Miami is a great city for college students who are looking for fun things to do on a budget. In this blog post, we will share some of our favorite free activities in Miami that are perfect for broke college students. From exploring local parks and museums to taking advantage of free events and activities, there is something for everyone in Miami. So whether you are a local or just visiting, be sure to check out these tips for enjoying all that the city has to offer without spending a lot of money.
Take a walk or run on the beach
Free yourself from stress and take some time to appreciate the beauty of the ocean. Going for a walk or run on any of Miami’s beaches gives you an incredible view from every turning point, plus it’s free!
No matter what your fitness level is, a leisurely beach stroll or an active jog along the coastline are great options for taking in all that Miami has to offer and getting some good exercise at the same time. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery that comes with a walk or run on the beach — it’s free and will be sure to lift your spirits!
Stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk
Another great way to take in the sights of Miami without spending a dime is to visit the world-famous Miami Beach Boardwalk. It is perfect for those looking to get an up close and personal look at the city. Stroll along the boardwalk to watch the waves crash against the shore and admire the stunning views of downtown from afar.
Take advantage of free days at Miami’s museums
Visiting one of Miami’s many museums can be a great, budget-friendly way to explore the city. Not only do most of them have free days or hours for students and families, but there’s something for everyone!
Whether you’re interested in history, science, or art, there are plenty of museums that feature permanent exhibits as well as special events that showcase amazing local talent or offer interactive activities. From seeing fossils at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science to exploring works from up-and-coming contemporary artists at Locust Projects, there’s always something unique and educational to experience within Miami’s museum scene!
Here’s a list of some of our favorite museums in Miami that are free:
- Pérez Art Museum Miami — Free admission every second Saturday of the month. The museum offers a selection of art activities every second Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. free of charge!
- The Bass Museum of Art — Free admission on the last Sunday of every month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Institute of Contemporary Art Miami — Entrance is always free, but ticket reservations are highly recommended!
- Gold Coast Railroad Museum — Free admission the first Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Lowe Art Museum — Located on the campus of the University of Miami, this hidden gem is always free!
- The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science — This science museum is always free. Since 2008, the museum has opened its doors to the community with free access to exceptional art from different cultures and eras.
Be sure to check each museum’s website for more information on their free days and student discounts — it could save you a lot of money.
Explore the Art Deco District
Walk around the Art Deco District, home to many of Miami’s most inspiring and beautiful sights. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with its colorful façades and amazing architecture. Enjoy the old-school vibes while strolling along Ocean Drive. From iconic hotels to quaint restaurants, Miami’s Art Deco District is full of unique sights that will make your experience even more exciting and memorable — plus it’s free!
Get your Muscle Beach workout in
Muscle Beach South Beach is a paradise for health-minded locals and visitors alike! Whether you’re into weightlifting, gymnastics or just love being outdoors, this must-see attraction offers an abundance of activities including the awe-inspiring MyEquilibria’s Leopard Tree and MyBeast installations.
This collection of functional structures houses over 30 workout components, providing you with an array of exercise options to choose from. And best of all, it is free!
Practice yoga on a budget – Namaste!
For those who love yoga, here are some great choices to get fit on a budget.
Yoga Mornings at the New World Center
Unwind and re-center at SoundScape Park’s monthly open-air vinyasa yoga series! Whether it be a drizzly morning or an unseasonably sunny one, join your fellow yogis on the lawn from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for some blissful yoga steps away from Lincoln Road. And best of all, it is free!
3rd Street Beach Yoga
Whether you prefer to practice your yoga poses in the morning or evening, 3rd Street Beach Yoga has got you covered! Take advantage of its beautiful beach setting while relishing in the calming sound of tranquil ocean waves and admiring a spectacular sunrise or sunset. Plus, classes are available by donation – so why not take this opportunity to get fit on the beach?
Explore Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Explore the lush greenery of Miami Beach Botanical Garden, located just north of South Beach. The garden is full of exotic plants, flowers and trees from all over the world.
Take a free tour and get lost in the beauty of nature while exploring this incredible oasis. You can take in the sights of the garden or relax and enjoy a picnic lunch on one of its many lawns — all for free!
Visit Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is the perfect place to spend a day exploring! Spend some time at the beach, go fishing, or enjoy one of many hiking trails — all for free.
There are plenty of beautiful sights to take in while you’re there, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy some time outdoors without spending any money. all that Miami has to offer and explore the city on a budget! Have fun and happy exploring!
Ride the free trolley
While biking, hailing an Uber, or strolling through Miami is always an option, another great way to explore the area is by hopping on a free trolley!
Miami Beach’s free trolley is an incredibly dependable form of transportation, connecting regional transit routes and enhancing the mobility for both residents and visitors. It provides a great addition to the current transit system and significantly improves quality of life for all who experience it!
There are four routes:
- The South Beach Loop
- The Mid-Beach Loop
- The Collins Express
- The North Beach Loop
To see the schedule and maps, click here.
Hang out in Wynwood – there are always art installations and events to check out
For those looking to save money while still enjoying the art of Miami, look no further than Wynwood — a hip and vibrant district located north of downtown Miami. Here, you’ll be able to check out ongoing art installations and events throughout the year at little to no cost.
You can explore murals by professional street artists or attend public festivals with plenty of live music. If you’re lucky enough, you may even catch a spontaneous firework display. So the next time you’re in Miami, don’t forget to explore Wynwood for all its free entertainment!
Stroll through Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
If you’re looking for an escape from the bustle of city life, there is no better place than to explore the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. With its waterfront setting and lush gardens, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful stroll. Step back in time as you explore this historic estate, complete with architecture from various periods — a mix of Italian Renaissance, Medieval Spanish, and Baroque.
Whether on a group outing or by yourself, don’t miss out on taking in the sights at one of Miami’s most remarkable places!
Check out the Little Havana neighborhood for some Cuban culture
For a peek into Cuban culture without having to break the bank, head over to Miami’s Little Havana! Along Calie Ocho, you can explore unique shops and boutiques, sample exotic Cuban cuisine, try your luck at traditional dominoes, and enjoy outdoor music. Nighttime brings about romantic cafes for two or group outings for drinks to lively salsa clubs.
Don’t forget to stop by the world famous Maximo Gomez Park or Máximo Gómez Park — also known as Domino Park — which is an iconic spot among locals and visitors alike.
Little Havana offers an exciting and immersive cultural experience that every broke college student in Miami should definitely check out!
Get lost in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
If you’re looking for an escape from the concrete jungle that is Miami, then you must visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Located right in the heart of Coral Gables, this oasis offers a unique natural experience thanks to its lush gardens and diverse array of tropical plants.
Visitors can wander through manicured paths surrounded by towering royal palms and fragrant orchids while admiring 85 different species of birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Along the way, there are a variety of educational opportunities, such as talks on plant biology and guided tours that explore the native habitats of South Florida’s exotic plants.
Whether you’re looking for a brief respite from the hustle of city life or want to spend an entire day exploring nature, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will not disappoint.
Conclusion
Miami is a great city for broke college students who want to have some fun and explore. There are plenty of free things to do, from walking on the beach to exploring Wynwood. And if you’re looking for something historic or cultural, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens or Little Havana are perfect places to visit. So don’t let being on a tight budget stop you from enjoying all that Miami has to offer!
For more useful articles and tools to help you save money on everything you buy and budget travel, check here.
