There are plenty of free things to do in Miami, you just need to know where to look 😉
Miami is a stunning place to visit with a vast array of beaches, watersports, nightlife, and much more. Whether you are on Spring Break, visiting Miami, or a local resident. You can find this list of free things to do in Miami very useful. After all, everything tastes better free!
So with no further adieu here are the best cheap and free activities in Miami.
30 Free things to do in Miami You Gotta Do!
1. South Beach
One of the very first things to do in Miami seems obvious. Who doesn’t love a good trip to the beach? After all, that is what Miami is known for.
One of the best beaches for an exciting and overall good time is South Beach. It is known for its popularity, parties, music, and fancy beverages.
Grab a nice cold beverage and take a walk through the warm Miami sand. Enjoy live music and even hop into the party scene if that is something you love. Miami is the perfect place to make you truly feel alive! Whether you are on Spring Break or just want to have some fun in the beautiful weather, South Beach is the place to be.
2. South Pointe Park
If you are looking to visit the beach and are traveling with family, or if you want a more peaceful experience, visit South Pointe Park.
This location is much more family-friendly and has fewer revelers. It is a large open green area on the southern tip of Miami Beach.
This location presents breathtaking views of the shoreline and sky, and it has connections to walking trails, picnic areas, a playground area, and direct beach access. Pick up some food or carry your lunch to this destination and relax to the sounds of the waves as you enjoy lunch and all that South Pointe Park has to offer.
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3. Miami Beach Boardwalk
After you have checked out at least one area of Miami Beach, your next stop should be at the Miami Beach Boardwalk. The Miami Beach Boardwalk displays impeccable views and covers an estimated 40 blocks that extend from the southern point of South Beach.
Take in the astonishing sights of the ocean, the luxurious hotels and condominiums, birdlife, and other sights. This amazing location is often referred to as the South Beach Boardwalk.
It crosses some of the hottest destinations on South Beach and is ideal for tourists, locals, families, and Spring Breakers. Take a walk around, grab a refreshing drink, and enjoy this stunning destination.
See more: Things to do in Downtown Miami
4. Ocean Drive
If you are looking for an activity that is a little less tiring, try taking a drive on Ocean Drive. Ocean Drive is a road that follows along South Beach.
Sit in your air-conditioned car or roll the windows down and enjoy the fresh ocean air. There are many places to stop along the way, and the drive will reveal the stunning architecture that runs along Ocean Drive.
Stop in to grab a bite to eat or do a little shopping when you feel like getting out to stretch your legs. It is always nice to have a souvenir of a place you will be able to boast about visiting for years to come!
5. Miami Metromover
If you do not have a car with you or you simply want to experience the gorgeous views in Miami without the concern of driving, try the Metromover.
The Metromover in Miami is a free sky train that functions seven days per week. It travels through downtown Brickell and the surrounding areas and stops at various locations, including hotels, the American Airlines Arena, the Freedom Tower, and many more sites.
Let the Metromover do all the work while you take in the scenery, people watch and explore. It is also a convenient way to travel through the area and get from Point A to Point B.
6. Domino Park
A unique approach to enjoying Miami is found at Domino Park. Enjoy a mug of Cuban coffee while observing the longstanding tradition of competitive dominoes that has brought life to the park.
Relax and watch the vigorous gameplay on the benches along the walkway or take a walk along the walkway featuring domino tilework. Enjoy the scenery and dive into the history as you view the mural of presidents who attended the first Summit of Americas in Miami.
The park is located nearby the Little Havana Visitor’s Center. You can easily navigate from there, and free parking is offered behind the park, making it even easier to access Domino Park.
7. History Miami Museum
Miami may seem like a place geared towards adults, but there are plenty of activities for the whole family. Visit the HistoryMiami Museum every second Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The event has activities for the entire family from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors can experience the culture of the lively city and spend the day participating in various activities and learning experiences.
This lively opportunity will surely entertain your family and is a great free activity while you are staying in the costly city of Miami. Take advantage of this unique opportunity if you are able to make the dates coincide with your visit.
8. Miami Art Walk
Another activity suitable for visitors of all ages and types is the Miami Design District Public Art Walks. These free events take place twice per month, on the second Sunday and the last Wednesday of each month.
The art walks are both interactive and informative. Take the tour with your family and learn about the history and culture of the area and its artwork, take the walk with a group of friends and family, or take the tour solo and meet the friendly locals and other tourists who are taking the same tour. Do not miss out on this opportunity while you are in Miami.
9. Little Havana
Why stop at the typical things to do in Miami? Experience a true Cuban experience in Little Havana. Little Havana is a highly popular Cuban neighborhood that will take your breath away.
Little Havana makes you feel like you are in Cuba. It is nothing short of fabulous. Enjoy the Cuban food and beverages at the local restaurants, take a tour through the different art galleries, visit the local street art sites where you can find vibrant murals, and stroll through the neighborhood at your own pace.
Little Havana is also known for its bakeries and other eateries on the Calle Ocho strip. Do not miss out on this unique experience. Food is relatively affordable in Little Havana making it one of the best cheap things to do in Miami for sure!
10. El Titan de Bronze
Another must-see destination is El Titan De Bronze Cigar Mfg. It was established in little Havana, Miami, in 1995. It is home to a variety of unique hand-crafted cigars.
Stop by the factory to watch the hand-rolled cigars in production. Every cigar is crafted with a traditional Cuban touch, using Cuban-style tubing, and other unique features. Every cigar is finished with a triple cap, and each day’s work is inspected by a Master Roller/Blender before being boxed and dated.
Due to the impeccable quality of the cigars and the high standards that are abided by to make them, cigars are produced in small quantities so they are consistent in quality. If you love cigars or if you are interested in how they are made, this factory is a one-of-a-kind experience.
El Titan De Bronze Cigar Mfg/ Simon Lundh
11. Biscayne National Park
Take a small detour about an hour from South Miami to Biscayne National Park. The park is approximately 95% underwater and is one of few national parks that you can visit parts of for free.
It is considered the biggest marine park in the National Park System, and it is a stunning location to visit. The park stretches across the mangrove forest on the East Coast of Florida and is known as the longest remaining stretch across this area.
Enjoy swimming, boating, paddleboarding, and underwater activities during your visit. The local Dante Fascell Visitor Center is the sole visitor center in the park.
It offers guests a virtual journey through the four ecosystems within the park and displays showcases of work from local artists who have used the stunning sites in the park as their muse. Enjoying these features of the park is completely free, and no passes are required.
12. Bayfront Park Yoga & Activities
Are you looking to get a little more active in Miami while still enjoying the scenery? Try taking a free or donation-based yoga class at Bayfront Park.
Bayfront Park is 32 acres of land within the heart of downtown Miami. It is also on Biscayne Bay, the ideal location to soak up some sunshine and relax.
Try a free yoga class on the beach, exercise in the open green spaces, stroll along the unique walkways, take a walk or jog on the beach, and observe the beauty of the fountain and tropical rock garden with a gorgeous waterfall dating back to the 1920s. It doesn’t get any better than this.
13. Coconut Grove
After so many activities and attractions, one would think, what more could there be? Coconut Grove is the answer. Coconut Grove is a neighborhood in Miami that runs along the coast of Biscayne Bay and runs from North Brickell to South CocoPlum.
The location is best known for its lively culture and is a tourist attraction with many activities beyond simply shopping. Its culture keeps the place spirited and stunning.
Take a trolley from one stop to the next as you explore the area and stop or pass by South Bayshore Drive, Peacock Park, Grand Ave, and many more locations as you head deeper into this intriguing area.
14. Arch Creek Park
If you are tired of the chaos directly in Miami, take a break and visit Arch Creek Park. The park is a natural and preserved property with plenty of space for roaming around.
Arch Creek Park is not very significant in size. However, the history of the park is substantial. It was created around a naturally formed limestone bridge that was part of the Indian trail at Arch Creek. The body of water at the park previously came from the Everglades, traveling into Biscayne Bay.
It was discovered that the park was likely once the water source for the Testuesta Indian Tribe. Wander around this beautiful park and take in the history and scenery in this peaceful environment.
15. The Bark Park
Similar to the previous activity, the Amelia Earhart Park in Miami is made up of five lakes on 515 acres. The park contains a five-acre Bark Park which is fenced in and has multiple areas for dogs of different sizes.
The Bark Park has free admission, and parking during the weekdays is also free. Locals, visitors, and anybody with a love of dogs will fall in love with this beautiful location.
Explore the park with your furry friend and take the time to relax and escape the hustle of the busy high-traffic tourist areas in Miami. If you are seeking a peaceful environment, this is where you can find it.
16. Institute of Contemporary Art
As you jump back into the busier areas of Miami, consider the Institute of Contemporary Art. Free tickets are offered to visitors, and you can either book group tours two weeks before your visit or enter at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday for a free guided tour.
For groups of 15 or more, booking in advance is required. The Museum hours are 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ensure you arrive early for the guided tour due to its popularity among tourists and Florida residents.
The opportunity to view and learn about the stunning contemporary art at the museum is something you would not typically find for free. Take advantage of this opportunity while you are visiting Miami.
17. Holocaust Memorial
It is always interesting to learn about the history of the area you visit. One place that will truly bring history to life is the Holocaust Memorial.
A group of Holocaust survivors formed the memorial in 1984. This group developed the memorial in Miami to honor six million Jewish individuals who were massacred by the Nazis during the Holocaust. The Holocaust Memorial Committee was established as a non-profit organization, and entry to the memorial is free.
Groups of ten or more people must make reservations ahead of time in order to visit the museum together. Take your time and learn about this incredible group of survivors who created such an astonishing memorial for their fellow Jewish men and women.
18. Frost Art Museum
If you are interested in artwork, one of the best places to visit is the Frost Art Museum. The art gallery is gigantic and a large Atrium and Terrace make the museum even greater.
There are a variety of activities to do and unique artwork to see. Simply show up at the museum and enter for free. The Frost Art Museum is great for individuals of all ages and has a grand lecture space where free lectures are offered by historians, scholars, and artists.
The museum has metered parking nearby and is a lively place located in Miami that is well worth the visit.
19. The Wolfsonian
Are you seeking an experience that will stand out in comparison to the typical Miami experience? Visit the Wolfsonian, an event center and museum with over 2000 square feet of lobby space, a large auditorium, designer store, coffee bar, and more.
Enjoy roaming through their designer shop with incredible products and publications that make great gifts and souvenirs. Furthermore, visit the Aerial Vision area which shows inventions from the 20th century, including skyscrapers and airplanes.
Delve into the idea of seeing the world in a whole new way as you explore the Wolfsonian’s collection of posters, furniture, drawings, paintings, and more. The Shameless exhibit is another stunning area that focuses on design history, contemporary production, and worldly artwork. Visit from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every Friday for free admission and enjoy the work displayed in this incredible structure.
20. The Biltmore Hotel
View Miami from a different perspective during the free guided tour at the Biltmore Hotel. The tour takes place every Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The tour will begin in the hotel’s upstairs lobby nearby to the large birdcage within the hotel. It continues through the hotel and shows off the incredibly unique features of the Biltmore Hotel for a full hour.
The Biltmore pool is known to be one of the largest swimming pools inside a hotel in the Continental United States. Enjoy this free tour along with its free parking, and a lifetime full of stupendous memories from your adventure at the hotel. One of the best indoor activities in Miami.
21. The Florida A1A Scenic Drive
Another approach to viewing the fantastic scenery in Miami is to drive along the Florida A1A. This route takes you along the Atlantic coast, beginning at Ocean Drive and First Street, before merging into Collins Avenue which goes north.
This drive will cover some of the most scenic areas in Miami with areas of new high-rise buildings, old hotels, restaurant stops, and incredible views.
However, you can expect traffic to be thick so it is always a good practice to bring snacks, beverages, and whatever you may need to entertain yourself and your group for a long period of time. It makes a great road trip and is a creative way of seeing Miami.
22. Bird Road Art Walk
It is well known that wine and art are great pairings. If those two things are of interest to you, Bird Road Art Walk will be a truly original experience.
A former warehouse building was converted into an art studio and gallery, and is the location of this art walk. This event occurs on the third Saturday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. They offer complimentary wine and snacks as you make your way through the gallery and artist studios.
Who knew an old warehouse could be so beautiful? The artists here at Bird Road Art Walk know how to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
23. Little Haiti
Miami is full of culture, one of the most prominent being Cuban culture. If you find yourself interested in Cuban culture, visit Little Haiti Cultural Complex on the third Friday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The event that takes place here is the Sounds of Little Haiti. It is an outdoor event that allows you to fully experience the culture. The event has traditional foods, music, art, and items for sale from the Caribbean Island nation.
Allow yourself to become open to exciting possibilities at Little Haiti. You will not only have a great time diving into the fun but you will learn about cultural celebrations and historical celebration traditions too. This opportunity is free to the public and a must-do activity when you visit Miami.
24. SoundScape Cinema Series
The festival season for the SoundScape Cinema Series runs from October through May and offers free outdoor movies on a 7,000 square foot screen. Film types range from classics to contemporary and more. Soundscape Park offers free weekly movies hosted by the American Black Film Festival.
Their eight-month series of movies includes movies from the 1960s to newer movies from the 2000s. The audio and visual system creates an incredible experience as you watch each film. All screenings are free to the public, and no tickets or reservations are required.
People are encouraged to show up early to get a great seat, but with a 7,000 square foot screen, you really cannot go wrong. You can subscribe to the MBArtsAndCulture weekly eblast to get weekly updates on the movie series each season.
25. Art Deco Weekend
Miami has so much to offer, but the three-day festival of Art Deco Weekend makes other activities pale in comparison to the exciting atmosphere at Lummus Park.
The festival is held every January and is free to the public. Art Deco Weekend consists of numerous entertaining events, including a lecture series, fitness programs, live music, live entertainment, and last but not least, the classic car show.
You can feel the excitement of the crowd as they ramp up for the classic car show, where many classic car lovers from all over come to see the pristine classic cars. Art Deco Weekend is a great free opportunity for families, locals, and visitors to Miami.
26. Sunny Isles Beach
In Miami, beaches are one of the main attractions. This is no surprise given the luxurious and tropical beaches. One of the most commonly known beaches in Miami is Sunny Isles Beach.
The beach spans over two miles of fine white sand overlooking the spectacular clear waters below. Visitors can relax, walk along the shoreline, and take a dip in the surprisingly warm waters. Other activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and more.
The beach is also known for its classic-style pier, the Newport Fishing Pier. Unlike many common piers, loaded with places to eat and spend money, this pier presents the opportunity for fishing for those who love to experience nature in many different ways.
27. Surfside Beach
If you love the beaches in Miami, clear out a day in your schedule for Miami’s Uptown Beach, Surfside Beach. The beach is in a superior beach town that offers approximately one mile of alluring beach space.
The soft sand and family-oriented environment at this beach make it one of the top places to go if you are traveling with family.
The beach is an attraction as is, but the parks, tennis courts, recreational facilities, playgrounds, and aquatics facilities make this location unique. Enjoy the glorious beach, local activities, and the local restaurants, shops, and small businesses located directly nearby Surfside Beach.
28. Bal Harbour
Most people who visit Miami spend much of their time at the beaches, so ensure that the beaches you select are the best when considering your personal preferences.
Bal Harbour Village is home to one of the most peaceful and stunning beaches in Miami. Enjoy the white sand beaches as you relax in the warm sand, walk along the beach, or dip your toes in the shiny blue waters. Surrounding the beach, there are a variety of other scenic views, including the deluxe oceanfront resorts and homes, the classy shopping areas, and the grand selection of restaurants with outdoor seating options for the best experience possible.
Bal Harbour Village is considered a natural paradise by its locals who are dedicated to keeping the condition of the village and its beach in superior condition.
29. Crandon Park
Crandon Park Beach is another location that should be mandatory on your itinerary. The beach is set in a location full of palm trees that make it feel more tropical. It is split into two areas, including the northern area, known for its frequent waves and surfer presence. It is a lovely place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
This beautiful part of the beach is filled with activity from the surfers. On the other hand, the south portion of the beach is known for the calm waters and white sand, making it ideal for families and people seeking a peaceful area to spend their time.
Find convenient parking right in front of the beach and enjoy all that Crandon Park Beach offers.
30. Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Once you have had your fill of visiting the stunning Miami beaches, if that is possible, cool off in the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. The air-conditioned museum is an incredible place to stop at the end of your trip. The museum is dedicated to the preservation, exhibition, and operation of historic equipment.
It holds over 40 ancient rail cars, including famous rail cars used for Presidents. The museum has been considered one of three official Florida State Railroad Museums as of 1984. It includes rail cars, a Naval Air Station exhibit, Thomas the Train play tables, and numerous areas with railroad equipment.
Veterans can visit the museum for free all year round, and others can coordinate their visit to see the museum on the first Saturday of each month when the museum is free to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
