You may be amazed at how many free things there are to do in Miami. From Art Deco to Lummus Park, it isn’t difficult to find budget-friendly freebies.
Miami has a lot of things to do. Which is good, but when you can find free things to do, that’s even better. Who doesn’t like freebies? Especially when free doesn’t mean giving up quality. Enjoy our recommendations for free things to do in Miami.
Let’s get real. Miami is an incredibly expensive place to visit (or live in). Free things to do at any expensive destination is good. There are a lot of activities in Miami. Along those lines, a travel story doesn’t have to be lengthy to be good – this story is your answer for both.
Don’t get me wrong. You can spend all the money you want in Miami. There are plenty of things to do, things to see, and places to go that can be bought. But the old phrase “The best things in life are free” remains true.
So what would those budget-friendly activities be? Well, I’ve got a list for you, but reader – I know you have your own thoughts. Leave your favorite Miami and Miami Beach freebies in the comments below. Don’t be shy!
First free thing to do in Miami – enjoy the Art Deco.
Miami Beach has the honor of containing over 800 Art Deco-styled buildings within 1 square mile. Many are located along Ocean Drive along with the Art Deco Welcome Center.
Not your cup of tea? I didn’t think it was mine either until I started to really see them. Adorned with simple colors, symmetric designs, and functional adornments, this building style is highly under-rated and may surprise you too.
Check out this link by Free Tours By Foot for a location by location guide. Whether you use a local guide or stroll the city streets by yourself, exploring the art deco beauties in Miami and SOBE is a great budget-friendly activity.
Next great free thing to do in Miami – Visit Little Havana.
Watch a game of dominos at Little Havana – or rather, watch, hear, and feel a game. The sound of dominos being slammed on the table, men teasing each other in good-natured fun, smells of authentic Cuban cooking in the air, the buzz of people gathered in a public place… Little Havana fills all the senses.
Papa Joe and I have watched dominos being played across the world, nothing compares to the experience in Little Havana.
Rest under a shaded tree along the wrought iron fence, partially close your eyes, and let all 5 senses truly experience the gem that IS Little Havana.
How is that for a budget-friendly experience?
What is our third recommendation? Exercise at Lummus Park.
Yes, I know Papa Joe and I don’t look like we exercise at Lummus Park. I include walking as exercise, so yes, we do.
Here is what I really mean. During specified times in the day, groups of people gather in clumps in the open grassy areas of the park. Cardio, yoga, running, power walking, bicycling – you will find it all.
Lummus Park is also a great place to pick up your bicycle for the day – this is a really common sight.
I would almost guarantee if your exercise of choice isn’t listed here, start exercising and someone will join you. The bicycles aren’t freebies, but they are a budget-friendly option when considering the cost of driving in Miami.
Exercising in Lummus Park is a great freebie option. So is enjoying the scenery while others exercise in Lummus Park…
Intriguing freebie #4 is Wynwood Walls.
Street art used to be referred to as graffiti and was frowned upon. Not here.
Grab a bike or your best walking shoes and check out the graffiti and murals featured on building walls. The Wynwood Walls feature anything you can think of.
Geometric patterns? Yep. Societal statements, those too. I bet you can even find creatively crafted advertisements adorning the owner’s building. This is one of Miami’s most often overlooked budget-friendly features and worth a look-see.
Check this out by yourself, with a small group, or join Miami’s Best Graffiti Guide and enjoy with fellow aficionados.
The last freebie recommendation has to be the beach.
Ah yes, the best for last. Go to the beach!
Grab a towel, sunscreen, and your best (or worst) beach bod, and experience the one – the only – Miami Beach. My favorite public spot is along Lummus Park.
With fine, powdery sand, plenty of public restroom access, lifeguards dotting the beachside, and clear blue water as far as the eye can see. Can it really get any better than that?
Looking for more budget-friendly activities?
If you are looking for more free things, check out this article by locals Matt Meltzer and Jennifer Agress. It is hard to beat advice from the folks that have firsthand knowledge.
You better believe I’m going to be checking out some of their suggestions on our next visit.
More budget-friendly recommendations.
It isn’t difficult to find budget-friendly activities as well as free stuff to do. One of my favorite ways to learn about a city is by taking a Hop-on-Hop-off tour.
In Miami, it is the Miami Double-Decker.com tour. Miami Beach’s trolley is also a great way to get from one end of the strip to another.
This resource can help you book your tour and may even save you some scratch. Create your own itinerary! Save on Hop-on Hop-off city bus tours.
Looking for a different type of tour? Try this link for TripAdvisor (otherwise known as Viator) – Save up to 50% off tours and activities on Viator.
My favorite tip – sunshine is free!
What’s stopping you from making Miami your next destination?
Miami’s reputation is as an expensive destination. It certainly can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be. Life is all about salt and pepper. Sweet and sour. Spend your money on the things that have to be purchased – lodging, transportation, and food.
When it comes to your activities, mix it up a bit, and enjoy the gems Miami offers. And we all know a gem is even better when it leaves enough scratch in your pocket to stay longer, upgrade your experience, or take home a souvenir. I love it when I can find a budget-friendly gem, and hopefully, this has been helpful for you too.
Don’t forget to leave your favorite Miami Beach freebies in the comment sections below. Your comments might outshine Matt and Jennifer!
This article was first published in December 2018 and was updated in October 2019 and March 2020.
How to describe Florida’s Miami South Beach otherwise known as SOBE? Ocean Drive and the beach are action-packed. In a word, there are tons of SOBE activities to choose from.
What are your favorite Miami activities? Whether you choose South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, or enjoying art deco you can’t go wrong with a visit to Miami.
If you are a Foodie, enjoy Art Deco, or appreciate landmarks like Lummus Park or the World Erotic Art Museum, you will love our favorite SOBE activities.
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