Looking for a sunny getaway that won’t drain your wallet? Florida might surprise you! While the Sunshine State has a reputation for luxury resorts and theme parks, there are plenty of cheap places to visit in Florida that offer amazing experiences without the high costs.
This guide highlights the top 10 cheap places to visit in Florida where your dollar stretches further. You’ll discover affordable accommodations, free attractions, budget-friendly dining options, and the best times to visit to get the most bang for your buck. Florida’s beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife, and rich history can all be enjoyed without breaking the bank!
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Why Florida Can Be Budget-Friendly
Many people think Florida vacations mean expensive theme parks or luxury beach resorts. The truth is, Florida offers many budget-friendly options if you know where to look.
Off-season travel is one of the best ways to find cheap places to visit in Florida. Prices drop significantly in late summer and fall (September-November) or after the winter holidays (January-February). Hotels that charge $200+ per night in peak season might cost just $89-120 during these quieter times.
Your budget needs depend on your travel style:
- Budget travelers can get by on $75-100 per day including accommodations
- Families can aim for $150-200 daily with kitchen-equipped rooms
- Solo travelers can find hostels and budget hotels for $40-70 nightly
How to Save Money While Visiting Florida
Getting around affordably makes a huge difference when exploring cheap places to visit in Florida. Skip the expensive rental cars when possible and use these alternatives:
- Many Florida cities have reliable public buses for $2-3 per ride
- Trolleys serve tourist areas in places like St. Augustine for about $5 all day
- Rideshare services work well in larger cities
For accommodations in cheap places to visit in Florida, try:
- Booking directly with hotels (often cheaper than third-party sites)
- Looking for places with kitchenettes to save on meals
- Considering vacation rentals in residential areas away from tourist zones
Food costs add up fast! Save money by:
- Eating your biggest meal at lunch when prices are lower
- Shopping at local grocery stores for breakfast items and snacks
- Looking for “early bird” dinner specials, common in Florida
Top 10 Cheap Places to Visit in Florida
1. St. Augustine
America’s oldest city is one of the best cheap places to visit in Florida. The historic district feels like stepping back in time, and you can enjoy much of it for free! Walk the charming streets, visit the free public beaches, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Free and low-cost attractions include:
- Walking tour of historic downtown (free)
- Castillo de San Marcos fortress ($15 adults, good for 7 days)
- Flagler College tours ($12)
Budget travelers can find rooms from $80-110 per night at locally-owned inns slightly off the main tourist path. For cheap eats, try The Floridian for affordable Southern dishes or Mojo Old City BBQ for filling plates under $15.
2. Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach offers sugar-white sands without Gulf Coast premium prices, making it one of the most beautiful cheap places to visit in Florida. The public beaches are free, with clear water and plenty of space to spread out.
Enjoy free activities like:
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Weekly summer concerts at the boardwalk
- Naval Aviation Museum (donations suggested)
Budget-friendly accommodations include Days Inn ($70-90/night in shoulder season) and locally owned beach motels. For cheap eats, don’t miss Peg Leg Pete’s for affordable seafood or Shaggy’s for beach views without high prices.
3. Crystal River
Crystal River offers the incredible experience of swimming with manatees for much less than you’d expect, making it one of the most unique cheap places to visit in Florida. Manatee tours cost around $65-75 per person – good value for such a special experience!
Nature lovers will enjoy:
- Three Sisters Springs boardwalk ($20)
- Hunter Springs Park (free)
- Crystal River Preserve State Park (free)
Budget motels like the Econolodge and Quality Inn offer rooms from $65-90 in off-season. For meals, try Grannie’s Country Cookin’ for big breakfasts under $10 or Charlie’s Fish House for fresh seafood at reasonable prices.
4. Gainesville
Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville offers cultural attractions with college town prices. This makes it one of the most overlooked cheap places to visit in Florida. The free Florida Museum of Natural History and butterfly rainforest ($14) provide educational fun for all ages.
Take advantage of:
- Free Harn Museum of Art
- UF campus walking tours
- Downtown farmers market
Budget travelers can find rooms for $60-80 during non-game weekends. The student population means plenty of affordable eateries – try The Top for burgers under $12 or Satchel’s Pizza for memorable meals that won’t break the bank.
Nearby natural springs like Ginnie Springs ($15) or free Poe Springs offer crystal-clear swimming options.
5. New Smyrna Beach
This laid-back beach town offers a more affordable alternative to nearby Daytona, making it one of the favorite cheap places to visit in Florida for locals. The 17 miles of drivable beaches have $10 daily access fees, but many access points are free for walk-ons.
Budget fun includes:
- Free Marine Discovery Center trails
- Smyrna Dunes Park ($10 per car)
- Flagler Avenue shopping and browsing
Affordable accommodations include the Seascape Motel ($75-95/night) and Ocean Palms Beach Club. Don’t miss JB’s Fish Camp for affordable seafood or Third Wave Cafe for reasonable breakfast and lunch options.
6. Cedar Key
Step back in time in this Old Florida fishing village that remains one of the most authentic cheap places to visit in Florida. With no high-rises or chain stores, Cedar Key offers a glimpse of Florida’s past without high prices.
Enjoy activities like:
- Free Cedar Key Museum State Park
- Low-cost kayak rentals ($25 half day)
- Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge (free)
Budget accommodations include the Island Hotel (from $89) and Low-Key Hideaway (from $99). Seafood doesn’t get cheaper than Tony’s Seafood Restaurant or the Big Deck Raw Bar, with fresh clam dishes starting around $12.
7. Ocala National Forest
Nature lovers will find Ocala National Forest one of the best cheap places to visit in Florida, with 383,000 acres of wilderness and springs to explore. Entrance to the forest is free, with minimal fees for springs ($6-8 per person).
Favorite spots include:
- Juniper Springs
- Alexander Springs
- Salt Springs
Camping costs just $22-28 per night at developed sites, while cabins at Salt Springs start around $80 nightly. Pack groceries from nearby towns like Ocala for additional savings, though Salt Springs Restaurant offers affordable meals.
Don’t miss the natural springs – they’re $6-8 per person and provide some of Florida’s most beautiful swimming holes!
8. Sanibel Island on a Budget
Though known as an upscale destination, Sanibel can be one of the surprising cheap places to visit in Florida with careful planning. Visit during September-November for rates up to 50% lower than peak season.
Free activities abound:
- World-class shelling beaches (free)
- J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge (free on Sundays)
- Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (free last Sunday each month)
Save on accommodations by staying at Sanibel Island Beach Resort (from $109 off-season) or Anchor Inn (from $99). Grab affordable meals at Over Easy Cafe for breakfast or Island Cow for reasonable lunches and dinners.
9. Key Largo
Experience the Florida Keys without premium prices in Key Largo, the most accessible and affordable Key. This makes it one of the best cheap places to visit in Florida for budget travelers wanting a Keys experience.
Affordable activities include:
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park ($9 entry)
- Snorkeling trips ($35 compared to $50+ elsewhere)
- Free beaches like Far Beach
Budget-friendly accommodations include the Key Largo Inn (from $90) and Sunset Cove Beach Resort. For meals, try Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen for affordable Keys cuisine or The Fish House for fresh seafood that won’t empty your wallet.
10. Cocoa Beach
Experience Florida’s Space Coast affordably in Cocoa Beach, one of the best cheap places to visit in Florida for families. Watch rocket launches for free from the beach and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Don’t miss:
- Cocoa Beach Pier (free to walk)
- Ron Jon Surf Shop (browsing is free!)
- Manatee Sanctuary Park (free)
Budget accommodations include the Wakulla Suites (from $80) and South Beach Inn (from $95). Save on meals at Jazzy’s Mainely Lobster for affordable seafood or Simply Delicious Cafe for breakfasts under $10.
When to Visit These Cheap Places in Florida
For the very best deals on these cheap places to visit in Florida:
- Visit the beach destinations (Pensacola, New Smyrna, Cocoa Beach) during September-November
- Head to inland spots like Gainesville during summer when students leave
- Visit the Keys and Sanibel during September-October (before winter visitors arrive)
The weather sweet spot is October-November when temperatures average 75-82°F with lower humidity and fewer crowds.
Transportation Options Between These Cheap Places to Visit in Florida
Connecting these cheap places to visit in Florida doesn’t have to be expensive:
For rental cars:
- Book far in advance
- Check discount codes through AAA or Costco
- Consider off-airport pickup locations to avoid extra fees
Public transportation options:
- Greyhound connects major cities for $20-45 one way
- FlixBus offers competitive routes between popular destinations
- Amtrak runs along the east coast corridor
Budget Planning Tips
When visiting these cheap places to visit in Florida, a sample 3-day budget might look like:
- Budget traveler: $225-300 total ($75-100/day)
- Couple: $450-600 total ($150-200/day)
- Family of four: $750-900 total ($250-300/day)
Money-saving apps worth downloading:
- Gasbuddy for finding cheap fuel
- Hopper for flight deals
- Groupon for local attraction discounts
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
When exploring cheap places to visit in Florida, watch out for:
- Overpriced tourist restaurants near attractions
- “Resort fees” added to hotel rates
- Expensive parking in beach towns
Hidden costs to be aware of:
- Toll roads throughout central and south Florida
- Parking fees at many beaches ($5-10 daily)
- Peak pricing for activities during holiday weeks
FAQ About Cheap Places to Visit in Florida
Is it safe to visit these budget destinations?
Yes! These cheap places to visit in Florida are generally as safe as any tourist destination. Use normal travel precautions.
What’s the cheapest month to visit Florida?
September is typically the most affordable month, with lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Can families really do Florida on a budget?
Absolutely! Families should look for accommodations with kitchens and focus on free beaches and state parks instead of theme parks.
Conclusion
Florida’s beauty doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag! These cheap places to visit in Florida offer stunning beaches, natural wonders, and unique experiences that won’t drain your savings. From historic St. Augustine to the laid-back Keys, budget travelers can experience the best of the Sunshine State.
Remember to travel during shoulder seasons, look for accommodations slightly off the main tourist paths, and take advantage of Florida’s abundant free natural attractions. With a bit of planning, your affordable Florida getaway awaits!
Ready to start planning your budget-friendly Florida adventure? Which of these cheap places to visit in Florida will you explore first?