Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in South Beach

"A must-visit cultural gem in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami is the former villa and estate of businessman James Deering, the Villa Vizcaya, which is now known as the Vizcaya Museums and Garden. The Gilded Age estate captures jaw-dropping European architecture in an alluring American context. Visitors can lure around the interiors of the estate which is layered with an accumulation of artifacts and memories in the impressive rooms designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style, with Baroque elements."

"Constructed in 1916 for industrialist James Deering, this Italianate palace is often referred to as the Hearst Castle of the East. Intended to appear centuries-old at completion, it is absolutely rife with architectural detail and elaborate accents. In fact, more than a thousand artisans took five-plus years to complete the ornate flourishes."

"Wynwood is a hip neighborhood just north of downtown that features a beautiful fenced enclosure of some of the freshest art available. Wynwood Walls are a group of several building facades regularly painted by commissioned artists. No matter if this is the first or 100th trip to Miami, there is always something new to photograph and see."

"Start your Wynwood adventure at the Wynwood Walls, home to dozens of murals by the world’s top street artists. The murals change regularly, so the next time you visit Miami, many of them will be different. It’s easy to spend an hour or more wandering through the murals and the galleries connected to the Walls."

"Finish your trip with a relaxing day in Bayside. With its colorful garden, its colonial architecture and its history, Villa Vizcaya is beautiful and really worth the trip. You can easily spend half a day there. Try and spot the multicolored giant lizards outside."

"– 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."

"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."

"Miracle Mile is one of the Miami area's most beautiful shopping locations. There are over 150 shops and 40 gourmet restaurants, all within a short walking distance of each other. These shops include a wide range of bridal boutiques, kitchen and appliance stores, men's apparel shops, jewelry stores, hair salons, spas, and more."

"The one-mile street has everything — bookstores to restaurants to boutiques. If you’re looking for a clean and classy backdrop with European vibes then here it is. Also, the Umbrella Sky Project is within walking distance."

"Pop into Threefold Cafe for breakfast, then spend a few moments walking off your meal in the Miracle Mile area."

"When you’re dreaming of Miami, you're dreaming of Lummus Park Beach, a postcard-perfect spot surrounded by historic art deco buildings, high-end hotels, a winding beachfront walkway, and bronzed athletes playing volleyball games on the sandy courts. This beach is full of action and a favorite among tourists looking for the full Miami experience (Muscle Beach and frozen margaritas included). At the heart of Lummus Park, find Miami Beach's LGBTQ+ beach located at the intersection of 12th street, a hotspot during Miami Beach Pride and identifiable year-round by the rainbow flags at each lifeguard station."

"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."

"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."

"Splurge on an oceanfront view room at Eden Roc, a historical wonder that blends nostalgic glamour with plush modern comforts. Unwind at a cabana at one of their three sumptious pools, or enjoy resort activities like jet skiing and nature trails. You don’t even need to be a guest to slip into luxury at their world class spa, a serene playground offering massages, facials and other spoil-you-silly services."

"Glamour oozes from every corner of this classic Miami Beach resort on Collins Avenue. There are three pools with plenty of cabanas for posing, a sprawling spa, striking lobby bar with jaw-dropping chandelier and the in-demand Malibu Farm waterfront restaurant. Well-heeled locals also flock to dine at the hotel’s outpost of Nobu, famed for its delicate Japanese dishes and the best sushi in town."

"This plant-based ice cream specialty shop offers pints of vegan ice cream ($15) for curbside pick up from 2 p.m."

"Downtown's Gelateria 4D, located at 670 Lincoln Road, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the gelateria and café four stars out of 191 reviews for its plentiful flavors. Especially popular is the parmalat milk gelato, made with imported Italian milk."

"Located midway between Downtown Miami and Miami Beach, on Watson Island, This museum offers exciting things to do in Miami for the young and those young at heart. The Miami Children’s Museum presents 14 interactive and bilingual exhibits and daily family-friendly events for visitors to explore. You can pick up a souvenir from the Kid Smart Educational Gift Shop and enjoy a meal at Subway while you spend a fun day at the Miami Children’s Museum."

"At Miami Children’s Museum, kids can wander through more than 14 interactive and bilingual galleries here. The Sea & Me, Ocean Odyssey, the Health & Wellness Center and the Supermarket are just a few of the stimulating spots where children can have a good time while learning about the world around them. A full calendar of exhibits and special events adds to the fun."

"This popular weekend spot is one of America’s largest kids’ museums – and every inch of the space is dedicated to teaching youngsters about the world around them. With 14 galleries spread over two floors, there’s an exhibit to spark every type of tot’s imagination ($22/adult). Find out more about Miami Children’s Museum"

"The privately funded luxury collection of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz finally got a name as the de la Cruz Collection in Miami, designed by John Marquette. The de la Cruz art museum, established in 2009, has been the home of the art-lovers for more than three decades, and now they have opened it for the public to encourage the free flow of artistic thoughts in the neighborhood. Covering an area of 30,000 square feet, the gallery is stuffed with contemporary art exhibits and also organizes lectures, summer workshops, and scholarships for students at DASH and NWSA."

"Housing one of Miami's finest private collections, this 30,000-sq-ft gallery has a treasure trove of contemporary works scattered across three floors, which you can roam freely. Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz, who..."

"Narrow in on the history of Miami itself with this cool museum. For extra fun, head out on the second Saturday of the month for crafts, music, and more as part of Family Fun Days."