Top 9 activities to do in Miami

Will your ESTA take you to sunny Miami? Here are 9 activities that will make your holiday unforgettable without blowing your wallet.

Miami is known as one of the most eclectic and entertaining cities in the world, thanks to its wonderful beaches, fashionable restaurants, stunning architecture and nightlife equal to a few other destinations.

Getting involved fully into the Miami life can weigh substantially on your finances. If after obtaining your ESTA, Miami Area is your destination, below we suggest you some activities that will be free or nearly so.

1) Go to the beach

One of the best ways to have fun in Miami is to spend a day at the beach, which is absolutely free! And Miami has the perfect beach for you. The offer ranges from:

 

•The famous and crowded beach of South Beach on Ocean Drive, great for singles and young couples

 

•To that of Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, preferred by families.

 

•if a clothing optional beach is preferable for you, we recommend Haulover Beach in Bal Harbour.

2) Take a Tour

Miami is a fascinating city, young but full of character. A tour would be a great way to know its beauty and its history. Among the possible tours we suggest:

 

•The historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, whose tours are available on Sundays from 13:30 to 15:30.

 

•The Barnacle State Park in Coconut Grove. Completed in 1891, is the oldest house in Miami

 

•The lighthouse, known as Bill Baggs park, in Key Biscayne. The park is built around one of the most beautiful beaches of Miami. There you can rent a bike, or bed and umbrella at the beach.

•A walk in Miami Beach and the Art Deco district, where you can discover the magic of Ocean Drive, combined with that of Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue. There, walking through the crowd will be a dive among the colors, the sun, the smells and the culture of Miami Beach.

•A walk on the waterfront of downtown Miami. Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, art or entertainment, you cannot miss this scenic part of the city.

•A visit to the little Havana neighborhood, on Eighth Street. Take a walk through what is known as the Cuba of Miami. Explore the flavors and places that this neighborhood has to offer.

•A walk through the Graffiti of Wynwood, where the art of local and visiting “writers” gave birth to one of the most vibrant area of the city. In addition, several clubs and restaurants in this area have “Happy hour” deals.

3) Visit a museum or an art gallery for free

The city of Miami is a major world’s cultural center. No coincidence that for several years the art event of world importance Art Basel makes a stop here for 4 days a year, 4-7 December. Moreover in recent years, important cultural centers for their architecture and artistic offerings were born. On occasion, some of these museums offer free access or a discounted entrance fee. It is worth enjoying this offer. Among many we specially recommend the following:

 

 

•New World Symphony in Miami Beach, where the tour takes place on Saturday and Sunday at a very low cost.

•PAMM, Perez Art Museum Miami, Downtown, with free admission every second Saturday of the month.

•Adrienne Arsht Center, which provides free guided tours on Monday and Saturday.

•Britto art gallery, Brazilian born artist symbol of Miami, open daily in Lincoln Road and with free access.

•Walk art in the Design District and Wynwood, where many art galleries exhibiting there offer free admission to the public every second Saturday of the month from 7pm to 10pm

•Cultural Friday at little Cuba in “Calle Ocho”, with musical performances and art exhibitions outdoors. The event is held on the last Friday evening of every month.

4) Visit for free one of the many parks and gardens Miami has to offer.

The tropical weather of Miami is a perfect natural habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Public gardens are open to the public free of charge throughout the year; others have offers all year round during specific days of the week.

 

 

 

 

 

•The Miami Beach Botanical Garden, closed on Monday. Consult the website for offers.

•The Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, an amazing hidden beauty. Since the signage is lacking, we invite you to ask for directions to the entry point where you will have to pay $5 for parking.

•Japanese Garden Itchimura, on Watson Island, open daily.

•Fairchild Botanical Tropical Garden, One of the top tropical botanical gardens in the world. A stop that should not be missed when visiting Miami. They offer free entry a few days a year.

•The South Pointe Park, in Miami Beach, where the legendary beach finishes. There, on Saturday at sunset, you can enjoy viewing the cruise ships leaving the port of Miami.

•The Vizcaya Museum and Garden, in Coconut Grove. A recommended visit on all Miami guides. In the past they have been offering free admissions on weekends.

5) Join one of the many free events and festivals

South Florida offers mild weather all year round. This makes Miami a favorite destination for national and international events, some of which are free.

 

•Miami Festival, a music festival that has existed for more than thirty years. The majority of the events are held at the Frost School of Music, inside the University of Miami. It is held in October.

•International Boat Show, Every February at the Miami Beach convention center and various marinas of the city.

•New Year Celebrations, which are held every year on Ocean Drive.

•Art Basel and other art events, which take place the first week of December, between Miami Beach and the city of Miami. With an entry fee ranging from $5 to $15, you can admire the works of fine artists from around the world set on several stages.

6) Visit Miami Beach

South Beach dominates the town’s scene. So much to see, people, scenery, architecture. Although most of the most elegant and expensive bars, restaurants and hotels are located here, here are some tips for you with an eye to the price.

 

•Go around with the South Beach bus, at a cost of 25 cents per ride. Or use the Swoop, an electric golf car with 6 seats, totally free. There, however, it’s suggested to tip the driver.

•Discover Art Deco architecture, visiting the former residence of Gianni Versace on Ocean Drive, or strolling through the pedestrian streets of south beach, or admiring the Delano Hotel, the National or Raleigh.

•Go to Lummus Park, or at the beach.

•Or do some windows shopping at the many cloth designers stores and shops present on Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue.

7) Visit Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove is one of Miami’s most historic areas as the preferred place for the famous poet Robert Frost. In the 80s it dominated the town’s night scene; today nevertheless it retains a special charm.

•Barnacle State Park in Coconut Grove. Finished in 1891, it is the oldest house in Miami.

•The Peacock Park, a public urban park of 38,000 square meters, in Coconut Grove on the shore of Biscayne Bay.

•Cocowalk, a nice outdoor mall in the heart of Coconut Grove.

•The buildings and streets of Mayfair, with their typical architecture.

8.) Visit the bay front of Downtown Miami

The name Miami comes from the word “Mayami”, a term used by the ancient Indians of Florida which means “lots of water”. Miami in fact looks a bit like a modern Venice, with canals everywhere overlooked by a varied architecture. Even downtown Miami has its own bay front, charming and with so many free cultural events throughout the year.

 

 

•The park in front of the bay, where enjoy a walk between the modern architecture of downtown and the Bay of Miami, having as a background Miami Beach.

•The Bayside mall, historic outdoor mall popular among passengers of the cruise ships docked to the nearby port.

•The Freedom Tower, where Cuban refugees were welcomed on their arrival and now a museum.

9) Visit Little Havana

Take a walk on the Eighth street in the neighborhood of Miami known as Little Havana. Here you will be immersed in a magical Caribbean atmosphere, where you will feel in Cuba indeed.

 

 

•Domino Park, where Cubans practice one of their favorite social games, the Domino. It’s open daily and admission is free.

•The monument to the memory of the Bay of Pigs.

•Cultural Friday at little Cuba in “Calle Ocho”, with musical performances and art exhibitions outdoors. The event is held on the last Friday evening of every month.

Whether your ESTA authorization is taking you to a great celebration trip or into an explorative one, we wish you a safe and enjoyable Journey in the United States.