It’s true — Miami may just be one of the most expensive cities in the country, but you’d be surprised to know there are still tons of affordable and free things to do here. So if you’re on a budget, we’ve got you (and your wallet) with these awesome things to do and see, completely free of charge! Well, at least not counting parking. 😅
1. Discover Miami’s landmarks on a self-guided tour
Tours are a great way to discover everything the city has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you’re really into history or into art, Miami is home to tons of gorgeous landmarks like the Art Deco District in Miami Beach or Miami Design District that you can explore completely for free on your own or by joining a local walking tour.
2. Enjoy a lovely bike ride at one of these scenic trails
If you’re looking for a euphoric day out in nature, why not get on your bike and feel the breeze along a bike trail across the city? It’s not only a great way to spend your time but to honor your body and health. Plus, it offers up some amazing sunset views if you go at the right time!
- South Pointe Park, Miami Beach
- Rickenbacker Trail, Key Biscayne
- Old Cutler Trail, Coral Gables
- Venetian Causeway
- The Underline, Brickell
3. Catch a free outdoor movie during SoundScape Park’s Cinema Series
Every Wednesday from October through May, gather under the stars at SoundScape Park for free outdoor movies! Presented by the City of Miami Beach, the Soundscape Cinema Series is a completely free event that transforms the New World Center into a 7,000-square-foot projection movie screen for the perfect outing. You can also bring your blankets, chairs, drinks and snacks along with you.
4. Join a free yoga sesh around the city
Time to get your zen on! From 420 Space Yoga every Saturday at 4:20 p.m. to Lincoln Road yoga at the Euclid Courtyard every Sunday at 10 a.m., take a pause and relax at one of the city’s free and donation-based yoga classes. Find a community yoga class you’ll enjoy, at any skill level, here.
5. Explore museums during free admission days
Many Miami museums offer free entrance at least one day a month, as well as other fun and family-friendly activities that you can check out completely for free! From free Second Saturdays at Pérez Art Museum to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), find a full list of free museum admissions here.
6. Discover free perks with your Miami-Dade Public Library card
Acquiring a public library card is free for all Miami-Dade residents, and rummaging the shelves of your neighborhood library for your next read is a great way to spend your time. But in case you didn’t already know, your library card can get you so many benefits, such as free museum access, audiobooks, music, movies, language lessons and more. Find the many perks to having a Miami-Dade library card here.
7. Bask in Miami Beach’s culture at Culture Crawl
Speaking of art, every third Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Miami Beach hosts its monthly dose of culture — Culture Crawl. Locals and visitors alike have the opportunity to enjoy exhibition openings, backstage tours and film screenings in the park for free during the program. Find out when the next Culture Crawl is here.
8. See the Holocaust Memorial
This breathtaking outdoor memorial in Miami Beach, dedicated to the six million lives lost during the Holocaust, is free to visit all year long. Located on the corner of Meridian Avenue and Dade Boulevard, the memorial was designed by Kenneth Treister and features a giant hand extending upward to the sky surrounded by bronze figures of victims and a Memorial Wall.
9. Stroll along art and palm trees at Maurice A. Ferré Park
This picture-perfect park in downtown Miami, set along the water, has outdoor art installations to see free. Permanent exhibits include “A Bridge of Light” collection of works by Jiménez Deredia, a 39-foot tall piece named “Awilda” by Jaume Plensa and even a monument that honors the Spanish Navy that arrived in the Americas in 1492.
10. And the Dogs & Cats Walkway
Continue exploring Maurice A. Ferré Park and you’ll come across a path of colorful flowers and painted sculptures of cat and dog breeds that all have a story to tell. Portraying the role pets play in our lives, the Dogs & Cats Walkway and Sculpture Garden features 52 oversized aluminum sculptures of pets, painted by local artists. From a rainbow-colored poodle to a Brickell street cat, it’s a great location to bond with your fur baby!
11. Catch a free concert at Lummus Park
It’s time to soak up the sun and savor the sound! Every Sunday, music lovers can catch a free show as part of the Ocean Drive Promenade Music Series and bring along their picnic blankets and lawn chairs. This weekly concert series, presented by the Ocean Drive Association, brings performances to Lummus Park between 14th Street and 14th Place. Although if it rains, the location moves inside The Betsy Hotel lobby.
12. Discover Miami’s vibrant Cuban culture at Little Havana
This vibrant neighborhood offers plenty of free things to see including Calle Ocho’s vibrant streets and Viernes Culturales (“Cultural Fridays”), held every third Friday of the month from 7 to 11 p.m. for a festival of plenty of art, music and food. At the famous Ball & Chain, weekly programming like Salsero Sundays, BachaTuesdays and Little Havana Under the Stars every Thursday, allows guests to come in and learn to dance for free.
13. Get your car fix at the Miami Concours
If automobiles are more your thing, the Miami Concours transforms Miami Design District into a jaw-dropping display of motoring excellence. Spanning for multiple days, red carpeted streets make way for some of the most exotic, rare and iconic vehicles from the world’s luxurious car brands. While VIP tickets can be purchased to this event when it rolls around every year, general admission is free and open to the public.
14. Take a ride on the Metromover
Created in 1986, the Metromover is an electrically powered free mode of public transportation that provides rides to almost 40,000 passengers daily. You get to enjoy one of Miami’s most iconic features and the bonus is you can get to other free things to do around the city just by hopping on it!
15. Of course, soak up the sun at the beach
We’d be making a huge mistake to leave out the city’s famous beaches from this round-up! If there’s something Miami is known for, is its sprawling beaches and year-long sunny weather. There is a minimal fee for parking at some beaches but you can always take a stroll through the city on the way to the beach to make it completely free. So grab your parasol, towel and flip-flops to make a day out at the beach.
16. Explore the Miami Beach Botanical Garden
What’s more relaxing than going on a stroll through a luscious oasis? Featuring more than 100 palm species, flowering trees, a koi pond, Japanese garden and more, the 3-acre Miami Beach Botanical Garden is free and the perfect spot in which to escape city life for a day.
17. Get your strut on with Girls On the Walk
Ladies, lace up your sneakers and get ready to make some friends while getting your fitness on at the next Girls On the Walk Miami! Held weekly on Saturdays, usually at 9 or 10 a.m., this free event brings the community together with a mile-long walk before grabbing some coffee or brunch afterwards. All the info you need for the next walk can be found on their Instagram.
18. Take in Wynwood’s eye-catching street art
Yes, Wynwood Walls does require a small fee to enter it, but there’s plenty of gorgeous murals and street art to check outside the Walls, from Wynwood Jungle to Wynwood Marketplace! Heck, every single building in the neighborhood has some form of art on it. So put on your best pair of walking shoes and get on to exploring. There’s always a new piece popping up here and there, too!
19. Stroll Cauley Square Historic Village
If you’re looking for a new scenic stroll, Cauley Square could be the place! This picturesque village tucked away in Goulds has tons to offer and dates back to the early 1900s. You can walk through its beautiful fountained gardens, catch sights of the peacocks and find galleries, antiques, book stores, eateries and more.
20. Meander around Miami Design District
Within Miami’s Design District, you’ll find stores, galleries, museums, restaurants, and major art and design installations. You might assume the neighborhood is out of your price range but without spending a dime, you can see all it has to offer! Go window shopping, take the best photos and see world-renowned public art like Buckminster Fuller “Fly’s Eye Dome” and Virgil Abloh’s “Dollar A Gallon III.”
21. Attend Jazz at MOCA
On the last Friday of every month, the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami hosts its beloved free outdoor concerts, starting at 8 p.m. Featuring an exciting lineup of jazz musicians in their courtyard, it’s a rain-or-shine event and admission to the museum on jazz nights are by donation.
22. Listen to gospel music during Free Gospel Sundays
This series at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts pairs the community’s brightest gospel stars with nationally renowned gospel headliners. The concerts, which take place in the center’s Knight Concert Hall, are entirely free to attend! See the full lineup here.
23. Spend the day at a farmers’ market
From Coconut Grove’s Farmers Market to the Vizcaya’s Farmers Market (for an extra $5 you could take a tour of Vizcaya Village), they’re only free if you don’t buy anything, but it’s always fun to meander around a farmer’s market for the perfect weekend day out!
24. Visit the Everglades during a fee-free day
On certain days of the year, all national parks that normally charge an entrance fee instead offer free admission to everyone: On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 16), the first day of National Park Week (April 22), the Great American Outdoors Act anniversary (August 4), National Public Lands Day (September 23) and Veterans Day (November 11).
25. Connect with authors at Books & Books events
While you are free to visit Books & Books to find your next read, the indie bookstore often hosts free in-person and virtual appearances from guests, such as author conversations, celebrity author signings, lectures by local community leaders and more. Check them out here.
26. Explore Amelia Earhart Park
Amelia Earhart Park is named after pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart and this 515-acre park surrounds a scenic lake. With playgrounds, a petting zoo and beautiful walking and biking trails, it’s the perfect spot to bring kids to. The park also caters to thrill-seekers with a BMX track and a skate park.
27. Take a trip to Tropical Park
Tropical Park in Miami, spanning over 270 acres, is a lush oasis. The park boasts serene lakes, shaded picnic areas, and well-maintained walking and biking trails that allow outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the park in a number of ways. There are tons of sports facilities, including soccer fields, baseball diamonds and tennis courts and kids will love the playgrounds too!
28. Plunge down Aventura Mall’s slide tower!
If you’re up for a ride, Aventura Mall’s 93-foot tall shiny slide tower is open every Friday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Doubling as a functional art piece, it was designed by German sculptor Carsten Höller for the mall’s 2017 three-story wing expansion and features two spiral steel slides which people can actually ride down through. The best part? It’s completely free to ride!
29. Take a tour of the Arsht Center
The performing arts center offers free tours every Monday and Saturday at noon, each lasting about an hour and 30 minutes. No reservations are required and the tours begin at the lobby of the Ziff Ballet Opera House. While you’ll get to know background about the building and the many different stars who have graced its stages, you might even get lucky and catch some behind-the-scenes action from production if the timing is right!
30. Look up at the Air & Sea Show during Memorial Day weekend
When May rolls around every year, Miami Beach sets its eyes to the sky to witness F-16s, B-52s and dozens of different jets for the Hyundai Air & Sea Show. Free to the public, this event also features a water show with powerboat races, jet skiers and all kinds of activations as well as a fireworks display.
31. Walk along the shops at Bayside Marketplace
You can spend hours strolling through Bayside, just window shopping, basking in the sun and boat watching on the marina overlooking Biscayne Bay. Your ears will also feast on live music from time to time, often performed by local emerging musicians.
32. And Upper Buena Vista
Another zero-cost idea is walking through the boho paradise known as Upper Buena Vista. Surrounded by large banyan trees, you’ll find walkways and artwork connecting to boutiques and restaurants that make up the neighborhood. At the center of it is the large Bodhi ‘Wishtree,’ which is said to have special magnetic and spiritual values. We know it’s not free but for just $1, you can purchase a ribbon and make a wish to tie it to the tree, as it could lead to eternal blessings.
33. Have a doggie date for a day
Calling every dog person! Pawventures Foster Fieldtrips offer the pawfect opportunity to take a shelter dog out for a day and create fun memories with them as they explore exciting new settings! All you have to do is make an appointment, present a government-issued ID with current address, select a pup and take them out to a local park, boat ride, a coffee shop or wherever your heart desires!
34. Visit Miami’s many iconic filming locations
Take a stroll along the Art Deco Historic District in South Beach, famous for its pastel-colored buildings and seen in films like Scarface and The Birdcage. Then, head to Ocean Drive, known for its neon-lit nightlife and a backdrop in films such as Bad Boys and Miami Vice. Plus, Little Havana has been featured in movies like Chef and Moonlight.
35. Get your fill of history, art and architecture at Art Deco Weekend
This annual event, taking place every January down Ocean Drive, puts a spotlight on South Beach’s iconic architecture. Organized by the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL), Art Deco Weekend features everything from tours to live music, a classic car show and an artisan market.
36. Attend the the biggest Latin festival, Calle Ocho Festival
Every March, Little Havana’s Calle Ocho Festival draws thousands of people for an unforgettable fiesta. The one-day celebration is considered the largest celebration of Latin culture, music and food in the U.S. and spans 15 blocks with musical stages, international food, folkloric dances and more. You can already guess why it’s here — it’s free to attend!
37. Check out Homestead Cybrarium
Homestead Cybrarium is a cutting-edge digital library and community hub that combines technology, education and innovation. This state-of-the-art facility offers a dynamic learning environment where visitors can immerse themselves in virtual reality experiences, access a vast digital library and engage with interactive exhibits. The Cybrarium is not just a traditional library; it’s a place for exploration and discovery in the digital age, perfect for kids. It’s also free for Miami-Dade residents!
38. Celebrate Miami’s rich cultural diversity at CultureFest 305
This free festival, presented by HistoryMiami Museum, comes around every fall. It showcases the city’s many cultural groups with performances, demonstrations and activities for all ages — or in other words, CultureFest 305 celebrates the vibrant diversity that makes Miami, Miami! Expect different cuisine, dancers and musicians, as well as live art.
39. Immerse yourself in the natural world at Biscayne National Park
This unique park, located just over an hour in the car from Miami, does not charge an entrance fee and there’s plenty to see and do. You can explore the park’s crystal-clear waters by snorkeling, diving, or paddling, discovering vibrant coral reefs, or take to the land for a hike. There are also opportunities for birdwatching and this place is packed with wildlife.
40. Enjoy free music at Gulfstream Park
If you head up to Hallandale Beach, Gulfstream Park Village offers free entertainment with its Music in the Park program. The Village Center Stage comes alive every Friday through Sunday night with performances by popular local bands and DJs. Check out the full schedule here.
41. Stroll through a charming town near Miami
Surrounding Miami are several charming towns and villages that offer a delightful escape from the bustling city. Not too far of a drive away, you’ll find Boca Grande, known for its gorgeous beaches and picturesque houses. There’s also Mount Dora with all the charm of a New England town in a Florida setting. You don’t have to spend money outside of driving — just bring a picnic and take in the beauty of the place.
So whether you’re a local or just visiting, don’t let your tight budget ruin all the fun with these free and fun activities in Miami. There’s plenty more to explore in the city that don’t require spending much of your hard-earned dinero including nature trails, live music spots and haunted places.