Fontainebleau is a census-designated place in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Located only ten miles from Downtown Miami, Fontainebleau is mainly a residential area, making it a bustling and vibrant atmosphere location.
You won’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy this scenic neighborhood, as many public parks let you experience Fontainebleau for free.
Beyond that, there are a ton of nearby attractions that make this a great place to stay during your trip to Miami.
Here’s a list of free things to do in Fontainebleau, Florida, to help you get started:
Fontainebleau Trail has a beautiful jogging and biking trail that takes you to the scenic corners of the neighborhood—all at no cost.
Fontainebleau is famous for its sprawling apartments, condominiums, and resort houses, all accentuated by the waters and greenery in the neighborhood.
The trail is primarily situated in the upscale portion of the neighborhood with tons of lagoons—truly a scenic experience when you see it.
Whether you bike or jog, this excursion won’t take up much of your time, as Fontainebleau isn’t a big area to cover.
The Fontainebleau Trail is also a convenient way to cover a lot of the shopping districts in the neighborhood while getting some exercise.
Women’s Park is a must-see destination when visiting Fontainebleau, as it’s easily one of the area’s prettiest and most tranquil spots.
The park is known for its picturesque lake that’s home to many ducks, giving it a peaceful ambiance, especially on a clear and sunny day.
The greenery here is well-maintained and is one of the cleanest spots in Fontainebleau, perfect for families or couples to relax.
Benches, tables, and a playground are also found at Women’s Park, along with a half-mile loop trail that runs along the circumference of the lake.
Women’s Park also houses the Roxcy O’Neal Bolton Women’s History Gallery, with exhibits on some of the most renowned women in history.
You can access Women’s Park along Flagler Street at the western end of Fontainebleau.
Within Women’s Park lies another beautiful spot that deserves recognition, the Butterfly Garden.
As a place famous for photoshoots, Butterfly Garden has a couple of exhibits showcasing various species of butterflies and their unique traits.
Of course, you can also see live butterflies here, mostly in dense shrubberies and flowers along its paved walking trails.
Several kinds of butterflies have made this small garden their home, so prepare a high-powered camera to maximize this opportunity to take photos of them.
The Butterfly Garden is one of the best places for an intimate date or to bond with your family in Fontainebleau.
If biking or jogging along the neighborhood’s trail doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can traverse Fontainebleau Boulevard to see the area’s beauty.
This is a quick and easy way to see all sorts of private subdivisions and apartment complexes that act as the heart and soul of the community.
You’ll also see several mini lakes here that perfectly match the overall aesthetic and architecture of the residential districts in Fontainebleau.
Fontainebleau Boulevard is a good activity because it lets you cover areas the trail can’t reach.
Driving along the boulevard can also get you to neighboring cities and Downtown Miami.
While Women’s Park offers you a tranquil respite in Fontainebleau, the neighboring Ruben Dario Park is more known for its sporting amenities.
The park has a little bit of something for everyone, such as tennis courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields that both locals and visitors can enjoy for free.
Ruben Dario Park has bigger fields than Women’s Park, making this an excellent place for jogging and running.
If you’re bringing the kids with you, Ruben Dario Park has a large modern playground that keeps them busy for an hour or two.
The park is also close to many shopping areas, making this a convenient place for families to spend the afternoon before having dinner.
Along 6th Terrace is another great park for relaxation in Fontainebleau, Woodlands Park.
As a much smaller park in the residential area of Fontainebleau, Woodlands Park is an excellent place to spend a quiet afternoon.
The park has good greenery with a few trees that give it a serene atmosphere; there’s also a cave with a fountain.
While not a recreational space, Woodlands Park is surrounded by quiet neighborhood alleys that you may want to check out to see life in Fontainebleau.
Whether you want some quiet time or a glimpse of the lifestyle of the locals, Woodlands Park is an excellent addition to your itinerary.
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The sprawling Kendall Indian Hammocks Park is in the Miami community of Kendall, Florida, 18 minutes from Fontainebleau.
Kendall Indian Hammocks Park is known for many things, but its nature trails are perhaps the most iconic attraction for outdoor enthusiasts.
There’s a lot to see in their trails, brimming with botanical life and an abundance of animals like birds and small mammals.
The park also has a variety of sports amenities, headlined by its 36-hole disc golf course and its massive skatepark that spans 14,000 acres.
There are also picnic grounds and baseball fields.
This park is one of the best things to do near Fontainebleau, so don’t miss out.
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In Miami, Florida, Florida International University is only six minutes from Fontainebleau, giving you the incentive to check out this great school.
Whether you’re planning to scout for schooling options or see beautiful architecture, Florida International University is a fantastic place to visit because of its aesthetic and ambiance.
This is the place to see how the natural beauty of Miami-Dade County merges with modern architecture and urbanization.
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The school offers guided tours via registration, but you can also explore the university’s premises independently and see how each section is intricately planned out.
You’ll find beautiful spots to take photos, mainly along Southwest 14th and 17th Street.
Florida International University is a significant landmark in the county, so check it out if you have time.
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Tamiami Park is just a stone’s throw away from Florida International University, reachable within nine minutes from Fontainebleau.
This is a vast city park packed with various things to do, mostly centered on exercise and sports.
Some of the best aspects of Tamiami Park are its baseball and soccer fields and a swimming pool.
They also have substantial open green spaces here, which are used as the festival grounds during the Miami-Dade County annual youth fair.
If you have energetic travelers with you, Tamiami Park is an excellent place to visit.
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The Patricia and Philip Frost Art Museum is a free attraction inside Florida International University, known for its vintage art exhibits.
Exploring every nook and cranny of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum will take up a good chunk of your day.
This is a great way to fill up your itinerary near Fontainebleau.
The exhibits here are diverse, ranging from music and sculptures to natural history via the museum’s fossil collections.
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The museum also has a collection of over 6,000 objects on the printmaking history of the U.S., dating back to the 1960s to 1970s.
A couple of temporary exhibits are also held throughout the year, so check their website to see what’s brewing during your visit.
The Patricia and Philip Frost Art Museum is in Miami, eight minutes from Fontainebleau.
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If you wake up early and beat the rush hour, you can reach Downtown Miami, roughly 21 minutes from Fontainebleau.
Visiting Downtown Miami is a no-brainer if you’re already in Miami-Dade County, as it’s one of the most iconic attractions in the United States.
You’ll experience colorful and brilliant urban life as you drive along or walk through the alleys of Downtown Miami.
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You can also experience Miami culture through the bustling shops, cafes, and even tourism along Biscayne Bay.
As one of the most picturesque downtown districts on the East Coast, Downtown Miami should show you a good time.
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The East Coast Buffer Water Preserve is in the neighboring city of Weston, Florida, 25 minutes from Fontainebleau.
If you’re the adventurous type who loves animals, the East Coast Buffer Water Preserve may well be for you, considering its abundance of marshlands and wildlife.
This is also an area where you can spot some alligators, which have made Florida a household name.
If you’re passionate about photography, you’ll find tons of water lilies scattered throughout the marshlands.
The free way to experience East Coast Buffer Water Preserve is by bringing your bike with you and using its paved trails.
You can also spend a couple of bucks and do a boat tour with a local company.
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Calle Ocho Walk of Fame is another fantastic attraction you can visit without spending a penny near Fontainebleau.
You will need to drive for roughly 30 to 40 minutes, depending on when you leave for Miami.
Like other places in Florida, Miami is brimming with a lot of Latino and Cuban influence because of its history and proximity to the Caribbean.
This part of the city is where you can see various prominent Latino figures etched on the side streets, an inspiration from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Besides the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, following the paved side streets will also lead you to some fantastic Latino-inspired murals.
You’ll also find a variety of Latino establishments here and tons of specialty restaurants and gift shops, most of which are Cuban.
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Located in Hialeah, Florida, Amelia Earhart Park is one of the biggest attractions in Miami-Dade County, reachable via a 30-minute drive from Fontainebleau.
Amelia Earhart Park offers many free activities, but biking along its many trails is one of the best ways to experience its beauty.
The park comprises several lakes and wooded fields, so bringing your mountain bike for a harrowing experience will let you see most of the park in the fastest way possible.
It also has a petting zoo for younger children on top of water sports activities if you don’t mind spending a few dollars on rentals.
Don’t miss out on a fantastic experience with your trusty bike and the sprawling nature trails of Amelia Earhart Park.
Another notable neighbor is Doral, Florida, a city famous for Doral Glades Park, 14 minutes from Fontainebleau.
Doral Glades Park is one of the prettiest city parks in Miami-Dade County, thanks mainly to its lake and boardwalk.
From there, you can take photos of the boardwalk, the lake, and the lush vegetation around it.
It also has a nature center inside, giving you more exploring areas.
If you visit during the late afternoon, Doral Glades Park also shows amazing sunsets, giving it a romantic atmosphere.
Besides its beauty, the park also offers fishing, kayaking, and sports.
Fontainebleau is a beautiful community in Miami-Dade County that deserves a spot in any Miami adventure.
Whether you’re staying there or not, the area has a lot in store, most prominently its unique aesthetic as a residential community.
If you’re raring to go to Miami, use this list of the free things to do in Fontainebleau, Florida, to kickstart your adventure.
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