Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Cutler Bay

"Once the home of the American tycoon James Deering, Vizcaya was built influenced by European architecture at the shores of Biscayne Bay. Although its design looks ancient it is not an old construction (the main house dates back to 1914-1916). The mansion was decorated with objects and pieces of art bought in from Europe."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Averette used under CC BY 3.0. Vizcaya Museum and Garden is one of those places in Miami that cannot be left out of this list. The amazing architecture, arts, and garden are features of this place that will help you reconnect with the past while you still enjoy the present."

"‘Instagram walls’ have become extremely popular on the ‘gram in recent years, so if you’re looking for some colorful wall content to keep you going for the next few months, Wynwood is the place to go. Situated in Miami’s Art District — renowned for its murals — Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum showcasing graffiti and street art from some of the world’s most talented artists. From cartoon artwork to multi-colored murals, it’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Miami!"

"Our last day was spent at the creative Wynwood Walls art exhibit. Beautiful mosaics are spread across a few blocks on streets and on buildings, even on the sidewalks!"

"You can start your trip in Miami Beach, get up early to see the lifeguard stands before the crowds, explore South Point Park and the Marina, go for a run on the boardwalk, enjoy a nice day with a few cocktails by the beach, go on an art deco hotels hunt, do some people watching on Ocean Drive (be ready for a SHOOOW!) and party all night on Miami beach's famous clubs -or, you know, if like us, you have a baby... escape early from the drunk crowd and try to get some sleep."

"There’s a reason the very southern tip of Miami Beach is the focus of countless photo spreads and selfies – the views of its resident pier jutting into the turquoise waves of the Atlantic are simply staggering. Free to visit, South Pointe Park is ideal for families, replete with manicured grass for lounging and warm, scrubbed-stone walkways, as well as a tiny water park for the kids."

"Bayside Marketplace is a great location for the start of your tour. It is an energetic place with loads of shops, restaurants and shops, plus everything is accompanied by live music. Essentially, this is a shopping mall out in the open, so you can do your shopping or simply sit down for a drink right next to the bay, but in any case, you will be able to get a sense of what Miami is all about very quickly. The place is buzzing with people from all over the world, be they tourists or locals, and visiting it is a great way to energize yourself for the day ahead."

"Located in the heart of Downtown Miami, the bayside marketplace allows you to experience the best of Miami with delicious international cuisine, live music, and fine shops. The two-level, open-air center overlooking Miami’s waterfront is home to more than 150 national and unique retailers and tourist shops. Overlooking the yacht-filled marina, the Biscayne Boulevard is the place to enjoy live exotic musical performances along with various specialty food shops of international cuisine."

"– Sightseeing by Land or Sea Option #1 – Bayside Marketplace Buy tickets at Bayside Marketplace for an Island Queen cruise.Boats depart on the hour from 10 a.m."

"Hop aboard for a fun 90-minute sightseeing cruise that takes you past waterfront mansions, Port Miami, Fisher Island and other highlights. See captivating views of the Miami skyline while enjoying beverages and light snacks."

"An original stand of unadulterated South Florida jungle, Simpson Park is a preserve of old growth hammock, the exact same stuff that blanketed South Florida thousands of years ago, just left alone from development. Within stands a simple, serene pavilion designed by architect Chad Oppenheim."

"The Barnacle Historic State Park is home to the oldest house in Miami|© William Silver / Shutterstock. Also in Coconut Grove, this fairly small park tops our list for having the oldest house in its original location in Miami. Visitors can tour the 1891 home, The Barnacle, to learn about the frontier life during the “Era of the Bay” at a time when all travel to the city was done by boat."

"At this 5-acre gem in Coconut Grove is the oldest home in its original location in Miami-Dade County (1891), which once housed Ralph Middleton Munroe, an American yacht designer. You'll also see plenty of mesmerizing Spanish moss. A post shared by @lizz_ax3 on Feb 26, 2017 at 2:42pm PST"

"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."

"Barnes Park is located on Bird Road near the Palmetto, offering a string of trails, peaceful enclaves, and various activities."

"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."

"An abandoned zoo on a subtropical island, ever since Dade County's main zoological park decamped to way down south, the Crandon Park Gardens, or just Crandon Gardens (both derivations are used) has sat and grown into a hidden, mysterious botanical garden with otherworldly follies (the former animal enclosures) scattered here and there."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"The American alligator is one of Florida’s most iconic symbols, and the state’s swamps, rivers, and lakes are full of these impressive creatures that can grow to over 15 feet and weight more than 1,000 pounds. Located on SW 192nd Avenue in nearby Florida City, Everglades Alligator Farm gives guests a fascinating, up-close look into the lives of these toothy reptiles. The farm is home to thousands of gators, and though it’s not the cheapest attraction you’ll visit on your trip, it’s well worth it, especially for those traveling with kids who are into animals."

"Everglades Alligator Farm is located next to Everglades National Park between Miami and Key Largo. South Florida’s oldest alligator farm is one cool place to visit. More than 2,000 of these unique reptiles – big and small – can be seen on the premises, from the baby alligators in the hatchery to the famous 14-foot “Grandpa” gator. Bonus: Admission includes an exciting airboat ride through the surrounding river of grass."

"Wedged onto Washington Ave between Fourth and Fifth Streets, La Locanda is a tiny hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant that serves an extensive menu of traditional Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Owned and operated by Francesco Cavalletti and Massimo Fortunato, their cozy 'little bambino' comfortably seats up to 60 guests, who tuck into delicious dishes such as ravioli stuffed with spinach and cheese in a light pink sauce, linguini with clams, veal scaloppini of the day, and a variety of gourmet pizzas. Desserts include Italian cheesecake, creme caramel, and homemade panna cotta, while an extensive list of fine wines is available to pair with the delicious fare."

"La Locanda is one of the Italian Restaurants in South Beach located on Washington Avenue. Owned by Francesco Cavalletti and Massimo Fortunato this 60 seat trattoria source their ingredients from local farmer and has been serving up delicious and affordable homemade Italian food since 2003. Appetizers on the menu include mini meatballs with rich tomato sauce, fresh mussels, or the large assortment of pizzas like La Locanda with shaved parmesan, arugula, cherry tomatoes and parma ham."

"Every city has to have a tiny hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant run by people from Italy, that has amazing food and costs half of what its big, sexy competitors do. And while you're welcome to jump in the comments and tell us which one it is, our pick is this spot wedged onto Washington Ave between Fourth and Fifth Streets. Not only does it have an extensive menu of food that tastes straight out of Italy, but the pizza might be the best in Miami."

"The food and seating options are endless – making it the best spot to work on South Beach. Make sure you visit the one on 7th, since 17th is in the midst of a tourism central. If you’re craving something sweet, try one of their blended coffee shakes!"

"From Business: Fresh and innovative sandwiches, salads, soups, sweets and more. Specialty coffee is ground from the world's finest beans and prepared by expert baristi."