5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Experience Miami

Ready for some great ways to experience Miami on a budget? Visit our boat rides in Miami page to learn more about our speed boat tours!

Miami has something fun for every budget! Check out these affordable, local-favorite things to do in Miami Beach.

It’s so easy to rack up a big bill when you’re traveling. Between transportation, dining, and lodging, it sometimes feels like there just isn’t room in the budget for anything extra. Thankfully, you don’t have to have a lot of $$ to have a lot of fun in Miami!

Here are some of the best things to do in Miami on a budget:

Hit the Beach
Explore Ocean Drive
Hang out at Lincoln Road Mall
Tour Wynwood Walls
Visit the Holocaust Memorial
Take a Private Boat Tour in Miami

1. Hit the beach

Photo credit: Danielle Lynch

It may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people visit Miami only to spend all their time inside restaurants and hotels, admiring the ocean from afar! Don’t just take a #vitaminsea selfie. Build a sandcastle, play in the surf, hunt for shells, or work on your tan. There are countless free things to do at the beach, and you just can’t beat Miami’s white sand and turquoise waves.

2. Explore Ocean Drive

According to Trip Savvy, “Ocean Drive is Miami’s most iconic street, likely because of all the movies it’s been featured in and it’s also usually the first place people think of when they hear Miami Beach. The pastel-hued, art deco buildings, colorful night lights, fancy cars and of course, rows and rows of palm trees are exactly what make Ocean Drive quintessential Miami.” Needless to say, Ocean Drive is a beautiful place to take pictures and window shop—no spending necessary! Additionally, Ocean Drive sees many visitors from around the world, making it a great spot to people-watch.

3. Hang out at Lincoln Road Mall

While Lincoln Road Mall is known for its shops, there are ways to enjoy it without spending a dime. On Sundays, browse the farmer’s market from 9 am to 6:30 pm (year-round) and the antique market from 8 am-5 pm (October to May). Or take advantage of one of Lincoln Road’s many free events including free yoga classes at the New World Symphony and free movie nights in SoundScape Park, where you can watch a family-friendly film under the stars on a 7,000-square-foot projection wall in dynamic surround sound!

4. Tour Wynwood Walls

If you’re the artistic type or even if you just appreciate good art, you should plan to visit Wynwood Walls. This vibrant corner of Miami all began as an effort to simply beautify the warehouse district of Wynwood. Now, it has become a well-known gathering place for artists and tourists alike. The walls are open to the public free of charge! And once you’ve explored the graffiti and mural-covered canvases, you can splurge a bit at micro-breweries, chill at coffee shops, or dine at the restaurants in this technicolor neighborhood. With so much to see in Wynwood, be sure to bring a good camera and wear comfortable shoes!

5. Visit the Holocaust Memorial

Photo credits: Danielle Lynch

While Miami is known for its bright lights, pastel buildings, and picturesque beaches, it also has some historically-rich landmarks, including the gripping Holocaust Memorial. Conceived by a small group of Holocaust survivors in 1984, the Holocaust Memorial offers a poignant glimpse of a historical event that many Miamians recall firsthand. In fact, in 1985, there were an estimated 20-25,000 Holocaust survivors in the Miami Beach region. This a worthwhile piece of Miami that is sure to add depth and meaning to your visit. Admission to this outdoor memorial is free.

6. Take a Private Boat Tour in Miami

This particular activity might be a little more expensive than those listed above but is a great way to cover a lot of ground quickly. With the help of our experienced tour guide, you can customize your boat ride to see the locations and sights you’ve always wanted to visit. While on a private boat tour in Miami, gain insight into filming locations from popular movies and TV shows and visit Star Island, home of Miami’s rich and famous!

There are countless other free or cheap activities in Miami for budget-conscious travelers, so if you’re ever in the area, hit up Captain Mike for more recommendations or to book one of the best private boat tours in Miami! Because like we always say: the best way to experience Miami is by speed boat!