One reason why more than 12 million people visit Miami every year is because there is so much to do, and with so many great things to do for tourists and residents alike there is sure to be something for everyone, even when traveling on a budget.

Jazz on South Beach Hostel offers budget dorm rooms and private room accommodation in South Beach.

Here are 10 things that you can do in Miami when traveling on a budget.

1. Go to the Beach
Any trip to Miami should include a visit to South Beach to enjoy the great Art Deco architecture, outdoor restaurants and, well, the beach. Ocean Drive is the place to go for people watching and this is the Miami that you see in movies and on TV. Best of all, enjoying the beach is FREE. Jazz on South Beach Hostel is the closest hostel to South Beach and is on Collins Ave, just next to Ocean Drive.

2. Visit the Miami Metro Zoo
Because of its sub-tropical climate Miami Metro Zoo has one of the best exhibits of animals from Asia, Africa and Australia in the United States. Don’t like to see animals locked up in cages? No problem. Miami Metro Zoo’s exhibits are all free-range and cageless, and animals are only placed with others animals from the same geographic location.
Adults: $13.95 plus tax
Children: $9.95 plus tax

3. See Endangered Manatees in the Wild
One of the best place to see manatees is in the Intracostal Waterway. SaveTheManatee.org has tips for seeing manatees in the wild. Another option is to go to Miami Seaquarium, where you can view manatees both above and below water at the Celebrity Pool.

4. Rent a Scooter
Renting a scooter is a great way to enjoy the sun and cruise along South Beach. To get a scooter, you will need a drivers license and a credit card (age 18 and over only).

5. Go Mountain Biking
Head on over to Oleta State Park for more than 6 miles of off-road trails built especially for mountain bikes. Need a bike? You can rent them at the park at Blue Moon – Tel: 305-957-3040.

6. Art Deco District

Take a walk through South Beach’s Art Deco District.  Our Jazz on South Beach Hostel is located right in the Art Deco District!

7. People Watching
Sit down at a cafe with a Cuban coffee and watch the interesting people walk by.

8. Go Swimming at the Venetian Pool

Photo of Venetian Pool © jsmjr

2701 De Soto Boulevard
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Tel:305-235-1668
The only swimming pool in the National Register of Historic Places, the Venetian Pool was build from a rock quarry in 1923. Natural spring water fills the pool (no chlorine) and there are two waterfalls, coral caves, a palm tree island, and a 3 story look-out tower. The Venetian is located in Coral Gables but, at $6.75-10 for admission, it’s well worth the trip out there.

9. Tour the Charles Deering Estate
16701 SW 72nd Ave
Miami, FL
Tel: 305- 235-1668
Whether you take a guided canoe tour or just stroll around the Charles Deering Estate park, this 444-acre property is a great way to escape from the city.

10. Explore the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 South Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33129
Tel: 305-250-9133
The Vizcaya Museum was a former dwelling of Charles Deering’s brother James, this Italian Renaissance style mansion sits on 10 acres of beautiful gardens. $12 for admission, $9 with a student ID.