OK, you have decided to take your vacation in Florida. But with the economy the way it is you are looking for some ways to stretch that vacation dollar. Well you are in luck. Florida can be very expensive if you spend your days in one of the many theme parks that dot the landscape. But tourists were visiting the sunshine state long before the mouse and his friends showed up.
Here are a few of the places to go and things to do that will cost you nothing. That’s right they are free except for food, lodging and transportation. Starting just over the state line in the northeast corner of the state is the beautiful little town of Saint Augustine. Now you can certainly spend some money there if you decide to do so, but there is no admission fee for the town itself.
Think of it as a theme park with no entry cost. It is laid out much like a theme park but the buildings are real and seriously old. The Spanish landed there in the 1500’s shortly after Columbus showed them the way in 1492. There is a huge real fort right on the lovely bay and original narrow streets you can roam free of charge watching the locals portray the early settlers. Street entertainers play free of charge and artisans show their wares. You can easily walk anywhere in the town and along the bay. Watch out for the horse drawn carriages.
If you like big navy ships you may want to drive up the coast road to Mayport, Florida to take a tour of the Mayport Naval Station. Some of the Navy’s best dock there and you can also check out the shrimp boat fleet at nearby Mayport fishing village where life has not changed much in decades. If you are flush with money you might spend a couple of dollars for a ride across the Saint John’s River on one of the few ferries still working the east coast.
Speaking of military bases, you might want to consider one or more of the other base tours that are available in the state. There is Pensacola Naval Station, home of the Blue Angels, Eglin Air Force Base is also in the Gulf Coast panhandle of Florida. And of course Kennedy Space Center is in Cape Canaveral just south of Saint Augustine on the east coast.
Another great walk about town in the northeast corner of Florida is Fernandina Beach. They also have a real fort. This one is built of bricks.
Try to time your visit around the Shrimp Festival the first week end in May. The streets will be filled with artists and merry makers including a few pirates. Speaking of walk about towns I must mention Key West. It is a long way down to the tip of Florida but it is worth the trip. While there you can enjoy a free million dollar show. See a spectacular sunset from Mallory square with free entertainment and merry makers all around you. Be sure to ask about the green flash as the sun sets.
One of the oldest and most famous attractions in Florida is still free. If you are near Tampa-St. Petersburg look for a little town by the name of Lake Wales. There is a place on the road there named “Spook Hill”. You can drive up to a white line on the road and put your car in neutral. Amazingly, your car will roll up hill by itself. If you are there in the spring try to visit one of the fifteen major league baseball spring training camps. Of course the games cost money but you can walk around for free and take in the sights.
Well, there you are, a touring trip around Florida and lots of free things to do and see. I hope this will encourage you to look for more economical ways to travel on vacation this year.
