a couple smelling a red rose

Miami might be expensive, but luckily you don’t have to burn money on cover charges and fancy dinners to have a romantic time in South Beach. Don’t believe it? Check out our list of romantic stuff to do around South Beach. The best thing about everything on this list is that you won’t have to pay a dime.

Reggae Sundays at The Wynwood Yard
From 2 pm to midnight every Sunday, The Wynwood Yard puts on a mellow afternoon of reggae beats in their open outdoor area. There’s usually a food truck or two around, or just grab some drinks at the outdoor bar. Either way, entry is as free as the vibes here.

Wynwood Art Walk
If it’s the second Saturday of the month, then you’d better head to the Wynwood Art Walk. Galleries stay open late with music and drinks, and there’s usually a relaxed atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s free!

Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays)
There’s never a bad time to visit Little Havana, but nothing beats Viernes culturales (cultural Fridays). On the last Friday of every month, Little Havana lets loose with dancing, cigars and endless games of dominoes. Check out the website for more information.

Free movies and music at the New World Symphony
The New World Symphony regularly makes use of its performance hall’s exterior walls to project classic films and contemporary symphonies. Anyone in the park outside is free to sit back and enjoy the show, so the only thing you’ll need is a picnic blanket. Check out their website for details on upcoming shows.

Matheson Hammock Park
It’s hard to do better than a romantic evening walk at Matheson Hammock Park. This idyllic slice of natural beauty turns into nothing short of a tropical paradise during sunset. Maybe it’s the way the light cuts through the swaying palms, or the sound of the water lapping against the shore; whatever it is, there’s something magical about Matheson.

Under the MacArthur Causeway
Here’s a local secret: on Watson Island, there’s a great little spot under the MacArthur Causeway with amazing views of the Miami skyline. Just take the Jungle Island exit and head down to the water, where you’ll find an area with stunning sunset views.

The Kampong
This pleasant historic garden has one of Miami’s best collections of exotic plants, including more than 50 varieties of mango. It’s a great place to start or end a weekend date and is particularly lively on Sundays.

Institute of Contemporary Art
If you’re groaning at the thought of trudging through some sterile art gallery, then you need to see the new Institute of Contemporary Art. This vibrant museum’s highlight is the 15,000-square-foot outdoor sculpture garden, which is well worth exploring on a sunny afternoon. Best of all, this is one of the few museums in the city that’s completely free to enter.

Bill Baggs State Park
On weekends, Bill Baggs State Park is alive with families and day visitors, but during weekdays this place is almost completely empty. If there’s anything more romantic than a walk along a secluded beach, then maybe it’s the lighthouse at the far end of the park.