First things first- you are in Miami to enjoy its plenty of sun, sea, sand, and surf. If that’s all you want then Miami has got you covered. This coastal city in south Florida’s Miami- Dade county is a premiere destination in the US. It draws in people from all over with a promise of pristine beaches, beachfront resorts, award-winning restaurants, art-deco delights, and fashion. While Miami is considered among the most expensive cities in the world, it also caters to budget-conscious travelers with plenty of free things to do in Miami.
From diverse neighborhoods to cultural landmarks, exciting adventures, public parks, museums, and art galleries, you can fill your time in Miami with plenty of activities. Whether you are a sun-seeker or a culture vulture craving art and history, Miami is filled with experiences. Most of its activities and attractions don’t cost you a thing. So, if you are on a strict monetary diet and still planning a vacation in Miami, then here are some of the free fun in Miami that won’t cost you a penny.
Read on our list of best free things to do in Miami:
South Beach
Not just the white sands, the art-deco delights on the shores are also the major reasons to visit South Beach. Nicknamed as the ‘Art-deco playground’, the South Beach is one of the best beaches in the country and is an absolute must. While most part of the beach is accessible by foot, some stretches in the middle have several condos and resorts, with limited public access. Its shining sands, amazing food, and buzzing nightlife attract millions of tourists annually. So, if you are in the city, visiting the South Beach is one of the best things to do in Miami this weekend. However, expect a massive crowd during weekends and holidays.
Ocean Drive
Located along the southern tip of Miami beach and running parallel with the Atlantic Ocean, the Ocean Drive starts at South Pointe Drive and runs north to 15th street. Miami’s Ocean Drive is one of the most famous thoroughfares, mainly known for its art-deco buildings, upscale hotels, buzzing nightlife, and massive streams of crowds. The best way to experience Ocean Drive is on foot. Walk down the street, admire the stunning architecture of yesteryear buildings, and snap some photos along the way. The Art-Deco district on Ocean Drive is the main attraction. But there are a lot more than the buildings to explore. Visitors mainly enjoy its nightlife as the streets are filled with many restaurants and bars, but it comes with a high price tag. But visiting the Ocean Drive is one of the must things to do in Miami for couples.
Holocaust Memorial
Pay tribute to the victims of the holocaust at Holocaust Memorial. The idea of a memorial in Miami was conceived by a group of Holocaust survivors in 1984 and in 1990, the memorial was opened to the public. The memorial is located at the intersection of Meridian Avenue and Dade Boulevard. The memorial houses a series of statues, a meditation wall, a garden for meditation, and architectural pieces. Looking at the sculptures that represent emaciated victims reaching out for help, clinging to one another is heartbreaking. Many visitors have accepted that the visit moved them deeply. It is free for the public, so visiting the memorial is one of the free things to do in Miami.
Lummus Park
Lummus Park fulfills all your Miami expectations. On most days of the week, many LA celebrities and supermodels crash on its beige-colored sand for photoshoots. The stretch runs along Ocean Drive from 5th street to 14th street. Beach goers can rent beach gears from the beachfront rental shops. The park is also dotted with some volleyball nests and restrooms. Moreover, it is also lined by many swaying palm trees, playgrounds, and paving pathways that attract runners, bikers, and rollerbladers. It also has playgrounds, so visiting the park is one of the best things to do in Miami with kids.
Wynwood
Wynwood, with colorful murals on its walls, is one of the most happening neighborhoods in Miami. A trip to Wynwood is a delight to the art aficionados. Whether you appreciate art or not, take yourself on a street art tour here as it is among those few places that have so much art packed. The arts and murals constantly change here and what may have been there on your last visit a few days ago might be replaced by a different creation. Interestingly, the art tour in Wynwood is one of the free things to do in Miami. It was brought into tourists’ radar by Tony Goldman in 2009. Since then, the district has successfully gathered attention of artists from all of North America and all over the world. You can also purchase paintings or prints from Wynwood Wall Museum.
Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center
Miami is home to a diverse population and the best way to explore its diverse culture is to explore the city’s many neighborhoods and museums. Thanks to a large Cuban population in the city, visitors get to experience their culture, history, heritage, and culinary delights. The Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center serves as a stalwart of traditional Cuban culture. The museum displays pre-revolution Cuban art from the 1880s to 1960s, along with a few modern Cuban art. It is also a performing arts center, so you can catch a Cuban music or dance show here. Visiting the museum and the art center costs nothing, so it is one of the free things to do in Miami.
In A Nutshell
Miami is often considered among the most costliest cities to visit in the world. But due to its popularity among globetrotters, Miami offers plenty of attractions and experiences, which are absolutely free. So, even if you are on a tight budget, you don’t have to reconsider your trip to this southern Florida city. In this guide, we have added several free attractions and also things to do in downtown Miami.