20 Fun & Free Things To Do In Miami

Save money with these free and fun activities.

 The Magic City is known for its stunning beaches and glamorous nightlife, but there’s more to do in Miami than just party. From the beach to the Everglades, there is a long list of spots to stay entertained for free.

Wynwood Walls

One of the most Instagrammable spots in Miami is the Wynwood Walls. The free street art gallery can be best viewed through a scooter or car ride. The walls are constantly being updated with new murals by local and international artists, making it a must-see for anyone interested in art. The Wynwood area is also known for its trendy and delectable dining options.

Design District

The Miami Design District is a sophisticated and inviting international destination for fashion, art, architecture and fine dining. The 18 square blocks of creative space is pedestrian-friendly, making this a great choice to stroll around while admiring the unconventional installations and sculptures. Craig Robins is the man to thank for the innovative Design District as we know today. Not to mention, the most trendy restaurants in Miami can be found right here.

South Beach

South Beach is what Miami is known for, pristine beaches and clear blue waters can’t be found anywhere else in the U.S. There are endless activities on the beach, but nothing compares to classic sunbathing, fishing from the pier, and volleyball. Pack plenty of sunscreen, because the sun in Miami is burning hot year-round and it’s no joke. Public showers and bathrooms are available onsite, but are limited.

Trolley

Looking to tour around Miami but want to save some money? Then take a free ride on the trolley between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for a trip around Miami. Waiting for the trolley can take hours, it’s best to spontaneously jump on one when one of them appears throughout the day. There are four loops provided in the Miami Beach area, the South Beach loop, Mid-Beach loop, Collins express, and the North Beach loop. As a notice, no trolleys enter the downtown area and no food or drinks are allowed on board.

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park spans over 30 acres and was constructed in 1896 in the heart of downtown Miami. Perfect for families that want to relax, play or exercise; this iconic park has open lawn spaces, a wide baywalk, winding walkways, a sandy beach area, and a stunning water fountain. On the shore, dolphins and manatees are often spotted often. Luxury yachts and boats cruise by the park every day. There are weekly and monthly events such as free yoga classes and small concerts.

Domino Park

Located in Little Havana, challenge a loved one to a game of dominoes with Cuban locals. This is a great location to learn the history of the mass Cuban immigration to Miami from Cubans themselves. The most authentic Cuban foods are in this area, more specifically in Versailles, a fan-favorite. Parking is limited, but this quant park is a relaxing and laid-back environment to smoke Cuban cigars while laughing over a round of dominoes.

Brickell Downtown

Brickell is another great location for Instagram or photography, especially at nighttime, because of the architecture and green spaces throughout the city. Frequently, businessmen zip through the sidewalks for their lunch breaks or for a quick way to zoom to work. The area is incredibly peaceful, with a variety of boutiques, sidewalk cafés, and art to explore. For a bite to eat or some cocktails to enjoy with friends, check out a rooftop bar or restaurant: Area 31.

Dolphin Mall

Dolphin Mall first opened in March of 2001, since then it has established the standard for a well-balanced shopping experience featuring both luxury and affordable items. Dolphin Mall livens up on the weekends when there are free concerts and events on the main stage entering the mall. Aside from live entertainment, there’s a movie theater, bowling, and arcade games to enjoy on the second floor.

Bayside Marketplace

The Bayside Marketplace offers 24/7 lively energy through free concerts and restaurants which doubles as a club. The ridiculously large cocktails served in Mambo’s Café and the 305 Daiquiri Bar are what make this the number one most visited attraction in Miami. Aside from the delicious food served, Bayside is a great spot to stroll around with an excellent view of the water and yachts docked at the marina.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove, also known as “The Grove,” is one of the first established neighborhoods in Miami where history meets modern day. Aside from the spectacular food served in nearby restaurants, this calm area is perfect for walking around while taking in the scenery. Every Saturday, an organic food market takes place which makes for the perfect environment to get out of your comfort zone with unique local fruit and vegetables.

Ermita De La Caridad Church

For Catholics, the Ermita De La Caridad church is renowned for giving miracles to those who ask the priest for a blessing. The dome-shaped architecture has a signature mural painted on the inside which illustrates important religious figures from Cuba, such as the Angel of Charity. This shrine holds a special place in the heart of Cuban locals because of the Malecon (Breakwater) and due to the resemblance to a similar shrine in Santiago de Cuba. Right outside of the church is a small bakery for hungry visitors after mass.

Freedom Tower

The Freedom Tower was built in 1925 and is one of the most important historical landmarks in Miami. The tower was originally used as a newspaper headquarters and is now a museum dedicated to the Cuban immigrant experience. It’s free to enter and explore, and there’s also a museum on the second floor that documents the Cuban experience in America. At night, the Freedom Tower lights up with bright colored beams from the base of the building.

Ocean Drive

If you’re looking for a place to people-watch, Ocean Drive is the perfect spot. This busy street is always packed with locals and tourists alike, grabbing a bite to eat or doing some shopping. Several art galleries and museums are located on Ocean Drive, making it a great place to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of bars and clubs lining the street, so it’s easy to find a place to drink and dance the night away.

Calle Ocho

Calle Ocho hosts an annual festival that closes 8th street to put vendor stands and prepare for the parade. Many locals attend the festival to show off their pride for their countries by waving or carrying flags. For every other day of the year, Calle Ocho is known for having the most authentic Cuban food in Miami. Named after the capital of Cuba, Little Havana is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Miami. The area is filled with Cuban restaurants, cafés, cigar shops, and art galleries. It’s also home to the Walk of Fame, which features celebrities who have made a significant impact on the Cuban community.

South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park is made for a waterfront romantic picnic or to practice walking on a tightrope. The park is also the ideal place to take your dog for a walk, as there is a designated dog beach where canines can play and make new friends. The fishing pier during the winter times provides the best environment for catching large fish. There are onsite showers and bathrooms which can be used after spending the day in South Beach right next to South Pointe Park.

Everglades National Park

Connect with nature in the Everglades by viewing alligators in Shark Valley, a platform where visitors can capture an eagle eye’s view of the park. There are over 25 hiking trails available to explore the park at your own speed. Mosquitos and sneaky snakes run rampant throughout the park, so pack plenty of mosquito spray and watch your step when hiking. All camping grounds in the park are free for visitors year-round. The Everglades consists of 27% original Everglades grounds protected and was named a UNESCO Heritage site in 1979.

The Institute of Contemporary Art

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami is dedicated to promoting continuous experimentation in modern pieces, advancing new scholarship, fostering the exchange of creativity and ideas throughout Miami as well as internationally. Through an energetic calendar of exhibitions, programs and its collections, the Institute of Contemporary Art provides an important international platform for the work of local, emerging, and under-recognized artists. Located inside the Design District, the museum is committed to providing year-round free access to art.

Perez Art Museum

The Perez Art Museum was founded in 1984 and contains contemporary artwork from the Americas, Africa, and Western Europe. There is free entry on the second Saturday and the first Thursday of every month for visitors. The museum also offers free tours of the galleries, so you can learn more about the artwork on display. The waterfront museum makes for a peaceful place to go for a scenic stroll.

The Biltmore Hotel