Miami offers more than just thrilling racing with its vibrant culture and sunny beaches. Here's how to explore the city beyond the track during your F1 visit.
Ever since Miami joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2022, it has offered a unique backdrop of lively culture, delicious food, and vibrant music. The racing weekend is packed with the excitement of the Grand Prix, celebrity sightings, and fan events, but Miami itself can truly enhance your trip.
In late 2025, I had the opportunity to visit Miami for a project with Cadillac's Chief Brand Advisor, Cassidy Towriss. For her, Miami holds significance as one of Cadillac's home races, offering a special perspective of the city.
From Miami's sprawling nature and diverse neighborhoods to its famous oceanfront, the city quickly showed me it has much more beyond the usual tourist haunts. If you're planning a visit for the racing, beaches, or just the atmosphere, here's how to maximize your time in the Sunshine State.
Beyond the Grand Prix, Miami is packed with things to see and do. One of my standout experiences was a powerboat race on the seafront, complete with oysters, rosé, and even a Will Smith cameo. If there's a motorsport or live event during your visit, it's worth attending for the electric atmosphere.
While Miami Beach is a staple, if you prefer a quieter option, head to Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. It's a serene spot lined with palm trees, offering beautiful views back toward the city.
For something more colorful, the Wynwood Walls shouldn't be missed. This open-air gallery in the Wynwood Arts District displays large murals by international artists. Visit in the morning to beat the crowds, explore the surrounding streets, and soak in Miami's vibrant art scene away from the track.
When I return for the Grand Prix, a visit to ICA Miami is on my list. The city’s bold approach to art and fashion is evident in everything from Art Deco buildings to Brickell's evening attire.
For an adventure outside the city, the Everglades are about an hour west. Airboat tours offer a chance to see alligators and unique birds like the roseate spoonbill, an experience unique to Florida.
Miami's culinary scene is a melting pot of Cuban and Latin influences. Little Havana, particularly Calle Ocho, is a bustling area full of family-run restaurants and bakeries. The fried plantain and rice were simple yet memorable.
For taco enthusiasts, Miami offers plenty of affordable options, with a surprising variety of vegetarian dishes, including unforgettable corn esquites.
For a refined dining experience, Miami boasts 14 Michelin-starred restaurants, offering dishes inspired by local culture in glamorous settings. Seafood lovers should try stone crab, grilled snapper, and oysters, ideally dockside with a skyline view. And don't skip the Key lime pie for a true Floridian treat.
South Beach is ideal for a luxurious seaside stay, offering both well-known and boutique hotel options. However, I chose to stay in Overtown, a more authentic neighborhood close to downtown and not far from the airport.
For this year's race, I'll base myself in the Upper East Side, near the Design District and Brickell, which are central to F1 activities. This area, known for its Miami Modern architecture, is also home to indie cafes and artsy stores, conveniently located between the circuit and the city's top neighborhoods.
Miami’s size can be daunting, especially during race week. The Brightline high-speed train to Aventura Station is a great way to bypass traffic. Ridesharing is popular, with designated drop-off points near the circuit, but expect long wait times and plan accordingly.
For city exploration, a mix of walking, cycling, and ridesharing is best. Areas like Wynwood, South Beach, and Little Havana are perfect for exploring on foot.
Whether you're here for the Grand Prix or just some winter sun, Miami offers more than meets the eye, and you don't have to be a party animal to enjoy it. Plan your trip with room for exploration—you never know where it might lead you.