15 Free Things to do in Miami

These 15 Free Things to do in Miami will help you see the best sights and areas of the city without spending too much; perfect of budget travelers.

Miami is a vibrant, fun destination but it can be expensive. Yes, there are ways that you can visit Miami on a budget, and, since moving to the US, we have found the off-season to be a great time to travel. However, if you want to visit Miami on the cheap, you can take advantage of these free attractions in Miami!

Free things to do in Miami

The beaches of Miami

Miami is known for its beautiful beaches and luckily for budget travellers, many are free to access and enjoy. Miami is on many USA Bucketlist because of it’s gorgeous beaches.

South beach is one of the most famous and iconic beaches in Miami, offering gorgeous white sands and turquoise waters. There are also plenty of hotels and restaurants nearby, making this a great beach to spend a whole day on. 

North Beach is located north of South beach, offering a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, which the Haulover Beach Park is a clothing optional beach. 

Art Deco Historic District 

Located in the heart of Miami’s South Beach, the Art Deco Historic District is a unique neighbourhood to explore and one of the popular free things to do in Miami. 

Expect neon signs, pastel buildings and incredible architecture, as you wonder through the area. 

The district includes over 800 historic buildings, showcasing archeciture and creative from the 1920s and 1930s but also hosting cafes, boutiques and restaurants. 

Wynwood Walls

Anyone who appreciates art will love the Wynwood Walls, an outdoor street art museum that features murals by both local and international artists. 

This is one of our favorite free things to do in Miami, so enjoy the urban art gallery that truly showcase creativity and innovation. 

Lincoln Road Mall

Another one of our free things to do in Miami is a popular shopping area.

Lincoln Road Mall is a pedestrian-only shopping and dining area in Miami, perfect for those wanting to people watch and window shop. There are also live street performances throughout the afternoons too. 

Bayside Marketplace

Bayside Marketplace is a waterfront shopping and entertainment complex with live music, street performers, and beautiful views of Biscayne Bay. You can of course, browse without spending money but we do recommend taking advance of the local eateries in the marketplace. 

Miami is an incredibly romantic place to visit in the USA, so heading to the Marketplace with your partner can be a fun and romantic date night in the city.

Art Walks

Beyond Wynwood Walls, Miami has a thriving art scene, with several art walks and districts available to explore. Luckily many neighborhoods host free art walks, so you can appreciate various street art ad creations on a free tour; more great free things to do in Miami.

Coral Gables Gallery Night is the first Friday of every month and a great option for those wanting to expire the charming streets of Coral Gables or take the First Friday Art Walk in Little Haiti.

Museum of Art and Design

Yes, Miami is full of art so top off your type in the city with a visit to the Museum of art and design. 

With free admission every day, the museum showcases art from emerging and recognised designers and artists across the with campuses that make up the Miami Date College. 

The permanent exhibit is located on the first floor, highlighting cuban artefacts from the 1960s. 

The Everglades

The Everglades is a huge wetland that is a must visit for those in Florida. Yes, you can pay to take a tour to the Everglades which include fun airboat rides, we will leave a link to that in the description below. But did you know you can visit for free?

The city of Homestead is around an 1 drive from Miami and from the historic downtown area, you can jump on a free trolley ride that takes you straight to the Everglades National Park.

Yes this isn’t technically in Miami but this is definitely a cheaper alternatively for those wanting to see the impressive Everglades nearby. 

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park offers a peaceful green space with walking paths, waterfront views, and the iconic Bayfront Park Amphitheater. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery and of course, is a free place to visit in Miami

Little Havana

Explore the vibrant Cuban culture in Little Havana. You can wander the neighbourhood, visit the Domino Park, and enjoy live music at various venues without having to spend money.

Viscaya Museum and Gardens

While the main house has an admission fee, the gardens at Vizcaya are free to explore. The gardens are beautiful and offer a serene escape.

Institute of Contemporary Art

The Institute of Contemporary Art offers some innovate modern art from local and international artists. The museum is free to enter and you can also take a free guided tour if you book 2 weeks in advance. 

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Take a walking tour of South Beach Miami and you will find the gorgeous botanical garden located here.

This tranquil garden in South Beach is free to enter. It features lush greenery, sculptures, and a peaceful atmosphere, giving you a great place to escape the bustle of Miami.

Hiking and Nature Trails

Many parks in and around Miami offer hiking trails and nature walks, which of course, are free. These include Oleta River State Park, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and the Deering Estate at Cutler.

South Pointe park

Donated by the government to Miami Beach in 1979, South Pointe Park is a quiet waterfront area at the southernmost point of South Beach. 

Enjoy a picnic in the park, watch the water boats pass by and enjoy the gorgeous beach here. Families can enjoy the playground here but it is also worth stroll the 450 foot long pier to appreciate some great views of the city and marina. 

Things to do in Miami at night

Miami is a great place to explore, which truly comes to life in the evening. There are plenty of evening entertainment options for you to choose from and here are just some of the best:

• A night bus tour – This 90-minute Big Bus tour takes you around the city, seeing the area lit up at night whilst sharing information about the history and culture of the area. 
• Ocean Drive – Located in the Art Deco District, this famous street is home to some of the best restaurants and bars. Take a stroll along the drive to see the neon signs and enjoy a drink or two. Other great streets to check out are Biscayne Boulevard, Espanola Way and Miracle Mile. 
• Sunset Cruise – See the city from the waters by taking a sunset cruise. Take in the Miami Skyline whilst cruising through the Port of Miami, Fish Island and Millionaire’s Row. 
• Sports and Live performances – Head to Miami-Dade Arena to enjoy some sports and the performances. The arena is home to NBA’s Miami Heat but you can also enjoy a performance at the Waterfront Theater too. 
• Club Space – Home to electronic club music, this is a popular place for visitors to head to. Attracting international DJs, this is a great place to dance the night away and enjoy an evening under their clear ceiling terrace. 

How to visit Miami on a Budget