If you’re looking for thrifty ways to experience Greater Miami & Miami Beach, look no further. Here are a few tips that will save you a buck while exploring Miami's best museums, parks, and neighborhoods.
LessFeed your curiosity and explore the history of the modern world at The Wolfsonian–FIU in South Beach. With over 200,000 artifacts from 1850 to 1950, the museum houses one of the largest American university art collections focused on design, propaganda, and decorative arts. View the museum's vast collection of objects and thought-provoking rotating exhibits. Every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., museum admission is free. Check out the calendar for free performances, talks, workshops and more.
Visit Ocean Drive in South Beach to see iconic architecture from the 1920's and 30's. These timeless buildings have graced the silver screen and adorned the pages of magazines. Start by visiting the Art Deco Welcome Center, operated by the Miami Design Preservation League. Grab a guide or download an app-based audio tour and explore the Art Deco District at your own pace. The audio tour is 1.5 hours and even comes in four languages.
Art aficionados will enjoy visiting The Bass, a contemporary art museum in Collins Park. Step inside this iconic building to see awe-inspiring works crafted by acclaimed artists such as Ugo Rondinone. Mark your calendars for "Family Days" on the last Sunday of each month, from 2 to 4 p.m., when there's no admission fee, free activities for kids in the Bass Creativity Center, and free transportation on the Bass Bus.
For an enriching art experience, visit the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami. Located in the Miami Design District, this architectural marvel houses inspiring works from local and emerging artists and is free all year round. Explore beyond the gallery walls and wander through the sculpture garden, where captivating artworks dot the landscape. Don't miss "Family Sundays," a special program that invites kids to engage in creative activities.
Escape to Key Biscayne, a stunning barrier island near Downtown Miami. This coastal community is a nature lover's paradise, boasting pristine beaches and natural areas teeming with wildlife. For a nominal parking fee, you can explore Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The park is home to a historic lighthouse that provides breathtaking island views. You can also wander along the beach or do some bird watching along scenic wildlife trails.
Explore Miami's vibrant cityscape with the convenient and free, Metromover, a 4.4-mile electrically powered transportation system. This elevated people-mover offers a seamless connection to Downtown Miami and Brickell areas, taking you effortlessly to various attractions, restaurants, shops and museums. Major destinations of the Metromover system include Brickell City Centre, The Miami-Dade Arena, Bayside Marketplace and Frost Science Museum.
Crandon Park Beach is the ideal destination for watersports and outdoor activities. For a nominal parking fee, you can explore the park and enjoy activities like kiteboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. The park also provides plenty of green spaces for observing wildlife. For a unique sighting of the Fossil Root Reef, head down the nature trails and follow the boardwalk to see the exposed coral reef.