Whether planning an affordable beach vacation or seeking out a trip to the city, Florida offers plenty of budget-friendly spots to explore. Florida is known for its warm weather, sunny skies, beautiful beaches, natural landscape, and various amusement parks. Everglades National Park in Florida, for instance, is one of America’s must-visit natural wonders.
Vacationers also visit the Sunshine State to enjoy Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast beach towns and partake in water sports. A trip to Florida does not have to break the bank, and there are many affordable towns and cities to visit.
10 Orlando
Condos on the water with a boat passing in Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a surprisingly affordable city in Florida, offering a wide variety of free things to do. Save money by swapping a trip to Disney World for an afternoon at Disney Springs. This unique plaza is free to enter and features 99 shops, 68 restaurants and dining options, and a variety of attractions, live performances, and events. A calendar of free concerts and events can be found online.
Other free activities in Orlando include hiking the West Orange Trail and attending a movie night in Lake Eola Park.
Orlando is also home to several budget-friendly resorts that offer a quality stay and excellent amenities.
9 Sarasota
Beach with sand, grass, and ocean in Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota is another affordable Florida city perfect for a vacation. Out of the numerous fun things to do in Sarasota, several are inexpensive or even free. Siesta Beach, for example, is a public beach featuring crystal clear water, soft sand, and lifeguard stations.
Both parking and admission are free at Siesta Beach.
Another picturesque and free attraction in the area is Point of Rocks, a shoreline featuring unique rock formations, marine wildlife, palm trees, and seashells.
8 Fort Myers
Fort Myers, Florida, beach and pier with ocean waves
Another beautiful and affordable beach town in Florida is Fort Myers. There is plenty to explore in Fort Myers, from the city’s gorgeous beaches and parks to its amazing food scene. A great way to experience Fort Myers’ natural beauty is by visiting Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a wildlife sanctuary containing walking trails and exquisite flora and fauna. Stroll along the elevated paths and keep an eye out for turtles, birds, and alligators.
Learn about Florida’s natural environment by embarking on a guided tour of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Tours take place daily at 9:30 am and Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 pm.
7 Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach shoreline with beach, waves, hotels, and buildings
Another affordable Florida city to visit is Daytona Beach on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. When drafting the ultimate travel guide to Daytona Beach, be sure to include a trip to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, as well as a laid-back beach day filled with swimming, lounging, and catching some rays.
A unique experience to have around Daytona Beach is a horseback ride on the beach. Equestrian Adventures of Florida offers affordable packages, with a beach ride costing only $135 per person per hour.
6 Cocoa Beach
Florida Ron Jon Surf Shop and Florida Surf Museum in brightly colored building in Cocoa Beach
Another Florida vacation spot that won’t break the bank is Cocoa Beach. This coastal city is known for its surf breaks and stunning beach. Cocoa Beach is also home to Ron Jon Surf Shop, the largest surf shop in the world, spanning 52,000 feet and filled to the brim with surf, skating, and swimming equipment.
After exploring the largest surf shop, head next door to the Florida Surf Museum, an affordable attraction that teaches guests about Florida’s surf history through interesting exhibits, events, and programs.
The Florida Surf Museum is free to enter, but there is a suggested $2 donation per person.
5 Pensacola
Pensacola, Florida, beach during sunset with waves
When traveling to Florida on a budget, consider visiting Pensacola. This area of Florida is known for its sugar-white beaches, clear water, excellent fishing, and charming beachside shops and restaurants. There is much more to do in Pensacola than visit the beach, however. Exciting things to do in Pensacola besides a beach day include visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum and shopping along Palafox Street.
Sports fans enjoy catching a baseball game at Pensacola’s Blue Wahoos Stadium.
4 Gainesville
Aerial view of Gainesville, Florida, with trees, buildings, and hotels
An affordable place to visit in northern Florida is Gainesville. Gainesville is worth visiting for its budget-friendly hotels, exciting nightlife, delicious restaurants, and natural beauty. Nature lovers should visit Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, featuring hiking trails, sinkholes, guided tours, wildlife viewing, and a picnic area. The park fees are $4 per vehicle, $2 for pedestrians, and $2 for cyclists.
Florida state parks tend to fill up quickly, so plan to arrive at the park around its opening time of 8 am.
3 Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida, city landscape with water, bridge, and skyscrapers
It is also possible to plan a budget-friendly trip to the Florida city of Jacksonville. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida by population. Enjoy a taste of the city life by exploring the area’s bars, restaurants, museums, and shopping centers.
Visiting on a Saturday? A fun and free activity is wandering through the Riverside Arts Market. This market takes place under the Fuller Warren Bridge and draws crowds of artists, farmers, craft makers, and musicians.
The Riverside Arts Market takes place from 10 am-3 pm every Saturday.
2 Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Museum, Florida, sign with red lighthouse and palm trees
An affordable Florida town just south of Daytona Beach is Ponce Inlet. This area of Florida is perfect for vacationers looking to get away from crowds and enjoy a laid-back vacation in a charming beach town. Ponce Inlet is known for its incredible surf conditions and beautiful beach, making it a great spot for surfers and those who enjoy water sports. Guests can also explore the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum for less than $7 ($6.95 for adults and $1.95 for kids 11 and under).
1 Marathon
Marathon, Florida, beach at sunset with sand, palm trees, and condos
The Florida Keys is a popular travel destination, and for good reason. This area is referred to as the dive capital of the world and offers incredible outdoor experiences. It is possible to plan an affordable trip to the Florida Keys by staying in the city of Marathon. This 10-mile island is a hub for seafood festivals, waterfront dining, delicious seafood, and outdoor adventures.
A fun and free activity to enjoy in Marathon is walking or biking the Seven Mile Bridge. This unique Florida structure offers beautiful ocean views and was once an old railroad bridge.
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