.
Swimming with the sunset at Honeymoon Island
Sunset at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs.
Sunset at Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs.
Sunset at Venice Beach in Sarasota.
Sunset at Venice Beach in Sarasota.

8. Take part in a beach volleyball game

Volleyball at Treasure Island beach.
Volleyball at Treasure Island beach.

Although Florida’s beach volleyball scene sorely lacks in comparison to the sporty beaches of Southern California, you can still find a few beaches and even parks with nets set up. Grab your friends and enjoy a game before proceeding to relax on the beach for the day. The late fall and winter months are ideal for playing as the weather is a bit cooler and less humid than the brutally hot summer months. Get out there and enjoy some fun-in-the-sun, all while getting in a great workout and enjoying the beautiful views.

Clearwater, Siesta Key, Treasure Island, and Sunset Beach are a few of the popular beaches in which you will find nets set up.

Volleyball at Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota.
Volleyball at Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota.
Volleyball at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs.
Volleyball at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs.

9. Find free live entertainment

Beach crowds at Clearwater's Pier 60 Sunsets at the Pier Festival.
Beach crowds at Clearwater’s Pier 60 Sunsets at the Pier Festival.

Many Gulf coast beaches, downtown districts, and parks offer free events and activities throughout the year. Check individual towns websites, Chamber of Commerce sites, bulletin boards, and park websites to stay informed about upcoming events.

One great free year-round festival, Clearwater’s Sunsets at Pier 60, includes a great nightly lineup of music, entertainment acts, and monthly movies on the beach. After enjoying a day walking around Clearwater’s sugar smooth sand, be sure to stay around for this lively festival. Visiting the beach in the morning or afternoon and staying until the festival will ensure that you find a parking spot for this very popular nightly event.

10. Take a scenic drive

The scenic 7 mile drive around Myakka River State Park in Sarasota.
The scenic 7 mile drive around Myakka River State Park in Sarasota.

Unfortunately, most driving around the Tampa Bay area is quite unappealing – lots of traffic, stores, and malls. However, the driving gets less congested and more appealing as you move beyond this area. Most driving around the Sarasota area is less clustered, and more tropical feeling. The Windows to the Gulf Coast Water Scenic Highway is one of the most popular and scenic drives on the West side of Florida. The drives features lots of beautiful Old Florida architecture and plenty of tropical views.

Here’s a few other scenic drives to incorporate into your visit

Myakka River State Park loop

Myakka is one of Florida’s best parks. Beautiful views of Myakka Lake, sabal palms and moss trees, and a gorgeous marsh can be enjoyed via the park’s scenic 7 mile loop (biking is also a fun way to enjoy the natural Florida scenery). This is a great park; you real feel as if you are taking a step back into time and experiencing uninterrupted Florida from long ago.

Beautiful moss trees lining the drive around gorgeous Myakka River State Park.
Beautiful moss trees lining the drive around gorgeous Myakka River State Park.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Tampa Bay’s iconic bridge frequently rates amongst the top in the world. Travel Channel rated it number 3 on its’ Top 10 Bridges in the World list. The 5+ mile bridge connects St. Petersburg with Terra Ceia. Driving over this architectural wonder truly is a great experience; the views of the water on both sides is simply amazing.

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge as seen from Robinson Nature Preserve in Bradenton.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge as seen from Robinson Nature Preserve in Bradenton.

At 431 feet tall, it is also one of the tallest bridges in the world. As you drive up to the top, you almost feel as if you are heading up into the clouds. Due to its’ beauty, it is often used in car commercials. Consider a sunset visit as the views are extraordinary at this time.

A few great places to see the bridge from afar: Robinson Nature Preserve in Bradenton, East Beach at Fort De Soto Park, and Bayfront Park in Anna Maria Island.  Note there is a small toll.

Have you visited any of the Gulf Coast attractions listed above? What are some of your favorite free things to do on Florida’s Gulf Coast?