Free and Cheap Things to Do in Miami With Mom on Mother's Day
Have you ever dreamt of being a celebrity? Not for the fame, but for the extra cash you’d have on hand to give your mom everything she deserves—a luxury handbag, or a luxury condo. You could deck her out in diamonds, surprise her with a new car or even a new house. You could take care of her for once and show her she’s the absolute best.
Unfortunately, most of us don’t have that kind of cash (unless you live on Fisher Island). The good news? Your mom probably just wants to spend more time with you, and you can make that happen this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 13) with a curated guide to mostly free activities in and around Miami. It’s a leisurely list that emphasizes one-on-one time with mom, whether strolling down the beach or enjoying a strong cup of coffee.
Keep reading for a few fun, heartfelt ideas for the lady who put you on this planet. She probably wouldn’t mind that handbag, either.
Take a Walk
Scenic, sunny South Florida is a picture-perfect place to take a stroll with mom. Get some fresh air together, and hang with Mother Nature (she’s a mom, too after all) at different spots all over the city and surrounding region. Check out this list of area beaches that have earned national recognition, and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the sand.
Or, stroll through a park instead. South Pointe Park in South Beach is the best of both worlds: It’s got walkways and grassy spaces just off the beach, and it’s far enough away from Ocean Drive that you can enjoy relative peace and quiet. South Beach in general is also a great spot for the HGTV kind of mom. It’s home to amazing Art Deco architecture chock full of history.
Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami is another picturesque greenspace to stroll with mom. Bonus points that it’s got relatively easy parking and is within walking distance of Bayside Marketplace, if your mom is a shopping mom like mine. There’s also Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne, about 9 miles from downtown. For $8 per car, you can treat mom to unparalleled views of South Beach from the top of a lighthouse built in 1825—it’s the oldest standing structure in the county.
Make a Meal Together
If you’re making a meal, make it hyper-local. Start with a trip to your closest farmers market and pick up in-season produce like asparagus and peas. I’m sensing the start of a knockout spring vegetable quiche. Mom’s got to have dessert, too. Fruits in season include cherries and apricots, although the farmers market in Coconut Grove offers readymade vegan ice cream.
Road Trip
Although there are ample greenspaces and beaches in town, you’re also a short drive from several spectacular state parks. Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key is about a two-and-a-half hour (and very scenic) drive from Miami. It’s only $8 per car to get in, and you’ll be treated to incredible, peaceful views once on the island. Some amenities aren’t available due to Hurricane Irma, but the park is still open according to the Florida State Parks website.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is a shorter drive—in just over an hour, you can get adventurous and go snorkeling or scuba diving with mom for an uber affordable $8.50 (that’s $8 per car plus a 50-cent surcharge per person. She’s worth it!). The park also has glass bottom boat tours available for an additional charge.
Go for Coffee and a Treat
Perk up your Mother’s Day by treating mom to something as simple as a cup of coffee. Miami is home to lots of welcoming neighborhood coffee shops with the kinds of charming atmospheres that make you want to linger all day. Cafe Curuba in Coral Gables is a nice choice for its cozy confines and Italian-inspired menu. It’s like taking mom to Rome, but on a much more affordable budget. Or, take her on a trip around the world (in her coffee cup at least) at one of Pasion del Cielo’s many locations—each one has about 15 single-origin beans to choose from sourced from all over the globe.