5 Budget-Friendly Miami Adventures

Nicknamed “the magic city,” Miami is well known internationally as a glamorous vacation destination. But don’t let the city’s glitz blind you to the wide range of activities well-suited to the budget-conscious traveler. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor seaside adventure or a culture-filled museum tour, check out these cheap things to do in Miami. You’ll have plenty of cash left over for a mojito at the end of the day!

Live the island life

The Cape Florida Lighthouse, which is the oldest standing structure built in Miami-Dade County, first went up in 1825.

From Miami, hop in your car and head southeast. After just 15 minutes—an easy ride that includes a scenic drive across the causeway—you’ll arrive at the island of Key Biscayne. Nestled at the southern tip, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is beach life at its finest. Don’t believe us? Just ask Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. "Dr. Beach,” who directs Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research and conducts an annual top-10 beach review. Cape Florida State Park frequently makes the cut. Enjoy the day sunbathing on pristine white sands or rent a bike to explore the park’s many marked paths. Take a free guided tour of the Cape Florida Lighthouse, where you can climb 109 steps to see stunning views of the surrounding park.

Catch some outdoor entertainment

The New World Center’s ExoStage is one of the city’s most beautiful event venues and when you’re seeking cheap things to do near your Miami hotel, look no further. Pack a picnic dinner and take in a performance by the amazing New World Symphony or catch a screening of your favorite films. Every Wednesday at 8 pm, you can watch a movie on its 7,000-square-foot outdoor screen; flicks run the gamut from the Dead Poet’s Society to Beauty and the Beast.

Get smart about art

Enjoy free admission to the Bass Museum of Art on the last Sunday of every month. Photo credit: Monica McGivern

Save some time to explore Miami’s world-class art museums and galleries, many of which you can visit free of charge with a little advance planning. The Bass Museum of Art, another art deco gem, features international modern art and is free on the last Sunday of every month. More inexpensive things to do in Miami include stopping by the always-free Institute of Contemporary Art Miami at 1 p.m. for the daily guided tour through their ever-changing exhibits, or visiting the Perez Art Museum Miami free of charge on the first Thursday of the month for events including lectures, performances and screenings.

Soak in some local color

Remember that bike rental we suggested earlier? You can also use it to explore the colorful neighborhood of Wynwood on this free BYOBike graffiti tour. Every Sunday, one of the top cheap things to do in Miami is join a local expert and artist who will guide you to some of the most interesting, vibrant murals in the area, as well as discuss the context and importance of these pieces.

Take a trip to Havana

Ball & Chain is a beloved Miami club with an extensive history that stretches back to 1935. Photo Credit: Ball & Chain

Little Havana, that is. One of the top things to do in Miami on a budget is explore this iconic neighborhood. In particular, the monthly Friday-evening street fair Viernes Culturales rewards visitors with a little taste of everything—a sampling of Miami’s diverse community, art, music and culture. Take in performances by street artists, play a game of dominoes against a master and grab some delicious Cuban food from one of the many street vendors. You can also see some of the city’s most impressive musical talent at the Ball & Chain Club, where many of the nightly performances have no cover charge. Acts range from salsa to jazz to DJ sets, and the band shell is designed to look like a pineapple, giving your night an extra dose of tropical flair.