The Tampa/Clearwater area is famous for its award winning beaches and 361 average days of sunshine, both of which are free! The beach isn't the only thing for thrifty vacationers though, there are lots of free and inexpensive attractions in the St. Pete/Clearwater area. You don't need a car to enjoy these activities either. Unlimited GO Cards for buses and trolleys are available for only $4 a day or $20 a week and can get you all over the area, from Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, to Boyd Hill Nature Park in south St. Petersburg.Wake up early and catch a sunrise from the St. Petersburg Pier, overlooking the calm waters of Tampa Bay. The Pier is also perfect for early morning fishing or just relaxing and watching the day unfold. If you are there on a Sunday, admission to the aquarium is only $2.50, and $5 the rest of the week.If you get hungry, nearby Central Avenue and the surrounding area offers dozens of bistros and specialty restaurants featuring lunches for less than $10. Some pizza and sandwich shops also have meal specials including drinks for only $5. And like in every major city, you can always stop at a street corner and grab a hot dog or other local fare.Another great place to start the day is a historic district that encompasses the southern end of St. Pete Beach. Stroll through the old Florida community of Pass-A-Grille and stop in to one of many art shops. Or, grab an egg sandwich or fruit bowl at one of the local snack shacks or delis and head over to the nearby Merry Pier for breakfast on the water. You can also fish right off the pier, and bait, rod and reel rentals are available right at the dock.You can also stop by one of the many local Chamber Offices to pick up area information and discount coupons to local attractions and activities.After lunch take a trip to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. This 245 acre award winning park is located along the shores of Lake Maggiore, and features more than three miles of trails and boardwalks. It is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and has an environmental education center with full size replicas of the inhabitants of Lake Maggiore. It also offers a playground and picnic areas, making this a perfect spot for a family outing.If you started your day on the beach or just feel like taking a trip there, cruise over to Indian Shores and visit the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. The sanctuary is open 365 days a year from 9am to sunset with free admission, and is home to hundreds of wild birds from dozens of species. Up to 10,000 wild injured birds are admitted to the hospital each year for care, and the sanctuary ranks among the largest and most successful wild bird hospitals in the United States.
