15 Totally Free Things to Do in Miami

Miami is not an inexpensive city, and it’s getting more and more pricey by the week. Unless you’re one of those Insta-models who seem to find themselves getting everything for free. Drinks. Clubs. Fancy dinners. Champagne on yachts.

So, maybe you didn’t win the genetic lottery and don’t have access to those hookups—fortunately, there’s more than just hanging on the sand at the beach that’s fun and free in Miami. If you're looking for ways to have good times with friends who are also saving their pennies for these ever-inflating rents, check out this arsenal of 15 totally free activities.

Miami Beach
Kicking off on January 20th and running through March, this Sunset Soiree series is free and open to all 21-and-up guests. Curated by Dana Rozansky of @Miami_FoodPorn, each month will take on a new theme, reflecting the selection of food and beverage vendors. Naturally, the theme for January is wellness-focused with samples of healthy fare (think cauliflower pizza, innovative bowls, and gourmet wraps) from sweetgreen, Fly Fuel, and Tigo as well as complimentary low-calorie tequila seltzers from Tigo. Live music will keep guests dancing from 6 pm to midnight. Looking ahead, February 10th will be the ‘Flirty Edit’ and March 10th the ‘Spring Edit.’ More details to be announced in the coming weeks on Palm House’s website, but you can RSVP here.

Hallandale Beach
Known for its horse racing, casino games, and shopping, Gulfstream Park is also home to Music in the Park nights that happen every Wednesday through Sunday. These family-friendly musical nights feature performances by a collection of local artists who take the stage from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the Village Center Stage. Varying in styles and size, guests can enjoy weekly duos, trios, and DJs. For a full list of performers and the current schedule, visit here.

Miami Beach
All the girls are doing it. And thanks to Hot Girl Walk Miami, you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, this is the perfect way to make new friends and show off your cutest workout wear. Each walk is curated by the Instagram account to begin between 9 and 10 am for roughly 2.5 miles, and in true hot girl form it ends with everyone hanging out for coffee or brunch after. Plus, most walks involve some free parking and sponsored goodies.

Downtown
Ever wondered how or when Miami was founded? A visit to HistoryMiami can answer those questions and more—and, if you visit on the second Saturday of the month, you’ll learn for free. Enjoy free entrance from 10 am to 4 pm, where you’ll have access to all of the museum's exhibits. Ranging from street photography to Traversing the Everglades and a full history on musical icon Willy Chirino, there’s always something interesting to learn about our beloved city.

Downtown
On the first Friday of every month hundreds of bicycle enthusiasts meet at downtown’s Government Center for an informal, but fun bike ride that goes on for about 15 miles. There’s no sign up needed, just bring your bike and follow along. You never know who you might meet.

Various neighborhoods
View Miami from a different vantage point by checking out the metromover downtown or one of the city’s free trolleys (available in Miami Beach, Homestead, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Wynwood, Downtown/Brickell, and Doral). These easy hop-on or off modes of transportation make getting around the Magic City super simple and save you from having to call an Uber.

Wynwood
It’s pretty clear to locals that Wynwood is becoming Miami’s Ocean Drive 2.0. This trendy art-filled neighborhood is basically a huge block party most nights of the week making it a lively place to wander and take in the ever-changing mural covered walls.

Various locations
There’s plenty of them to choose from, just be slick about it—and know you just might have to buy an overpriced drink to keep from looking too suspicious.

Downtown 
It doesn’t get more Miami shopping than this: There are yachts, waterfront bars and restaurants, and fantastic people-watching, and it’s steps from where the Miami Heat call home. As an added bonus, the Marina Stage, right in front of Biscayne Bay, has daily live concerts with everything from Brazilian and Latin tunes to pop, rock, funk, and more.

Miami Beach
The New World Symphony not only plays its concerts on the front wall of its sleek performance hall, but it also shows classic movies like The Princess Bride and Ghostbusters for anyone in the park to watch. For free. All you need is a blanket, some booze, snacks, and a friend.

Various locations 
Miami’s signature local bookstore has an event nearly every night of the week—from staged readings and chef dinners to celebrity author signings—at its stores in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Bal Harbour, Pinecrest, Miami Beach, and at the Adrienne Arsht Center.

Little Havana
Most will agree that dominoes are Miami’s favorite pastime. Domino Park is the place to learn from the best, watch all the action, and if you’re lucky, break into the stiff lineup of veteran Abuelos and actually play a game.

Various locations 
Sign up here, pick a date, and then wait for your FREE invite to a secret gig at a secret location.

Key Biscayne
In the north end of Crandon Park you’ll find the Bear Cut Nature Preserve, a preserved wetland with paved and dirt trails that run along the coastline and into the marshes. Hike or bike the 3.5-miles of trails and learn about the ecology that makes up South Florida.

Various locations 
The MDC Museum of Art and Design, in The Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami, and the Institute of Contemporary Art in the Design District are always free. Or you can hit the Perez Art Museum for free admission on the second Saturday of every month, and if you’re a member, get free drinks, access to the galleries, and live music on Third Thursdays. Friday nights at the Wolfsonian are free from 6 - 9 pm and include films, talks, and drinks specials.

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