Because it's one of Florida's most popular family vacation spots, you might be surprised to learn that Cocoa Beach is incredibly affordable. There are many cheap destinations in Florida that are often overlooked. From Cocoa Beach to St Augustine, New Syrna Beach to Sarasota, these incredible fun-filled destinations are perfect for the whole family and won't take an arm or a leg to get there or vacation there. Jensen Beach is the bomb for water sports and bargains, with accommodations that fit everyone's budget, including camping.
Discover package deals and discounts on the Convention Visitors' Office %26 website. New Smyrna Beach is one of the most discreet options on our list of cheap beaches in Florida. It has 13 miles of award-winning white-sand Atlantic beaches, plenty of quirky shops and restaurants, and fabulous places to fish and play golf. Its abundant accommodations include condominiums, bed and breakfast inns, hotels, houses, and even campgrounds (but not on the beach).
View Recent Posts by Katherine Alex Beaven Check Out Florida's Cutest Beach Towns. It's true that Tampa has become more expensive than it used to be, but only because it's much fresher than it used to be. And, the truth is, it's still cheaper than some of Florida's other big cities (looking at you, Miami). We love Tampa because it's easy to get to (via TPA Airport) and it's kind of a one-stop shop, it has top-notch attractions like Busch Gardens, excellent museums, waterfront views, a historic and modern food scene, plus plenty of history, nature and fun activities to start with.
This choice is an ideal budget hotel that ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank. Prices for Holiday Inn Express %26 Suites Tampa USF-Busch Gardens Each of the rooms here is an affordable suite, complete with wet bars, microwaves, refrigerators, and sofa beds. Wi-Fi, 24-hour coffee, and breakfast are free. In addition, you can take your dog.
Prices for Microtel Inn %26 Suites by Wyndham Tallahassee Families with young children should take advantage of free entertainment, such as the play area at The LEGO Store in Disney Springs, campfire nights and movies with Chip and Dale at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, and self-guided nature walks through more of 80 acres of native and exotic plants in the UCF Arboretum. Families on a budget love Baymont Inn for spacious rooms with mini-fridges and pull-out sofa beds. Amenities include a large pool with a separate splash pool for children, a 24-hour fitness center, and a generous free breakfast buffet with all kinds of hot options. The Baymont is one of the best values in the Orlando area.
It may come as a surprise, but Ocala is also known as the “Horse Capital of the World” and is an ideal place to go horseback riding, attend an equestrian show or visit a horse farm where you're likely to meet a future Derby winner. The unspoiled nature and wildlife found in the Ocala area make it one of the best options for hunters, birders, and even hardcore survivors. This Florida local's favorite beach has a relaxed, low-key vibe and promises fewer crowds and lower prices than neighboring Daytona Beach. The wide white sand beach is where you're likely to spend most of your time while vacationing here.
But if you need a break from the sun and sand, there's enough to keep you busy without emptying your wallet. Pop in and out of pretty and quirky shops, take a beachside stroll along the Flagler Avenue boardwalk, or get a little more active hiking, biking and fishing. Other economic activities include a visit to the Marine Discovery Center, wildlife viewing from the waterfront at Smyrna Dunes Park, walking through the ruins of the 17th century sugar mill, and walking to Turtle Mound, a 50-foot oyster shell created by Florida's Timucuan Indians. Looking for a budget hotel with old-fashioned Florida charm? Welcome to the Islander Beach Resort, with a beachfront pool and direct access to the sand.
The spacious studio, one and two bedroom apartments have kitchens and living rooms, and some have balconies with sea views. Bring your rooms to the living room. While many Florida travelers opt for Key West, it's one of the most expensive keys. For a better deal, choose to stay in Marathon, where not only will you find one of the best (and only) white sand beaches in the Florida Keys, but you'll also have a more convenient location in the Middle Keys and backdoor access to some spectacular boating, water and nature activities.
At Sombrero Beach, visitors get free parking, free access, and perks like a picnic area, volleyball court, play area, and even bathrooms with showers. The water just off the coast is warm and it's not uncommon to see locals and tourists snorkeling or even fishing in the shallow waters of the coast. If you can get off the beach and get out of the water, explore some of Marathon's other cheap and free activities, such as visiting and learning about sea turtles at Turtle Hospital, walking or biking the famous Seven Mile Bridge, walking and seeing wildlife through Curry Hammock State Park, hopping on a kayak, test your balance on a stand-up paddle board or find your zen with yoga on the beach. Another bonus? Fresh seafood without tourist prices.
We recommend Castaway Waterfront Restaurant %26 Sushi Bar, especially when serving lionfish. This budget selection has reopened in the wake of Hurricane Irma and remains one of the best deals in the Middle Keys. Guests receive a free hot buffet breakfast with pancakes and coffee 24 hours a day. There's an outdoor pool, a renovated gym, and a tiki bar with happy hour specials.
What else do you need for a Florida vacation? All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission. For an old-school Florida vibe, surfing fun for the whole family, and plenty of affordable hotels, motels, and beach rental condos within walking distance of the sand, Cocoa Beach on Florida's Space Coast ticks all the boxes (and some more). Among the free or inexpensive fun that can be enjoyed are cruises from Port Canaveral, catching waves on the same beach where world champion surfer Kelly Slater grew up, and strolling through the brick streets of historic downtown Cocoa Village.
Approximately 15 miles south of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is a more family-friendly option with less crowded shorelines and plenty of rental condo options to host your entourage. The beach here is long and wide, but be careful with car traffic (you can drive and park on the sand here) for certain periods. Families love to visit Smyrna Dunes Park, on the north end of the barrier island and surrounded by water on three sides. Walk along the boardwalks to spot native birds and gopher turtles.
A Vacation in Inland Florida Can Seem Contradictory. But the college town of Gainesville, Central Florida, where the University of Florida is located, offers free and affordable family activities in abundance. It costs less than a fast-food lunch for your children to wander in wonder through the butterfly rainforest at the Florida Museum. And in the evenings, it won't cost you a penny to look for bats at UF's Bat Barn and Bat House.
Many popular freshwater springs are also within walking distance of Gainesville, making for a perfect day trip. There's no place as refreshing as Itchetucknee Springs during the hot summer months, when you can spend the day floating in an air chamber along a crystal clear river that maintains a constant coolness and deliciously at 72 degrees. At the western end of Florida's Panhandle, Pensacola Beach appeals to families on a budget looking for a cheap, old-fashioned family vacation in Florida that won't break the wallet. Almost all budget and mid-range chain hotels are represented here, and there are also a plethora of affordable vacation rental homes and condos close to white sand beaches and the bay.
Among the many free and affordable attractions that families love in the area are the Pensacola Lighthouse, the Pensacola Children's Museum, the Gulf Breeze Zoo, and Fort Pickens and Gulf Islands National Seashore (the longest stretch of federally protected coastline in the country). Do you need to do something active? Rent a paddle board for an hour or stop by the city's free skate park and burn off some of those fast-food calories. Do you want to see an alligator? Gather the family and take an airboat tour to see some of the river wildlife that is so infamous in Florida. There's so much to do in Cocoa, both on and off the beach, that you might want to extend your visit for a few more days to enjoy it all.
The 8 Best Beaches Near Disney World Whenever you decide to visit it, it's hard to go wrong on this beach, and you can tick a world-famous location off your bucket list. Do you want to explore the area a little more? It's just a pittance to cross the bridge to Key Biscayne for a nice drive with free beaches along the way, each with a better view than the last. Just make sure to hit the beach until you get to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, because for a small fee you can visit the park, have a picnic at any of the abundant picnic tables, park your car in the shade and unload your crew on the sand next to crystal clear waters. However, keep in mind that you may find it difficult to relax when, everywhere you look, there is a perfect scene ready to be photographed and released via social media, causing intentional holiday envy.
Now, if you're hoping to make a visit to the city, the recommendation to leave your car behind still stands. There are bicycle rental points all over the city that allow you to rent a bike wherever you find one, rent it by the hour, and then park and drop it off when you're done. Bring a bottle of water (or and tour the area Miami-style (yes, biking is great again) to visit the Wynwood Arts District or follow a map of the different famous TV and movie spots (that's right, jealous fans, I bet they didn't know THAT THAT movie was filmed here). Now, when you're ready to explore the historic side of St.
Augustine, drive to the Old Town and park in the garage for a nominal fee or, if you're lucky and don't spend more than an hour or two, you can park for free on the streets of designated areas. There is a lot to see in the Old Town, including the old jail, the 17th century Fort San Marcos Castle, the oldest wooden school, and if you need an exciting night out, there are plenty of ghost tours ready to give you a good scare. One of the best ways to get around the old town and see everything is by using the hop-off tram (there are discounts for them online), which will quickly take you to the best spots, even a delicious chocolate tour (yes, there's chocolate there). Since Florida is beach-ready all year round, don't be afraid to plan a visit during the “winter months,” as there will be fewer crowds on the beach and the old town will light up with twinkling lights.
No matter what time of year you visit, there will be no shortage of photographs to capture the memories of your vacation. Don't worry about spending that precious money on nightly entertainment, because all you need to do is walk to the dock and watch the street performers. These talented artists start to wander before the sun goes down, so they can claim the best spots to surprise the crowd. If you're stopping by for a weekend, be sure to bring your blanket and take advantage of the free movie theater by the pier, just save a little time before the movie starts and take a walk for local craft shopping.
You may also not know the fabulous aquarium in Clearwater, which is home to a certain movie star dolphin named Winter, who gladly welcomes visitors to their habitat. They also have some decent discounts, so don't forget to check them out before you buy your tickets. Depending on your budget, there are hotels right on the beach that cost a little more than the ones across the street, which require just a 3-minute walk to reach the soft sand. There are also camping options at Henderson Beach State Park, which can be booked online just like any other lodging.
Since this is a state park, you can enter with your entire crew for next to nothing and then enjoy all the amenities once inside the park. They offer a boardwalk, showers, restrooms, picnic tables, walks and beach access. One of the really interesting exploration options is the opportunity to search for modern buried treasures, also known as geocaching. This activity can be done for free with just the use of your mobile phone and a free application.
There really is a lot to do in Destin, and if that just includes hanging out at the beach, you can still have a fabulous and affordable vacation. There are state parks EVERYWHERE, which means there's a minimal cost of entry and lots to do and see for free once you're inside. This also means that if you buy a pass to a state park or a pass to a national park, you will only have to pay once a year and then visit as many parks as you can get there within that time. Whether you've already enjoyed the beach or it's not your cup of tea, there are plenty of adventurous things to do in Florida.
From the best kayaking spots in Florida and day trips from Orlando to relaxing activities to do near Disney, you'll find plenty of great ideas on our travel blog. Clearwater is a bright and bustling art community on the Gulf Coast. And with 35 miles of beaches, there's no shortage of sun and sand. Pete Pier ranked second on a list of new attractions in the U.S.
UU. And it includes a children's playground, a water park, walking trails, an outdoor market and a nature discovery center, making it the perfect place to take your children. 3 And if you're looking for something a little more exotic, the Florida Botanical Garden is a 100-acre park that includes tropical flowers, butterfly gardens, and a desert oasis. Not only is it beautiful, it's also free.
And if you're the athletic type, you'll love Marathon. You can jog or bike the 2.2-mile stretch of the historic Seven Mile Bridge, which recently opened for pedestrians, or rent kayaks and paddle through this beautiful part of the Florida Keys. I'll keep the hammock, thank you very much. But I just found out that Ocala is actually the horse capital of the world.
Ocala and Marion County are home to the World Equestrian Center, the largest equestrian complex in the United States. Can I say that visiting a bunch of horses seems like a much better plan, at least for me, than visiting bats?) For movie lovers, Silver Springs, near Ocala, is a historic site you don't want to miss. You can visit this 350-acre nature park that has been featured in old Hollywood movies like Rebel Without a Cause and Creature from the Black Lagoon. It's also known as Florida's original attraction, as it's one of the first interesting places to visit in Florida.
Because of its location in the North Florida landscape, Jacksonville Beach abounds with affordable motels, hotels, and beach rentals; South Florida isn't the only fun and fun place in the state. Break out of tourist traps and head to one of these hidden areas of the Sunshine State to find some of the best low-cost vacations in Florida. Affordable or free fun in the area includes walking or biking along the Old Seven Mile Bridge to historic Pigeon Key, watching diverse sea creatures feed at Captain Hook's Aquatic Learning Center, and diving and swimming at Sombrero Beach, making it a great choice for a budget vacation on the Florida beach. We've done our homework to find the best cheap Florida vacations for families, leaving you alone to show up and turn on the fun.
But before you get ahead of expensive hotels and airline tickets, take a minute to plan your Florida vacation budget and how much you'll need to save. If you're looking for an affordable Florida beach vacation, visit Marathon, a hidden gem in Florida located in the middle of the Keys. With many small, family-run motels and plenty of affordable beach rentals, Bradenton Beach, near the small town of Sarasota, offers a cheap Florida family vacation on this stretch of the state's Gulf Coast. If you can do the right homework, avoid tourist traps and bad deals; believe me, an affordable Florida vacation isn't a hard job.
So, in addition to setting the stage for one of Florida's most affordable family beach vacations, the area also features a ton of learning mixed with fun, for no reason you can't make the vacation productive as well. Like other Florida beaches, this beach will easily complement your vacation with a beautiful beach experience, opportunities to observe nature and wildlife, a wide variety of restaurants, swimming, shopping and accommodations of all shapes and sizes. These are just a few of the stunning beaches that make Florida so popular and a total vacation destination. With its endless sunshine, miles of pristine coastline, ample opportunities for activities and glorious scenery, it's no surprise that Florida is a sought-after vacation destination.
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