12+ Free Things to Do in Tampa Bay

March 12, 2023
| 5:51 PM

Free Things to Do 👀

We love that our bustling city is packed with plenty of exciting activities and attractions, but if you’re like us and you’re out exploring all of the amazing things to do in Tampa Bay, your bank account might not be so thrilled. The good news is you don’t always need to spend a ton of money to have a great time here. In fact, there are loads of ways to enjoy Tampa Bay without breaking the bank!

Leave your wallets at home, but bring your I.D. of course if you’re driving, and get ready for these fun, free things to do!

Ride the TECO Streetcar

Tampa Bay might not have a subway, but we’ve got the TECO Streetcar and it’s completely free to ride! This is one of our absolute favorite things to do in Channelside and Water Street. With routes from downtown Tampa to Channelside and through Ybor City, the TECO Streetcar is a fun way to explore. Hop on and off as many times as you want, all for free!

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Catch a Sunset at Sparkman Wharf

Sunsets in Tampa Bay

One of the free things to do in Channelside that Tampa locals love to do is catch the sunset! There are so many amazing spots in Channelside to watch the sunset, but we love Sparkman Wharf. The view from the water is insane, plus there are so many spots to drink and eat!

This is a great way to cap off a great day as it is a free thing to do in Tampa Bay, where you don’t need to spend a penny!

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Stroll Through a Local Market

Markets to Check Out in Tampa Bay

Strolling through a local market is one of our favorite free things to do on Water Street. Our favorite is the Market on Water Street! From fresh produce to local art to homemade treats, there is no shortage of markets in Tampa Bay!

Most weekends, and some weekdays, you can find an awesome market to check out and shop locally. Whether you’re in Clearwater, Tampa, St. Pete, or somewhere in between, there is a local market for you to visit.

Head to UNATION to see what markets are happening this weekend!

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Get Your Sweat on at a Free Outdoor Workout Event

Local Workout Studios and Gyms in Channelside and Water Street

Whether you want to get your flow, sweat, or cardio on, there are so many outdoor workout events across Tampa Bay – many of which are free! Channelside and Water Street are places known for promoting an active lifestyle. So one of our favorite things to do on Water Street is to catch free fitness classes!

Many of the best outdoor spaces, like Channelside, host free outdoor yoga and fitness classes. This is a great way to get moving and enjoy the outdoors because it’s a free thing to do in Tampa Bay and also keeps you fit as well!

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Take Your Dog to a Dog Park

free things to do in channelside and water street

Dog Parks in Tampa Bay

Who says people are the only ones who want to have fun for free? Don’t forget about your furry friend! We are pawsitive that they are going to love Washington Street Park in Channelside or going to one of the many other dog parks around Tampa Bay.

Not to mention, all of the parks listed are absolutely beautiful for your human eyes to enjoy too. It’s one of the best free things to do in Channelside and Water Street!

Go for a Bike Ride or Take a Walk

Go for a Bike Ride or Take a Walk

There are so many gorgeous trails around Tampa Bay that will have you biking or walking for miles without even realizing it because you’re so caught up in all the beauty! Enjoy the beauty of Tampa while doing one of our favorite things to do in Channelside and Water Street.

One of our favorites is the Riverwalk. You can start off your Riverwalk ride in Channelside! This is a staple for all locals to explore at least once, and for all visitors to see while they are here. With stunning views of the bay, the Tampa city skyline, and of the University of Tampa campus, there is so much to enjoy on this specific walk.

But, there are walks for all different occasions! This free activity is not only energizing but is a great way to explore the city on foot while some scenic photos.

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More Free Things to do in Tampa Bay ☀️

Have a Beach Day

Best Beaches in Tampa Bay

Many of our local beaches have been ranked nationally, like St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Siesta Key Beach. Grab your suit (your swimsuit that is), a towel, and some sunscreen because that’s all you’re going to need for this one. To make your beach experience that much more fun, you can always bring a tube to wade in the water or a bougie board to glide across the shoreline.

There is so much to see and do at these beaches that do not require a cent, except maybe for parking depending on where you choose. Beach Day definitely is among the toppers on the list for free things to do in Tampa Bay.

If you need a beach recommendation, check out our list of the best beaches in Tampa Bay!

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Jam out at Rock the Park

Free concert? Yup! Rock the Park happens the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM in Curtis Hixon Park. There’s nothing better than a sunset concert overlooking Tampa’s downtown. Come out to support local musicians and rock the park!

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Explore Florida Botanical Gardens

Step into a real-life fairytale at the Florida Botanical Gardens for one of the most amazing free things to do! Here you can enjoy a refreshing stroll through 150 acres of formal gardens to see unique flowers and plants. The best part? Admission is totally free!

Pro-tip: Visit during the winter holidays, because the gardens are decked out in thousands of twinkling lights!

Hours & Location

📍12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774

Spring Bucket List

Visit a Museum

Museums in Tampa Bay

Not only does Tampa Bay have so many amazing museums, but many of our local museums offer free entry days! On Mondays, the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, for example, is free for all guests. With lush gardens on the front lawn, a beautiful view of the ocean in the back, and stunning art lining the walls of this mansion, the Ringling Museum truly is a site to see. Can we agree this is one of the best free things to do?

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Visit a Park

From hiking into swampland to seeing a gorgeous view of the Tampa skyline, each of these parks has something unique about them making it a great day activity with zero cost. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and head to a park for a fun afternoon.

Go on a Mural Crawl

Murals in Tampa Bay

Have you ever noticed how colorful the walls are in Downtown St. Pete and Downtown Tampa? Local artists have taken boring alleyways and sides of buildings and turned them into an outdoor art galleries. Using our guide below you can walk, bike, or scooter around on a mural tour – all for free!

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Visit the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Who knew visiting Greece would make a list of free things to do in Tampa Bay? Alright, so not exactly, but the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are about as close as you can get to exploring Greece while stateside. The Sponge Docks are home to mouth-watering Greek restaurants and bakeries, shops, and of course, the sponge docks where divers retrieve live sponges.

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Free Things To Do On Water Street, Channelside, and Beyond 🙌🏼

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the best free things to do on Water Street and Channelside! Now that you’ve added to your list of free things to do in Channelside and Water Street follow us @StuffToDoInTampaBay on Instagram and Facebook!

12+ Free Things to Do in Tampa Bay

Free Things to Do 👀

Ride the TECO Streetcar