Table of Contents
If you’re looking for affordable vacation destinations in Florida, you’re in luck. The Sunshine State offers a wide range of cheap places to stay that provide budget-friendly accommodations, free outdoor activities, and low-cost local eateries. From white sand beaches to vibrant arts and culture, these destinations offer a wallet-friendly vacation experience without compromising on fun. Here are some of the best tourist places on a budget in Florida:
Clearwater and St. Petersburg
Located on the west coast of Florida, Clearwater and St. Petersburg are perfect destinations for budget-savvy travelers. With miles of white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is known for its calm waters and free nightly sunset celebrations. St. Petersburg, on the other hand, offers a lively waterfront with attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts and the world-renowned Dalí Museum. Nearby Fort De Soto Park provides beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and old military fort ruins to explore. Affordable hotel options in Clearwater and St. Petersburg start from $82 per night.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is one of the cheapest destinations in Florida for a vacation. This beach town offers 2 miles of sandy beaches with mellow surf, perfect for swimming and surfing. Visitors can sunbathe, walk the scenic pier, or explore the beach by kayak. For space enthusiasts, a visit to the Kennedy Space Center is a must. View rockets and space capsules, and if you’re lucky, catch a rocket launch viewing. Cocoa Beach is a great choice for an affordable and adventurous vacation. Hotel options start from $74 per night.
Gainesville
Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, offers a youthful and energetic atmosphere. The walkable historic downtown is filled with thrift stores, coffee shops, and cheap eats. Visitors can explore the interactive exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural History or marvel at thousands of butterflies in the Butterfly Rainforest. Just outside of town, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park offers hiking trails down a 120-foot sinkhole with a waterfall. Gainesville also provides nature preserves with hiking trails and springs for swimming. Accommodation options in Gainesville start from $57 per night.
Marathon
If you’re looking for a relaxed and affordable alternative to Key West, Marathon is the place to be. This Middle Keys city offers beautiful beaches, such as Sombrero Beach, and the opportunity to walk the old 7-Mile Bridge. The Crane Point Museum and Nature Center allows visitors to explore nature trails and learn about the Keys’ wildlife and history. Travelers can also kayak through mangrove tunnels, go fishing from the old bridge pilings, or book a snorkeling trip to nearby reefs. Marathon offers a range of accommodation options, from oceanside motels to cozy cottages.
Ocala
Ocala provides easy access to nature and historic sites at an affordable price. Silver Springs State Park allows visitors to walk along nature trails, enjoy glass-bottom boat rides, and swim in crystal clear springs. The nearby Ocala National Forest offers over 600 lakes, paddling trails, hiking, camping, and ancient Native American mound sites. Downtown Ocala’s historic district offers quaint shops, restaurants, and the iconic Tuscawilla Park fountain. Travelers can also tour Horse Country, Florida’s thoroughbred breeding region, and visit quirky roadside attractions. Accommodation options in Ocala start from $70 per night.
Sarasota
Sarasota is known for its beautiful beaches and thriving arts scene. Siesta Key Beach, rated as one of the best beaches in the US, offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and gentle surf ideal for swimming. The Ringling Museum Complex is a must-visit, featuring the extravagant Ca’d’Zan mansion, the Museum of Art, and the Circus Museum. Downtown Sarasota provides pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining on Palm Avenue and Main Street. Visitors can also explore the tranquil Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, walk the scenic Legacy Trail, or catch an outdoor concert downtown. Hotel options in Sarasota start from $130 per night.
Pensacola
Situated along Florida’s northwestern Panhandle coastline, Pensacola offers gorgeous white sand beaches and a laid-back vibe without high prices. Visitors can enjoy Pensacola Beach, swim in the ocean, stroll the boardwalk, and visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, which is free to enter. Hiking or biking through the Gulf Islands National Seashore allows travelers to explore old forts, dunes, and quiet shorelines. Downtown Pensacola and the historic Seville Square district offer museums and eateries in 19th-century buildings. Budget hotels can be found near the airport and beach, with prices starting from $67 per night.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach provides over 20 miles of sandy Atlantic beaches for driving, swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing oceanside. Race fans can take behind-the-scenes tours of the iconic Daytona International Speedway at affordable prices. The Museum of Arts and Sciences offers exhibits featuring giant sloth skeletons, Cuban art, and race cars. Visitors can also catch movies or concerts for free on the beach or at the boardwalk bandshell. Daytona’s historic downtown and Riverfront Park provide walking trails along the river, and budget hotels line the beachfront. Hotel options in Daytona Beach start from $64 per night.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale offers an affordable alternative to neighboring Miami. With over 7 miles of beach, a vibrant beachfront strip, and Las Olas Boulevard’s sidewalk cafes and boutiques, the city provides a range of budget-friendly activities. The Museum of Discovery and Science features interactive exhibits, while the Bonnet House Estate offers tours of its 1930s mansion and gardens. The Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District provides cozy cafes, unique shops, and inexpensive trolleys. Budget hotels and motels can be found both beachside and inland, making Fort Lauderdale an affordable destination. Hotel options start from $82 per night.
Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie offers a peaceful seaside retreat on Florida’s Treasure Coast without big crowds and costs. Visitors can enjoy 42 miles of unspoiled beaches with guarded swimming areas, playgrounds, and beachside nature preserves. The Riverwalk District provides a waterfront promenade with shops, restaurants, and walking paths with river views. Other attractions include the Oxbow Eco-Center, the Heathcote Botanical Gardens, and spring training games featuring the Mets or Cardinals. Budget chain hotels and motels offer easy access to Port St. Lucie’s natural and cultural attractions. Hotel options start from $75 per night.
With these cheap places to stay in Florida, you can experience authentic Florida charm without breaking the bank. From stunning beaches to vibrant arts scenes, these destinations offer a range of budget-friendly activities, entertainment, sights, and dining options. So, plan your next affordable Florida vacation and enjoy all that the Sunshine State has to offer without breaking the bank.