Free Activities in Tampa Bay, Clearwater & St. Pete

Trying to save a little money? You don’t need a huge budget in order to plan a romantic and memorable date night with your partner. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite free things to do in Tampa Bay, Clearwater and St. Pete, from monthly festivals to art and walking tours, local attractions, and more.  Keep scrolling for our top 50 – but first – know that we updated this list of 50 Activities in Tampa Bay, Clearwater & St. Pete quarterly.

Updated April 2024

Romantic Stuff to do in Tampa Bay:

>> 100 Date Ideas in Tampa Bay
>> Amazing Brunch Spots
>> Tampa Bay’s Rooftop Bars

Discover so many Things to do in Tampa, Clearwater & St. Pete!

If you’re looking for a constantly updated list, see our post on Things to Do in Tampa, Clearwater & St. Pete. 

1. Tampa Riverwalk

It doesn’t cost a dime to take a stroll along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk with your date. Stretching 2.6 miles, the waterfront walkway is popular with walkers, bikers and joggers alike. Free things to do and activities include monthly outdoor concerts, sightseeing, a self-guided public art walking tour and the spacious Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park which is the perfect place to set up an afternoon picnic.

2. Pinellas Trail

Stretching from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, the 38-mile Pinellas Trail is a former railway that was repurposed as a multi-use trail, and is a great no-cost thing to do in St. Pete. Bring along your bike and hit the trail on two wheels making pitstops to check out the Tarpon Springs sponge docks, park for a refreshing brew (I love 7venth Sun Brewing in Dunedin) and stroll through hip downtown Dunedin.

If you feel like making a side trip to the beach, you can follow another pedestrian trail across the Dunedin Causeway for a visit to Honeymoon Island State Park. Admission for cyclists is $2 (close enough to free for a mention!).

3. Fourth Friday Tampa

Every fourth Friday of the month, head to the Tampa Riverwalk for an arts and culture crawl in celebration of Tampa’s downtown! Grab your lanyard at the Straz Center for access to free admission at the Henry B. Plant Museum and other discounts and cultural exhibits that vary month-to-month. Some venues along the Riverwalk also offer drink specials if you’re looking to sip and stroll on a budget – or for a beautiful free thing to do, just enjoy the sunset!

The Henry Plant Museum also offers free admission on the second Saturday of each month.

4. Hit the beach

A major perk of living in the Tampa Bay area is close proximity to the area’s incredible, award-winning beaches. Head to Madeira Beach to stroll the shops at John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, or laze the day away on the quaint and full of character Anna Maria Island. Other local go-tos include St. Pete Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Fort De Soto ($5 beach parking), and Clearwater Beach. Or, do as the locals do and watch a sunset from Ben T. Davis Beach.

5. Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum

North Shore Dr. and 11th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg

Walk just north of Vinoy Park in St. Pete and you’ll find Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum, a lush park filled with hundreds of palms. This tropical paradise offers 2 acres of waterfront zen where you can see more than 500 palms and cycads from around the world. Winding red brick paths lead you through the park and past open green spaces which serve as the perfect location for setting up a picnic. Parking and admission are free.

6. Hyde Park Fresh Market

The first Sunday of every month, head to Hyde Park Village for Fresh Market. This local farmers market is a local favorite free thing to do, and features more than 80 vendors and also lots of good dog spotting (bring your dog!). In addition to vendors you’ll find live music and all the charms of Hyde Park Village that are always there. We recommend arriving early, but the event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

7. Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival

1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach

Soaking up a spectacular Gulf coast sunset is a favorite pastime of Tampa Bay locals. Why not turn the event into a full-blown celebration by attending the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival on Clearwater Beach? Nearly every night of the year visitors, street performers, and artisans gather for a lively sunset celebration that’s a must anytime you’re in the area.

8. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa

This waterfront park located steps from the Tampa Riverwalk offers abundant open-air breezes and draws many couples to its beautiful and sprawling green-filled space. It’s also home to a variety of recurring events, including monthly free outdoor Rock the Park concerts and more.

9. Pinellas County Heritage Village

11909 125th St., Largo

Home to 33 historic structures, the Heritage Village bills itself as a “living history museum.” Step into Pinellas County’s past while exploring bungalows, homes, a sugar cane mill, church, store, and more in addition to the museum exhibits located within the Welcome Center. There’s also a native plant trail and sensory garden. Best of all, admission is totally free making this a great free thing to do in Pinellas County – home to Clearwater and St. Pete!

10. St. Pete Second Saturday ArtWalk

On the second Saturday of each month, galleries throughout St. Petersburg’s Waterfront Arts District, Central Arts District, EDGE District, Grand Central District and the Warehouse Arts District stay open from 5-9pm for an epic art walk. Featuring pottery, glass, paintings, sculpture and more, this monthly free event hosted by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance is a must-do for art lovers.

11. Gasparilla

You can’t call yourself a true Tampa local until you’ve experienced your first Gasparilla. This annual festival is a right of passage and draws a huge crowd every January for the epic Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which includes the legendary Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates. This is one event you don’t want to go into without a solid plan, so check out our Ultimate Gasparilla Guide.

12. Explore local nature preserves

The beach is always a solid choice for a free outdoorsy date, but for a different experience head to one of Tampa Bay’s local nature preserves. Boasting 3,190 acres, boardwalk trails and scenic observation decks, Weedon Island Preserve is ideal for nature lovers. Just 45 minutes from downtown Tampa you’ll find Brooker Creek Preserve, another free preserve spread out across 8,700 acres. Discover six unique hiking trails of varying lengths weaving through wetlands, oak hammocks, pine flatwoods and cypress swamps.

13. Self-guided mural tours Tampa/St. Pete

Get your art fix by embarking on a self-guided tour of Tampa Bay’s impressive murals. The City of Tampa has a helpful list of murals and their locations, and Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Downtown Mural Tour lists even more murals around town. But Downtown St. Pete is the best place to discover colorful murals and snap a few new photos with your boo. Go on a self-guided adventure for free with this mural map or spring for an organized walking mural tour of the area (this option isn’t free, but worth the splurge if you’re interested).

14. Florida Botanical Gardens

12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo

De-stress amidst spacious themed gardens and natural areas at Florida Botanical Gardens. Admission is free to this lush oasis and it’s also picnic-friendly, so pack a blanket and some snacks! Stroll the boardwalks, listen to the soothing water fountains, spot unique art and visit themed areas like a butterfly garden and succulent garden. The gardens are pet friendly and are open daily from 7am-5pm.

15. Saturday Morning Market Free Things to Do

Experience one of the top farmer’s markets in the US right here in St. Pete! Every Saturday morning, the Al Lang Field parking lot in downtown St. Pete comes alive with around 170 vendors during the Saturday Morning Market. Besides fresh produce and artisans selling unique goods, there’s live music and multiple options for grabbing a bite. The Saturday Morning Market runs from early October through late May, while the Summer Market, located at Williams Park, runs from June to August.

16. Sunday Yoga in the Park Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

600 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa

Unwind every Sunday at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s free community yoga class, Yoga in the Park. Held on Sundays at 5pm (6pm in the summer months), each class is led by instructors from local studio Lucky Cat Yoga.

While this class is technically free, there’s a suggested donation of $5.

17. 3rd Thursday Tampa

Enjoy a trifecta of food trucks, cocktails and live music at 3rd Thursday Tampa, a monthly food truck street festival taking place in Downtown Tampa’s Channel District. You’ll typically find 15+ food trucks set up at each event, which takes place at the Grand Central at Kennedy.

18. Jose Marti Park

1303 E. 8th Ave., Tampa

Visit Cuba without leaving Ybor at Jose Marti Park. This small park (it’s only 0.14 acres) has been owned by the Cuban government since 1956, so yep, you’re basically going on a visit to Cuba when you step inside! The park honors José Martí, a poet, writer, literary figure and Cuban national hero. Combine this park with a visit to Florida Cane Distillery which is less than a 5-minute walk away.

19. Gulfport Art Walk + IndieFare

Located between Downtown St. Pete and St. Pete Beach, Gulfport is an artsy locale with a waterfront village comprised of adorable eateries, independent shops, galleries and boutiques, all locally owned. On the first Friday each month, artisans gather along Beach Boulevard to showcase their creations for the Gulfport Art Walk. On the third Saturday of each month, you can peruse art, jewelry, plants, crafts and more at the monthly IndieFare. Check Facebook for upcoming event details.

20. Tampa Riverwalk Festivals

The Tampa Riverwalk is fun any time of year, but it especially shines during the annual festivals held throughout the year. Line up your visit with Riverfest, a free multi-day festival that includes a live music concert series, a hot air balloon glow, sidewalk chalk artists and more. Other annual events include lighted boat parades for Halloween and the holidays, 4th of July events and more.

21. Pack a picnic

Tampa Bay is home to dozens of scenic parks and trails that serve as the ideal setting for a romantic picnic. Pack up some gourmet cheese, meats and snacks and set up your own DIY feast with a scenic park as your backdrop. A few of our favorite options include Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Vinoy Park, Lettuce Lake Park ($2 entry fee) and Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum.

PS — Feel like a road trip? Check out 75 Free Things to do in Orlando! And if kids are coming along, explore 25+ FREE Things to do in Orlando with Kids from our sibling site, Orlando-Parenting.com

22. Bar trivia

Inject a bit of healthy competition into date night by playing bar trivia. We love to play at 3 Daughters Brewing (Monday nights at 7pm).

23. J.C. Newman Cigar Co.

2701 N. 16th St., Tampa

An important piece of Tampa’s history and identity ties back to the cigar industry, which was booming in Ybor City from the late 1800s-early 1900s. Today you’ll find dozens of cigar shops throughout Ybor City, but there’s only one factory still actively producing cigars in Cigar City: J.C. Newman Cigar Co. The recently restored factory, which includes a three-floor museum, is free and open to the public. But, consider the splurge for a guided 1-hour behind the scenes tour to learn more about this slice of Tampa history.

24. Courtney Campbell Trail

Looking to burn some serious calories? Pack up your bike and hit the Courtney Campbell Trail, a great free thing to do which stretches over Old Tampa Bay for 10 miles connecting Tampa and Clearwater. Make sure to stop periodically to look for dolphins or just soak up the view. Parking is available at Ben T Davis Beach. Check out more bike ride ideas here.

25. Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple

5306 Palm River Rd., Tampa

Looking to do something out of the ordinary? Wat Mongkolratanaram of Florida (Wat Tampa) is a gorgeous waterfront Buddhist Temple that’s free to visit. The best day to go is on Sunday for the weekly Sunday market, which features an assortment of Thai food plus Thai tea and coffee. The market typically runs from 9am-1pm. You can also visit the main Temple when the grounds are open to the public, but make sure to respect Temple etiquette as outlined here.

26. Robinson Preserve

1704 99th St. NW, Bradenton

Instead of spending a full day at the beach, visit Robinson Preserve during your next visit to the quaint and full-of-character Anna Maria Island. It’s a free thing to do, explore the preserve’s multiple hiking trails and observation deck with views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. There’s also a designated kayaking trail. The park is open year round from sunrise to sunset.

27. Beach Market at Coquina Beach

Whether you want to pick up some produce or browse artisan goods, the Beach Market at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island is a fun addition to a beach day. Find dozens of vendors set up at Coquina Beach select days of the week from 10am-4pm. The days the market operates change throughout the season, so check Facebook for the current schedule. Parking is plentiful and free at Coquina Beach, which is Anna Maria Island’s southernmost public beach. FYI: The market is closed for the months of August, September and October.

28. Museum Day

While this annual event hosted by Smithsonian Magazine only happens once a year, it’s worth mentioning, especially since several Tampa Bay museums participate. Held annually, Museum Day grants you free admission for two to museums throughout the country. Past participating museums in Tampa Bay include the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Henry B. Plant Museum, Imagine Museum, The Ringling and more.

BONUS – The Henry B. Plant Museum also offers free admission on the second Saturday of each month.

29. Sunrise at Ballast Point Park

5300 Interbay Blvd., Tampa

If you don’t mind rising early, make your way to Ballast Point Park to take in a beautiful sunrise over Hillsborough Bay. Stroll out along the 600-foot pier, soak up the views of the Tampa skyline, and bring along a picnic breakfast to enjoy afterwards. There are multiple picnic tables and open space throughout the park to sit and stay awhile.

30. Stroll Ybor City

Take a scenic stroll through the Ybor City Historic District for a fun way to spend an afternoon doing a free thing to do. Enjoy a free visit to Jose Marti Park and the Oakwood Cemetery or peruse the local art galleries. And for a nominal $4/person, you can stop by Ybor City Museum State Park housed inside a historic bakery from the 1920s. You’ll also be able to check out the museum’s cozy Mediterranean-style garden.

31. Tampa Riverwalk Public Art Walking Tour

Looking for a new way to explore the beautiful Tampa Riverwalk? Embark on a self-guided walking public art tour with this handy map as your guide. The tour includes 16 stops highlighting various works of art including sculptures, murals, mosaic and more.

32. Free outdoor yoga and Pilates at Armature Works

1910 N. Ola Ave, Tampa

Get in a workout in the Courtyard at Armature Works select days each month. Armature Works’ weekly outdoor yoga classes are free and open to the public, and led by local and certified instructors. Check the event calendar for upcoming dates.

33. Oaklawn Cemetery Walking Tour

3402 W. Columbus Dr., Tampa

Dating back to 1850, the historic Oaklawn Cemetery is an interesting, if a bit morbid, way to expand your knowledge of Tampa history. Here you can visit the graves of local historical figures, including Tampa’s first mayor, Joseph B. Lancaster, and Henry Laurens Mitchell, the 15th Governor of Florida. Follow the cemetery’s self-guided walking tour to visit the most notable graves, most of which include intriguing stories.

34. Heights Night Market

1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa

Celebrate the middle of the workweek with a relaxing stroll through the Heights Night Market, which takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 5:30 – 9:30pm in front of Armature Works, another great free thing to do. Listen to the live music as you mingle with local artisans and makers displaying their handmade crafts and art.

35. Upper Tampa Bay Trail

The Upper Tampa Bay Trail offers 7 beautiful miles of smooth riding for bikers (it’s great for walking, too!) in the northwest section of Hillsborough County. Bathrooms are plentiful along this scenic rail trail, as are picnic areas for snack breaks. Six trailheads provide access depending on where you want to kick off your ride, and a connection meets up with the Suncoast Trail for a longer ride. FYI: there is a $2 admission fee per vehicle if arriving by car.

36. Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center

6990 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach

Warm water discharging from a canal at Tampa Electric’s Big Bed Power Station has drawn manatees since 1986, and today the designated Manatee Viewing Center is a free place to see these gentle giants. The area is a designated manatee sanctuary and it’s best to visit during manatee season (winter months). While you’re there, walk the trail and boardwalk to climb the 50-foot observation tower.

37. Ringling Museum of Art Free Mondays

5401 Bay Shore Rd., Tampa

Score free admission to The Ringling Museum of Art every Monday! The museum is home to 21 galleries plus a spacious courtyard filled with sculptures. Note: free admission only applies to the Museum of Art, not the Circus museum or Ca’d’Zan.

38. St. Pete Shuffle

559 Mirror Lake Dr. N, St. Petersburg

Note: This event is free for members and their guests. A $10 fee now applies for non-members.  Try something new by joining the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club for a free Friday session. Every Friday from 7-10pm, you can learn how to play shuffleboard from the best during the weekly St. Pete Shuffle. Volunteers are present to help you get set up and learn the rules of the game.

39. Free Things to Do – Walking Tours

You don’t have to pay to join a tour to explore the city; many self-guided walking tours are available online and in person for free. Marvel at local buildings on an architecture tour through Downtown, Ybor City and Hyde Park. Or, join one of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s free walking tours ($5 donation suggested if you can) October-May on select Fridays at noon. Or, enjoy the free Postcard Tour, an audio tour that will take you around the grounds of the historic Tampa Bay Hotel.

40. Tarpon Springs + Sponge Factory

Learn about Tarpon Springs’ Greek heritage and learn about the city’s sponge divers with a stop by the Historic Sponge Docks. Tarpon Springs is a great day trip destination where you can indulge in delicious Greek cuisine, learn about the city’s history and walk around enjoying the sights. Make sure to stop by the Sponge Factory (you can’t miss it) to check out the sea sponges plus handmade soaps and other wares.

41. Catch a sunset

For a romantic and totally free activity, head to a local park or beach for spectacular sunset views. A few of our favorite local spots include Davis Islands Beach, Clearwater Beach (pair it up with the nightly sunset festival at Pier 60), and Anna Maria Island. Check out our post on the Best Places to Watch a Tampa Bay Sunset Together for more ideas.

42. Explore Bayshore Boulevard

Bayshore Boulevard is a beautiful road to explore on foot or by bike. Throughout the 4.5-mile, 10-foot wide continuous paved path, there are no intersections, breaks, or obstacles in your way. Time your ride to soak up views of the bay during sunrise or sunset. Looking at the mansions lining the other side of the road is fun, too!

43. TECO Line Streetcar System

The TECO Streetcar is a convenient and free way to get around Ybor, Channelside and parts of downtown. The 2.7-mile route gives you hop on, hop off access that’ll plant you within walking distance of stops like the Ybor City Museum, The Florida Aquarium, Sparkman Wharf, and Amalie Arena. Depending on the day, service starts either at 7am or 8:30am and continues late until 11pm, or 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

44. Ben T Davis Beach

After a workout on the Courtney Campbell Trail, reward yourself with some beach time at Ben T Davis Beach. This sunny bayfront beach is a chill place to spend a few hours or catch a sunset. FYI: parking fees do apply here.

45. Rock the Park Tampa Concerts

Rock the Park Tampa is a free thing to do monthly outdoor concert series featuring new musical acts each month. Concerts are held on the first Thursday of each month at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

46. North Tampa Market at Carrollwood Cultural Center

4537 Lowell Rd., Tampa

Held outdoors on the second Saturday of each month at Carrollwood Cultural Center from 10am-2pm, the North Tampa Market is a gathering of 70+ vendors selling a variety of goods, handcrafted items, collectibles, baked goods, plants, flowers, and more. Park yourself at a picnic table under the oaks to listen to live music and enjoy the atmosphere.

47. Free Friday Planetarium shows at SPC’s Planetarium & Observatory

Natural Science Building, 69th Street N. at 5th Ave, St. Petersburg

Stargaze with someone special select Wednesday and Friday nights at St. Petersburg College’s Planetarium & Observatory. When school is in session, the Planetarium opens up to the public for Friday night shows at 7pm and again at 8:15pm. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis so arrive early to snag a seat. After the show, head up to the rooftop observatory to gaze at the night sky through the 20-inch reflecting telescope.

48. Tampa Firefighters Museum

720 E. Zack St., Tampa

With a mission to “preserve the heritage of the Tampa Fire Department and promote life safety education and fire prevention within the community” the Tampa Firefighters Museum is a free and educational place to discover. The museum itself is housed in a renovated firehouse and the building’s brick walls, fireman’s poles and more compliment the exhibits.

49. Instagrammable spots

Play tourist for the day and snap some new couple selfies together at some of the most picturesque locations in town, many of which are free to visit. Explore our picks for the best spots in Tampa and St. Pete.

Feature image credit: Tampa Riverwalk

And if you’re looking for some neat things to do with kids this month in Tampa, Tampa Bay Parenting’s weekend list of things to do is your ticket! They’re also sharing their favorite free things to do with the kids in Tampa Bay too!