Miami is known for its party culture and tropical beach vibes, but there’s more to this south Florida region than most people know about. Miami can tend to get pricey, as is typical for most tourist towns. But don’t worry—there’s plenty of things to do for the budget-cautious traveler.
If you are spending some time in Miami, but are looking for cheap ways to satiate your wanderlust, Miami offers free excursions all over the town! Check out these ten free things to do in Miami every day of the week.
10 10. Explore Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is located just outside of Miami and is easily accessible by public transportation. This wildlife preserve is made up of over 1.5 million acres of natural Florida swamp and greenery. You can see alligators, turtles, manatees, and more up close and personal by taking the free tour from Homestead.
There is a free guided trolley ride that leaves from Historic Downtown Homestead and brings you straight to the heart of the Everglades! You can indulge with kayaking, biking, boating, or guided tours. Some of the free activities include birdwatching, hiking, and fishing.
9 9. Soak It Up On Miami Beach
Would it really be a Florida trip if you didn’t visit Miami Beach? This is one of the most popular beaches in the country and for good reason. The four miles of soft, white sandy coastline offers the perfect spot to relax and get a tan.
You can pack your own cooler, take a dip in the ocean, and stroll down Ocean Drive. There’s plenty to see, and if people watching is your thing, you won’t be disappointed. South Beach is the epitome of Miami’s literal hot spot that you definitely don’t want to miss out on while you’re here.
8 8. Experience Little Havana
With just a little over 300 miles separating the Miami coastline from the island of Cuba, there is a ton of local representation here. Little Havana in Calle Ocho is a free excursion if you want to get a taste of Cuban culture. They even have Viernes Cultural (or cultural Friday) celebrations on the last Friday of every month that really highlights the Cuban lifestyle.
On any given day, street gazers will see the locals rolling cigars and playing dominos, and you can even see which famous Cuban celebrities have made it onto their Calle Ocho Walk of Fame. Freshly squeezed juice is constantly being offered by their street carts, or you can stop in one of the many authentic Cuban coffee shops that are up and down the streets of Little Havana.
7 7. Check Out These Instagram-Worthy Murals
Miami’s art-deco scene is one of the rarest in the state. There are colorful murals throughout the streets on Miami that serve as unique backdrops for Instagram photos. After a photo shoot, take a minute to appreciate the delicate details in these local works of art.
Wynwood street murals starting taking shape when the neighborhood began deteriorating in the 1970s. To add a bit more life to the lackluster part of town, artists started painting their own designs on the walls of the building. They became so popular that Miami dedicated this street as an outdoor museum, where visitors and locals and take a free self-guided tour to explore this unique art. If you get tired, you can stop in one of Wynwood’s many craft breweries, boutiques, or cafes.
6 6. Enjoy Live Music
Miami is always offering up free live music concerts. On the last Friday of every month, jazz lovers unite and enjoy a bit of soulful music at The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami. The Bayside Marketplace offers live music every single day on the Marina Stage.
Passerbys will hear all the popular Latin tunes in genres such as pop, rock, and hip-hop. Many of the live music sounds from restaurants along South Beach can even be heard from your spot on the beach, so you can get the best of both worlds.
5 5. Movies In The Park
Miami frequently offers night movie showing in the park. For free! The New World Symphony theater routinely broadcasts its former concerts on its exterior walls, but if you want something a bit more entertaining, come back at night for a movie night in the park.
Visitors can set up camp in the park across the street and enjoy nights when the theater projects famous classic movies like The Princess Bride. All you need is some snacks, a friend, and maybe a something to drink and you’ve got a fun-filled night under the stars.
4 4. Visit The Institute Of Contemporary Art
Miami is home to a collection of free art museums, but if there is one stop that should be on your to-do list, it’s a visit to the Institute of Contemporary Art. Hosted in the Miami Design District, this museum has free admission every day.
ICA has locations all over the country, but Miami’s exhibit is truly fascinating. From sculptures, paintings, and even young artist displays, you will be blown away by the different levels of artistic pieces available for your viewing pleasure.
3 3. Free Salsa Lessons
If you really want to spice up your visit to Miami, join their free salsa classes! What better place to learn than from the streets of this bustling metropolitan? Every Friday night, The InterContinental Miami offers free salsa lessons at its rooftop café called Bluewater. The lessons start off with some simple steps and lead into a full out swinging choreographed dance.
Professional instructors are available from 6-10 pm. If you get thirsty, alcoholic beverages are only $7, which is a great deal for Miami. There’s also onsite cigar rollers and, of course, a live band.
2 2. Bike Around The City
Biking in Miami is a fairly popular habit, considering how unbearable the traffic is. Plus, there are so many stops you can make! Bike rentals are free in certain areas of Miami so you can explore quickly and efficiently.
Some spots to hit while you cruise the streets of Miami are Bayfront Park downtown, Bill Sadowski Park, or Old Cutler Trail. South Pointe Park is the southernmost point of the beach that offers a great panoramic view of Miami Beach.
1 1. View Miami City On The Metromover
Another way to bypass Miami’s traffic is to take a tour on the Metromover. This public transportation system is not only free, but it offers exquisite views of the entire city of Miami.
It connects twenty different stations so that you can stop at whichever area looks the most interesting. The Metromover only stays in the downtown district, so you won’t be able to make your way to Wynwood or South Beach, but the Downtown Miami Waterfront has free tours.