The Best Free Things to do in Tampa Bay
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Bike the Upper Tampa Bay trail
As one of Tampa’s most easily accessible urban trails, the Upper Tampa Bay bike path is recommended for any cyclists visiting the city. While the trail is not very shady, there are numerous benefits. Namely, there are multiple access points, and most importantly, handy cold water stations are located along the route (a must in hot Florida!). The route is just 7 miles long, so perfect for a nice weekend ride.
Parking at 9201 West Waters Ave.Tampa, FL 33635 ($2 fee)
More details on the Upper Tampa Bay trail
Explore the ruins of an old hot springs
Wall Springs Park in Palm Harbor was once a place where people would go to soak in healing mineral enriched spring waters. Unfortunately, the hot springs closed down in the mid 60’s. Today, you can see the old spring ruins, plus enjoy a variety of nature trails. Also on-site is a 35 foot tower which overlooks The Gulf. And, as the case at nearly all Florida preserves, you will want to keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife, especially gators! You can also connect to the Pinellas trail here.
*Free parking (3725 De Soto Blvd. Palm Harbor, FL 34683)
Stretch out your legs on Treasure Island Beach
Treasure Island is a big beautiful wide beach. There’s plenty of room here for everyone to spread out even on the most crowded of days. Whether you feel like beachcombing, sunbathing, swimming, paddleboarding, playing volleyball (the only area beach with a dozen nets or so), or simply taking a stroll along the beach, Treasure Island has got it all.
As for the unique name? The story goes that back in the day a local hotel owner buried and discovered a hidden chest at the beach in order to draw tourists in. As this story spread, visitors began calling the beach Treasure Island.
*Parking at 10400 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706 (small fee)
Dig your toes into the soft powdery sands of Clearwater Beach
Out of all the beaches in Tampa Bay, Clearwater is definitely the go-to option for most visitors. Tourists come from all over the world to dig their toes into the soft white sands. The sugar like consistency of the sand comes from the fact that it is nearly pure quartz. Not surprisingly, this beach has come up more than a time or 2 on various “best beaches” list.
Be on the lookout for the free Sunsets at Pier 60 year-round festival which features movies on the beach, live entertainment, and artisan craft markets.
*Free parking is available on various side streets (although it’s hard to find on busy weekends.) Metered and lot parking also available for a small fee.
Enter a natural oasis at Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is the most beautiful of all the nature preserves in Tampa. This one started back in 1938 as a botanical garden, and thereby, still showcases rare tropical plants not seen at other preserves. While quite small at just 31 acres, this is a beautiful place to get lost in nature. Highlights include a rose garden, the largest collection of ferns in Florida, and a boardwalk which winds through cypress, tupelo, and maple floodplains. Not as many walking paths as I would prefer, but a beautiful place to enjoy nature.
*Parking is $2 per car (6400 Eureka Springs Rd. Tampa, FL 33610)
