Visiting Miami on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

By Go City Expert
Published: July 18, 2024

When it comes to a South Florida vacation, there’s one destination you can’t beat! Miami is a top destination for families from all over. Whether you have young children or teenagers, you’ll be able to find fun activities and attractions your whole family will love. Miami can be a great choice for budget-minded travelers, especially when you use a Go Miami Card, which makes visiting Miami on a budget a breeze.

Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions

Admission to many of these Miami tourist attractions and are included on the Go Miami Card. Go Miami Cards give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include:

  • Miami Seaquarium
  • Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
  • Key West Day Trip from Miami
  • Duck Tours South Beach
  • and more!

Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip Miami Seaquarium

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Outdoors, Nature, If you have kids, you absolutely have to go to Miami Seaquarium. Regardless of age, everyone loves Miami Seaquarium. As soon as you walk in your kids will begin learning about fishes, sea mammals, and other sea animals. You and your family can enjoy the fun and educational shows! But beware! If you’re sitting in the front 3 rows, you’re bound to get wet! Luckily, your kids will LOVE THAT! Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are included on the Go Miami Card.

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Image of Bus, Vehicle, Car, Person, Tour Bus, Double Decker Bus, Forget about sitting on a tour just “looking” at all of the Miami, instead, EXPERIENCE Miami! Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour will drive to and tell you about some of the most exciting places in Miami. The bus also stops and gives you, your family, and all tour guests to get down and enjoy sightseeing. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami Bus Tour tickets are included on the Go Miami Card.

Key West Day Trip

Image of Sign, Symbol, Road Sign, If you haven’t been to the Keys yet, you’ve been missing out! Key West Day Trip will take you and your family from Miami out to Key West and you’ll get to spend most of the day sightseeing and experiencing everything Key West has to offer. Along with the trip ticket, you can upgrade and go on a glass-bottom boat, go snorkeling, or go parasailing! Getting In: Key West Day Trip from Miami tickets are included on the Go Miami Card.

Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise

If you’ve had an adventure-filled vacation and want a little time to relax and enjoy the sights (without having to walk around the city), Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise is the perfect attraction for you! You’ll get to tour around the beautiful Biscayne Bay and the Venetian Islands all while enjoying some refreshments and delicious food. Along with seeing the beautiful sights of Miami, you’ll also get to see some celebrity homes! Getting In: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise tickets are included on the Go Miami Card.

Duck Tours South Beach

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Car, Vehicle, Helmet, Duck Tours South Beach is unlike any tour you’ve ever been on! You and your family will get to see the sights of South Beach on land AND on water! The Duck Tours vehicle has 4 wheels to drive on land and is also a boat, which makes these tours double the fun. You and your family will be blown away, especially your kids. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. These attractions are all a must-see, so don’t let your family miss out!

Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip:

There are delicious restaurants, historic sites, and museums, and the weather is almost always perfect for a day out! Here are a few other family-fun ideas you can enjoy with your family: Everglades National Park - If you and your family love nature, Everglades National Park is a perfect place for all of you! This national park has hiking paths, biking paths, picnic areas, fishing areas, and so much more. Your family will get to enjoy the beautiful scenery; they’ll get to see a wide variety of birds as well as other wildlife. Lion Country Safari - Lion Country Safari is the only drive-through safari in all of Florida. You and your family can have close encounters with over 900 animals of various species! It’s the type of experience your kids will always remember. There’s even a petting zoo that younger kids LOVE! Along with the petting zoo and drive-through safari, Lion Country Safari has a walk-through amusement park that the whole family can enjoy!

Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation

The Beaches - If you’re visiting Miami on a budget, you can’t forget to take advantage of the free activities! There are beaches you can go to and soak up the Florida sun. Biscayne National Park - You could also head to Biscayne National Park and take a boat out to the offshore barrier reefs. Big Night in Little Haiti - If you’re in Miami during the 3rd Friday of any month, head to Big Night in Little Haiti and enjoy a family-friendly environment with food, art, music, and culture! If your family loves art, head over to Wynwood and enjoy their public art. Enjoy the Downtown Public Art - If you go to Wynwood during the second Saturday of any month you’ll get to experience Art Walk and see artists creating art live for free. Please keep in mind some Wynwood art may not all be family-friendly. South Pointe Park - South Point Park is also a great place to enjoy for free. Located in the Southernmost part of Miami Beach, South Point Park features a beautiful family-friendly beach, a small interactive kid’s water area, and has walking paths. No matter what activities or attractions you decide to experience, just remember the most important thing, have fun with your family!

How to Save Money When Visiting Miami on a Budget

Going on a family vacation can get costly quick, but it doesn’t have to. Here are a few tips that will help you save money next time you are visiting Miami on a budget: Plan Ahead - If you’re visiting Miami on a budget, make sure you plan ahead. That will allow you to make the most out of your time and vacation budget. Determine how many days you’ll be there, then give yourself a budget for each day based on your vacationing budget. *Side note: Always leave a little money for emergencies. Make a List – Put together a list of all of the attractions and activities your family wants to explore. Use this list to determine where you have time to visit and coordinate so that you can go to more than one place per day. Use a Go Miami Card – A Go Miami Card allows you to visit dozens of popular attractions all for one low price, so you know you won't be going over your budget. Pack Your Own Lunches – If your family is on a tight vacation budget you may want to consider packing your own lunches instead of eating at restaurants. Sandwiches can stay in a lunchbox for most of the day without going bad and you can even freeze a bunch of juice pouches to keep them cold all day long, and use them to keep other food in your cooler cold. By following these tips you can spend money time enjoying your vacation, instead of worrying about how much money you have left in your bank account.

Let's Recap on Visiting Miami on a Budget

There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do when visiting Miami on a budget. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go Miami Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your Miami vacation itinerary.

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Miami in May

These days, visitors are downright spoiled with things to do in Miami. As one of the most popular tourist hotspots in America, the city continues to surprise us with new attractions and events cropping up each day. Spring is a great time to visit, since the weather should be warm enough to enjoy all of the area’s fantastic outdoor attractions without being too hot to function. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Have a blast at Zoo Miami. Or simply explore the boardwalk at South Beach. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to suit your style. If you‘re not quite sure where to start, we’re here to help! Use our guide as a starting point to plan your perfect vacation. No matter how you choose to enjoy the Magic City, we’re sure it’ll be great. See the Sites With lots of sunshine and little rainfall, May is great for spending time outdoors. Those looking to learn more about the background of the city might enjoy Coral Castle for its unique history. Built single-handedly over the course of 28 years, this mysterious sculpture garden is perhaps best known for the questions that it brings up. Constructed out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, the piece is somewhat of an anomaly. Walking around the site, there’s no doubt you’ll be mind-blown by the intricately hand-carved pieces telling the story of artist Edward Leedskalnin’s heartbreak. A mysterious mindbender and true testament to the artist's innovation, Coral Castle is an attraction quite like no other. Undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, this place is a total must-see for any first-time visitor to the Miami area. Looking to discover a different side of the city? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Standing out as the oldest building in Miami by a long shot, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is a total treat for architecture buffs and history aficionados alike. Parts of the structure date as far back as 1133 AD, long before America was even established. Apparently, the monastery was originally built in northern Spain around this time, but later bought, shipped to New York, and dismantled stone by stone. In 1953, two entrepreneurs bought the stones to build a tourist attraction – and the Ancient Spanish Monastery was born! As such, Time Magazine characterized the building as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’. Today, the structure stands as a fine example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The interiors are incredibly preserved, showcasing a number of captivating architectural and religious details. Walking around the space, you’ll notice impressive hand-carved columns, sweeping arches and beautiful shrines from the original structure. Rich in history and most certainly unique, this place should rank right at the top of your itinerary. Get in Touch with Nature No doubt, Miami is the perfect haven for all nature lovers. Standing out for its unusual and expansive display of exotic flora, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a fantastic place to spend a sunny spring afternoon in the area. Established way back in 1936, this historical attraction works to showcase the unique collection of avid botanist David Fairchild, which was brought back from his travels. Thousands of varieties thrive here, including many rare species you’d never expect to find in the United States. Bursting with color, scents and spectacular views, the gardens are an absolute joy to wander. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to see the birds, fish, lizards, and crocodiles which call the site home. Don’t miss the butterfly emporium, with too many species to count. We suggest setting a few hours aside for this, since it can take a while to get around the entire place. Remember to bring lots of sunscreen and wear your comfiest walking shoes! A total treat for the senses and educational, too, this place is not to be missed. If you’re anything like us, a visit to the zoo would be right down your alley. Luckily for you, Miami is home to some fantastic nature reserves to bring out that sense of childlike wonder. Combining the natural beauty of the area with incredible exotic wildlife, one of the most popular tourist attractions for animal lovers has got to be Zoo Miami. In fact, this place is recognized as the only tropical zoo in the United States. Featuring over 3, 000 animals and around 100 exhibits to be enjoyed, there’s a little something for everybody here. Expect jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and much, much more. You’ll need a whole day at the zoo to make the best of it - we suggest heading off pretty early so you can fit as much in as possible! A fantastic educational opportunity, we love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Try Something Different Though the city is perhaps best known for its palm-fringed beaches and exotic greenery, there’s plenty to see here for those looking for art and culture. Open to the public and free of charge, Wynwood Walls is a trendy outdoor street art museum shining a spotlight on some of the world’s best urban artists. Carefully curated and periodically transformative, the exhibit works to showcase a wide variety of styles; at Wynwood Walls, you’ll be able to enjoy the work of old school graffiti artists and the newest innovators in the game all in one space. For those who are interested in learning more about the creatives, different styles, and history of the art form, we recommend booking a guided tour. Aside from the museum itself, the surrounding area is great to explore, with lots of cool shops and eateries to check out. The perfect stop for all creative types, this place provides the perfect taste of the city’s art scene. Few places are as exciting and energetic as the Floridian hotspot of Miami. May is great time to visit, since the temperatures are warmer but it's not as busy as the summer months. Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Things to Do in Miami for Adults

South Beach Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends
Katie Sagal
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Relaxing Things to do in Miami

Miami is the perfect relaxing coastal getaway. With its sun-soaked beaches and clear blue skies, we couldn’t think of a better place to take a serene break. Still, the list of great things to do in the Magic City goes way beyond the seaside. No, really – trust us when we say that Miami runs the gamut with cool activities and attractions for all kinds of travellers. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, we highly recommend Everglades National Park for all of its beauty and splendour. To get to know the area, we like Coconut Grove for all of its chic stores, waterfront cafes and beautiful green spaces. And if you’re looking to make a splash, nothing could quite be better than a trip to the Venetian Pool. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve spent a lot of time in the city and are listing all of our favorite relaxing things to do in Miami below. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a notepad and keep scrolling! Hit the Beach Of course, a trip to Miami isn’t complete without a stop at the beach. The city is famous for its many wonderful seaside attractions – however, one of them particularly stands out for its natural beauty. An undoubtedly quintessential Miami attraction, South Beach has long been recognized for its pristine palm-fringed shores and crystal-clear waters. In fact, this place is so picture-perfect that it has consistently served as a TV and movie backdrop throughout the years – the attraction can be spotted in Miami Vice and even Scarface. Walking along the beachfront, you might even catch something in action! For those who are looking to experience that elusive postcard image of a tropical beach in real life – this is the place. Upon arrival, visitors can rent out lounge chairs and beach umbrellas for a small fee and kick back under the sun. We recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area, which has a lot of wonderful Art Deco architecture, waterside cafes and quirky stores well worth checking out. Get Some Fresh Air When travelling, it’s always a good idea to spend some time out in Mother Nature. With its unique tropical landscape and perennial sunshine, Miami is a fantastic place to explore for outdoorsy types – this we know. Whilst the city presents countless wonderful green spaces to discover, one of our favorites has got to be Everglades National Park for its out of this world beauty. This spot draws in over one million visitors each year – and with good reason. The park is the largest subtropical wilderness site in the United States and is recognized for its entirely distinctive ecosystem which is characterized by its incredible biodiversity. A protected and fragile landscape, this place is home to a wide variety of rare plants and threatened wildlife. Amongst the relaxing activities, you’ll find here, hiking, birdwatching, sailing and boating are all popular choices. As one of the most beautiful spots in Florida, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend a sunny day on vacation. Miami is an exciting city with a lot of great things to offer – but sometimes the city can just get a little too much. For those times, we recommend checking out one of the area’s wonderful green spaces. Our particular favorite is Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for its unique collection of rare and exotic flora. First opened to the public in 1938, this spot earned its spot long ago as one of the most magical places in Miami. Covering 83 acres of lush subtropical gardens, Fairchild is a treasure trove of natural beauty and wonder. Think magnificent centuries-old oak trees, wild trailing vines and vibrant flowers of all kinds. The place is home to the only rainforest in America, as well as the biggest collection of tropical bamboo in the world, with 125 species on display. In addition, visitors will enjoy the small butterfly emporium. A thoroughly educational and Instagrammable excursion, we love this spot for highlighting the true power of nature. Soak Up the Sun Sat along the southeastern coastline, Miami is famed for its year-round subtropical climate. The city can get hot – and we mean like, hot-hot. If you’re looking for somewhere to cool down, don’t worry – we know just the place! Standing out from all other aquatic attractions in the city, the Venetian Pool is a refreshing urban oasis known for its unique design and great history. Built into an old, abandoned rock quarry in 1921, this spot has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whilst it has seen many stages of development, the attraction always maintains its original Mediterranean Revival style to reflect the city’s strong Latino community. Filled with over 820, 000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this is the largest freshwater pool in the continental United States. There is a sunning area, kiddie pool, and a café and bar space– so, everybody’s happy. Fun, relaxing and luxurious all at the same time, this place will no doubt quench your thirst for the perfect pool day. Another one of our favorite relaxing things to do in Miami is visit Coconut Grove. Affectionately known as The Grove by locals, this beautiful free-spirited neighborhood is a great spot for taking a low-key day to explore the area. The spot dates back to the early twentieth century and is the oldest continuously-inhabited neighborhood in Miami. Set along the shores of Biscayne Bay, the district is known for its lush tropical greenery and elegant architecture. Flanked along its quiet residential streets, visitors can expect to find farmers’ markets, art galleries and interesting cultural landmarks. Take a quiet leisurely stroll, stop for a bite to eat at one of its top-notch waterside eateries, or browse the stores – the world’s your oyster! No matter how you choose to enjoy this wonderful scenic spot, we’re sure you’ll have a blast. Famed for its wonderful weather and scenic greenery, it’s no surprise that Miami is a total hub for recreation and relaxation. Explore the city to its full potential with an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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