The Sunshine State is one of the best states for road trips. We have a huge array of awesome attractions, but not necessarily the most affordable. These nine affordable places to visit in Florida will keep your whole family entertained without breaking the bank! Which ones are your favorites? Let us know.
- Sweet Pete’s, Jacksonville
Facebook/Sweet Pete’s Candy This massive 23,000-square-foot candy store, factory, and restaurant, located in a beautiful historic building in downtown Jacksonville is one of the largest candy stores in the United States. With ice cream, baked goods, and more than 1,000 kinds of candy to choose from, you’ll feel like a kid again. Visiting is free, but there is a fee for the factory tour where you make your own candy bar. 400 N Hogan St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA
- National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola
TripAdvisor/Prussik Come check out more than 150 historic aircraft at this 35-acre indoor/outdoor naval aviation museum, which is the world’s largest. It’s fun and fascinating for kids and adults. Incredibly, entrance to this museum is free (though donations are appreciated). Some optional activities, games, etc., do have a fee. Learn more about visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum in our previous article! National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, USA
- De León Springs State Park, De León Springs
Flickr/John Wood This state park doesn’t just have a concession stand, it has one of the coolest breakfast places in the state. At the Old Spanish Sugar Mill, the old sugar mill is now used to grind fresh flour, creating the perfect pancake batter. Then guests get to pour their own pancakes on griddles set into the tables. After breakfast, guests can experience all the fun of swimming and exploring this scenic state park, too. De Leon Springs State Park is a delight and a half, and then some. Check out all the reasons why De Leon Springs is a little slice of paradise:
De León Springs State Park, 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130, USA
- Dinosaur World, Plant City
Flickr/Matthew Paulson Do you know a child or child at heart who is obsessed with dinosaurs? They would love a trip to this incredible park located between Tampa and Orlando, stocked with more than 200 life-sized dinosaur sculptures and other related activities. Check the website for current admission prices. They also offer a very affordable membership for folks who plan to return throughout the year. Certain activities within the park do cost extra. Come see why Dinosaur World is one of the best things to do with kids in Florida. Dinosaur World, 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565, USA
- St. Augustine
Flickr/Wesley Hetrick As one of the more affordable day trips in Florida, a visit to our nation’s oldest city of St. Augustine offers an array of free and low-cost options. Try free wine tasting at San Sebastian or a free tour of the St. Augustine Distillery. A tour of the Castillo de San Marcos has a fee but it’s worth it, and tours of the historic and beautiful Flagler College campus and Lightner Museum are very affordable. St. Augustine, FL, USA
- Solomon’s Castle, Ona
Flickr/Justin This roadside attraction in Ona is a delightful trip for the whole family. Built by one man, this funky found-art castle is a testament to what passion and creativity can accomplish. Visit the Solomon’s Castle website (linked) for current ticket prices and additional information, but admission to the grounds is free. There is also a restaurant on-site for a complete one-of-a-kind dining experience! Solomon’s Castle, 4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865, USA
- St. Petersburg
Flickr/Matthew Paulson St. Petersburg is not just known for its warm weather but for its cultural attractions and museums as well. The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is one of the best museums in the state and houses the largest collection of Dali’s work outside of Europe. You can view ticket prices on the museum’s website. To complete this artsy road trip, visit the Morean Art Center, which features tons of glass art and pottery and is free and open to the public. Certain special temporary exhibits and demonstrations do have admission costs. Check the website for current exhibits. St. Petersburg, FL, USA
- Winter Park
TripAdvisor The town of Winter Park also has a fabulous farmers market, numerous cute cafes and shops, and some wonderful museums to explore. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art features the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work, including tons of glass pieces, decorative art, paintings, and pottery. Plan your visit and view current admission prices on the museum’s website. Winter Park, FL, USA
- Gainesville
Flickr/Dallas Krentzel If you are looking for cheap Florida vacation spots, consider Gainesville as an option. Many people assume Gainesville is only for college students and overlook its cultural attractions and preservation of historical buildings and sites. The Florida Museum of Natural History has free permanent exhibits, and a visiting exhibit and butterfly rainforest that charges a reasonably-priced admission fee. Nearby Micanopy is famous for its antiques, and nearby Williston has some incredible diving spots like the Devil’s Den and the Blue Grotto. What is this “Blue Grotto”, you ask? Allow this video to explain:
Gainesville, FL, USA
Have you gone on any of these inexpensive road trips in Florida? What are your favorite inexpensive attractions to visit in FL? Please tell us in the comment section.
Facebook/Sweet Pete’s Candy
This massive 23,000-square-foot candy store, factory, and restaurant, located in a beautiful historic building in downtown Jacksonville is one of the largest candy stores in the United States. With ice cream, baked goods, and more than 1,000 kinds of candy to choose from, you’ll feel like a kid again. Visiting is free, but there is a fee for the factory tour where you make your own candy bar.
400 N Hogan St, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA
TripAdvisor/Prussik
Come check out more than 150 historic aircraft at this 35-acre indoor/outdoor naval aviation museum, which is the world’s largest. It’s fun and fascinating for kids and adults. Incredibly, entrance to this museum is free (though donations are appreciated). Some optional activities, games, etc., do have a fee. Learn more about visiting the National Naval Aviation Museum in our previous article!
National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508, USA
Flickr/John Wood
This state park doesn’t just have a concession stand, it has one of the coolest breakfast places in the state. At the Old Spanish Sugar Mill, the old sugar mill is now used to grind fresh flour, creating the perfect pancake batter. Then guests get to pour their own pancakes on griddles set into the tables. After breakfast, guests can experience all the fun of swimming and exploring this scenic state park, too. De Leon Springs State Park is a delight and a half, and then some. Check out all the reasons why De Leon Springs is a little slice of paradise:
De León Springs State Park, 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130, USA
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
Do you know a child or child at heart who is obsessed with dinosaurs? They would love a trip to this incredible park located between Tampa and Orlando, stocked with more than 200 life-sized dinosaur sculptures and other related activities. Check the website for current admission prices. They also offer a very affordable membership for folks who plan to return throughout the year. Certain activities within the park do cost extra. Come see why Dinosaur World is one of the best things to do with kids in Florida.
Dinosaur World, 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, FL 33565, USA
Flickr/Wesley Hetrick
As one of the more affordable day trips in Florida, a visit to our nation’s oldest city of St. Augustine offers an array of free and low-cost options. Try free wine tasting at San Sebastian or a free tour of the St. Augustine Distillery. A tour of the Castillo de San Marcos has a fee but it’s worth it, and tours of the historic and beautiful Flagler College campus and Lightner Museum are very affordable.
St. Augustine, FL, USA
Flickr/Justin
This roadside attraction in Ona is a delightful trip for the whole family. Built by one man, this funky found-art castle is a testament to what passion and creativity can accomplish. Visit the Solomon’s Castle website (linked) for current ticket prices and additional information, but admission to the grounds is free. There is also a restaurant on-site for a complete one-of-a-kind dining experience!
Solomon’s Castle, 4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865, USA
St. Petersburg is not just known for its warm weather but for its cultural attractions and museums as well. The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg is one of the best museums in the state and houses the largest collection of Dali’s work outside of Europe. You can view ticket prices on the museum’s website. To complete this artsy road trip, visit the Morean Art Center, which features tons of glass art and pottery and is free and open to the public. Certain special temporary exhibits and demonstrations do have admission costs. Check the website for current exhibits.
St. Petersburg, FL, USA
TripAdvisor
The town of Winter Park also has a fabulous farmers market, numerous cute cafes and shops, and some wonderful museums to explore. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art features the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work, including tons of glass pieces, decorative art, paintings, and pottery. Plan your visit and view current admission prices on the museum’s website.
Winter Park, FL, USA
Flickr/Dallas Krentzel
If you are looking for cheap Florida vacation spots, consider Gainesville as an option. Many people assume Gainesville is only for college students and overlook its cultural attractions and preservation of historical buildings and sites. The Florida Museum of Natural History has free permanent exhibits, and a visiting exhibit and butterfly rainforest that charges a reasonably-priced admission fee. Nearby Micanopy is famous for its antiques, and nearby Williston has some incredible diving spots like the Devil’s Den and the Blue Grotto. What is this “Blue Grotto”, you ask? Allow this video to explain:
Gainesville, FL, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Inexpensive Road Trips In Florida May 12, 2021 Melissa M What are some affordable day trips in Florida? The Sunshine State is filled with incredible locations for a day trip that won’t break the bank. Our affordable Hidden Beaches Road Trip will take you to seven lesser-known, pristine beaches around the state and you won’t have to worry about them being overrun with tourists. And then there are incredible destinations like Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, a lovely spot with a bird sanctuary and gardens; Tarpon Springs with its old-world charm and historic buildings; and Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon which offers plenty of outdoor activities like tubing and camping. What are some other inexpensive road trips in Florida I can take? Traveling around Florida doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, we have put together a road trip that will take you to 10 amazing places on just one tank of gas. Follow the route to locations like Devil’s Den in Williston, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and the coastal town of Cedar Key for an inexpensive outing. What are some of the most unique things to do in Florida? Florida is home to some very unusual, one-of-a-kind attractions that can’t be found elsewhere. In Coral Gables, a visit to the Venetian Pool will make you feel as though you are in paradise. This refreshing swimming hole has been around since 1920 and is a spectacular place to cool off. Along the Weeki Wachee River, you can rent a kayak or canoe (or bring your own) and paddle alongside manatees which will be one of the best experiences you could ever have in the Sunshine State.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Inexpensive Road Trips In Florida
May 12, 2021
Melissa M
What are some affordable day trips in Florida? The Sunshine State is filled with incredible locations for a day trip that won’t break the bank. Our affordable Hidden Beaches Road Trip will take you to seven lesser-known, pristine beaches around the state and you won’t have to worry about them being overrun with tourists. And then there are incredible destinations like Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, a lovely spot with a bird sanctuary and gardens; Tarpon Springs with its old-world charm and historic buildings; and Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon which offers plenty of outdoor activities like tubing and camping. What are some other inexpensive road trips in Florida I can take? Traveling around Florida doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, we have put together a road trip that will take you to 10 amazing places on just one tank of gas. Follow the route to locations like Devil’s Den in Williston, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and the coastal town of Cedar Key for an inexpensive outing. What are some of the most unique things to do in Florida? Florida is home to some very unusual, one-of-a-kind attractions that can’t be found elsewhere. In Coral Gables, a visit to the Venetian Pool will make you feel as though you are in paradise. This refreshing swimming hole has been around since 1920 and is a spectacular place to cool off. Along the Weeki Wachee River, you can rent a kayak or canoe (or bring your own) and paddle alongside manatees which will be one of the best experiences you could ever have in the Sunshine State.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Sunshine State is filled with incredible locations for a day trip that won’t break the bank. Our affordable Hidden Beaches Road Trip will take you to seven lesser-known, pristine beaches around the state and you won’t have to worry about them being overrun with tourists. And then there are incredible destinations like Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, a lovely spot with a bird sanctuary and gardens; Tarpon Springs with its old-world charm and historic buildings; and Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon which offers plenty of outdoor activities like tubing and camping.
What are some other inexpensive road trips in Florida I can take?
Traveling around Florida doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, we have put together a road trip that will take you to 10 amazing places on just one tank of gas. Follow the route to locations like Devil’s Den in Williston, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, and the coastal town of Cedar Key for an inexpensive outing.
What are some of the most unique things to do in Florida?
Florida is home to some very unusual, one-of-a-kind attractions that can’t be found elsewhere. In Coral Gables, a visit to the Venetian Pool will make you feel as though you are in paradise. This refreshing swimming hole has been around since 1920 and is a spectacular place to cool off. Along the Weeki Wachee River, you can rent a kayak or canoe (or bring your own) and paddle alongside manatees which will be one of the best experiences you could ever have in the Sunshine State.
