Looking for free things to do in Miami? You have come to the right place!
Miami is a coastal metropolis in southeastern Florida’s Miami-Dade County. It is also known as the “Magic City,” mostly because of its beautiful sunsets, cool breezes, and warm waters. If you plan to visit the city but are also keen on saving money, there are
several free things to do in Miami! We assure you that you will have a great time experiencing those free things without spending a dollar!
So, without any further ado, let us get right into it!
Here are the Best Free Things to do in Miami!
1- Culture and the Art
Exploring the culture and art of an area is an enthralling and enlightening experience and one of the many free things to do in Miami!
Several Miami attractions fall under this category and are worth a visit, be it the Art Deco District or Wynwood!
1.1 Take a Free Art Deco District Tour
South Beach is a veritable Art Deco paradise. It houses the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture! So it is obvious that this would top the list of free things to do in Miami!
Interestingly, South Beach had only sometimes been this expensive and attractive. It used to be contaminated by crime and abandoned properties.
Only in the 1980s and 1990s, with films like Birdcage and Scarface, it became today’s international tourist attraction!
Those iconic, brightly colored art deco buildings on Ocean Drive have appeared in various other films and magazines. You’ll enjoy strolling down these pastel-colored streets even if you’re not into architecture.
Astonishingly, these structures were built between 1923 and 1943, and they saved South Beach from extinction! Learn more about Miami Beach’s rich history of Art Deco architecture by taking a tour of the Art Deco District.
Pick up a guide from the Miami Design Preservation League’s Art Deco Welcome Center and start on your free self-guided tour. Alternatively, there are also paid tours of the Art Deco district.
1.2 Encapsulate the Impressive Wynwood Walls Street Art
Wynwood, which was once an overlooked garment manufacturing area in the 1970s, has now morphed into Miami’s iconic art district, and it is truly one of its kind!
On a self-guided tour, visit the Wynwood neighborhood to see the world’s largest collection of street art! At every turn, this outdoor museum features sizable colorful murals painted by many of the world’s highly skilled street artists.
Colorful murals adorn warehouse-turned-studios’ sides, inspirational texts are painted on the sidewalks, and even the Wynwood crosswalks are artistic!
Apart from its amazing street art, the Wynwood area also has art galleries, craft breweries, boutiques, and hipster cafes housed in ancient warehouses.
While Wynwood Walls does require an admission fee, much of this neighbourhood’s art is free, and if you are not in the mood to walk around Wynwood, you can become a part of a free two-wheeled tour of the neighborhood every Sunday at 11 a.m.
1.3 Immerse Yourself in Cuban culture in Little Havana
Walking down Calle Ocho into the Little Havana neighborhood feels like walking around a museum! Nothing is like it in Miami, with genuine Cuban coffee shops and flavorsome fresh juice stands.
Head to Maximo Gomez Park, also popular as Domino Park, where locals will drink cortado, roll cigars, and play dominoes and chess.
Also, make sure to pay attention to the pink marble stars, also referred to as the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, as you stroll down Calle Ocho. This rendition of the famous Hollywood landmark features Latin American celebrities, the most well-known of whom is Celia Cruz, a singer.
1.4 Enjoy Live Jazz at the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami
On the last Friday of the month at 8 p.m., the Contemporary Art Museum in North Miami (MOCA) provides free outdoor concerts for jazz fans.
Concerts are held on the plaza outside the museum without fail, so make sure you take advantage of the experience!
1.5 The Biltmore Hotel
You can experience pure luxury at one of Miami’s National Historic Landmarks without spending a fortune at the iconic Biltmore Hotel, making it another of the best free things to do in Miami!
This enormous Mediterranean-inspired hotel, situated in Coral Gables and functioning since 1926, spans 150 acres on a lush tropical terrain.
The hotel has the largest pool on the US East Coast, an all-star golf course, a fitness center, tennis courts, a spa, and 5-star culinary experiences!
Every Sunday afternoon, you can take a free guided tour of the hotel! This 1-hour free tour will cover Biltmore’s history, architecture, and culture.
2 Explore History Through Incredible Museums!
No better way to unravel history than to visit museums! And lucky for you, Miami has plenty of those!
Many offer free admission, and some even offer free tours, hence finding a spot on this list of the Best Free Things to do in Miami! Here are the ones offering free entry!
2.1 Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design
The Miami Dade College Museum of Art and Design presents a plethora of artwork from established and emerging artists and designers across the College’s eight campuses.
You’ll see various exhibits here, from historical to cultural. Check out the first-floor permanent collection, which features Cuban artifacts from refugees who traveled to the United States in the 1960s.
There is free admission to the museum every single day! After MOAD, you can visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden by crossing the Venetian Bridge, a 2.6-acre vibrant botanical oasis with organic Florida flora and a Japanese garden!
It has free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, Tuesday through Sunday!
2.2 Institute of Contemporary Art
After the Miami Dade Museum of Art and Design, The Institute of Contemporary Art exhibits some of our time’s most avant-garde art and design!
It provides an international creative avenue for local artists to display some of our generation’s most groundbreaking art!
This museum, located in the Miami Design District, is free to enter daily. They also provide free private and guided tours for people in groups of 5 or more if you give them at least two weeks’ notice.
2.3 Perez Art Museum
Visiting The Perez Art Museum (PAMM), formerly referred to as the Miami Art Museum, is another one of the free things to do in Miami!
It is a contemporary art museum that houses more than 2,000 pieces of art! The museum offers free admission on the first Thursday and the second Saturday of each month.
2.4 Wolfsonian
The Wolfsonian, situated in the center of the Art Deco District, was founded in 1986, and 1997, it was integrated into the Florida International University.
The museum’s 180,000-plus collection is used to demonstrate the significant effect of design and art, emphasizing North American and European skills, graphic design, and architecture from 1850 to 1950.
The United States, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands have the most cultural representation in the collection. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, the Wolfsonian is free to visit.
2.5 The Bass Museum of Art
The Bass Museum, located on the grounds of Collins Park in South Beach, gives free entry on the last Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m.
Every day, children aged six and under are admitted free of charge. You’ll find incredible works by Ugo Rondinone, Sylvie Fleury, and other international artists inside the historic structure.
Mondays and Tuesdays are off-limits at The Bass.
2.6 History Miami Museum
The History Miami Museum hosts a Free Family Fun Day every second Saturday of the month, making it a great place to go with kids!
Their Family Fun Day activities include scavenger hunts where kids can dress up as history detectives and learn about local historical figures. You can also visit the permanent exhibit Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida, which consists of a tour of Miami’s history!
2.7 Freedom Tower
The 1925 structure, the historic Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami, also dubbed the “Ellis Island of the South,” houses exhibits about the exodus of Cubans to the United States! Photographs, artwork, and article collections can be found inside!
The Freedom Tower is free to tour on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m. and is an essential addition to the list of free things to do in Miami!
3- Go and Enjoy the Outdoors!
If you are searching for free fun, you must explore the outdoors of Magic City! Hiking trails, free yoga classes, a national park, and the Miami beach are some free things you can enjoy here!
You will find many free things to do in Miami once you step out!
3.1 Enjoy the Sun on Miami Beach’s South Beach
When in Miami, it’s almost wrong not to visit the beach! Having 825 miles of sandy shoreline, South Beach is the place to go!
South Beach, also known as SoBe, is a picturesque 4-mile coastline and one of the world’s most famous beaches! It should be noticed, especially since it is free! So grab a cooler and head to the beach!
If you’re unfamiliar with South Beach and want to see everything, begin your journey on Ocean Drive near Lummus Park.
If you get tired of sunbathing, walk up Ocean Drive, a tourist attraction strip full of fun, electric neon lights, and endless people-watching!
3.2 Visit the Pier at South Pointe Park
In comparison to the hustle-bustle at Lummus Park, located on Ocean Drive, the southernmost point of South Beach provides a more laid-back and serene waterfront area.
South Pointe Park, once an abode to police horse stables, was donated to Miami Beach by the federal government in 1979.
You can enjoy a picnic in the park, observe the water traffic entering and leaving the Port of Miami and marinas, or relax on the beautiful beach!
There is also a playground with a water fountain and a dog park. The pier also provides views of the city, marina, South Beach, and the stunning blue Atlantic Ocean!
It would help if you also took a stroll along the 450-foot-long pier, renovated for $4.8 million in 2014.
3.3 Take Yoga Classes at Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park is a 32-acre public park in downtown Miami that overlooks Biscayne Bay.
Every day, the park hosts a variety of free yoga classes at the Tiny Hills Pavilion for free, making it one of the best free things to do in Miami!
After your yoga class, wander through Bayside Marketplace, a 2-story open-air shopping center with restaurants, shops, and various events going on all the time!
Please remember to carry your yoga mat, towel, and water. View the yoga schedule and other events at the park on their website.
Also, relax if yoga isn’t your thing, as just taking a stroll around the beautiful green Bayfront Park or having a picnic will make your experience worthwhile!
3.4 Explore the Key Biscayne Area
Key Biscayne is a residential island off the coast of Miami, but the trip is well worth it because it is a remarkably beautiful location!
Crandon Park Beach is a three-mile-long beach with walking and biking trails, beach volleyball nets, shade shelters, and grills for the perfect beach day.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne is known for its beautiful beach and landmark lighthouse!
3.5 Discover Everglades National Park
A 1.5 million-acre swamp in Florida, Everglades National Park is a must-see!
Discover the everglades’ abundant wildlife, including hundreds of animal species such as the West Indian manatee, leatherback turtle, and famous American alligator.
Luckily, the city of Homestead, about an hour’s drive from Miami, has created an opportunity to visit the park free of charge! Take their free guided trolley ride from Historic Downtown Homestead to Everglades National Park!
3.6 Watch a Movie at Soundscape Park
Want to see a movie with your family? From October to May, head to SoundScape Park at the New World Center in South Beach for the Soundscape Cinema Series, which features free movies on the lawn on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m!
So sup a blanket and a picnic basket filled with snacks and drinks, and settle for a night of watching movies underneath the stars! Enjoy a classic while admiring Frank Gehry’s architecture in the 2.5-acre public park!
In addition, the park hosts free WALLCAST Concerts on select dates, where you can witness a free performance by the New World Symphony on a sky-high, 7,000-square-foot projection wall!
Please note that the show runs from October to June.
3.7 Visit Earth n Us Farm in Little Haiti
Ray Chasser established Earth n Us Farm in Little Haiti in 1977. Chasser desired to build a space where he and his family could live sustainably off the land.
After progressively buying his way up to the two-acre plot of land that it is today, Chasser realized his dream.
Earth n Us Farm is a family learning center dedicated to educating people on how to care for and respect the Earth, animals, and one another.
It is a haven for all animals, including goats and roosters, ostriches, cockatoo birds, and many others!
3.8 Explore the Bear Cut Nature Preserve
You don’t imagine a nature hiking trail when you think of Miami! Bear Cut Nature Preserve, fortunately, is only 7 miles from downtown.
You can bike or hike along the 3.5-mile waterfront trail, which concludes with a stunning view of downtown Miami!
Bring water, snacks, bug repellant, sunscreen, a sweat towel, and appropriate footwear.
4- Free Trains and Trolleys
The last on the list of free things to do in Miami would be to use its free trolley and train services!
4.1 Take a Ride on the Downtown Miami Metromover
The famous Metromover is the best way of accessing the greater downtown Miami area!
It is an electrically powered free public transportation established in 1986 and transports nearly 40,000 passengers daily. Although it is a common mode of transportation for locals, it is also a great way for tourists to escape the heat!
This 4.4-mile commuter train connects to 20 different stations, stretching from the Financial District in the south to the edge of Edgewater in the north.
The American Airlines Arena, Miami-Dade College, and Bayside Marketplace are all important stops on the mover trail.
Please remember that the Metromover does not go into South Beach (Miami Beach) or Wynwood and only stays in the downtown area.
4.2 Enjoy the Free Trolleys
You can also take advantage of one of the many free trolleys available throughout Greater Miami.
There are numerous attractions in Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, Wynwood, Coconut Grove, Homestead, Coral Gables, and Doral. You can jump on and off the free trolley as often!
We hope you found our “Free things to do in Miami” list helpful! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
