This is actually a massive misconception, and if you know where to look, you can have an amazing time no matter how much you have to spend.
There are plenty of luxury experiences available to have if this is what you are looking for, however, there are also cheaper experiences which can be incredibly enriching, and there are multiple spots you can go and have a great time without having to spend any money at all.
Some of the best free activities to do at Miami Beach involve enjoying the beach and the ocean, however, if this is not your thing, there are still some more inland options for entertainment that will make you regret not visiting Miami Beach sooner.
This guide is going to give you a pretty wide range of suggestions for what you can do in Miami Beach that is worth the cost (if there is a cost at all) and because of this variety, there will be something here to please everyone (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Cocoa Beach“)!
So, if you are going on a family trip where everyone has different tastes, or if you are going with friends who all want to do different things, you are sure to find something on this guide that will interest everyone!
So, if you are coming to Miami Beach soon, but you do not know how to fill up the day with activities that are worth the cost of admission, then keep reading to get the best recommendations available!
We feel like it would be borderline impossible to mention Miami Beach and not talk about South Beach. South Beach is a part of Miami Beach and just exploring it for free is a perfect way to spend time in Miami Beach.
You can just explore looking for places that will interest you, and fun eating spots for more than a full day, so expect this to be a bit of a long activity if you are in the mood for adventure.
South Beach also has a pretty strong reputation as part of Miami Beach and it is often called an Art Deco playground, or America’s Riviera, so you can see why so many people who visit Miami Beach love to spend all of their time here.
It is one of the top tourist spots in the country for a reason, and it is known for how much there is to do there.
Make sure to ignore the comments that South Beach is only for those who are young adults who just want to party all the time, since while that crowd is there, they are not the majority the reputation could lead you to believe.
Instead, this is a spot with some beautifully clean beaches, some of the best food in the state, and a buzzing atmosphere which is present all throughout the day and the night.
Outside of exploring the beautiful area, there are plenty more specific activities you can do in South Beach.
If you are looking to do some shopping throughout your trip to Miami Beach, then the boutiques and spas you can find in South Beach are some of the best.
There is also the Jungle Island and the Children’s Museum which are perfect if you want a way to keep the kids entertained.
Also depending on the time of year you are visiting, there are plenty of festivals and events going on, especially art related festivals, so keep an eye out for these activities!
If you want a hub of entertainment for your trip to Miami Beach where there are things to do at all price points, then visiting South Beach is one of the best things to do, and you will find that a lot of the other activities on this list might be in South Beach as well (see also “Amazing Things To Do In Vero Beach“)!
Now, when it comes to one of the most famous boulevards in Miami Beach (see also “How Far Is Miami From Orlando?“), and even the world, then here is Ocean Drive. The aesthetic of this area is completely unique with all of the art deco style buildings helping it stand out.
Just like exploring South Beach, this is an activity of exploration and you can spend plenty of time just looking around this famous spot, and having a good time.
We recommend that you dedicate at least half a day to explore this spot. If you manage to get a hotel which is on Ocean Drive, then you are incredibly lucky and will likely find yourself exploring a lot of this area when just getting about.
There are plenty of specific activities available on Ocean Drive like shopping, beach activities, dining, and much, much more, and all of it is in a pretty condensed area.
If you are planning to eat or drink on Ocean Drive, then you do need to take into account that this is one of the more expensive spots on Miami Beach, so if you want to avoid this cost, then we recommend bringing snacks or eating beforehand so you are not stranded in the middle with no choice but to pay up for potentially overpriced food.
However, if you do your research, you might be able to find a restaurant or bar with some more reasonable prices.
If you are looking for a more relaxed part of Miami Beach where you can have a little more space to yourself and just enjoy the beach, then we recommend Haulover Park.
The one caveat that we have to mention when talking about this space is that this is a nude beach, so this is not really a family spot.
So, keep this in mind when you are visiting. However, there is plenty to do at this spot, whether you want to go charter fishing, fly some kites, or have fun with volleyball.
This spot can be found north of Bal Harbour, and while this is a spot where you can be nude, it is not a requirement. There are also parts of the beach that are reserved for nude guests, so if you want to avoid this, that is an option.
If you have visited South Beach, and you have found that the atmosphere is a little too lively for somewhere to actually sit down and relax, then Haulover Park is seen to be one of the best options available.
Make sure to keep in mind that you will likely have to pay between $15 and $25 for a chair rental, however, this can depend.
Now, if you are looking for a spot to get some shopping done, then one of our favorite spots to do this is Lincoln Road Mall.
This can be found between Alton Road and Washington Avenue and it is about a mile long in size so it is really pretty difficult to miss. While still being a great location for shopping, it was added as an official historic place back in 2011.
There is everything a shopper can want here, but if you are looking for something a little more authentic, then we recommend visiting on a Sunday morning since this is when the farmers market is.
There are also yoga classes and outdoors concerts hosted here, so there is plenty to do! If you are looking for a great shopping location in Miami Beach, then this has the most choice available!
Now, if you are looking for something historical with a little more culture, then we have to recommend the Ancient Spanish Monastery in Miami Beach.
This spot is officially called the Monastery of St Bernard de Clairvauz and it was constructed all the way back in 1133 within northern Spain.
It was filled with monks for 700 years, but then there was a revolution in the 1830s and the monastery was taken over and solid.
It was shipped to the US in 1925 and rebuilt in the 60s after spending years in storage to be a tourist attraction.
While it was not the best tourist attraction at the time, when it was actually turned into a church, it did quite well, especially amongst the gardens which surround it.
There is a wide variety of activities available, and this list was not even exhaustive, so there is plenty more to do here that we have not even mentioned yet.
When going, make sure you discuss with your party what they want to get out of the trip and what kind of activities they want to do, this way you will ensure that the planned activities can be something that everyone enjoys!
Hello, it’s great to have you here. My name is Julia and I am a travel blogger! I have been writing all of my life, and previously worked for a travel agency where I would recommend the best places to visit in the states.
If you are ready to take on the world, explore the sights, and see some of the most incredible places on offer, then take a look at some of my articles!
