Having fun with your friends doesn’t need to break the bank, especially when you’re in a beautiful destination like Southwest Florida.
Related Blog: A Guide to Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Plan Your Family Trip to Southwest Florida
From local parks to hidden gems, there’s no shortage of memorable and budget-friendly activities to discover. So, gather your friends and get ready for your next fun-filled adventure!
1. Visit an Art Museum
If you and your friends are arts and culture lovers, why not explore Southwest Florida’s lively art scene? Take a stroll through one of the many stunning art galleries in Sarasota or St. Petersburg while chatting about your favorite artists and pieces. It’s a great way to expand your artistic tastes and style, find inspiration, and spark up a fresh conversation with your friends.
Many museums, like the Dali Museum, offer student discounts or even free entry on certain days, making it even easier to explore the world of art. With works from both local and internationally renowned artists, you can spend the day immersed in art, culture, and design.
2. Destination Photoshoot
Head over to some of Southwest Florida’s most picturesque spots at golden hour to capture unforgettable moments with a destination photoshoot. All you need is your phone or camera and a couple of friends!
If you’re looking for a photoshoot destination that takes you back in time, try a pirate-themed mini golf course, like Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. Make your photoshoot fully immersive by dressing, acting, and talking like a pirate, too!
For a lush backdrop that’s bursting with color and beauty, take your photoshoot to the Botanical Gardens or the Sunken Gardens in St. Pete. For a beautiful sunset backdrop, capture the perfect lighting at St. Pete Pier or one of Southwest Florida’s award-winning beaches.
3. Play Volleyball on the Beach
Few things are more quintessentially Floridian than playing volleyball on one of its white sandy beaches. The sun, sand, and sea create an energetic atmosphere that's both relaxing and invigorating. So, gather your friends and head to places like Siesta Key or Clearwater Beach.
You can buy a volleyball and net for next to nothing, or check your local recreational center to see if they provide the equipment on designated beach volleyball courts. Then, jump on Sarasota’s Bay Runner for free to hop between the best spots.
4. Compete Against Your Friends in a Recreational Sports Game
Southwest Florida offers a plethora of recreational centers where you can challenge your friends to a game of pickleball, tennis, or basketball. These centers often provide equipment rental at low costs, making it easy to try something new. The friendly competition and playful banter will have you all laughing as you cheer each other on until the sun goes down.
5. Water Sports
If you already own a surfboard, plan a day trip to a nearby beach! Make sure to check the forecast for the tides and currents so you can count on catching some waves. For a fun day on your kayaks or paddleboards, plan a nature trip to one of Florida’s mangrove-covered rivers or head out past the gentle waves along the coastline.
You can also easily rent water sports equipment at a low cost if you don’t already have a kayak or surfboard. Or buy a boogie board for next to nothing and ride the waves all day, any day!
6. Visit a State Park
Venturing out to a state park might not sound all that original when it comes to brainstorming low-cost activities, but Florida’s unique state parks might surprise you. The state of Florida is home to over 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites, making it one of the largest park systems in the country. The state is a four-time winner of the “Gold Medal” award for the nation’s best park system. Parks like the War Veterans Memorial Park in St. Petersburg feature a real army tank display, an equatorial sundial, a battlefield cross, and five plaques for each US military branch.
At Heritage Village you and your friends can explore two museum galleries and witness regularly scheduled historical demonstrations of traditional crafts like spinning, weaving, and blacksmithing. Many parks are free or charge a minimal entrance fee, making it an affordable way to experience Florida's diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
7. Local Farmers Market or Flea Market
Spend a leisurely day exploring the vibrant colors, sounds, and tastes of local markets. If you and your friends love to shop–but can’t always afford to shop till you drop– then the Fleamasters Fleamarket in Fort Myers is the place to go. Fleamasters Fleamarket is a treasure trove of unique finds, from vintage items to handmade crafts.
With over 900 stores offering everything from antiques to the latest products, this huge, indoor flea market is the perfect destination for an endless budget-friendly shopping spree. Engage with local vendors, sample delicious treats, and snag a bargain or two.
Another great choice is the Red Barn Flea Market in Bradenton, FL. It combines a traditional flea market, plaza shops, food courts, and open-air farmers markets in a 145,000 sq.ft area. Enjoy 80,000 sq. ft. of air-conditioned indoor shopping, fresh produce, entertainment, and a variety of prepared foods. Embark on a treasure hunt through more than 600 flea market booths and shops.
8. Pirate-Themed Adventure Mini Golf!
Mini golf is one of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of low-cost, fun activities that everyone will love. If you want to make your mini golf experience even more exciting, choose Southwest Florida’s best pirate-themed adventure golf! Get more adventure for your buck at Smugglers Cove, where you and your friends can pretend to be pirates for the day, exploring caves, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, shacks, and a pirate ship while playing mini golf.
Invite your friends for a fun competition on our adventure-style golf course with 18 pirate-themed holes set among scenic landscapes and challenging obstacles. With five beautifully landscaped courses, all close to the beaches, you are sure to have a memorable time with an abundance of photo ops!
Save even more when you sign up now to get a discount coupon for $1 off your first round. We’re always offering swashbuckling savings deals so that you and your friends can set sail on a budget-friendly adventure whenever you choose!
