10 Free Things to do in Florida That You Shouldn't Miss

January 27, 2022 Mollie Coke

Not just for retirees and theme park enthusiasts, the Sunshine State offers beautiful beaches, pristine diving conditions, and sizzling nightlife. Salsa the night away in a smokin’ hot Miami club, or swing away at one of Kissimmee’s many premium golf courses. An airboat tour of the Everglades is an unforgettable adventure – just look out for alligators! For the risk-averse, a lazy day spent on the soft sands of an Emerald Coast beach is as rejuvenating as a spa treatment.
Restaurants in Florida

1. National Naval Aviation Museum

1750 Radford Blvd Suite C, NAS, Pensacola, FL 32508-5400 +1 850-452-3604 [email protected] http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org
Excellent
92%
Good
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5.0 based on 6,454 reviews

National Naval Aviation Museum

Experience the magic of flight at the National Naval Aviation Museum! See over 4,000 artifacts and 150 aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. Ride the flight simulators or catch all the drama and power of amazing IMAX films. Dine in the authentic Cubi Bar Cafe and take home the spirit of Naval Aviation with a unique memento from the Flight Deck Store. Spend a cool day inside the Museum and experience Hands-on-History! New Naval Air Station Entrance: All visitors to the National Naval Aviation Museum, Fort Barrancas and Pensacola Lighthouse who do not possess a Department of Defense identification card or are unescorted by the holder of a Department of Defense identification card, will be required to enter the installation via the West Gate located off Blue Angel Parkway.

Reviewed By 763cathrynd

State of the art aviation museum for all ages! Has it all! 2 story quality museum along with a gift shop, iMax theater, restaurant in the beautiful setting at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL! Easy to spend anywhere from 2-5 hours there! It’s awesome! Cost? FREE!

2. Wakodahatchee Wetlands

13270 Jog Rd, Delray Beach, FL 33446-3801 +1 561-493-6000 http://discover.pbcgov.org/waterutilities/Pages/Wakodahatchee.aspx
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
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5.0 based on 1,697 reviews

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

Situated on 50 acres of previous wastewater utility property, Wakodahatchee is a constructed wetlands that is free to the public. The site features a three-quarter mile boardwalk that crosses between open water pond areas and islands. A part of the South section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Wakodahatchee is home to an abundance of wildlife as more than 178 bird species have been identified along with turtles, alligators, rabbits, fish, frogs and raccooons.

Reviewed By 24annel

Beautiful wetlands, for birding can see lots of birds any time of day, but morning is best, they open at 6:30am. Nice easy boardwalk that is about a mile long. I took a bird photography class a couple years ago and the class came here for several days. I have been back many times since. We saw dozens of different types of animals, a cottonmouth snake, marsh bunny, gators big and small, great blue herons, tricolor herons, snowy egrets, great egrets, swamp hens, black bellied whistling ducks, little blue herons. In late January and February there are loads of nesting birds including blue herons, cormorants, anhingas, little blue, tricolor, common moore hens, purple gallinules, ospreys, and hundreds of endangered wood storks, it is really a fantastic place to get great photographs! But parking is limited so often wait in line for a few minutes to get a parking place. Also take water with you, it can get hot.

8543 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL 32566-6903 (850) 939-2691
Excellent
85%
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5.0 based on 1,707 reviews

Navarre Beach

Tucked away in a corner of Northwest Florida, far from crowded theme parks and packed beaches, you will find a piece of the old Florida offering solitude and simplicity for sun seekers, families, outdoor adventurers, nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Reviewed By Applejacksons

It’s horrible how great it is for just relaxing. If more people come here there will be more traffic for me as a Floridian. Beach is great. Calm on some days and not so calm on others. Just check the webcam. I agree go to Pensacola or destin so we can enjoy how pristine the beach experience is. The sound side is great as well.

4. St. Augustine Distillery

112 Riberia St, St. Augustine, FL 32084-4351 +1 904-825-4962 [email protected] http://www.staugustinedistillery.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 8,108 reviews

St. Augustine Distillery

St. Augustine Distillery is a locally owned and operated, artisanal spirits distillery in historic, downtown St. Augustine. Located within a beautifully restored ice plant from the turn-of-the-century, our mission is simple: Educate and inspire our guests about our handcrafted, award-winning rum, bourbon whiskey, gin, and vodka. All of our spirits are made from local and regional agricultural products. The result is undeniable; world-class spirits that create the best local cocktails imaginable. Come taste for yourself. St. Augustine Distillery offers free tours and tastings seven days a week.

Reviewed By kristincW3725BV - Sarasota, United States

The St. Augustine Distillery tour is a must-do! It’s a free tour and Nick is a great tour guide/bartender.The samples are excellent, especially the Florida Mule and Rum Tiki. You won’t regret this off-the-beaten path stop.

5. Clearwater Beach

1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767 https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/
Excellent
72%
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4.5 based on 12,523 reviews

Clearwater Beach

With hundreds of things to do on Clearwater Beach, the main attraction is still pretty much its near-perfect beach (USA Today readers voted Clearwater Beach "Best Beach Town in Florida" in 2013). Beautiful white sand and clear, shallow water make this beach an ideal playground for families.

Reviewed By ideasinfluence - Forest City, United States

Spent a winter day in February walking, jogging, tanning, orgeous white sand, spacious, spent quiet time near the rocks by Opal Sand Resort's beautiful outdoor bar, the perfect spot to watch the sun set. No matter where you are in Clearwater it seems everything you need is right there.

6. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 +1 727-938-6898 [email protected] http://spongedocks.net
Excellent
49%
Good
35%
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4.5 based on 2,826 reviews

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

The Sponge Industry helped build a Greek Community that is now famous not only for the worlds finest sponges, but for some of the finest Greek Restaurants, Markets, and Bakeries in the Country.

Reviewed By DeLureC

I have taken so many family members and friends to visit the sponge capital of the world and Greek center of Florida, Tarpon Springs. Located in northern Pinellas County on the gulf, the sponge docks area of the city is full of great Greek food, darling shops with sponges, soaps and other collectibles, dolphin sight seeing boat rides, a cute aquarium for families with young children, an exquisite Greek Orthodox Church and more. It’s fun for all ages and we never tire of our visits there!

7. Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach, FL
Excellent
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4.5 based on 3,178 reviews

Pensacola Beach

Located on Santa Rosa Island, Pensacola Beach is a popular spot for family vacations.

Reviewed By rkmcgilla - Pensacola, United States

I live on the Bay between Pensacola and NAS and we take our grandkids there every time they visit. From the Pavilion at Pensacola Beach all the way to the West end of the island at Perdido Pass it is sugar white sand and beautiful water. Several restaurants, but our favorites over there is Flounders. In Pensacola McGuire’s is tops. The views on the drive are fantastic

8. Siesta Beach

948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL 34242-2174 941-861-5000 https://www.visitsarasota.com/article/siesta-key-no-1-beach-champion-destination
Excellent
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4.5 based on 7,855 reviews

Siesta Beach

Public swimming beach known for its clean, hard-packed sand.

Reviewed By Radman509 - Mechanicsburg, United States

While I can appreciate people on vacation looking forward to a spectacular time, only to arrive and see one of the most beautiful beaches in the world In a bit of disarray, does not take away from all its splendor! What it does remind me is how wonderful our natural resources are, how important it is to take care of them as much as we can, and understand what we can do to preserve it. The algae and bacteria are usually found in pockets, but this year they've mushroomed to stretch up and down the coast including Siesta Key. Warmer waters and runoff from lakes and streams can exacerbate the problem, but the ecosystems will replenish itself at this beach along with many Florida Gulf coast beaches, they will be restored. It is sad to only experience disappointment because of the current state and a bit disheartening, but it is not an amusement park that closed when you showed up at the gates because the amusement park decided to do a full restoration.. That’s is like saying you’re going to the beautiful Caribbean beaches only to be caught in a hurricane, and say it’s the worst beach in the world because of the rain and torrential winds. Silly! The beautiful white sand, the turquoise and green water and amazing weather a majority of the calendar year still makes Siesta Key one of my favorite beaches and still pne of the best in the world! I’ll be back! :-)

9. Naples Pier

Naples, FL +1 239-213-3062 http://www.naplespier.com/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 7,328 reviews

Naples Pier

Reviewed By saintnick76 - Southampton, United Kingdom

This is one of our favourite places to watch the sunset whilst watching dolphin & pelican, it can get busy on evenings of a good sunset so getting there early ensures a good spot at the pier end. We cannot get enough of this place and can't wait to go back next year

10. South Beach

Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/south-beach.html
Excellent
60%
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8%
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4.5 based on 19,860 reviews

South Beach

People watching is a great pastime in Miami's South Beach, which draws celebrities and beautiful people in skimpy swim attire to see and be seen. The wide and fine, white sand-covered beaches are popular spots for fashion photo shoots, so you're sure to see models. The area is known for its hip clubs and wild nightlife as well as numerous excellent restaurants.

Reviewed By SudeshMehta - Bengaluru, India

Lots has already been said about this beach. One of the popular spots in the world known for white sand, warm waters, great beach side restaurants, beach walk way etc etc. Efforts taken to keep the place safe, secure and clean are worth appreciation. You can spend hours amidst the serenity of this beach, soaking up some sun or just watch people strolling, working out, dancing and enjoying themselves. Great getaway during chilly winters - just pack your beach wear and a pair of shades and you are all set. Advisable to not drive a car to this place because parking is painful and expensive. Uber/Lyft is the right choice.

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