Florida has an abundance of free activities to be enjoyed for fitness-minded individuals on a budget or just looking to save money. Florida features a high number of public beaches that don't require admission fees, as well as biking and hiking trails that can be accessed for free. In addition, there are enjoyable spots all over Florida to take a free stroll.
Swimming
Siesta Key public beach, in Sarasota, is widely known for its soft, white sand. The beach is located on the gulf and usually has calm water to swim in. South of Sarasota, in the city of Naples, are 10 miles of sandy beach at Naples Beach. The beach is free to enter, and Collier County taxpayers can receive a free parking permit for all Naples and Collier County beaches, according to the City of Naples website.
Hiking
St. Andrews State Park, in Panama City, has two free nature trails available for hikers. According to Florida State Parks' website, the Heron Pond Trail takes hikers through pinewood forests. The Gator Lake trail takes hikers around Gator Lake and provides good vantage points for watching alligators in their natural habitat. Other wildlife includes raccoon and white tail deer. Both trails possess a diversity of plant life, and bird watching is plentiful.
Biking
Florida has many free biking trails, both paved and off road. Alderman's Ford Trail Loop, near the Alafia River, provides bikers with a heavy dose of nature along its paved trail which is free to access. A longer admission-free paved trail is the Van Fleet Trail. According to Biking Florida's website, the trail stretches 30 miles from Polk City in Polk County to Mabel in Sumter County. The trail is very straight and takes bikers by Florida's Green Swamp. A free dirt trail for mountain biking is found at Sydney Dover Trails. The main trail is a seven-mile loop around wilderness. The trail is not elevated much, and biking lanes are 10 feet wide.
Surfing
Cocoa Beach is free to access and a widely know surf destination in Florida. Cocoa Beach often has steady waves which are strong enough to entice the experienced but usually not too harsh for beginners. One of the most famous professional surfers of all time, Kelly Slater, grew up surfing the waves off Cocoa Beach. Professional surf competitions and events are regularly held at Cocoa Beach, which is located about an hour east of Orlando.
Walking
A free self-guided walking tour can be enjoyed in Miami. According to National Geographic Traveler, the city's historic architecture can be observed by following Fifth Street north to Dade Boulevard, and Alton Road east to the Atlantic Ocean. There are more than 800 buildings built before the 1930s in the area.
Duval Street, in Key West, also provides walkers with a display of historic buildings that include Victorian-style homes and mansions. Duval Street is one mile long with free access to a public beach on the south side. Mallory Sqaure Plaza is located on the north end of the street, and the plaza is located within the historic district of Key West.
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