South Beach, Art Deco, Wynwood street art, and a race through a stadium car park. Miami delivers the full package — here's how to plan three days around it.
Where to stay in Miami
Hotels and apartments for race weekend
Head straight to South Beach. Ocean Drive is the most photographed stretch — the Art Deco hotels from the 1930s are best seen in the morning before the lunch crowds hit. Walk north along Collins Avenue to see the full range of architecture, then cut through to Lincoln Road for coffee. The Beach itself is free and wide — good for a swim in the afternoon if you have time before the evening.
Wynwood is about a 25-minute drive north of South Beach and worth the trip. The Wynwood Walls are open daily — you pay a small entry fee to see the best of the curated murals. The neighbourhood around NW 2nd Avenue has the best independent bars and restaurants in Miami if you're looking for a dinner option that isn't a hotel.
Guided activities for day one
Art Deco History Walking Tour
Expert-guided walk through Miami Beach's Art Deco Historic District. Covers Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and the history behind the 1930s hotel architecture.
Miami Night Tour
Guided evening tour of Miami's neighbourhoods — South Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, and downtown. Good way to cover a lot of ground on arrival night.
The circuit is at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens — 20 miles north of downtown. The official shuttle is the most reliable option; driving yourself means sitting in traffic for hours and paying $50+ for parking. Shuttle tickets sell out — buy them when you book your race tickets.
The fan zone at Miami is one of the best on the calendar — fake beach club, pool zone, DJ sets, and the full team merchandise offer. Arrive early and spend time there before the main event. The circuit layout is technical but the grandstands around Turn 17 and the back straight have the best racing views.
Race logistics
Official shuttle from downtown Miami. Allow 90 minutes to be safe. See the Miami GP getting there guide for shuttle stops, bag rules, and the exit situation.
Key Biscayne is a 15-minute drive south of downtown — Crandon Park Beach is cleaner and less crowded than South Beach, and the drive along the Rickenbacker Causeway is one of the best views in Miami. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the tip of the island has a lighthouse and a beach with calm water.
Calle Ocho in Little Havana is worth a few hours — the Domino Park on SW 8th Street is where the Cuban exile community has played dominoes since the 1970s. Versailles restaurant nearby has been serving Cuban food since 1971. Brickell is Miami's financial district and has the city's best rooftop bars for a departure evening drink.
Activities for day three
Miami Parasailing Experience in South Beach
Tandem or solo parasailing over Biscayne Bay from South Beach. Views of the Miami skyline, the Art Deco district, and the coast from 300 feet up.
Miami Beach Horse Ride & Nature Trail
Guided horse ride along Miami Beach's coastal nature trails. Suitable for all experience levels and a different way to see the waterfront.