While Miami is dotted with a long list of luxury hotels and upscale restaurants, shops, and spas, there are still plenty of free attractions for budget-conscious travelers to enjoy as well. These family-oriented attractions will take you to the picturesque shoreline, interesting museums, and the heart of Miami without costing you a penny. Fun-filled activities that won’t break the bank, here are the best free things to do in Miami.
Soak Up the Sunshine at the Beach
This is Florida, a visit to the beach is a must. Miami lures you in with its ideal weather, and it would be a shame to miss out on its gorgeous shoreline. Grab a towel and some sunscreen and visit Miami Beach Central with its raised boardwalk for walking or head to Crandon Park Beach to explore its three-mile, lagoon-style beach with barbecue grills on-site. If you’re looking for a remote spot, make the drive to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to see its iconic lighthouse.
Do Yoga at Bayfront Park
If you’re an active traveler, you’ll get a good stretch at the free yoga spots in Miami. Head to Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami to namaste with friendly locals, while Coconut Grove has yoga in Kennedy Park and Margaret Pace Park. Want a beautiful view of the bay while you do the Downward-Facing Dog? Head to Mondrian in South Beach on Sunday mornings.
Listen to Live Jazz at MOCA
You’ll find free outdoor concerts on the plaza outside the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami. Music lovers gather together to listen to notable artists that play anything from the saxophone to the flute, trombone in addition to percussionists and local artists, you’re guaranteed to be wowed by the live performances on offer.
Stroll Through Little Havana
Head to one of Miami’s most diverse neighborhoods and take in the vibrant smells and sights along Calle Ocho. Walk through the heart of Little Havana to discover hand-rolled cigars and fragrant coffee, then step inside Maximo Gomez Park to watch locals gather to play dominoes and share stories.
Admire art at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum
Newly renovated, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science boasts a large array of hands-on exhibits that older kids will be captivated by. From fascinating exhibits on different ecosystems, the human body and the adventure of flight, to the 250-seat planetarium that will take you to outer space, you are sure to be spoiled for choice at this attraction. Highlighting South Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, the on-site aquarium gives visitors insight into the depths of the underwater world. The museum gives plenty of opportunities to explore and discover, while the outdoor Wildlife Center houses over 170 reptiles and birds of prey.
Explore South Pointe Park
A perfect spot for an afternoon stroll or bike ride, South Point Park at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach is a 17-acre park with walking paths and gorgeous views of the ocean. You can bring the entire family, as there is a playground with water features and a dog park. Admire the art and light sculptures that dot the park, watch the cruise ships and small yachts come and go, or head to the pier to watch the fishermen.
Join an Art Walk
Miami is known for having some of the best art walks in the state, which are a perfect place for you to learn more about the culture of the city. One of the most established walks in the Coral Gables Gallery Night on the first Friday of the month where can visit a variety of galleries. Lastly, the Bird Road Art Walk is on the third Saturday of the month.
Snap Photos of Art Deco on Ocean Drive
If you’re an architecture fanatic, a walk along Ocean Drive is a must. It’s one of the most famous boulevards in the city and is known for its distinct Art Deco buildings and glitzy hotels and clubs that illuminate when the sun goes down. Snap some photos of the iconic street and its bustling atmosphere that epitomizes Miami.
Enjoy a Family Day Out in Crandon Park
Boasting a gorgeous 2-mile beach, Crandon Park Beach is located on the barrier island Key Biscayne. Aside from the parking fee, this park is a free attraction. It’s also one of the most family-friendly parks in the area, as the white-sand beach sits in a lagoon-style setting surrounded by pristine ocean blue vistas. Tucked away from the buzzing city center, the park is filled with kid-friendly attractions with a nearby amusement center featuring a carousel and roller rink, and you’ll even find splash pads and snack stands in addition to a nature center and garden.
Go Window Shopping on Lincoln Road
Miami is a mecca for shoppers, but it’s just as much fun to browse the vibrant shopping district along Lincon Road. Here you’ll find wonderful boutique shops, as well as art galleries, movie theaters, and hip restaurants and bars. The bulk of the shops are on Lincoln Road between Alton Road and Washington Avenue. Its also been added to the National Register of Historic Places and you can often catch outdoor concerts.
Enjoy a Sunny Day at Bayside Marketplace
Set along the banks of the Biscayne Bay, Bayside Marketplace is next to a marina dotted with local fishing boats. This is a great place to wander around, watch street performers take the stage here, and listen to the sounds of live music.
