10 Best things to do in Tampa under 10 Bucks

It’s quite easy to plan a budget friendly trip along Florida’s Gulf Coast with the plethora of free preserves and beautiful beaches in the vicinity. On the other hand, it can be a bit more difficult to enjoy a fun day out in Tampa without forking out a lot of cash. Nevertheless, scattered around the city are a handful of recreational activities, cultural attractions, and treats which will not break the bank. After living in the Bay metro for 3 years, I have compiled a list of my most recommended budget friendly activities, all coming in under 10 bucks!

1. Bike the Flatwoods trail

Flatwoods Park is home to an easy tree-lined 7 mile long paved biking loop. If you are looking to get in a nice long bike ride or run, this is a scenic place to do so. This natural park is a welcome escape from the surrounding man-made suburbia congestion. I biked here several times a week while living in New Tampa (my apartment was right across the street) and never experienced much congestion.

A fun alternative to a day basking in the sun, Flatwoods is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors minus the insane tourist crowds. Here you can enjoy the natural beauty of Florida pine flatwoods as opposed to palms and overcrowded beaches. As the scenery found here is not normally what you picture when you think of Florida, a trip to this park is quite an interesting tourist activity for anyone seeking to enjoy the natural side of Florida.

• Total Cost: $2 for parking
• Address: 42540 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647
• Best time to go: Avoid the hot summer season as there is little shade to be found here.

2. Take a leisurely bike ride down Bayshore Blvd

Debatably, Bayshore Blvd is the world’s longest continuous sidewalk. While some claim this is not technically true, regardless this is a scenic uninterrupted place to take a long jog or bike ride. When I am looking more for scenery than a rough ride, this is the bike path I choose. This road runs for 4.5 miles along beautiful Hillsborough Bay in South Tampa, just minutes from downtown. I love the views of the historic mansions on one side and the Bay on the other. Nice hints of the skyline too and easy access to the downtown is possible by connecting to Riverwalk, a short urban path connecting many city attractions.

If you can get yourself out of bed early enough, you may just see a manatee or dolphin! It also never hurts to get out there before the heat reaches its’ full intensity!

• Cost: Free (find free parking on the side streets/watch signs) or park in the metered lot by the Gasparilla pirate boat.
• Address: 320 Bayshore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33606
• Best time to go: Early winter (milder temps plus a lower chance of rain).

3. Alligator watch at Lettuce Lake Park

Your best bet for seeing alligators (in the wild) in Tampa is definitely at Lettuce Lake park. This gorgeous preserve is also heavily shaded and never overly crowded: the perfect quiet rustic escape from the city. A half mile boardwalk takes you through a beautiful Florida hardwood swamp forest. Along the way you will likely see at least 1-2 gators. Take your time and look around as they often blend in with the lily pads. The early spring months are prime for gator sightings as this is mating season. Also in winter, the cold-blooded gators frequently rise out of the water to bask in the sun.

At the end of this short stroll, climb up the overlook tower and enjoy a prime view of the Hillsborough River. Other amenities at this park include a 1.2 mile paved exercise trail, kayak rentals, and picnicking facilities. This park is a great choice if you want to avoid tourist congestion as it is typically frequented more by locals.

• Cost: $2 per car
• Address: 6920 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33637
• Best time to go: Winter, as the weather will much more tolerable.

4. Take a stroll around Hyde Park Village

This beautiful open air shopping complex is located just minutes from downtown Tampa in the beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood. This historic section of the city is one of my favorites: I love the old growth trees and historic homes. The ambiance is very parklike with fountains and beautiful shady trees everywhere.

A few budget friendly ideas for fun (keeping it under 10 bucks) include grabbing a cup of local coffee and a delicious biscuit at Buddy Brew, treating yourself to an Italian pastry or gelato at Sorrento sweets, indulging in a cupcake at Sprinkles (the red velvet is amazing), or getting a healthy boost of antioxidants via a smoothie/juice drink at Clean Juice. Check out the Hyde Park directory.

• Cost: Free (complimentary parking garage)
• Address: 1602 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
• Best time to visit: Anytime outside of the prime hot season (April-Oct).

5. Attend Art on the House at the Tampa Museum of Art

Admire the collection of modern, contemporary, and ancient art at the Tampa Museum of Art. Admission is pay-as-you-wish every Thursday night from 5-8pm which is a great deal as it is normally $25. The permanent collection includes classical antiquities, sculptures by C. Paul Jennewein, photography of the 20th century photography, and a modern/contemporary painting exhibit dedicated to both international and local artists. The museum is located on the beautiful Riverwalk, a 2.4 mile trail which connects numerous city attractions. Note: Admission is also free the first full weekend of every month if you hold a Bank of America (Museums on Us program) card!

• Cost: $25 pp ($12 seniors and military, K-12 $5). Free admission Thursdays from 4-8pm.
• Address: 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
• Best time to visit: Art on the House Thursdays, which features pay-as-you-wish admission. This is a great value for anyone on a budget.