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.
1. Sweet Pete's, Jacksonville
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.
2. National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola
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!
3. De León Springs State Park, De León Springs
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:
4. Dinosaur World, Plant City
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.
5. St. Augustine
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.
6. Solomon's Castle, Ona
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!
7. St. Petersburg
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.
8. Winter Park
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.
9. Gainesville
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:
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.
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