The best way to stretch any travel budget is to pad it with free and cheap attractions. But in a city like Miami, Florida, home to mega-wealthy celebrities, you might think finding something free to do might be difficult. However, due to the city’s multi-cultural population, there are a multitude of attractions, events and activities that are friendly to a visitor’s budget.
Here’s some free things to do while in Miami that are not only fun, but will add to the flavor and memories of a visit to the city.
People Watching on Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is often considered the heart of South Beach nightlife and it is often congested with people. But it is also free to visit and offers great opportunities to people watch. During the day, you can take in the hardbodies at the beach. At night, you’ll see everyone from college students on vacation to celebrities cruising the beachside road or trying to get into the latest and hottest clubs. Either way, you’re guaranteed to see things that will make your visit memorable.
Lincoln Road Mall
This outdoor mall is situated along a 7-block stretch of Lincoln Rd that stretches from Bay Rd. east to Collins Ave. in Miami Beach. It features a mixture of upscale boutiques and chain stores, along with a sampling of restaurants and nightlife. During weekends, the pedestrian mall (meaning the street itself is closed to vehicles) is also home to street performers who put on free shows in exchange for donations at night. On Sundays, the mall is home to the Lincoln Road Farmers Market, which is popular with South Beach locals.
The Coral Gables Museum
Learn the history of one of Miami’s oldest areas at this museum that features never-before-seen early Gables memorabilia and photographs detailing the development of the city of Coral Gables from the 1920s on. Staffed by volunteers, the museum is open for free on Wednesdays and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. There are also free lectures on architecture and design the first Friday of each month. The museum, which includes the city’s original police and fire station buildings, is located at 2901 Ponce de Leon Blvd in Coral Gables. Call 305.910.3996 for more information or visit the Coral Gables Museum online.
Miami Art Museum
This is one of the most popular museums in Miami and for good reason. Its collection of art encompasses a variety of mediums and artists from around the world, as well as showcasing locally-based artists. Normally, admission is $8 for adults, but every second Saturday of the month, everyone gets in free. Second Saturdays also regularly includes live music, storytelling, guided tours, gallery games and dance performances, along with fun hands-on activities for both children and adults. The Miami Art Museum is located at 101 West Flagler Street and can be reached by phone at 305.375.3000.
Jazz at the MOCA
The last Friday of every month, Miami’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) presents outdoor jazz concerts featuring outstanding musical talent. Best of all, the concerts are free to attend. Simply bring a blanket or lawn chair, find a spot and enjoy the show. Make an evening of it by picking up some take-out food and a bottle of wine en route. The museum itself is also open during the concerts by donation, meaning you pay as little or as much as you want for entrance. MOCA is located at 770 NE 125 St, in North Miami, and can be reached by phone at 305.893.6211. You can find a complete list of upcoming performers at the MOCA website.
This is but a small sampling of free things to do in the Miami area. For more no cost attractions and activities, please read the Suite101 article, “5 More Free Things to Do in Miami.”
 |
 |
