FREE Things To Do in South Florida

While most people think of South Florida as being an expensive place to visit, there are actually a wide variety of things to do that will not cost a cent.

Besides the suggestions listed here by city, visit the Web sites for some of South Florida's attractions — Jungle Island, Monkey Jungle and Flamingo Gardens. They often offer free admission to moms and dads on Mother's Day and Father's Day and free admission on special days for residents of certain South Florida cities (proper ID is required).

Fort Lauderdale

Riverwalk
Riverwalk is Downtown Fort Lauderdale's center of arts, entertainment, shopping, dining and nightlife. The scenic Las Olas district, lined with palms and bordered with swanky shops, is the place to see and be seen... and that doesn't cost a dime.

Key West

Alright, I'll admit that getting to Key West and even staying there can be enormously expensive, but every penny saved on a vacation counts. So, while you're in Key West you won't want to miss its Sunset Celebration. It's fun and it's free... and the sunsets are unforgettable.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid — affectionately known as the Town of Murals — is where you'll find over 40 murals adorning buildings in the downtown area. That's just the beginning, there are surprises in this little town around every corner. Small parks and green spaces are punctuated with over 60 benches perfect for enjoying the beautiful surroundings. And, helping to keep the downtown beautiful are the one-of-a-kind sculptured trash containers scattered about town — a steam locomotive sitting on its own tracks, a larger than life turpentine bottle, a jail and beautiful butterflies are just a few of the creative containers that stand ready to take on your trash.

Miami

Miami is another place that visitors might consider to be rather expensive to visit. However, About.com's Miami Travel Guide, Dawn Muench-Pace, has compiled several ideas for things to do in Miami available at no charge:

• Free Things To Do in Miami

Palm Beach

• Mounts Botanical Gardens
  Mounts Botanical Gardens Palm Beach County's oldest and largest public gardens is open to the public with free admission. The gardens are closed most holidays.

• Okeeheelee Nature Center
  The Okeeheelee Nature Center features two and a half miles of trails winding through 90 acres of pine flatwoods and wetlands. Hands-on exhibits and animal encounters are highlights.