Fun Free Things To Do During Your Next Trip To Miami

With glamorous shops and restaurants, celebrities galore, towering skyscrapers, and sparkling beaches, it's no surprise that Miami is one of the priciest places to visit in the world. In fact, it costs 20% more to reside here than anywhere else in the United States. If you're itching to pack up your bikini and head to Miami on your next getaway without filing for bankruptcy, plan your trip between July and October. This is when the weather is hot, humid, and sticky, and hurricanes are more likely to strike, which keeps the bulk of tourists and prices at bay. 

Also, book a hotel near the Miami Beach Trolley or Metromover, which are free transportation options. You can also stay at this tropical paradise Miami RV resort. Once you're in Miami, fill your calendar with these free attractions, which are so much fun that you'll find yourself wondering where the ticket booth is. Looking for even more to do? Check out the hottest tourist attractions in Miami to add to your trip.

As a major American city, Miami is home to some of the most renowned cultural establishments on the planet, including the New World Symphony and the Jewish Museum of Florida. People looking for a taste of Miami's culture without spending even one dollar can do so at the city's Culture Crawl, which takes place every third Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On these evening outings, people can walk, bike, or hop on a free trolley to experience film screenings, backstage tours, and exhibition openings without opening their wallets. Even the trolley ride presents culture, as the automotives feature live music performers and Miami history experts.

Each Culture Crawl presents a completely different experience, so even if you're a local or frequent Miami visitor, you can experience something new each month. For instance, one event was a bookmaking and printmaking workshop at the Bass Museum of Art, where attendants received a free personalized sketchbook. There has also been the Dancing Columns art exhibition, which included a workshop with artists Joseph Choma and Luis Pacheco. The now-popular affair, which attracted 1,000 people at its inaugural event, was started in 2019 to help visitors and residents learn about the cultural gems in their own backyards.

Miami may be far from Europe, but in 1985, about 25,000 U.S. Holocaust survivors found respite in the beautiful beach destination. As a result, it was only fitting to create a Holocaust Memorial in Miami to pay homage to the 6 million Jewish people who perished in the unimaginable atrocity. Although some people initially pushed back against the structure, arguing that it violated the separation of church and state and that it would be a dark cloud over otherwise happy Miami, the memorial was finally built in 1990, thanks to Architect Kenneth Treister. 

Its highlight is the Sculpture of Love and Anguish, a four-story outstretched bronze hand tattooed with an Auschwitz number, seeming to ask for hope and mercy as countless people in agony hang on. The outdoor structure sits upon a pink stone from Jerusalem and is surrounded by a lily pond and several other sculptural pieces. These include depictions of emaciated people lying on the ground and a wall with the names of victims.

Today, you can visit the Holocaust Memorial for free any day of the year from 10 a.m. to sunset to remember those who suffered and died during this time. You will also learn about the survivors who found new lives in Miami after living through the nightmare. However, if you would like to take a tour and learn more about this legendary structure, you can pay a $2 suggested donation for a self-guided, 60- to 90-minute tour.

Today, an astounding 70% of Miami's population is Hispanic, but it wasn't until 1973, when Miami welcomed its first Hispanic mayor, Maurice A. Ferré, that the city had a leader who represented its diversity. Ferré went on to serve his beloved city and state for a dozen years, ushering in the progress that Miami now enjoys. As a tribute to Ferre's service, Museum Park was renamed Maurice A. Ferre Park in 2019, and today, people can enjoy its 21 acres of natural beauty all for free. With the longest waterfront baywalk in the city, a promenade with entrances to some of Miami's finest museums, plenty of activities for running or walking, and monuments paying homage to Miami's history, the Maurice A. Ferre Park has something for everyone, especially for those looking for budget-friendly fun.

The $10 million park was designed by Savino Miller Design Studio in collaboration with Coastal Systems International. It held the notion that even with a budget much smaller than that of other parks, the Maurice A. Ferre Park should take advantage of its breathtaking bay views and proximity to acclaimed cultural structures. Planning to spend the afternoon visiting the park without spending a buck? Make sure to stop by the Plaza of the Spanish Navy, which pays tribute to the fleet that landed in the now-U.S. in 1492, as well as the Dogs and Cats Walkway and Sculpture Gardens, which features colorful, painted dog and cat statues.

Sixty percent of all Cuban Americans live in Miami, and that's no surprise since the city is just 265 miles from Cuba. In Miami, people can get a taste of that culture by exploring the Little Havana neighborhood, which, just as its name suggests, is plucked right out of Cuba. And although you could indulge in a cigar, mojito, or Cuban sandwich while exploring Little Havana, you certainly don't have to, and you can keep it as free as can be. 

That becomes even easier during the neighborhood's Cultural Fridays, a free festival that takes place every third Friday of the month from noon to whenever the last person gets tired. At this happening block party that has been a staple of Little Havana since 2000, people can dance to live music, check out art galleries, visit more than 30 craft vendors, and even take a free walking tour of the neighborhood at 7 p.m. It's all centered around Calle Ocho, the heart of Little Havana.

Even if you don't visit during Cultural Fridays, you'll find plenty of free activities in Little Havana. The neighborhood is home to Máximo Gómez Park, otherwise known as the famous Domino Park, where people play dominoes at all times of the day while surrounded by street art. Speaking of street art, you'll find plenty of it in Little Havana, including eclectic fiberglass rooster statues scattered throughout the area.

When it comes to natural beauty, the first thing Miami is known for is its beaches. But it's also home to Miami Beach Botanical Garden, an oasis in the middle of this bustling city. It's free to visit and is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This garden is dubbed "Miami Beach's Backyard," and with three acres and countless plant species, it lives up to its nickname. However, it only became a natural respite in 1996. Before then, hurricanes and financial turmoil sent it to an early demise. Luckily, several residents favored the garden's restoration and helped to establish the Miami Beach Garden Conservancy.

One favorite spot to check out here is the relaxing Japanese Garden, which is home to bamboo, lantern pagodas, tranquil ponds, and a red bridge. It's a fitting garden for the site since the Magic City's sister city is Fujisawa, Japan. Also, check out the Orchid Garden, which has over 1,200 types of orchids. These beautiful flowers might be tough to grow at home, but they flourish in Florida, where high temperatures and humidity help them to stay strong. You can see animals at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, too, like herons, hawks, butterflies, turtles, and koi. You can find even more natural gems at the most underrated state parks in Florida. 

Miami is a cutting-edge city, but it also has a storied history — some of which can be seen right from the history books at Cauley Square Historic Village. It can trace its beginnings to William Cauley, who built a warehouse and office on the 10 acres he owned here to support his shipping business. Soon, that warehouse and office grew into homes, a saloon, and more for Cauley's workers. However, the historic buildings fell into disrepair after the Great Depression and World War II. But several locals stepped in to restore the property that had fallen from grace, and now, Cauley Square Historic Village is home to 25 refurbished buildings that are home to various businesses.

Admission to Cauley Square Historic Village is free, and visitors can peruse its 10 acres of independent businesses for window shopping as well as to enjoy the property's historic and peaceful ambiance. If you want to spend a few bucks, then visit the Tea Room, a Victorian-style tearoom with traditional afternoon tea service, brunch, and desserts. Or, find one-of-a-kind souvenirs at Karol's Antiques, which offers antique kitchenware and home décor, or Jimmy's Bright Ideas, which sells offbeat and hand-made home décor made from repurposed items. Want a beach read instead? Stop by Sweet Haven Books, which peddles everything from classic to brand-new books for readers of all ages and interests.

The Miami Design District is home to some of the priciest fashion brands in retail, like Chanel and Balenciaga. But you don't need to have a wallet full of cash to enjoy this eclectic area. That's because the Miami Design District is an art and architectural haven, home to everchanging public art and structures that have garnered prestigious design awards, as well as museums and art galleries perfect for perusing. The district has nearly three dozen public art pieces that are free to visit and are all made by famous artists.

One of the standouts is the futuristic "Fly's Eye Dome," which is literally a dome with bubble-like fly-eye windows that took more than 30 years to come to fruition. Or, see the colossal, black-and-white Vortex mural, which practically begs the viewer for a fun photo. Another mind-bending piece that also helps to make a difference is the 10-foot crushed SOLO cup, which asks people to avoid single-use plastic; it's also a popular spot for selfies. Feeling hungry after indulging in all of that beautiful artwork? The Miami Design District is home to several restaurants — including three with Michelin stars, such as L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, the only restaurant with two Michelin stars in the state. Afterward, cool off from the heat and the crowds at these overlooked Florida beach towns that aren't in Miami.

Miami is all about fun, and it's managed to even make malls — which have fallen victim to empty storefronts and online shopping in past years — fun again at Aventura Mall. The mall, which is one of the largest in the country, is home to the Aventura Slide Tower, which is as much a piece of art as it is a piece of excitement for kids and adults alike. For free, anyone over 44 inches tall can ride the steel and glass opposing slides down nine stories. The outdoor Aventura Slide Tower opens each fall to escape the intense Florida heat and is open Friday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

It's all thanks to Carsten Höller, who isn't an amusement park expert, but yet a famous German artist who has created slides that double as art pieces all over the world, as he believes that art should offer an experience as well as something to look at. The Aventura Slide Tower is his first in the United States, and after it opened in 2017, it attracted everyone from actress Chloë Sevigny to model Karolína Kurková. To ride the slide, which hits speeds of 15 miles per hour, thrill seekers need to just climb aboard a mat and get ready for one memorable ride. Upon landing, slide-goers will be welcomed to the Aventura Mall's three-level wing, which was built in 2017 and contains pieces of public art.

At the Adrienne Arsht Center or the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, visitors can see live performances 300 times per year, including Broadway musicals, the Florida Grand Opera, and the annual Flamenco Festival. However, you don't need to shell out cash for a ticket to learn more about the Arsht Center, as it offers free hour-and-a-half-long tours at noon on Mondays and Saturdays.

On these walking tours, which are also available in Spanish, visitors can expect to get an exclusive look at the Arsht Center's storied past and see visual art installations created by acclaimed artists. They will enjoy celebrity performances as well. One of those "permanent" art installations is through its windows since the Arsht Center has incredible views of the Biscayne Bay and the city skyline. But if you do have a few dollars to spare, then donate to this nonprofit organization that, through its programming, has helped to bring the arts to all members of the community since it was established in 2006.

If you or your child has an imagination that just won't quit, then they — or you — will find your match at the Homestead Cybrarium, which might as well be the free public library of the future. Throughout its nearly 24,000 square feet, kids and adults will find crazy cool experiences like a steampunk-themed lounge filled with art perfect for thumbing through a book, a virtual reality "cube" where you can take seemingly real journeys to other places, a makerspace with a 3D print and Cricut, a theater where kids can dress up and explore their imaginations, and a massive book sculpture. For more things to do in the state for kids, check out this family-friendly city on Florida's panhandle that boasts endless white sand beaches.

The library has traditional resources as well, and they're supercharged in size and in multiple languages — it's home to 34,000 books, DVDs, and audiobooks. The library was unveiled in 2021, but its roots run a decade before that when Miami was suffering due to the recession. So, the city decided to help its residents by creating an informational hub that could be used by people of all ages, income levels, and backgrounds.

Biscayne National Park consists nearly of water — and parts of that water are 8 miles wide — but there's no shortage of things to do above one of the biggest coral reef systems on the planet. Just ask the more than 700,000 people that flocked here in 2022. At this natural beauty of a park that's free to enter, people can see animals like manatees and sea turtles in the wild, as well as 600 types of fish. And all you really need if you want to keep your trip here free is a pair of sneakers. Biscayne National Park has two popular hiking trails, including the hourlong round-trip Black Point Jetty Trail, which is chock-full of wildlife, as well as the 7-mile Spite Highway trail, which is also near a campground. The park is also an exceptional spot for birding since hundreds of bird species live here, and it has a birding trail with nearly a dozen stops.

Despite the incredible biodiversity of Biscayne National Park, it almost became a housing complex in the 1960s. Thankfully, those efforts were unsuccessful, and today, people who love nature and saving a buck can relish in the fun of Biscayne National Park. Besides hiking, visitors can also hop on a kayak, paddleboard, sailboat, or motorboat here. They can also jump in the water with a snorkel or scuba kit to see the park's mangroves up close and enjoy warm saltwater.

Looking for some Zen in the midst of ever-bustling Miami Beach? You'll find the breath of fresh air you're looking for at Upper Buena Vista, a bohemian enclave of restaurants and about 20 stores housed in cozy, residence-like buildings. Even better, it's right around the corner from the Miami Design District, so you can hit two free destinations in one shot. But even though Upper Buena Vista is technically a shopping center, you don't have to spend money to enjoy its atmosphere. It has a more-than-century-old oak tree known as a wish tree, where if you want to spend just one dollar, you can purchase a ribbon, write your wish on it, tie it to the tree, and soon enough — according to legend — good things will come to you. 

Upper Buena Vista also has plenty of scenic gardens and walkways ideal for exploring, as well as lots of stray cats and a Pinocchio statue that has come to call the neighborhood home. And speaking of Pinocchio, here are the most bizarre rules Disney character performers have to follow.