You may be surprised to hear this, but there’s more to Florida than theme parks and fireworks! Whilst we absolutely love Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando and the other incredible parks Florida has to offer, there are plenty of other ways to explore the Sunshine State when you’re not riding roller coasters and meeting characters. Read on to discover some of our very favourite activities, completely free of charge…
Disney Springs
Not everyone knows this, but there’s plenty of Disney fun to be had without paying to visit the parks. Disney Springs has that same magical atmosphere that blankets the whole of Walt Disney World, and there’s plenty to do and see for free. You can wander the largest Disney Store on the planet, catch some live music, watch Disney creatives at work in the Art of Disney store, let the kids enjoy the nightly DJ Dance Party and marvel at the erupting Rainforest Cafe volcano.
Disney Springs
Institute of Contemporary Art
Want to get your art fix on your trip to Florida? Art and design lovers will have an amazing time at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami. It’s free to visit and you might even catch a guided tour. You can see the likes of impressive paintings, futuristic sculptures and multimedia installations at the museum. There are some gardens to wander, dotted with sculptures, which are perfect for a sunny afternoon. Whilst it’s free to enter, it’s recommended that you pre-book your free tickets to secure your desired time slot.
Clearwater Beach
Between long, busy days at bustling theme parks, you’ll need some time to relax, rest your feet and take in the beauty of Florida. Clearwater Beach is the perfect spot! The powdery, soft sand and shallow waters make it a great place for families to have some traditional holiday fun, and it really is like a beach taken right out of a catalogue. It was voted the best beach in the United States by TripAdvisor users in 2018, so you can be sure of a day to remember at Clearwater.
Clearwater Beach
The Guitar Hotel – Seminole Hard Rock
Hard Rock Hotels don’t do things by halves, which you’ll see for yourself when you visit this colossal, guitar-shaped hotel in Florida’s Hollywood. It’s the first in the world of its kind! Obviously, you’d have to pay to stay here, but if you’re in the area it’s worth visiting simply to be wowed by. It’s such a unique structure, and it even illuminates for a musical light show each night, projecting neon ‘string’ lights up to 20,000 ft into the sky! It’s without a doubt the coolest hotel you’ll ever see.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
The Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a park in Delray Beach, made up of over 50 acres of constructed wetlands that really get you up close to nature. There’s a boardwalk that stretches for almost a mile between green islands and open pond areas. You can expect to see all kinds of creatures on your walk, including over 178 species of birds. Keep your eyes peeled, as you also may spot iguanas, racoons, turtles and even alligators! Animal lovers certainly won’t regret stopping off here.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Disney Boardwalk
Get your Disney fix at the Disney Boardwalk, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex not too far from one of Florida’s most-loved theme parks, Epcot. It’s simply stunning to walk around, with all the charm of famous promenades at the likes of Coney Island and Atlantic City. It’s a joy to visit during the day, and absolutely gorgeous lit up with twinkling lights at night. When it comes to free things to do, you can take a riverside stroll, browse the Wyland Galleries or go for a ride on the Friendship Boat.
Old Town Kissimmee
Many people who visit Florida for the theme parks like to stay in Kissimmee, as it’s not too far to travel and it’s a great spot to be in. If you’re one of those people, you should add Old Town Kissimmee to your list of things to do. It has a buzzing atmosphere and plenty to see as you wander the streets, from weekly car shows to live entertainment. You can browse countless interesting shops and stop by one of many restaurants if you get a bit peckish. All in all, it’s a great place to stop off no matter who you’re travelling with.
Old Town Kissimmee
Avian Reconditioning Center
Interested in beautiful birds? This wonderful rehabilitation and education facility, completely run by friendly and passionate volunteers, will be one of your favourite things to do in Florida for free. It’s a great way to spend a day in the beautiful Florida sunshine! The center is open for visitors on Saturdays (apart from in August, when it is closed) and you can expect to meet the likes of hawks, falcons, eagles, kites and owls. The ARC, in Apopka, will open your minds to the state’s incredible creatures and the work volunteers do to protect them.
Key West Sunset Celebrations
Those Floridians really know how to party! If you’re visiting Key West, Florida’s southernmost point, you won’t want to miss the sunset celebrations that happen every single night at the Mallory Square plaza. The fun, free spirit of the state runs through the festivities, which include the likes of mesmerising magicians, jugglers, psychics, live musicians and tasty food vendors. It’s impossible not to let your hair down and immerse yourself in the night! What better place to watch a dazzling sun setting over the horizon?
Key West Sunset
Disney Wilderness Preserve
The Disney Wilderness Preserve is a conservation park set over 11,500 acres of beautiful land just 15 miles south of Walt Disney World, near Kissimmee. It’s home to over 1,000 species of animals and plants, and you can either explore it in a three-mile hike through a nature trail or on an off-road buggy tour. You could even take a picnic along to enjoy in the most picturesque surroundings. Tranquil and quiet, the Disney Wilderness Preserve is worlds away from the rest of Florida’s Disney attractions.
Museum of Florida History
The Museum of Florida History, in Tallahassee, offers free admission and gives a fascinating insight into the Sunshine State. It immerses you in all areas of its history, from prehistoric times to the 20th century, and has plenty of fun and interactive activities for the kids to enjoy. You could spend hours browsing the exhibitions and displays, taking in the rich history of fabulous Florida. If you enjoy museums and love to get educated on holiday, this one’s a must!
Museum of Florida History
Spook Hill
The intriguing mystery of Spook Hill is something you’ll have to see to believe. There are various myths surrounding this stretch of road in Lake Wales, as when you park at the line at the bottom of the hill and put your car in neutral, it’s said that you begin to travel UP the hill without your engine doing the work. People have visited this spot to witness these strange goings-on for themselves since the 1950s! Some think it’s simply an optical illusion, but some believe there’s something a little more spooky to it. Make your mind up when you get there…
Florida may be the global capital for theme parks, with the likes of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens bringing millions to the state each year, but there’s also a lot more to Florida. Take a look at our latest deals and see for yourself!
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