There are so many free things in to do in Clearwater and Tarpon Springs! These cities are located on the west coast of Florida, just west of Tampa and north of St. Petersburg. This is one of the many beautiful areas on the gulf coast to spend time at the beach or watch the sunset. Please see below our top pics for the area, as well as a map of locations at the bottom of the page. Enjoy!
1. Moccasin Lake Nature Park – FREE
This nature center (open 10-5 Wednesday through Saturday), is a really nice place to visit in the cooler months in Florida. Inside they have a meeting space for education groups and a small selection of tank amials. Outside, there are shaded and very peaceful trails and boardwalks. One of the trails goes down to to the Lake. There is a small selection of rescued birds as well and a great playground for children.
2. Sunsets at Pier 60 – FREE
This is a really neat pier right in Clearwater where they have a festival going on while you watch the sunset! They have craft vendors, music, and street performers. The pier is very long and fun to walk down. It is open 364 days a year!
3. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary – Donation Based
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This is a bird rescue center (free, but accepts donations), which is both entertaining and educational! You can walk around and see a selection of owls, egrets, seagulls, and more. They have around 100 birds. They provide pelican, macaw, and owl presentations. In the back there is a path that leads to the beach!
4. Honeymoon Island State Park ($8 per car) and Caledeski Island ($2-$14)
These two beautiful state parks (with beach access) are ideal for shelling and spending time at the beach. At Honeymoon Island, there are places where you can hike, fish, bike, and kayak. There is a spot where you can pay to rent bicycles and kayaks. They have trails and a small nature center. There is even a small beach for dogs! The entrance fee is $8 per car.
Caledeski island is accessible by boat, kayak, or ferry. If you were to walk from Clearwater Beach it would take you about an hour! Another great place to shell, kayak around, or even snorkel. The fee for the ferry is a little pricey, but if you kayak it is $2 a kayaker! Boat is $6, and ferry is $14 adults, $7 kids. The ferry leaves from honeymoon island and is a 4 hour trip. Bring your kayak to save some $$$!
5. Largo Central Railroad – FREE
Riders age 1 and up can ride a miniature train at the largo central railroad! The train takes you around a 1 mile loop around the lake. It goes through a tunnel and by the pond! Great for kids who have train obsessions. Trains run on the first full weekend of every month from 10-4. Totally FREE *Note: Babies and pregnant women are not permitted on the train.
6. Spongeorama Sponge Factory – FREE (unless purchasing items from the store)
Cute place in Tarpon Springs with a huge selection of natural sponges. There is a small museum and a free video on the history of sponges. Definitely a unique attraction that you won’t want to miss if you’re in the area!
That wraps it up for free things to do in Clearwater and Tarpon Springs. For more great activities on the west coast of Florida, don’t miss our page on St. Pete!