The Best Free Things To Do on the Gulf Coast

UPDATED MARCH 2021

Just because you’re going on vacation doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. One of the easiest ways to save money on your Florida Gulf Coast vacation is by taking advantage of all the free activities and things to do while you’re here. Another important step is to choose an Indian Rocks Beach vacation rental, which will save you money—and give you the most amenities for your vacation dollars, when compared to a hotel or motel stay. Check out this amazing list of free things to do next time you’re vacationing in Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores. Your wallet will thank you, and you won’t have to sacrifice a bit of fun!

Indian Rocks Beach, Florida on the Gulf of Mexico | Plumlee Indian Rocks Beach Vacation Rentals

FREE THINGS TO DO IN INDIAN ROCKS BEACH & INDIAN SHORES

There really are so many free things to do during your Indian Rocks and Indian Shores, Florida beach vacation. Who doesn’t love free? Check out this list and if we missed anything, please let us know!

Take advantage of your Plumlee Realty perks.

Guests of Plumlee Vacations enjoy free bikes, free DVDs and many more perks. Take full advantage of your Plumlee Perks during your Gulf beach vacation.

Enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s a different color show to enjoy every night here on the Gulf of Mexico—and it doesn’t cost a dime.

Take a daily walk on the beach.

Experience the amazing benefits of a daily walk or dial it down a notch and take a romantic stroll on the sand with your sweetheart.

Go shelling and beachcombing.

See what coastal treasures you discover along the way. Seashells, sand dollars, and coral are some of the hidden and not-so-hidden discoveries to be found.

Rediscover your inner child and play on the beach.

Play with your kids or just be a kid-at-heart. Build a sandcastle, bury your favorite family member up to their waist in sand, splash in the water, dig below the surface, catch a crab, toss a frisbee, or fly a kite. These are only a few of the many ways to have fun on the beach.

Swim in the calm, clear Gulf of Mexico waters.

No pesky waves to worry about and you can see straight to the bottom. Go for a swim or just float on your back and look up at the cerulean blue Florida sky.

Bike around town.

Travel by two wheels and pedal your way around Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores to see the sights. Get your exercise, breathe in the salt air, and feel the sun on your skin.

Visit a local park.

So many parks, so little time. Explore the best of what nature has to offer at the Indian Rocks Beach parks and beach accesses. Admission is free, so you can’t beat the price.

Explore the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve.

See why the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve is a local favorite for both residents and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in coastal beauty and get in touch with nature.

Visit the Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum.

Delve into history and learn more about the Gulf Coast area and how it has transformed over the years into the beloved beach vacation destination that it is today. Admission to the Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum is free, but donations are always welcome.

Go to the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores.

The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary offers you the chance to get up-close-and-personal with some of the area’s most adorable coastal wildlife. The 1.5 acre beachfront sanctuary is staffed by experienced professionals and dedicated volunteers who share the same committed goal of rescuing and rehabilitating sick, injured and orphaned birds. Admission is free, but donations are certainly appreciated.

Attend a free local event or festival.

No matter what time of the year you visit, you are sure to find some fun and free local events, festivals and activities to attend. Get a taste of the local flavor and meet those who live, work and play here while you’re at it. We highly recommend it! The Beach Welcome Center has everything you need to know to plan your visit including an event calendar, local coupons and discounts, and more helpful information.

Sunset at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach | Plumlee Indian Rocks Beach Vacation Rentals

MORE FREE THINGS TO DO ON THE FLORIDA GULF COAST

If you’re looking to go beyond the borders of Indian Rocks Beach and Indian Shores, you can find a plethora of free activities and things to do in the neighboring gulf towns of Madeira Beach, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tampa and beyond. Here are just a few of our many favorites.

Attend the Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival.

Head to Clearwater Beach any evening and experience the free fun to be had at the Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival. Buskers, local vendors, breathtaking sunsets, music and more await you. Don’t forget to check out the Sunset Cinema for a free family movie night on the beach and under the stars.

Take a scenic drive.

Whether it’s a drive down the coastline, through the Gulf Coast towns, or over the bridges and waterways, you’re sure to find plenty of fabulous views to feast your eyes upon. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Take on the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail.

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a linear park and recreation trail currently extending from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs and is a multi-use trail everyone can enjoy. The trail, created along an abandoned railroad corridor, provides a unique protected green space for walking, jogging, skating and biking.

Visit John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk.

You’ll find a little bit of everything at John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk from shopping and dining to watersports and fishing. Of course you can’t forget the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico views, either. It’s only a short stroll to Madeira Beach.

Window shop.

Pick a town and start walking. Pop into the local shops and quaint boutiques to see what catches your eye. Window shopping doesn’t cost you a thing, but you might want to bring a few dollars with you just in case you need them.

Walk a waterfront or explore downtown.

From historic waterfronts to maritime hubs to beach-centric beauty, every downtown experience is a little different. Whether it’s Indian Rocks Beach, John’s Pass on Madeira Beach, Clearwater, or Tarpon Springs  you’ll get to know each area on a more intimate level the more time you spend there.

Go local.

Florida’s Gulf Coast events are the perfect way to go local. Many of the festivals, events and activities are free and totally family-friendly. You can find out what’s happening during your next Florida Gulf Coast vacation right here.

Well, we’re pretty sure this list will keep you busy for quite a while! If you’re dying to explore all that the Gulf Coast of Florida has to offer while maintaining your budget, now you know where to go and what to do. Let us know if we can further assist you!

The Best Free Things To Do on the Gulf Coast Pin

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FREE THING TO DO?

Let us know in the comments below!

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