If you want something ‘cheap’ or ‘free’ to do before summer’s over, there are still things-to-do in the Tampa Bay area. Here are some ideas.

There are so many ways to enjoy what we have in the Tampa Bay area, but sometimes we don’t want to spend a lot of money. For some of these locations, you may have to pay for parking, but that isn’t too high of a cost.

Beaches are the obvious ‘cheap’ or ‘free’ place to visit. However, unless you get there early in the day, you could have a tough time finding either a parking spot or a comfortable spot of sand.

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Here are a few of the ‘cheap’ or ‘free’ things-to-do in the Tampa Bay area.

St. Petersburg Pier

The St. Petersburg Pier: They call it an “exPIERience.” What’s there to see? Restaurants such as Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro, Spa Beach Bistro, Driftwood Cafe, Teak and Pier Teaki. Beyond the food, there’s also the St. Petersburg Museum of History, a marketplace, the Glazer Family Playground, Fishing Deck and much more. Be sure you know how to park for The Pier before you go just to avoid a headache.
Sunsets at Pier 60
The nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 festival features artisans, buskers and, of course, the beautiful sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Each evening, weather permitting, the festival begins two hours before and ends two hours after sunset.

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Wat Mongkolratanaram
The Wat Mongkolratanaram Buddhist Temple is a fascinating and beautiful place. However, right now, we’re just going to focus in the Drive Through Sunday Market.
Tampa Riverwalk
You don’t just head downtown to get some exercise on Riverwalk. There are events such as boat parades, pilates, yoga, Sunset Paddle Happy Hours, and dining. From Armiture Works and Ulele to the Columbia Cafe, there are plenty of places to stop and dine along Tampa Riverwalk.
Gulf Beaches
The Gulf beaches: A day at some of the greatest beaches in the world is something the Tampa Bay area has over, well, just about everyplace. Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and everything in between (and even up and down the coast from Pinellas County) features white sand beaches that are some of the most beloved on the globe.
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Visit Tarpon Springs and you can learn about the history of one of its most well-known products: the sponge. You can also enjoy some of the best seafood and Greek food in the Tampa Bay area.

(Photo by Geno/BBGI)