Are you looking for the BEST free things to do in Tampa, Florida today?
They say the best things in life are free and that is certainly true when looking for things to do in Tampa.
Whilst Tampa has a whole host of exhilarating attractions, some of the most fun and most memorable can be enjoyed at no cost.
If you are looking for a zero-cost activity in Tampa, they can be found in abundance and provide some of the best experiences in the city.
Give your bank balance a break and enjoy this incredible selection of fun and free things to do in Tampa today.
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Best Free Things to Do in Tampa:
- Visit a Tampa farm and go on a berry-picking adventure where you can fill your own baskets at Bob´s Berries
- Walk the cobblestone streets of Ybor City and find out why it’s known as “Cigar City”
- Download the International Plaza app and hangout at one of the most prestigious shopping malls on Florida’s west coast
- Escape into the sprawling 30 acres at Florida Botanical Gardens and discover exotic plants from multiple continents right here in Tampa
- Come out to the Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center and have your chance to see these gentle giants gather in this warm refuge
Keep reading to find out more of my favorite free things to do in Tampa!
1. Visit a Flea Market
In all of Florida state, Tampa is the best destination for flea markets. Boasting quirky flea markets of varying sizes throughout the city, Tampa is where you can get the best finds and the best deals.
Although the once largest and most eclectic destination, Big Top Flea Market, is no longer here, you still have options.
The most highly regarded and largest flea market in the south is Oldsmar. It has a vibrant atmosphere and diverse stalls offering the perfect blend of new and old.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
There is also no requirement to spend any money at a flea market, you can enjoy simply wandering around, browsing the stalls, and soaking up the atmosphere.
It is one of the best things to do in Tampa for a girl’s day or a date with your special someone. Wandering around and discovering so many interesting things that you probably didn’t know you wanted or needed!
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2. Enjoy a Farmer’s Market
Attending a farmers market is a great thing to do for free in Tampa.
Whilst there is a wealth of vendors selling incredible local produce, ingredients, and treats, there is simply no obligation to buy.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Many stalls offer samples allowing you to try the best home-baked goods and local delicacies without dipping into funds.
Events like Summer Night Exchange and Hyde Park Fresh Market also have live music allowing you to enjoy some free entertainment too.
Tampa Bay Farmers Market is open 7 days a week with a colorful and vibrant collage of so many fresh fruits and vegetables along with your favorite Amish foods, potted plants, and beautiful flowers.
3. Visit a Museum
As a cultural hub, Tampa is home to an impressive selection of museums. Whilst museums vary in admission, there are many you can visit completely free of charge.
Both Tampa Police Museum and Tampa Firefighters Museum offer free admission.
The outdoor living history museum of Heritage Village boasts 33 historic attractions with free entry whilst Sulphur Springs Museum also has no charge.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
However, the highlight is undoubtedly the Tampa Museum of Art showcasing both local and international art and sculptures that’s free for college students.
In addition, if you are a Bank of America customer, on the first weekend of every month, free admission is available at the Tampa Museum of Art.
Not only do you get to save your dollars, you also learn quite a few things on your visits to the Tampa museums.
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4. Explore Tampa Riverwalk
A beautiful part of Downtown Tampa, Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.6 mile promenade alongside the Hillsborough River.
A popular location for walking and cycling, Tampa Riverwalk offers a scenic waterfront trail that ranks among the 15 Best River Walks in the US.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Tampa Riverwalk is a hub of activity with frequent joggers, morning yoga classes, and nightly music.
Surrounded by delectable restaurants and leading visitor attractions, the Tampa Riverwalk is a connecting point of art, culture, and cuisine in the city.
Every year one of the best free festivals in Tampa comes to Riverwalk on the first weekend in May. Live music along the waterfront, Taste of Riverwalk, Taco Fest, lantern parade, and even a wiener dog derby for lots of free family fun in Tampa.
5. Hangout in Ybor
This historic Tampa neighborhood is a lively district renowned for vintage shopping, Indie eats, and hipster bars.
The Former Cigar Capital Of The World, the streets of Ybor City are lined with the red-brick facades of converted cigar factories and independent cigar rollers keep the industry alive.
This Latin quarter has a distinct Cuban flair with exquisite restaurants, a vibrant community, and a genuine piece of Cuban territory.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
The neighborhood also boasts a thriving diverse community with the city’s most popular and electric nightlife scene coming to life after dark.
Ybor City is one of the best free places to go in Tampa where you can walk around and take so many cool photos and fill your camera roll with instaworthy shots.
6. Take a Ride on the TECO Line Streetcar
This heritage transportation system is the ultimate way to get around Tampa.
Commonly known as the Tampa Trolley, the TECO Line Streetcar travels through Tampa’s urban center with 11 stops en route from Ybor City to Downtown Tampa.
The trolley runs every 15 minutes with a 25-minute journey time from start to end.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Riding the TECO Line Streetcar is completely free and you can hop on or off wherever you like. Take in the sights of Tampa as you explore the city on board a piece of transportation history.
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7. Visit a Tampa Garden
The Floridian climate is one that is ideal for flora and fauna to thrive.
Thanks to this, the city and surrounding areas of Tampa are home to some breathtaking gardens, many of which offer free admission.
Take a stroll in nature and admire the beautiful landscaped grounds and diverse plant collections of some of Florida’s best gardens.
The city’s highlight is without a doubt Florida Botanical Gardens.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
The most scenic attraction in the Tampa Bay area, Florida Botanical Gardens boasts 30 acres of gardens featuring art installations, nature trails, and exotic plants from multiple continents.
8. Hangout at International Plaza and Bay Street
The most impressive shopping district on Florida’s west coast, International Plaza and Bay Street is a prestigious shopping mall opposite Tampa airport.
Offering over 200 stores and 16 restaurants, International Plaza is your one-stop shop for a spot of retail therapy.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
If you are not looking to spend money, not only can you enjoy window shopping but International Plaza also hosts exciting free events throughout the year.
These free events include things such as fashion shows and live entertainment.
I recommend downloading their app before you go to help you navigate your way through this two-story shopping center.
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9. Explore Pinellas Trail
Running through the towns on the outskirts of Tampa, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is the linear trail of a former railway extending almost 50 miles.
The multi-functional trail is open to the public for recreational activity including walking and cycling.
This abandoned railroad is one of Florida’s most popular urban pathways, a picturesque trail passing by historic buildings, charming neighborhoods, and beautiful beaches.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Whilst Pinellas Trail is also great for walkers and joggers, the trail is best suited to biking with long stretches of scenic landscape to explore on two wheels.
10. Visit Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center
By Apollo Beach, Tampa Electric heats the surrounding waters attracting manatees who migrate to the area for the winter in search of warmer temperatures.
The Manatee Viewing Center was set up to allow visitors to wander the boardwalks and look over into the waters to admire this impressive species.
Manatees like to swim close to the surface so during the winter months, there is ample opportunity to see families cruising through the water.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
As part of the Florida Conservation and Technology Center, an educational facility is also available at the Manatee Viewing Center with a Rays Touch Tank and an immersive manatee exhibition.
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11. Enjoy a Farm in Tampa
The list of incredible farms in the Tampa area is nothing short of extensive. There are so many different farms to choose from that deciding which to visit will be your biggest challenge.
For starters, Tampa is home to an abundance of U-Pick farms, many of which offer free admission and a simple pay for what you pick process.
Bob’s Berries is a favorite specializing in blueberries. They are a bio-organic berry farm that is 100% chemical-free.
Whether it’s strawberries, sunflowers, pumpkins, or vegetables, there is a farm in Tampa where you can pick your own.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Keel Farms is an incredible example of hosting exciting events completely free of charge including the pumpkin harvest, strawberry bash, blueberry festival, and watermelon weekend.
If you’re in search of an animal farm, many of Tampa’s animal farms charge admission but Keel Farms is also an excellent option, home to pigs and chickens.
12. Discover the St. Petersburg Pier
Extending into Tampa Bay, the St. Pete Pier is an iconic landmark in St Petersburg.
The pleasure pier is bursting with activity from the children’s splash park and fishing spot to the picture-perfect artwork and installations.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Numerous shops and restaurants also occupy the length of the pier with a tram running making it easily accessible.
Occupying the picturesque waterfront, the pier opens half an hour before sunrise, a spectacular place to watch the daybreak.
The colorful and fun pier is also the perfect place to enjoy a picnic here with your friends and family making it one of the best family-friendly free things to do in Tampa.
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13. Hangout in Channelside
This outstanding leisure and entertainment complex in Downtown Tampa is one of the city’s most vibrant and exciting areas.
The fastest-growing corner of Tampa, Channelside is overflowing with stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
There is so much to do in Channelside but if you’re looking for freebies, there is plenty on offer.
With live music in the courtyard, enjoy some free entertainment and watch the cargo ships arrive and depart as you sit waterside.
With special events popping up periodically throughout the year, you may even catch some unique activities whilst you’re there.
14. Take a Hike In a Nature Preserve or State Park
With so much natural beauty, Florida is abundant with wildlife preserves and Tampa is surrounded by some of the best.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Just a short drive from Downtown Tampa, Cypress Creek Nature Preserve spans 2500 acres with an impressive variety of natural habitats and rugged landscape.
Meanwhile, the 38-acre McKay Bay Nature Park is a national avian sanctuary with observation spots, nature trails, and a boardwalk.
Alternatively, the Hillsborough River State Park is just minutes from Downtown with seven miles of hiking trails, class II rapids, and diverse wildlife.
15. Get Lost in the Many Books at the Downtown Library
As the central resource center for the Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library, the John F. Germany Public Library in Downtown Tampa is a book-lovers paradise.
Home to the lates, the greats, and the new, the Downtown library is an exciting labyrinth of stories and education.
Featuring reference collections, bestsellers, and classic novels, the Downtown library is the ultimate hub of libraries in Tampa.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Whilst visiting the library is completely free, if you fancy bagging a bargain, visit Grover’s Corners, the library bookstore on the first floor.
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16. Visit a Tampa Park
Tampa is a destination with abundant green space and the city has an exceptional collection of public parks.
Adjacent to the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park occupies the waterfront of Hillsborough River providing an urban space with open grass areas, a dog run, and interactive fountains.
Also offering waterfront views, Picnic Island Park offers walking trails, a small beach, and a disc golf course in addition to traditional park amenities.
Cypress Point Park is an alternative beachfront park nestled in the dunes with a tranquil boardwalk and picnic shelters.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
These are just a few of the staggering 194 parks that Tampa has to offer that are completely FREE!
Parks are one of the best free things to do with the family in Tampa getting out into the fresh air, unwinding in the shade, and packing a picnic, the young ones can play on the playground and it doesn’t have to cost a thing.
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17. Self-Guided Mural Walking Tour
Tampa is a walking museum of beautiful artwork, all throughout the city you can find incredible masterpieces on display.
Heading out on a self-guided mural walking tour is a fun way to spend a day out discovering what lies within the city and beyond. If you have time I recommend extending your mural tour to Ybor City and St. Pete and make a whole adventure.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
You can find a list on the City of Tampa site of many of the murals that they have commissioned. They also include the mural location and information relating to the gorgeous creations to help you out on your self-guided tour.
18. Visit the Tarpon Springs Historic Sponge Docks
Known as the Sponge Capital Of The World, Tarpon Springs is famous for the world’s finest natural sponges.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks offers a unique insight into the sponge industry with Spongeorama Sponge Factory, a museum with the world’s largest collection of natural sponges and free admission.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
The beauty of Tarpon Springs is in the vibe with iconic blue and white buildings, a vibrant Greek community, Greek heritage, and delicious Greek restaurants.
Tarpon Springs is one of the best things to do near Tampa for those who love to wander around, take pictures, and visit places off the beaten path in Florida. It is so much fun here and there are lots of cool photo ops and treasures to be found.
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19. Relax on the Beach
Florida is renowned for having some of the best beaches in America and Tampa beaches can be found in abundance.
Whether you want to dive into your favorite beach read, soak up the Florida sun, or spend the day playing out in the water, you can’t go wrong with any of the Tampa beaches.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
There are so many to choose from and a beach day is always a good time. Ben T. Davis Beach is the largest in Tampa and highly popular with calm waters, white sand, and exceptional sunset views.
Alternatively, for a quieter beach scene, Treasure Island is the ultimate Floridian beach resort with tranquil views and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping against the shore.
Don’t forget about Clearwater Beach (a popular tourist destination)!
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20. Explore Armature Works
Nestled in Tampa Heights, Armature Works is at home within one of Downtown Tampa’s most iconic landmarks.
The former streetcar manufacturer building dates back to 1910 and has received a modern renovation whilst still retaining the intricate detailing of early 20th-century architecture.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
This beautiful building is now home to the Heights Public Market, waterfront restaurants, and multi-purpose co-working spaces.
Explore the historical building, admire the waterfront views, and enjoy the live entertainment that is regularly on offer.
21. Take a Stroll on the Courtney Campbell Trail
Connecting Tampa to Clearwater, the Courtney Campbell Trail offers a pathway for pedestrians and cyclists for 10.5 miles.
The trail takes in breathtaking views of Tampa Bay, Ben T. Davis Beach, and Cypress Point Park showcasing the best of Tampa’s scenery.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
If you’re in search of the perfect location for a relaxing walk, or even a bike ride, in the Tampa area, look no further than the Courtney Campbell Trail.
22. Enjoy the St. Petersburg Second Saturday Artwalk
Taking place on the second Saturday of every month, as the name may suggest, the St. Petersburg Second Saturday Artwalk is the ultimate arts and culture event.
Bringing together the art districts of St. Petersburg, the Second Saturday Artwalk is an excellent opportunity to explore St. Pete’s artistic scene.
Discover the best galleries in St. Petersburg, many of which use the Second Saturday Artwalk to showcase the opening night of their latest exhibition.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
The Art Walk trolley offers free transportation between the different districts providing easy access from gallery to gallery.
Alternatively, navigate the attractions on the Art Walk by foot, encountering street entertainment and art installations en route.
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23. Have a Driving Tour Through South Tampa Admiring the Mansions
If you have access to a car, driving around South Tampa is one of the most incredible free things to do in Tampa.
This affluent corner of the city boasts exceptional properties and impressive mansions with Tampa’s best real estate lining the streets.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Featuring homes worth millions, South Tampa is the most jaw-dropping place to explore.
From modern homes to historic residences, South Tampa is where you will find the best properties the city has to offer.
24. Visit One of the Many Festivals
As a vibrant destination of activity, it is no surprise that Tampa hosts many festivals throughout the year.
With an event to suit every interest, Tampa is the best destination for unique and creative festivals.
One of the biggest of the year is the Gasparilla Pirate Festival. A Tampa institution since 1904, the Gasparilla Pirate Festival is one of the city’s biggest traditions held every January.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
With pirate ships taking to the Tampa waterfront and sea dogs invading the city, the Gasparilla Pirate Festival is the highlight of the Tampa events calendar.
The Parade of Pirates is the star attraction of the event with an enthusiastic crowd of swashbucklers and spirited floats navigating a 4.5 mile stretch into Downtown Tampa.
Tampa Food and Wine Festivals
A thriving genre of Tampa’s festivals is food and wine-based.
The city hosts a staggering number of foodie events throughout the year showcasing the best of local produce, ingredients, and cuisine.
Nearby in St. Petersburg, Savor St. Pete is the biggest food festival in the region, an exhilarating two-day celebration of the Floridian food industry and community.
This festival is bursting with flavor offering gourmet cuisine and mouth-watering dishes with art and music as a colorful backdrop.
Music is also huge in Tampa and throughout the year, a wealth of free music festivals are held showcasing the best of both local, national, and international talent.
More unique festivals are also on offer including scarecrow festivals, Oktoberfest, and heritage events.
25. Enjoy Wine and a Good Book at Book + Bottle
If you love diving deep into a story and sipping on delicious vino then Book + Bottle in St. Petersburg, Florida is your new paradise.
As the coolest bookstore in town, the Book + Bottle concept is the sublime pairing of exceptional novels and exquisite wine creating the ultimate dream team.
Why This is One of the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Whether you consider it a bookshop with wine or a wine store with books is up to you but the result is ingenious.
Browse the shelves and meet friends for a tipple or select the perfect bottle to compliment a plot and take home the perfect combo.
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Free Things to Do in Tampa
Tampa is bursting with outstanding free things to do that are full of fun.
Whether you reconnect with nature, immerse yourself in culture, or spend some time relaxing, you can enjoy a zero-cost side of Tampa without compromising on the quality of your Tampa-based experiences.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
Steph is a UK-based freelance travel writer and theme park enthusiast. She currently lives in England with her partner and son but is passionate about exploring the world.
(Original Article Date: December 2, 2022/Updated by Editor on April 3, 2024)