Free attractions in Florida get the highest ranking on this best list

Did someone say free?

The votes are tabulated and readers selected two Florida attractions from the 10 best free attractions in the United States.

The two Florida attractions not only made the top 10, they were also voted #1 and #2 in the US.

Number 1 is the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach.

Number 2 is the TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach.

No. 1: This is what 10Best had to say about Loggerhead Marinelife Center

“The Loggerhead Marinelife Center, located in Juno Beach, focuses on ocean and sea turtle conservation, and it is free and open to the public every day.

“Since the goal is to save wildlife and return them to their natural habitat, the number of sea turtles present will vary when people visit. Additionally, there are plenty of other marine animals to observe, and volunteers are helpful and willing to answer visitors’ questions.”

Loggerhead Marinelife Centre: Juno Beach’s Loggerhead Marinelife Center has been voted the best free attraction in the country

Key points to know about Loggerhead Marinelife Center

About: “Loggerhead Marinelife Center is one of Florida’s most visited nonprofit scientific destinations focused on ocean and sea turtle conservation,” according to its website. “Our mission is to promote the conservation of ocean ecosystems, with a special focus on endangered sea turtles.”
O’clock: Daily, 10am to 5pm
Address: 14200 US 1, Juno Beach
Website: marinelife.org

Where is Juno Beach, Florida?

Juno Beach is located on US 1 on the east coast of Florida, about 10 miles north of West Palm Beach or 130 miles southeast of Orlando.

No. 2: Here’s what 10Best had to say about TECO Manatee Viewing Center

“The TECO Manatee Viewing Center, located in Apollo Beach, Florida, is a protected marine sanctuary that offers visitors the rare opportunity to see manatees up close.

“You can also enjoy beautiful butterfly gardens, an impressive observation tower, a boardwalk and walking trails. The park is open seasonally, from November to April.”

Key points to know about the TECO Manatee Viewing Center

About: The mission of the Manatee Viewing Center is to educate the public about the Florida manatee and its habitat. The center is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary.
- Tampa Electric provides the warm water that manatees crave during the colder months. “Our Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach circulates water from Tampa Bay for cooling and then sends the water back into the bay clean and warm. During the winter months, the manatees leave the colder waters to return to this warm and welcoming refuge.”
O’clock: Daily from 10am to 5pm from November 1st to April 15th.
Address: 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach
Website: tampaelectric.com

Where is Apollo Beach, Florida?

Apollo Beach is located along Tampa Bay on the west coast of Florida. It is located less than 10 miles south of Tampa or about 75 miles southwest of Orlando.

Top 10 Free Attractions in the US

Loggerhead Marine Life Center, Juno Beach
TECO Manatee Viewing Center, Apollo Beach
Cape May County Park and Zoo, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
American Mint Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, North Carolina
National Infantry Museum and Soldiers Center, Columbus, Georgia
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Freedom Path, Boston, Massachusetts
Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What is USA TODAY’s 10Best?

USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are a series of reader-chosen “10Best” lists that highlight the best nationwide awards in travel, food and beverage and lifestyle.