Miami in the United States is one of the most interesting cities in Florida to visit. It’s incredibly diverse and brimming with culture. The tropical weather draws crowds in addition to the art, nightlife, restaurants, and of course, beaches. Miami is famous for its over-the-top lifestyle–the lavish parties, celebrity sightings, and designer-clad models. However, it’s also notoriously expensive. Don’t let that deter you—believe it or not, you can actually find many fun cheap things to do in Miami Beach, especially if you come prepared with this epic Florida packing list.
This sultry city has more than overpriced bars and top-tier restaurants. There are historical buildings, state parks, and numerous museums. Miami has art around every corner and you don’t always have to pay to see it. Whether you’re staying for a week or a weekend, there are plenty of cheap fun things to do in Miami.
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Cheap Things to Do Miami: Best Areas to Explore
The great thing about Miami is that there are many unique areas where you can walk around and explore. These areas have enough character that you don’t have to spend any money when visiting them.
Location: Between 16th and 17th Street in South Beach
One of the most popular places to go in South Beach is Lincoln Road. It’s a pedestrian street filled with outdoor dining, boutiques, and art galleries. The street follows the island of Miami Beach and leads to the actual beach and the boardwalk running parallel. Even if you don’t come here to shop, it has excellent ambiance.
The busyness of the street makes it a great spot to people-watch. You’ll find palm trees lining the streets and a section of black and white striped pavement reminiscent of Impanema. If you do want to sit down for a bite to eat, head there right before happy hour (in case there’s a wait).
The Design District
Location: 140 NE 39th St.
One area that you must add to your list of things to do in Miami for cheap is the Design District. This neighborhood is filled with fun art sculptures, sleek architecture, and high-end boutiques. Expensive shopping spree aside, there’s much to look at.
If you’re traveling with children, there are kid-friendly activities like random playground components, swings, and a pink parking garage with a slide and net.
Location: Between 14th and 15th Street in South Beach
This historical street is located just a few blocks from Lincoln Road and is another pedestrian area with outdoor dining. Back in the day, it was an artist’s colony with Mediterranean vibes, and it’s retained a lot of that atmosphere. It’s a lively street with music and lights after dark.
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Location: South of 15th street along the beach
is one of the most famous streets in Miami. It’s recognizable for its Art Deco architecture, neon lights, and wide stretch of sand right next to the street. You may have seen it in a number of movies and TV shows, like Scarface, There’s Something About Mary, and, of course, Miami Vice.
One side of the street is lined with art deco hotels and outdoor restaurant seating. You can also glimpse the famous Versace Mansion tucked between buildings. The other side is where you’ll spot beachgoers and rollerbladers along the boardwalk. There’s a large park area just before you get to the sand.
Ocean Drive is part of the Art Deco District, but you’ll see artistic buildings all over. Most of the area is between 5th Street and 23rd on Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue.
Location: 401 Biscayne Blvd
Bayside Marketplace is located in Downtown Miami and is a two-story outdoor shopping center that sits on the water. There are many shops and restaurants with free live music. You can take a boat tour from here or enjoy Miami views from the Skyviews Ferris Wheel. Bayside is also the most visited attraction in Miami.
Location: Around SW 8th Street
Little Havana centers around SW 8th Street, or Calle Ocho, and is where you’ll get a taste of Cuba. This walkable area is full of history, culture, art, and music. Try authentic Latin American cuisine for lunch, catch locals playing dominos at Domino Park, see hand-rolled cigars get made, or grab a Cuban coffee.
Staying in Miami a little longer? Here is how to make friends in Miami!
Things to Do in Miami Cheap: Free Activities
Though it’s easy to spend a lot of money, you can find many affordable things to do in Miami.
Hit the Beach
If you’re taking a trip to Miami, getting some quality beach time is likely at the top of your list—the beaches in Miami are incredible. Going to the beach is also one of the top cheap things to do in Miami Beach. South Beach is more crowded, but the beach is large. The further north you go, the quieter it will be. You can find cute lifeguard stands all along the way from South Pointe up to 87th street!
Walk the
At the very end of South Beach is where you’ll find South Pointe and the South Pointe Park Pier. It’s a 450-foot pier that extends over the ocean to give you a view of South Beach from the water. There’s no fee to walk down the pier, making it one of my favorite cheap fun things to do in Miami.
Location: 2000 Convention Center Dr
In the middle of Miami Beach, you’ll find the Miami Beach Botanical Garden—three acres of lush landscape forming a quaint oasis in the heart of the city. Explore the Palm Garden, which consists of over 100 palm species, the Japanese Garden for a taste of serenity, or the Collins Canal Promenade, a palm-tree-lined walkway by the water.
Location: 1933-1945 Meridian Ave
Right next to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a Holocaust Memorial. Miami has a surprisingly large Jewish population—in the 80s, there were an estimated 20-25,000 holocaust survivors residing in South Florida. A group of survivors formed the Holocaust Memorial Committee and the memorial was finished in 1990. It’s open from 10:00 a.m. to sunset for self-guided tours.
Watch the Sunset From
South Pointe Park runs along the tip of Miami Beach and has a beautiful boardwalk right next to the water. This is a great place to walk around, but the large grassy area on the west side is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city.
Tour the Biltmore Hotel
Location: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables
The Biltmore Hotel is an iconic and luxurious Coral Gables hotel that is also a National Historic Landmark. It’s Mediterranean-style, with stunning architecture and beautiful interiors. Built in 1926, the hotel served as a hospital during WWII before becoming a hotel again in 1987. It has hosted many famous visitors over the years, from Franklin Roosevelt and Judy Garland to Al Capone. Head there on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. for a free tour of the property, one of the best fun cheap things to do in Miami.
Search for Art Around the City
Miami has art around every corner waiting to be discovered. Find the 8th Magic Mountain near the Bass Museum, the giant Britto palm trees on Fifth and Alton, or the golden mammoth at the Faena Hotel.
Inexpensive Things to Do in Miami
Rent Bikes in South Pointe Park
Cost: around $21-30 per day
A fun way to explore South Beach is by renting a bike from a Citi Bike station. You’ll find stations every few blocks, so it isn’t hard to find one. You can bike around Ocean Drive, head to Lincoln Road, or stick to the beach boardwalk! It’s an excellent way to avoid the traffic and parking situations.
Visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Cost: $8 per vehicle
Location: 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne
Florida has an abundance of state parks and this one is just a few minutes from Downtown. At Bill Baggs Cape, you’ll find a long stretch of beach and an 1825 historic lighthouse. Make sure to head up to the lighthouse for endless Atlantic views.
This is the perfect place to relax on the white sanded beach and do a photoshoot with the stunning scenery. It’s one of the most popular cheap things to do in Miami Beach.
Cost: $20 for adults, free for children 12 and under
Location: 266 NW 26th St
Wynwood Walls is a famous area where you’ll find spray-painted wall murals/graffiti by talented artists. At one point, the Wynwood Walls were free to walk around, but they’ve now created a semi-closed ticketed area. There’s a $12 fee to see the Wynwood Walls, but you can also drive around the surrounding area to see other artists for free.
Cost: Free every second Saturday, or $18 for adults, $14 for kids
Location: 1103 Biscayne Blvd
If your trip coincides with the second Saturday of the month, you can get into the Perez Art Museum for free. This gallery is recognizable for its sleek lines and hanging greenery—it sits next to the water Downtown, featuring modern and contemporary art.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Cost: $22
Location: 2701 De Soto Blvd
It’s hard to beat the beach, but if you want a change of scenery, check out the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables for fun cheap things to do in Miami. This historic 820,000-gallon pool opened in 1923 and is made from a coral rock quarry fed with spring water. There are two waterfalls, stone bridges, and grottoes—the surrounding area is like an oasis with palm trees and Venetian-style towers.
Cost: $22.95/person
Location: 12400 SW 152nd St
Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in Florida and the only subtropical zoo in the continental US. The animals here are in exhibits that closely resemble their natural habitats but allow you to get up close and personal. There are over 500 animal species, 1,000 plants, and 100 special exhibits. They’re also involved in many worldwide conservation efforts.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Cost: $25/person
Location: 3251 S Miami Ave
Vizcaya is a Gilded-Age estate that sits on the edge of the Biscayne Bay between Brickell and Coconut Grove. Vizcaya was previously a villa that belonged to James Deering and is now a museum and garden. You can explore the beautifully painted interiors, get a glimpse of 1920s living, and wander through the gardens. Vizcaya is a popular place for photography, and it’s easy to see why. The European-inspired gardens span over 10 acres and you’ll find statues, shrub mazes, stone stairways, and pavilions.
Cost: $35 per vehicle
Location: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead
To see the wild side of Florida, head west to the Everglades National Park. It covers 1.5 million acres of land home to birds, turtles, snakes, and alligators.
The Everglades is the only place in the world where you’ll see alligators AND crocodiles coexisting. You’ll want to visit in the dry season because it attracts more predators. The wet season also brings the mosquitos and causes lower visibility.
Looking for a place to stay in Miami?
Hampton Inn Miami-Coconut Grove/Coral Gables
The Lofts at Aventura Village
Cottages El Portal
OQP Vacations Miami
Life House, Little Havana
Miami Travel Guide Planning
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Miami?
I strongly recommend using Bookaway. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Miami?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.
I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Fun Cheap Things to Do in Miami Beach: Final Thoughts
Miami is an excellent city to explore, and there are many inexpensive things to do in Miami. Explore the different cultures, soak up the sun at the beach, find artwork around the city, or walk the pedestrian streets. There’s no shortage of things to do in Miami for cheap, regardless of your budget.
-By Ashley Jansen of Jetset Jansen
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