How to Have Fun in Tampa, Florida, for Free
Tampa is a major city along Florida's Gulf Coast, an area of southwest Florida that is known for its year-round sunshine and white beaches. People from all over the world flock to this vacation haven, and it's also a popular retirement destination and major business thoroughfare. If you plan a visit to the area, you will find numerous recreational activities to enjoy. Not all fun has to cost money, and you can find a number of things to do for free.
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Spend a day at the beach; you can choose from a number of beaches along the barrier islands of Tampa Bay (tampabaybeaches.com). Indian Rocks, Madeira and Clearwater beaches are often-visited hotspots to picnic, swim, fish or just watch the sunset. Stay past sunset at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach and catch a free movie; bring your own lawn chair or beach towel for seating.
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Visit one of Hillsborough County's public libraries to enjoy a variety of activities. Enjoy an exhibition of local artwork at the Southshore Regional Library. In addition, various authors are available throughout the year for book signings and readings. Bring your children for a craft day or to participate in an age-appropriate reading program. Check the library system's online site (hcplc.org) for schedules of exhibits and programs.
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Visit one of Tampa's state parks (tampagov.net/parks). Ballast Point Park is one of the area's oldest attractions and offers views of downtown Tampa. Stroll along the water, enjoy the lush landscape and watch your children play on the space-themed park equipment. It's also an access point for Bayshore Boulevard for rollerblading, walking or jogging.
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See the manatees at Tampa Electric (tampaelectric.com/manatee). When the water in Tampa Bay reaches below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, visitors can view Florida's "elephant of the sea" -- the manatee. Additional attractions include butterfly gardens, hurricane simulators and a 900-foot tidal walk. The facility is open to the public from November through April.
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