The Top 9 Free Things To Do In Miami

Published by: BouncePosted
Skateboarding in Miami, Florida

The South Florida metropolis of Miami is many things. Sometimes known as the Capital of Latin America due to its high levels of immigration from the Spanish-speaking world, it's also known as Magic City. It's beautiful. It's vibrant. One thing it isn't, though, is cheap.

With that said, a visit to Miami doesn't have to break the bank. For one thing, the city and the many parks that surround it are great places to hike, and you can learn more about the best hikes in Miami here. Plus, with so many wonderful beaches, you can always treat yourself to a beach day that doesn't have to cost much, if anything. And once you start looking, you'll find that even many of the city's top cultural attractions can be visited for free, or at least very cheaply.

No matter what brings you to the city, you'll find plenty of free things to do in Miami once you start looking. From the warm waters of Miami Beach to the upscale neighborhood of Coconut Grove, from the vibrant atmosphere of South Miami to the stunning views of Biscayne Bay from Bayfront Park, you'll find plenty of free things to do in Miami that won't break the bank.

And you can make your journey easier on yourself by dropping off your bags with Bounce luggage storage in Miami. Traveling light means you can enjoy all these free things to do in Miami without having to worry about your belongings.

Miami, Florida

Take a walk

Miami is far from being the most walkable city in the world, but you can still take a perfectly pleasant stroll through downtown Miami, taking in the Miami skyline and the historic Freedom Tower before heading on to Biscayne Bay and the Miami Beach Boardwalk. Take a walk under the swaying palm trees of the city, and you'll feel a million miles away from your ordinary life.

If you prefer a more challenging outdoor adventure, head to Key Biscayne and take a walk through the Bear Cut Nature Preserve for stunning views of the ocean. There are also plenty of free tours that will guide you through the city and show you some of the top sites, and it doesn't need to cost you anything except a tip for your guide. Or you could take a self-guided walking tour to see the sights at your own pace.

Lastly, you could head out of town and explore the legendary Everglades National Park. Although nothing beats an exhilarating fun boat ride through the alligator-infested swamps, there are also plenty of walking trails that you can enjoy for absolutely nothing.

Explore the arts

As well as being a great outdoor destination, there are plenty of Miami attractions that celebrate the more cultural side of Florida. For instance, the Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the cultural treasures of the city. The gallery hosts work by both local Florida artists and international stars of contemporary art such as Tracy Emin and Bill Viola. While there is normally an admission fee for this institute of contemporary art, if you visit on the last Friday of the month, you'll find that the admission fee is waived and the museum is open by donation. Even better, the plaza outside the museum becomes a venue for a free jazz concert starting at 8 PM, so you can have a wonderful cultural evening while saving money.

Another of Miami's best museums, the Perez Art Museum, can also be a very affordable place to visit. On the second Saturday of every month, the Perez Art Museum Miami and the Coral Gables Museum are free to enter, meaning you can take in the culture of South Florida at these wonderful art galleries at no cost. This event is known as Free Family Fun Day, and it makes for a great way to save money when visiting Miami with the kids.

Also on second Saturdays, head to the neighborhood of Wynwood to take part in the famous Art Walk. This guided tour will take you to some of the best examples of Miami street art, and you may get to meet some of the local artists and see them at work. Wynwood Walls functions as one of the most extensive and vibrant outdoor art galleries you're ever likely to see, so this is an activity art lovers shouldn't miss while in Miami.

Miami, Florida

Little Havana

Miami has been a center of Cuban immigration for decades. Nowhere is this more clear than in the vibrant neighborhood known as Little Havana. Take a stroll down the palm tree-lined streets here, and you could be forgiven for thinking that you're in the Cuban capital. You'll hear more Spanish than English spoken here, and it's the perfect place to try out delicious Cuban food. Thanks to its vibrant and exotic atmosphere, it's also a great place to visit with the family, and you can see more great things to do in Miami with kids here.

If you're looking to save a few dollars, the best time to visit Little Havana is, without question, the last Friday of the month. Known as Viernes Culturales or Cultural Fridays, these monthly celebrations on Friday nights are almost like miniature carnivals. So you can enjoy the live music, the art, special children's events, and the wonderful cuisine of the area and see Little Havana at its best. This regular event is unquestionably one of the best free things to do in Miami, and a must-see for anyone with an interest in the different cultures of the world.

Miami Children's Museum

If you're still looking for free things to do in Miami with the kids, check out the Miami Children's Museum. On the third Friday of every month, admission is free, and interactive activities and games are often scheduled to keep families entertained at no cost. This nonprofit museum is full of fun interactive exhibits that will keep kids entertained for hours, so it's worth a visit at any time, and well worth the price if you're not able to take advantage of the free admission offered on the third Friday of the month.

Bayside Marketplace

Sometimes, places are tourist traps for a reason. Bayside Marketplace isn't exactly a hidden gem; in fact, it's one of the most visited of all Miami attractions. This two-story shopping center couldn't ask for a more scenic location, with Biscayne Bay spread out in front of it. As well as options for shopping and dining, there are often street performances and other celebrations held at the Marketplace, and it's always a fun and lively place to visit. There's no charge for admission, although you may feel your willpower being tested by the many shops and dining options here that you will have to pay for. But with a little self-control, you don't need to spend anything to enjoy the lively atmosphere here.

Beach in Miami, Florida

SoundScape Park

This striking city park, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, is a great place to visit for music lovers and people who want to celebrate the local art scene. In spring, the park hosts the popular Wallcast concert series. While a concert goes on inside the New World Center concert hall, a giant projection will be beamed on the exterior wall for anyone to see.

Soundscape Park also hosts other free events, including the Soundscape Cinema Series. On Wednesday nights from October through May, free movies are projected in the park. Bring a blanket or something to sit on and stretch out on the expansive lawn to enjoy some classic cinema under the stars.

Free Yoga Classes

You may not have considered yoga as a holiday activity, but there's no reason why your fitness should suffer just because you're on vacation. Besides, from Bayfront Park to South Beach, Miami has so many stunning places to center yourself surrounded by nature that it's hard to resist. Whether you're an accomplished yogi or this is your first time, a free yoga class on the beach can be a great way to enjoy some tranquility and is without question one of the most serene free things to do in Miami.

Yoga classes in Bayfront Park are free on Monday and Wednesday evenings and on Saturday mornings, and the view alone makes it worth attending.

Art Deco District

Miami is famed for its Art Deco architecture, and some of the most beautiful buildings in the city cost absolutely nothing to enjoy. Self-guided tours of the district are a great way to see some of Miami's most notable buildings and learn more about the history of the city. Alternatively, you could pay for a guided tour, but then it wouldn't be one of the best free things to do in Miami, would it? And after a walk around the Art Deco district, take a stroll along Ocean Drive to Miami Beach to complete your free tour of some of the best things to see in Miami.

Street art in Miami, Florida

Beaches

You had to know there was no way to get through a list of free things to do in Miami without mentioning the beaches. After all, the many beaches of the city are one of Miami's top attractions, and they draw millions of tourists to the South Florida city every year. South Beach, for example, known as SoBe to the locals, is a stunning beach of flawless white sand and turquoise waters that looks like it was taken straight off a postcard. Likewise, Miami Beach is the place to see and be seen in the city, and the Miami Beach Boardwalk is a fantastic place for people watching as well as enjoying the incredible scenery.

However, if you look around a little, you may find some lesser-known beaches that offer everything you want from a Miami vacation without the crowds. South Pointe Park and Pier offers stunning views of Miami Beach, and its pier is a fantastic place for photography. There's also an on-site playground and splash pad, making it a great free activity for families. Or you could enjoy a game of beach volleyball at the lesser-known Crandon Park Beach, which has shelters and barbecue grills all available at no charge for an unforgettable Miami Beach day.

Conclusion

As exciting as a trip to Miami is, it's easy to forget that the city has a wealth of more affordable options. In fact, the free things to do in Miami are often some of the best activities in the city. Celebrating the vibrant Latin culture of Little Havana or taking a stroll through South Pointe Park are things that should be on every traveler's itinerary, whether they're looking to save a few dollars or not. And with the regular offerings of free admission to the city's museums, along with all the free events that are always going on in this tropical city, you can have a great time while spending next to nothing.

Of course, traveling light always makes things easier. Don't forget to drop off your belongings at a Bounce luggage storage in Miami before you start exploring all these fun free things. That way, you won't have to worry about your belongings while you enjoy everything the city has to offer.

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