The sun is shining, the weather is warming up and it is time to start planning your summer vacation. Whether you want to sightsee, brush up on some history or just relax on a white-sand beach, Florida offers a wide variety of activities from which to choose that are all under $5.

The information below provides fun and exciting activities to do year-round while visiting the Sunshine State that won’t empty your wallet. For additional information on ways to stretch your dollar further in Florida, check out our Hot Deals and sign up for weekly alerts.

(Arranged from north to south by category)
 

OUTDOOR

MUNSON (near Pensacola) − Coldwater Creek, located in Northwest Florida, is known as “the canoe capital of Florida.” It flows through the Blackwater River State Forest and some say it is the swiftest water in Florida. The river is one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation, making this park a popular place for swimming, fishing, camping and paddling for only $3 per vehicle. The shallow water is enjoyably cool and makes it an ideal canoeing option for paddlers of all ages. (850) 983-5363. www.floridastateparks.org. For more information about Florida’s canoeing and kayaking trails, explore the Florida Paddling Trails electronic guide on www.VISITFLORIDA.com/guides.

ST. AUGUSTINE − At the southern end of the 18-mile Anastasia Island, St. Augustine Beach awaits fishermen reeling for some action. Cast a line from the beach or pier, and the least you can do is catch some Florida sunshine. Bait and tackle are available on-site, as well as picnic tables, playground, showers and a volleyball court. Admission to the beach is $5. (904) 829-1711. www.getaway4florida.com.

DAYTONA BEACH − Beachgoers can sun, splash and beat the heat at Volusia County’s Sun Splash Park. The park features an interactive water fountain, decorative walkways, a shaded playground, volleyball courts and picnic areas. Admission is free to the four-acre facility, which also provides 95 off-beach parking spaces and is open from sunrise to sunset. (386) 258-4529. http://volusia.org/parks/sunspla.htm. 

CEDAR KEY − The thriving and pristine environment of Cedar Key makes it an ideal location to catch something for dinner. Recreational scalloping, which is in season during the summer, makes for a day’s worth of fun and a belly full of fresh seafood for free. Dive down to the bottom and grab a few. Many restaurants in the area will even prepare your catch for you. (877) 387-5673. www.visitnaturecoast.com.

ORLANDO − Take time to smell the roses and journey through Happy P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical wonder five minutes from downtown Orlando. Winding pathways lead you on a sightseeing expedition of a beautiful oasis in the tropical stream garden, rose garden, butterfly garden, palm garden and New Home Demonstration Garden. Leu Gardens offers free admission on Monday from 9 a.m.− noon. (407) 246-2620. www.leugardens.org.

KISSIMMEE − Disney Wilderness Preserve provides its own enlightening look at Florida before modernization. The preserve offers miles of hiking trails leading to the shores of Lake Russell for a breath taking view of natural Florida. The preserve is home to more than 160 species of wildlife and the most bald eagle nests in the state. The preserve offers visitors recreational activities such as bird watching, a self-guided nature trail and a 3-mile hiking trail. Admission is $3. (407) 824-4321. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com.   

HOLLYWOOD (near Fort Lauderdale) − Spend the day unwinding at Hollywood Beach, known for its casual atmosphere and international flair. Walk o