Mentioned by tripbuzz.com
261 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"Crandon Park Beach boasts some of the clearest waters Miami has to offer, thanks in part to a strict ban on floatation devices and its offshore sandbar — itself an idyllic place to bask like the Floridian lizard you are at heart. Not to worry though, there’s plenty else to keep the whole family entertained, including unique eco-adventure experiences, picnic and cookout areas, and concession stands. If the sun becomes too much, head to the Family Amusement Center open on weekends and holidays only to check out its restored carousel, beachfront playground, and splash fountain."
"Just a short drive to northern Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is an island park equipped with volleyball nets, cabanas for rent and pristine turquoise waters that beckon for a dip. Aside from the stunning beaches and pearly white sands, the park is also home to mangroves, dunes and a nature center that houses exotic fish and other wildlife. Just five minutes away from Crandon Park is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is home to the Cape Florida Light – the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami."
"Parents love Candon Park for its gorgeous 2-mile beach, lifeguards, and picnic areas. But kids keep coming back for the vintage carousel, paved roller rink, and a seahorse fountain. Throw in the pretty arboretum and gardens and you've got one of the best spots in Miami for kids of all ages."
"The great thing about Hollywood North Beach Park is that it’s right next to the West Lake South Trail and the beach!. This means, after completing the West Lake South Trail you can head straight over to chill in the park and get ready for a dip, too. With over 50+ acres to explore, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida to just chill out."
"Hollywood Beach, an area 100-yards long, is located between Pershing & Custer Streets. The Dog Beach is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 3pm to 7pm. During Daylight Savings Time the hours are 4pm to 8pm."
"Take I-95 south and grab the Rickenbacker Causeway until you hit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. This beautiful state park is right at the end of Key Biscayne and gives you uninterrupted views of the ocean—a perfect sunset watching spot. The state park has a lighthouse, where guests can climb to the top and look out into the ocean and the beach below. Next to it is a cement lookout spot that serves as a bench to watch the sunset and enjoy your Zak the Baker treats (if you didn't eat them already on the car ride down)."
"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."
"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."
"For a more chilled beach day option, head to North Beach Oceanside Park, a serene destination, out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach’s hotels and restaurants. Pack your cooler to the brim, bring a Pub sub, and take in the blissful scene of the Atlantic Ocean. The park also features shaded walking trails, a bike path, and a dog park and playground to entertain the kids and fur babies."
"A guide to the ultimate weekend in Miami, any time of year, with cocktails by the pool, art walks and Art Deco spotting, and a little Latin flavor."
"If you want to see the vast beauty of the Everglades and more alligators than you can count, then Shark Valley should be your #1 stop. This small section of the park packs in everything you need to see to make your vacation epic!"
"Shark Valley sounds like it should be the headquarters for the villain in a James Bond movie, but it is in fact a slice of National Park Service grounds heavy with informative signs and knowledgeable rangers...."
"At the heart of what many call the “true Everglades” is the gem that is Shark Valley, the center of the Everglades’ freshwater ecosystem and haven of wildlife."
"Sometimes after a long night of vodka-sodas, you wake up seriously craving some diner food. And if you happen to live in Downtown or Brickell, that no longer means having to drag your hungover self through beach traffic to get it. This retro destination delivers a menu of over-the-top waffle flavors like bacon and cheddar and Oreo and Nutella alongside a waffle sandwich filled with ham, swiss, and fried eggs."
"Miami Diner, which already has a Downtown location, just opened in the old David’s Cafe space. They’ve got one of those very large diner menus, with burgers, breakfast, milkshakes, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more."
"The mecca of dog parks, you can bring your pooch here to play in the fenced in green spaces where dogs can get some exercise with other canines. There’s even an outdoor space with fitness equipment, a walking path and a deck to stroll along and enjoy the Miami sights. Located in Coconut Grove just at the water’s edge, it offers a peaceful view of the open bay for a relaxing afternoon."
"Kennedy Park is located in Coconut Grove, right on the water with a view of the open bay, an outdoor gym including a green ladder you can climb up and down, a running path on an outdoor track, and a children’s play area."
"Few American parks can claim to front such a lovely stretch of turquoise as Biscayne Bay, but this fantastic green space is packed full of freebies too, including a great playground for the kids. The Tina Hills Pavilion has free concerts and yoga sessions, but Bayfront Park has some interesting public art worth discovering as well. The JFK Torch of Friendship recognizes the accomplishments of US congressman Claude Pepper, while Isamu Noguchi, who redesigned much of Bayfront Park in the 1980s, has three great sculptures: the Challenger Memorial, The Light Tower, and our favorite, the Slide Mantra."
"Perhaps the most famous park in Miami, Bayfront Park is extremely versatile. Located right on Biscayne Boulevard and adjacent to Bayside Marketplace, this park hosts an endless list of events from free yoga to rollerblading sessions, and of course, the annual Ultra Music Festival. Aside from its busy calendar, the park itself is home to a kids’ playground and a sandy bay front lot where pedestrians can settle into comfy loungers and enjoy the ocean breeze under the palms."
"Few American parks can claim to front such a lovely stretch of turquoise (Biscayne Bay), but Miamians are lucky like that. Notable park features are two performance venues: the Klipsch Amphitheater, which boasts excellent views over Biscayne Bay and is a good spot for live-music shows, and the smaller 200-seat (lawn seating can accommodate 800 more) Tina Hills Pavilion, which hosts free springtime performances."
"Barnes Park is located on Bird Road near the Palmetto, offering a string of trails, peaceful enclaves, and various activities."