14 Free Things to Do in Miami, Florida (+Map)

Miami’s reputation precedes itself. It’s not a destination that stands out as budget-friendly, not with its famous nightlife and dining scene. However, with its captivating history and local culture, to go along with its eye-catching nature and architecture, you can still enjoy Miami on a budget.

Without spending a dime, you can enjoy all the glitz and glamour of Miami Beach from your cozy spot on the white gold sand. While just minutes away are state and national parks that open up a world far removed from South Beach, yet equally memorable.

14. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

At the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park draws you in at first with its free admission and second with its spectacular nature and historic lighthouse.

Travelers to the state park will be blessed with gorgeous views not just of the Atlantic Ocean but also Biscayne Bay. Both are best seen from the top of the Cape Florida Lighthouse, which was built in 1825.

The history continues at the keeper’s cottage, but soon the cape’s beaches will call your name. Drawn into temptation, you’ll stumble upon some of the most incredible beaches in Florida and a great spot to take in the nightly sunset.

13. Espanola Way

There is no shortage of public art here in Miami, from the Wynwood Walls to South Pointe Park. But another location to add to your bursting and budget-friendly Miami itinerary is Espanola Way.

Between 14th and 15th streets in Miami Beach, Espanola Way is a postcard from the past, a look into South Beach in the early 20th century. Celebrating Spanish and French architecture, you’ll find buildings with pink stucco and tile roofs leading your eyes to the Poetry Rail and The Betsy Orb.

Throughout the year, Espanola Way also has flamenco, salsa and yoga classes to go along with their charming cafes and restaurants.

12. Institute of Contemporary Art

Within the Miami Design District, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA Miami) is a free, year-round gallery boasting some of the best contemporary art in Florida. From Wednesday to Sunday, you can experience the vast collection hailing from around Miami and across the globe.

A major focus of Miami’s Institute of Contemporary Art are the works by emerging, local and disadvantaged artists, providing an opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills. The art is consistently rotated along with several major exhibitions yearly, providing fresh art and perspective on the world around us.

If you’re nursing a sunburn or a rare bout of rain has fallen upon Miami, the ICA is a fantastic and free rainy day activity.

11. Bayfront Park

Home to a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of things to do, Bayfront Park is an excellent place to spend an afternoon without having to spend a cent. Found within downtown Miami, the park continues to expand, bringing lush green and prominent landscape to an otherwise concrete jungle.

Owing to Miami’s patented wonderful year-round weather, Bayfront Park has a calendar flooded with events that are both fun and family-friendly. Travelers of all kinds will find concerts, movies, classes and live music taking place on a regular basis.

Thanks to consistent refurbishment, Bayfront Park feels as clean as it is relaxing, allowing you to take a break from a hectic itinerary.

10. Crandon Park

Featuring 2-miles of tourist-free sand interrupted only by beautiful mangrove swamps, Crandon Park is a place to get away from it all. Coming here is bucking the tourist trend, allowing you the time to breathe some clear air before inevitably indulging in the fun of South Beach once more.

But it’s not just bright white sand here. There are the remains of the old Crandon Park Zoo along with a series of hiking trails that take you through the Bear Cut Preserve. If you really want to slow things down, break out the one wood and stroll around the park’s beloved 18-hole golf course.

When the day turns to dusk, head back down to the waterfront to discover tide pools in a remote section of Key Biscayne.

9. Homestead Trolley to the Everglades

Known as the gateway to the Everglades, the Homestead Trolley is a convenient and free way to venture into Florida’s most renowned national park. The trolley departs from downtown Homestead every tour hour from 9am and even comes with complimentary admission to the park.

Within a few minutes, you’ll find yourself within a veritable treasure, a world away from the bright lights of Ocean Drive. The Everglades National Park presents an incredible collection of tropical and temperate landscapes, where wildlife roams freely among the ever-present alligators.

You’ll also find several exceptional hiking trails, such as the Anhinga Trail, along with educational exhibits and ranger programs, to explore the unique ecosystem in more detail. To listen to a ranger, simply head to the Royal Palm benches for their daily 1.30pm chat.

8. Little Havana

Featuring a captivating look at Cuban culture here in Miami, Little Havana offers a welcome balance to life in South Beach. Back on the mainland, this cultural hub boasts croquetas splashed across counters and the powerful aromas of cafecitos.

Little Havana is a place to indulge the senses as you venture on a culinary journey at local hot spots like Calle Ocho and El Pub. The former boasting delicious Cuban-style coffee and the latter authentic eats. Later admire the traditional cigar-making skills on display at El Titan de Bronze before kicking back and watching the locals compete within the aptly named Dominoes Park.

7. Lummus Park Beach

Spanning ten blocks through the happening South Beach, Lummus Park is surrounded by some of the most iconic sights in Miami. Those being Ocean Drive and the neverending golden sands. It doesn’t hurt that the Miami Beach Boardwalk also cuts through the middle.

For those early risers, Lummus Park Beach is a top spot for sunrise and you’ll be joined by many locals, making the most of the quiet hours to get some morning exercise.

Soon, the crowds arrive to experience the lush park set behind the sand. Here you’ll discover playgrounds, volleyball fields and several outdoor gyms, none more famous than Miami’s own Muscle Beach.

6. Take a Ride on the Metromover

If you’re looking to make your way from A to B in Miami, there are a few options that are as friendly to the budget as the city’s Metromover. Free to the public, the Metromover runs entirely on electricity, with its system spanning 20 stations throughout Miami.

During the height of rush hour, you’ll find one of the charming trains will arrive on the dot every 90 seconds (3 minutes outside those times). This helps backpackers and those on a shoestring budget to stay in less touristy areas without missing out on the fun.

Not only is the Metromover convenient, travelers will also have access to the city’s free trolleys that take you from Miami Beach to downtown and Wynwood.

5. South Pointe Park

At the southern tip of Miami Beach, South Pointe Park offers a more tranquil
experience to the boisterous beach scene to the north. Tucked away at the bottom of the islet, you’ll find yourself away from the crowds as the vibe turns more local and laid back.

Spanning 17-acres South Pointe Park isn’t just another spot to laze in the sun and enjoy a bit of sand. There is public art to discover, playgrounds for the little ones, beautiful water features and room to run and bike.

Those who enjoy fishing can also make use of the park’s pier, which runs out into the channel. This is a magnificent spot to also watch the cruise ships come in and out of port.

4. Miami Beach Boardwalk

Flooded with fluorescent rollerbladers, joggers and ripped dudes working their way through the outdoor gym, the Miami Beach Boardwalk is a scene straight from the movies. One you can enjoy any day at any time.

The scenic pathway is not just a spot to indulge in some Miami color and culture, but also a great way to see South Beach. It begins at South Pointe Park, meandering north for seven miles to the edge of Surfside.

Along the way, there are endless options for food, drinks and entertainment, including a detour along Lincoln Road for eats and a pedestrian mall. To freshen up, simply turn to your right and make a beeline for the ocean.

3. Wynwood Walls

Showcasing some of the most memorable public art in Miami, Wynwood Walls, is a fabulous experience that won’t cost you a dime. Away from the popular South Beach, you’ll get to see a different side to Miami, one that’s laden with poignant graffiti and thought-provoking murals.

Found in a small section of the popular Wynwood neighborhood, the Walls have inspired generations with some of the world’s most famed street art contemporaries having left their mark on the scene.

Of course, you can experience it with your own two eyes. But it helps those visiting for the first time to get their hands on a self-guided audio tour, which goes for just a few bucks. This will allow you to explore with greater detail.

2. Art Deco District

The people watching on Ocean Drive may be peerless, but there’s no better way to take in the underrated architecture found in Miami than from within the Art Deco District.

Found behind Miami Beach, this neighborhood is world renowned, with each edge and curve meticulously designed evoking the Miami culture in building form. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Art Deco District harbors homes that hark back to the Roaring 20s and the 1940s.

To dive into the scene further, you can make your way to the Art Deco Museum. Although not free, at just $5 it hardly burns a hole in your pocket while allowing you to get a greater understanding of one of Miami’s most unique districts.

1. Ocean Drive

Whether it’s on two feet or cruising along on four wheels at the same pace, experiencing Ocean Drive is a must. The best part is, it’s free. Home to some of the best people watching, atmosphere and art déco architecture in Miami, it’s easy to get swept up in the vibe.

On either side, you’ll have eye-catching views, from the neverending ocean and golden sands to the classic cars and scantily clad, electric personas that make themselves at home along Ocean Drive. The line of bars and restaurants fill early in anticipation of the night ahead and street performers add another layer of art and expression.

Come early and stay late for a quintessential Miami experience.