Unique things to do in Miami

Miami strokes our wanderlust with its sunny beaches and golden sands. After you have attained that perfect tan and had your fill of martinis, you can check out the rest of the city. You can waltz through some of the most well-sought Miami attractions without breaking the bank. All that is needed is a quick spring in your step and a heavy-load of enthusiasm. Here is a list of some of the most unique things to do in Miami for free-

Everglades

The unique ecosystem of the Everglades is made of vast regions of subtropical wilderness that has long been Miami’s most popular attraction. With many accolades to its name, like the World Heritage Site, the Everglades is known as the territory of the American Alligators. There are multiple ways to meander through the Everglades, but the Shark Valley bike trails are the safest and the most exciting option to admire the landscape by. You can soak it all in at a self-prescribed leisurely pace, but visitors are advised to stop at the observation tower to truly enjoy the views. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can try biking through the trail with only the moonlight leading the way. For all your expectations out of the most thrill-inducing things to do, Miami beach will meet them all the way.

Matheson Hammock Park

This is one of the many free parks around Miami which are a flurry of activities, all through the season. It has been aflutter with the buzz for its secluded beaches that are a respite from the dense crowds. From yoga classes to boot camps, there is never a dull moment in any of the parks. Most of Miami is usually congregated around the parks, so you are bound to come across some regular sights, like veteran abuelos playing dominoes at the Domino Park and people stretching out on a mat at the Collins Park. You can participate in what speaks to you, and become one with the locales. Instead of bar-hopping, there is a much healthier alternative to having a good time in Miami, park-hopping. You can start with the most prominent ones like the Gratigny Plateau Park, Tropical Park, South Dade Park, and Gwen Cherry Park, and let the course of ‘nature’ take over and guide you the others. 

Institute of Contemporary Art 

A free modern-art museum, with galleries occupying an area of 20,000 square feet and 15,000 square-foot gardens showcasing sculptures, this is a great initiative to give the public free access to art, and in the process, break the monotony of art being the privilege of a few. A free-of-charge walk through the provocative contemporary artworks is a fulfilling and informative way to appreciate the artistic side of Miami. 

Wynwood 

Stepping out from the prized collections inside a building and into the culture of the streets, the graffiti art of Wynwood is where the real talent is at. The district is the legitimate funky-town of Miami. You can appreciate the murals on a bike during the day and allot the evening to the warehouses-cum-breweries that entertain their patrons with live music like reggae. These evenings are free of cost and in-tune with the hipster vibe of Wynwood. The jaw-dropping street-art and striking murals on every corner don’t just give the visitors reasons to drool, but also provide the self-proclaimed photographers to capture the best viewing angles for the rest of us. 

New World 

Miami has a few unique options for tourists who might be tired of exploring the city in a methodical, check-list of must-see spots kind of way. One of them is the SoundScape Park in the New World. All you need is a choice of drinks, a warm blanket, the shoulder of your loved one, and snacks, and you are well-stocked with all the essentials for a splendid evening. The New World Symphony projects its performances on the 7,000 square-foot walls of the front hall that visitors can enjoy, without shelling a dime. There is never an empty seat in the house or in this case, the open lawns! Because it is free, people assume that it might be a derelict, run-down arrangement, and they couldn’t be more off-base. Visitors have access to well-kept and hygienic public bathrooms and good company, so the entire visual extravaganza is an affair worth remembering. 

Art Deco 

The South Beach of Miami is an Art Deco Capital. The world’s largest and most impressive collection of Art Deco architecture, the streets are lined with hotels that have grabbed and held the attention of cultural fanatics. These hotels are single-handedly responsible for saving South Beach from decay. Its popularity soared after Hollywood took notice of this section of Miami’s glitz and made it a backdrop to movies like Scarface. You can embark on a self-directional tour through the streets, and feel awe-struck amidst the neon signs, the glamorous crowds, and the towering buildings. 

Neptune Memorial Reef

One of the most fun things to do in Miami and arguably the spookiest is dive underwater to look at the carved columns of a “lost city.” At a depth of 40-feet below sea-surface in Key Biscayne, the ruins on the ocean floor are unique in their design. This “city of the dead” is part of an underwater cemetery. The necropolis is made of roads and benches that lead to the main sanctum that is upheld by bronze lion-pillars. Invented as an artificial reef, in the silence of the ocean, the Neptune Memorial Reef was opened to public viewing in 2007. It is a work of art for some and an eerie ghost-town for others, but everyone agrees that it is a wondrous sight to behold. Cremated ashes of the departed are placed in concrete memorials and added to the monument, becoming a part of the reef. It is free and open to all divers, whether you are visiting the grave of a loved one or investigating marine life up-close. The only thing to keep in mind is approaching corals and the tombs with respect. 

If the travel gurus are to be believed, the best way to feel the pulse of Miami is through walks, hikes, and dives down the less-traveled routes. You will discover what makes the city a diverse playground of people and places. Allow the city’s history to reveal itself in little pockets of traditions that flourish in the serenity of its parks and streets. Removed from the claustrophobic tourist-sites, you will have the chance to live and define Miami on your own.