Maybe you read our last blog and thought, “dang, those things would be fun but most of them seem kind of expensive!” and you know what, I get that. You may be saving for college, overwhelmed by other bills, or just trying to save a few bucks here and there- all that makes sense and surely does not mean you should have to skip out on the fun!
Summer is a great time to explore all that Tampa, FL has to offer. Fortunately, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy in and around the city. Here are some ideas for free activities to do during the summer in the Bay:
Visit the beaches - DUH! Tampa is home to some of the best beaches in Florida, including Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. Spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Most beaches have local restaurants nearby that are affordable and just cute to check out (we all know that the pro move is to pick up a pubsub on your way, though!).
Go for a bike ride - Tampa has many scenic bike paths, including the Tampa Riverwalk and the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail. Rent a bike or bring your own and explore the city on two wheels.
Explore local parks - Tampa has a number of great parks to explore, including Lettuce Lake Park (a favorite for those USF students) and Al Lopez Park. Go for a hike, have a picnic, or just enjoy the outdoors. These parks are perfect to spend some time with your pups or even nice for your daily hot girls walk.
Visit museums - Many museums in Tampa offer free admission on certain days of the week or month. Check out the Tampa Museum of Art ($5 admission for students most days) or the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts for a cultural experience and the Dali for a taste of St. Pete’s art culture!
Attend free events - Throughout the summer, Tampa hosts a variety of free events, including concerts, festivals, and movie nights. Check out the Tampa Bay Times calendar to see what's happening in the area.
Go fishing - Tampa is a great place to fish, whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out. Check out the Courtney Campbell Causeway or the Gandy Bridge for some great spots to cast a line.
Visit the Tampa Bay Farmers Market - Every Sunday, the Tampa Bay Farmers Market offers fresh produce, crafts, and food from local vendors. It's a great way to support local businesses and enjoy the community atmosphere.
The big takeaway here is that you do not need to be rolling in cash to get out and have a good time this summer. There are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy some cost effective time with your friends and family, or even solo! From exploring the outdoors to attending events and cultural experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy without breaking the bank.
by Ciara Gorby
