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.
Observe wildlife at McGough Nature Park
Escape the craziness of the beaches in exchange for a quiet walk through oak hammocks and mangroves at this beloved local Largo Park. This park has been nicknamed “Turtle Park” for its’ high population of aquatic turtles. In addition to plentiful wildlife, there is a mile long nature trail made of recycled tires. Other features include a playground with stand up zipline, firepit rentals, and a butterfly garden.
*Parking is free (11901 146th St N, Largo)
Enjoy a lakeside stroll at Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Moccasin Lake is a beautiful small park located just a short drive from Clearwater Beach. Because of its’ secluded nature, it works well as a natural daytrip away from the beach crowds. Featuring shady oak hammock trails, a nature exhibit, and plentiful wildlife sightings, this is a great place to spend an hour or so getting back to nature. Additionally, the park houses a few injured birds of prey.
*Parking is free (2750 Park Trail Ln, Clearwater)
Take a quiet stroll at North Redington Beach
North Redington is one of the best Gulf beaches to enjoy a peaceful stroll. This hidden gem is often bypassed in favor of the more commercialized beaches, thus making it a great choice for anyone seeking to avoid the rowdy party ambiance. The soft white sands, beautiful scenery, and lack of crowds make it an ideal morning beach walk destination.
*Metered parking (18200 Gulf Blvd. Redington Shores)
Escape to the tropics at the Kopsick Palm Arboretum
Take a short stroll through hundreds of gorgeous palms from around the world at the Kopsick Palm Arboretum. Today, the park is home to more than 500 palms including 150 diverse species. Best of all, admission and parking are both free! This is a great add-on activity if you plan on visiting Vinoy Park, a beautiful waterfront oasis in downtown St. Petersburg.
*Free parking (605 11th Ave NE, St. Petersburg)
Bike the Flatwoods Loop
In North Tampa, you will find a popular 7 mile long paved biking loop through native Florida pine flatwoods. Although the trail is not shady, and thus quite miserable during the summer season, it’s a great pick come fall and winter. The beautiful pines lining both sides of the path will easily motivate you to get in a great workout. I lived in an apartment in the New Tampa area and visited this park fairly regularly. A great place to get in a relatively flat run or bike ride! Note: This park is busy and parking fills up fast, so plan a weekday visit if possible.
*$2 parking fee ( 14302 Morris Bridge Road)
More detail on Flatwoods Loop.
Also check out my guide to the best beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Not only are many of these beaches ranked amongst the top in the country, but parking is often really cheap, especially on weekdays. Bring a towel, sunblock, a cooler with water bottles and snack, lunch, and your beach gear, and you have a nice budget friendly day in a beautiful setting!
