Blog > Free Things to Do in Miami in 2024 [50+ Exciting Activities]
Blog > Free Things to Do in Miami in 2024 [50+ Exciting Activities]
Miami is one of the top cities to visit in the United States. This southern Florida beach metro is primarily known for its nightlife and infamous beaches. Along with South Beach, nightclubs, and the famous Art Deco architecture, Miami has a thriving cultural and arts scene as well as numerous outdoor activities everyone can enjoy.
Miami has a reputation for being the playground for the rich and famous, but you don’t need a fat wallet to enjoy all Miami has to offer. If you’re visiting Miami or are a local looking for something fun and unique to do, here are 50 free things to do in Miami.
The Art Basel of Miami Beach is a part of the well-known Swiss Art Basel gallery. Each year, this art fair takes place annually in Basel, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Miami Beach. Art Basel selects paintings and other artworks from dealers and artists around the world and is displayed in selected galleries around Miami. View some of the best work from top artists from around the world at Art Basel of Miami Beach.
Tip: Art Basel 2020 was canceled and has been rescheduled for December 2021.
Location: Locations change yearly. Visit Art Basel’s website for more information about the upcoming fair.
One of the coolest museums in Miami (and maybe the world), is the Graffiti Museum which celebrates this edgy art form. This free outdoor museum is located in Miami’s hip Wynwood neighborhood and showcases graffiti art from artists all over the world.
Tip: This partially outdoor museum is easily accessible during COVID-19. Click to reserve tickets and view safety guidelines.
Location: 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 3312
Viernes Culturales, or Cultural Fridays, is a must-see cultural event in Miami. Located on the famed Calle Ocho in Miami’s Little Havana, Viernes Culturales allows Miami’s Cuban population to show off their colorful and unique art, food, and music.
Tip: This mini cultural festival takes place on the third Friday of every month.
Location: Domino Plaza in Little Havana, Miami between 13th and 17th Avenues.
This Simthosanian-affiliated museum is one of the largest private regional history museums in the United States. HistoryMiami is home to thousands of artifacts celebrating the diversity of Miami’s history and culture, including unique artifacts of Afro-Cuban culture and a permanent exhibit chronicling 10,000 years of South Florida history.
Tip: HistoryMiami offers free admission every first Thursday of the month. Family Fun Days are on the second Saturday of each month. Admission is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
The Bass is Miami’s oldest contemporary art museum. Since 1964, The Bass has featured the best in contemporary art from both local and international artists. From permanent and rotating exhibits, The Bass includes classic and edgy contemporary art.
Tip: Admission is free on the last Sunday of each month. While at The Bass, visit The Cafe and The Shop for gourmet and lunch and shopping.
Location: 2100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Located in the Miami Design District, the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, or ICA Miami, is open year-round with ever-changing, unique exhibits. ICA brings the best in contemporary art to Miami including various art forms including performance pieces. The ICA Residents Program is constantly bringing in new contemporary artists to Miami.
Tip: The ICA is always free so everyone can experience Miami’s unique art scene. Guided tours are available every day at 1 p.m.
Location: 61 NE 41st St., Miami, FL 33137
One of the most popular museums in Miami, The Perez Art Museum (PAMM), is home to The Caribbean Cultural Institute, a vital cultural center for Miami’s Caribbean population. Currently, the PAMM has several virtual art exhibits for safe, socially distanced viewing.
Tip: Admission is free on the first Thursday and the second Saturday of each month.
Location: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
This Miami classic is a must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture. Once a part of the notorious Biltmore Hotel chain, the Miami Biltmore Hotel is still a popular venue for weddings, tourists, and Sunday brunch. The Dade Heritage Trust, Miami’s largest historic preservation organization, offers free tours of the historic grounds.
Tip: Free tours are given every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Location: 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134
Local Miami historian Dr. Paul George is an esteemed historian who has developed 12 Miami historic walking tours. During the most popular tour in Little Havana, Dr. George will show and tell you the fascinating history of Miami’s Little Havana. Perfect for both tourists and locals who want to learn more about Miami's history.
Tip: Dr. George conducts tours on the third Friday of every month during Viernes Culturales at 7pm.
Location: Tower Theater, 1508 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33135
Founded in 1873, Miami’s Coconut Grove is an eclectic and historic neighborhood that is still thriving today. Settled by artists and pioneers of early Miami, Coconut Grove is a tropical oasis that combines historical charm with modern amenities. This free walking tour is a great way to take in some local history and get your steps in!
Tip: This is a free self-guided walking tour that can be completed at any time. The Coconut Grove neighborhood has provided this free map with notable stops on the tour and information about each location.
Location: South Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL, 33133
This monthly outdoor festival celebrates Haitian culture. Located in the heart of downtown Little Haiti in Miami, this immersive experience features vendors, food, live music, and more related to Haitian culture. Enjoy the unique culture of Haiti and the Caribbean at Sounds of Little Haiti!
Tip: You can experience the Sounds of Little Haiti on the third Friday night of every month.
Location: Little Haiti Cultural Center. 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33137
This one is for cyclists and fitness enthusiasts. Critical Mass is a monthly bike ride organized by the Miami Bike Scene, an organization that promotes local cycling news, resources, events, and group rides in Miami and Central Florida. Since 2007, Miami Bike Scene has been the to-go source for cycling enthusiasts in the Miami area.
Tip: Critical Mass is held in Miami and other cities in south Florida on the last Friday of each month and runs through several Miami neighborhoods. Location changes monthly.
Location: Visit the Critical Mass website for exact locations for the current month’s ride.
Get a break from the big city and glam of Miami Beach at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. This subtropical garden in South Beach is a 2.6-acre urban garden and wildlife preserve. Take a piece of Miami home with you by purchasing a tropical house plant from the Garden Center.
Tip: Self-guided audio tours are free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 2000 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Little Havana and Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) are the epicenter of Cuban culture in Miami. This neighborhood is one of the most famous locations in Miami and a must-see during a visit to Miami. Little Havana is the best place in Miami to take in the Cuban culture and cuisine.
Tip: Visit Little Havana in March for the Calle Ocho Festival. This annual event features food, dancing, and music.
Location: Downtown Miami and Little Havana, adjacent to Coral Gables.
The Little Haiti Carribean Marketplace is described as the “embodiment of South Florida’’. One of Miami’s true hidden gems, this historic marketplace allows you to experience the best of Haitian and Caribbean culture in Miami.
Tip: The market is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: 5925 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 331
Who doesn’t love a free movie? Miami’s SoundScape Cinema offers free outdoor movies on a 7,000 square foot screen. SoundScape shows both modern picks and silver screen classics the whole family can enjoy!
Tip: You can enjoy free movies from October to May each year. Make sure to pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks. Arrive early for a front-row seat.
Location: Inside the New World Center Miami at 400 17th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139
This annual three-day festival celebrates Miami’s signature Art Deco design in the famous Art Deco District in Miami Beach. The festival is presented by the Miami Design Preservation League to raise awareness of historic preservation. Art Deco Weekend features an antique car show, music, parties, and more!
Tip: Art Deco Weekend takes place each January. For 2021, the festival will be held virtually.
Location: Lummus Park, Miami Beach
Each year, Pinecrest Gardens hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals including concerts, arts festivals, a cafe, gardens, zoo, theatre, and more. Pinecrest Gardens is a unique facility that serves as an important cultural center for the Miami area.
Tip: Pinecrest Gardens is open during COVID-19 with guidelines in place. Visit their website for information about events and schedule changes.
Location: 11000 Red Road Pinecrest, FL, 33156
Get ready to vibe and jive on Reggae Sundays! This free event takes place each Sunday from 2pm to midnight. This outdoor hangout in Wynwood includes food trucks, outdoor bars, and more.
Tip: All events at Wynwood will be moving to The Doral Yard just minutes away from Miami.
Location: 8455 NW 53rd St., Suite 106, Doral, FL 33166
The annual Coral Gables Bluesfest is one of top-rated blues music events in the country. This free event held on the Bierhaus Plaza in Coral Gables includes live performances from the best blues acts in the country.
Tip: The Bierhaus Plaza also hosts various other events throughout the year. Visit their website to learn more.
Location: 60 Merrick Way, Coral Gables, FL, 33134
The Seminole Tribal Fair is a celebration of Florida’s indigenous peoples’ culture and art. This yearly event is an important part of Florida’s history and honors the contributions the Seminole tribe has had on Florida’s culture.
Tip: The Seminole Tribal Fair has not been scheduled for 2021. Check here for schedule and notices about changes.
Location: 1 Seminole Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
3rd Street Beach Yoga offers free daily sunrise and sunset classes near Miami Beach’s 3rd Street lifeguard tower. Start your day at 7 a.m. or relax at sunset at 5 p.m. in fall/winter (6 p.m. in spring/summer). Bring a towel, water, and sunscreen. Classes are free, with donations welcome.
Tip: Can’t make it to a specific free class? There are several other free yoga classes in Miami seven days a week. Pack your mat and explore!
Location: Near the 3rd Street lifeguard tower, Miami Beach, FL.
Want a more intense workout? You’re in luck because Miami is known for its variety of free bootcamp classes around the city. Get in shape every day of the week with various free bootcamp classes around the city taught by veterans who will get you in shape.
Tip: Checkout eventbrite or social media for class times and locations.
Location: Various
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Although Bayside Marketplace is a shopping center, you don’t need to max out your credit card to enjoy the stunning views of downtown and Biscayne Bay. Bayside Marketplace is a great place to take a stroll or enjoy daily live performances.
Tip: Bayside Marketplace is home to a water taxi service that makes regular trips to Miami Beach and downtown attractions.
Location: 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132
The only thing better than Taco Tuesday is free Taco Tuesday! Every Tuesday, Wood Tavern, located in Wynwood, serves up free tacos to all bar patrons. There is a line, but it’s worth the wait!
Tip: To snag your free tacos, make sure to arrive early.
Location: 2531 Northwest 2nd Ave., Miami, FL, 33127
This annual festival held at Haulover Park showcases unique kites from all over the country. Bring the whole family and watch hundreds of colorful kites fly over Miami Beach. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, artists, a DJ, and more. Don’t forget to bring your own kite!
Tip: The Kitetober Festival was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. Check their website for updates on upcoming events.
Location: 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154
Located on Key Biscayne, Crandon Park Beach is a lagoon style beach with bike trails, volleyball nets, a picnic area, and more! Crandon Beach is the ideal beach getaway and one of Miami’s best beaches.
Tip: Crandon Park hosts a variety of recreational activities like kayaking, cabana rentals, surfing, and EcoAdventure tours.
Location: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
A spot of greenery in downtown Miami, Bayfront Park is a popular spot for both tourists and locals wanting a break from the concrete jungle. Stop by any time and enjoy a playground, paved walking trails, and sculptures.
Tip: Bayfront Park has regular free yoga classes and live performances.
Location: 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
The Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables Gallery Night Live takes place on the first day of every month and showcases local artists and galleries. On occasion, the free event offers an additional free admission to the Coral Gables Museum. Each month, enjoy a free art exhibit as well as a cash bar and live music.
Tip: First Friday Gallery has been temporarily cancelled. Check their website for updates. Also, look for other open galleries online.
Location: Various
One of the coolest things you can do in Miami, Sofar Sounds is a free and secret music event. New and emerging artists perform exclusive and secret gigs. Visit Sofar Sounds’ website, sign up, pick a date, and wait for an invitation to a free event at a secret location.
Tip: Sofar Sounds takes place in cities all over the country. Both the artist performing and the venue location are secret until the day of the event.
Location: Various
Named after the famous aviator, Amelia Earhart Park is an urban park spanning over 500 acres. The park hosts a skatepark, bike trails, a petting zoo, a fishing pier, dog park, paddle boats, and a historic replica farm.
Tip: Park admission is free on weekdays.
Location: 401 E 65 Street, Hialeah, Miami, FL
This bike and walking trail is the ultimate scenic view in South Florida. Lined with giant ficus trees and historic mansions, Old Cutler Trail is surrounded with tropical foliage. This gorgeous trail spans 13.5 miles and passes through several public parks. One of the top bike and walking trails in Miami, Old Cutler Trail is a must-see (or bike) for any outdoor enthusiast visiting Miami.
Tip: While visiting Old Cutler Trail, make sure to stop off at Matheson Hammock Park. The park runs through the Trail and has a unique man-made atoll pool.
Location: 7001 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables, FL 33143
One of the most popular and well-traveled streets in Miami, Ocean Drive, is the place to see and be seen in Miami. This thoroughfare in Miami Beach is the gateway to almost every major Miami attraction. From people watching, to world class hotels and restaurants, to beach front views, a walk down Ocean Drive is the ultimate Miami experience.
Tip: If you think Ocean Drive looks familiar, it has been featured in many television shows and movies like Dexter, Scarface, Miami Vice, and The Birdcage.
Location: Located in Miami Beach between South Pointe Drive and 15th Street
One of Miami’s hidden gems, Surfside, is a retro-style beach that feels more like a residential area than a Florida beach. Referred to as “Miami’s Uptown Beach” and is home to several five-star resorts, you don’t need a fat wallet to enjoy a day at Surfside. This small beach front town is a welcome getaway from the big city life of Miami.
Tip: Surfside is known for its incredible sunset views.
Location: Located 6 miles from Miami Beach on the Florida A1A route.
If you are looking for a little more action and excitement in your beach trip, Sunnyside Isles Beach is the perfect spot! Rent a jet ski, go snorkeling, to other water sports, or just lounging, Sunnyside Isles offers a more adventurous beach day.
Tip: This is a much smaller beach than South Beach or Miami Beach, so expect less of a crowd.
Location: 18 miles north of Miami, near Miami Gardens.
The largest tropical wilderness in the United States east of the Mississippi River, Everglades National Park is 1.5 million acres of Florida wildlife. There, you can see alligators, freshwater crocodiles, birds, tropical foliage, and more.
Tip: You can easily take a day trip to Everglades National Park from Miami. The park offers complimentary transportation back to certain Miami hotels.
Location: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
You can’t visit Miami without going to South Beach. One of the main attractions in Miami, this hotspot combines both sunny days on the beach and the lively nightlife Miami is known for.
Tip: Make sure to visit the Lincoln Road Mall right off South Beach for some excellent people watching and window shopping.
Location: In Miami between 5th Street and Collins Avenue.
Sea turtles are a major part of Florida’s ecosystems and wildlife. The Town of Surfside brings awareness to sea turtle conservation with their citywide public art exhibition, Turtle Walk. The exhibit includes 13 vibrant sea turtle sculptures painted and designed by local artists. These sculptures have become a source of local pride for Surfside residents and help raise awareness about the dwindling sea turtle population.
Tip: Surfside has a high sea turtle population, and you might catch a sighting when visiting Surfside Beach.
Location: Turtle Walk starts at the Surfside Community Center at 9293 Harding Avenue, Surfside, FL, 33154
The Metromover Trolley is a free service provided by the Miami-Dade County City Government. This shuttle runs through downtown Miami and stops at popular destinations like Bayside Marketplace, American Airlines Arena, and popular hotels.
Tip: The Metromover operates 7 days a week from 5 a.m. to midnight.
Location: Various. Visit the Metromover website for station information and routes.
Even with all the free yoga classes, salsa is the ultimate Miami workout. Salsa Fridays, held at the InterContinental Hotel Miami, are a weekly free event. The hotel’s Bluewater rooftop cafe turns into a salsa studio with professional dancers and instructors who will show you a few steps.
Tip: Admission and dancing is free from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and includes a live band, an on-site cigar roller, and drink specials.
Location: 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131
You don’t run into sharks riding bikes on this trail, but you can experience South Florida’s only bike trail that runs through nature. Shark Valley, located in the Everglades National Park, lets you get up close with the Everglades on foot or on your bike. The park also offers tram tours.
Tip: Book a Full Moon Bike Tour bike ride for a spooky and fun evening.
Location: 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
One of Miami’s unique museums, the Wolfsonian focuses on the history of art and design. The Wolfsonian is a part of Florida International University and serves as a library and research center. The museum has rotating and permanent collections and installations featuring various types of art and design.
Tip: Wolfsonian is free every Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Florida Highway A1A passes through some of the best the Sunshine State has to offer. This picturesque highway runs through Miami and north to Fernandina Beach on the St. Marys River. The scenic highway is a great day trip for those wanting to get out of the city for a day.
Tip: The A1A is almost 400 miles long and there is a lot to see along the way. Not sure where to go? Here are a few notable stops along the way.
Location: From Miami, the A1A starts on Ocean Drive and First Street and merges onto Collins Avenue heading north.
Along with free movies, New World Symphony and SoundScape also offers free concerts. For over 33 years, Miami’s New World Symphony has been presenting symphony concerts and has employed over 1,000 musicians. New World Symphony hosts fellowships for musicians all over the world.
Tip: There are currently no events scheduled until Spring 2021. Check New World Symphony’s website for an updated schedule.
Location: 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Dominos are one of Miami’s favorite pastimes. Stop by Domino Park in Little Havana to take on local pros in a game. Built by Cubans in Little Havana to honor their love of the game, Domino Park is a vital part of the community that helps preserve Cuban culture.
Tip: Domino Park is a public space that is open 24 hours a day. Dominos not your thing? There are plenty of chess boards at the park.
Location: 801 SW 15th Ave, Miami, FL 33135
Looking to jazz up your stay in Miami? Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) on the last Friday of each month for a free jazz concert. Some of the best jazz artists from Florida and around the world play at this monthly free event.
Tip: Concerts start at 8 p.m. For a small donation, you can tour the MOCA galleries during Jazz at MOCA from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: 770 NE 125th Street, North Miami, FL 33161
No beach getaway is complete without a trip to the boardwalk. The four-mile boardwalk runs parallel to the coast so you can enjoy the beach and ocean minus all the messy sand. On the boardwalk, you’ll find restaurants, attractions, bars, and more.
Tip: The Miami Beach Boardwalk is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Miami Beach Boardwalk begins at Indian Beach Park at 46th Street and Collins Ave. The boardwalk continues on until 23rd Street and then becomes a paved surface.
Miami has plenty of free laughs! Like other major cities, Miami has a variety of standup comedy venues. There are plenty of spaces in Miami with free standup shows almost weekly. Venues include Concrete Beach Brewery and Yo Space and Gallery.
Tip: Check online for an updated schedule of free events.
Location: Various locations
Miami bookworms will love the regular free events at Books & Books! South Florida’s signature book store chain is a local treasure. Books & Books hosts free events almost every night of the week at their locations across Miami. Past events include staged readings, author signings, and dinners.
Tip: Stores are located in Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Bal Harbour, the Miami International Airport, and at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Location: Various locations. Visit Books & Books website to find stores in the Miami area.
This happening arts district in Miami is located in a converted warehouse complex. BRAD offers artist studios and gallery spaces for local artists to rent and showcase their work. The free art walk includes complimentary wine and snacks.
Tip: The Bird Road Art District Walk takes place on the third Saturday of each month.
Location: 7259 SW 48th St, Miami, FL 33155
Besides white sandy beaches, Miami is home to numerous fun and free cultural events, museums, and more. Miami offers a little something for everyone, especially if you are looking for a new mattress.
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Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.