Why Miami And Why Formula 1
Miami, Florida, is known for its sun-kissed beaches, as a popular departure port for many Caribbean cruises, and, of course, for Formula 1® racing. My wife, Glenda, and I have been fans of Formula 1 for several years now, thanks to the Netflix docuseries “Formula 1: Drive to Survive”.
Since 2024, three U.S. cities have hosted annual F1 events: Miami, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Miami was a natural first choice for us to visit and watch a race because of its close proximity to our home in metro Atlanta. We frequently visit Florida to see three of our children who live and work in Orlando, about three hours north of Miami.
Beyond the comfortable accommodations, the resort offered a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere. We saw families grilling, playing cornhole, swimming in the pool and enjoying the game room, creating a communal and welcoming environment. Our room had a lovely balcony where we spent evenings stargazing and simply unwinding together.
The location in South Lake Tahoe is also unbeatable. It is right near the lake, close to excellent restaurants and within walking distance to shops, grocery stores and casinos. We caught a concert nearby and explored the area by scooter. The concierge's recommendation of a trail app led us to some beautiful hikes and renting a boat allowed us to fully appreciate Lake Tahoe's impressive views from the water.
Formula 1 Is The Pinnacle Of Motorsports
An F1 car costs millions of dollars and clocks the fastest lap time on most tracks.F1events last three days and consist of various events and activities, including practice and qualifying sessions, during which teams set optimal car configurations and grid positions based on lap times.
Lower-tier races like F1 Academy, F2 and a shorter Sprint race take place on the days leading up to the final event. The final day features the Drivers’ Parade, followed by the Grand Prix Race. The F1 Miami Grand Prix is held Friday through Sunday afternoon. Ticket prices are based on the day and area of admission, with race-day seats in paddock clubs and clubhouses being the most expensive.
Where To Stay In Miami
The F1 Miami Grand Prix takes place around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. There are a variety of Hilton Grand Vacations accommodation options in Miami. We stayed at McAlpin Ocean Plaza, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in 2024 and 2025 and found it to be ideal for our needs. Located in a quiet area away from the busy Miami city center, the proximity allowed us to drive to the nearby free shuttle service during the weekend of the event, take the shuttle, then walk to the entrance.
Another great option for a place to stay in Miami is Crescent on South Beach, a Hilton Vacation Club. This historic boutique resort is located in the heart of the South Beach Historic District and is close to the white sand beaches and stunning blue waters of Miami Beach.
It’s worth noting that F1 is one of the annual marquee events in Miami, so I recommend booking both your F1 tickets and accommodations at least a few weeks, and ideally a few months, in advance.
How To Travel To Miami For The Formula 1 Weekend
If you’re planning to drive to Miami, taking the Florida Turnpike southbound is quick and easy. Expect some traffic congestion once you reach West Palm Beach, continuing all the way through Fort Lauderdale, Miami and South Beach.
If you plan to fly in for F1, both Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are great options.
It’s also possible to attend just a single day, like Saturday or Sunday. In such a case, a three-hour train ride can take you from Orlando to the Fort Lauderdale train station, which offers a free shuttle to the race. Given Orlando’s abundance of Hilton Grand Vacations resorts, includingSeaWorld Orlando®, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Parc Soleil, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club andMystic Dunes, a Hilton Vacation Club, this may be a great option for a quick trip to experience F1 yet also enjoy all there is to do in Orlando.
Attending The F1 Miami Grand Prix
There are multiple ways to attend the F1 Miami Grand Prix based on your budget, lodging preferences and mobility. For our first year attending F1 in Miami, we went for the full three-day package at the Marina Grandstand. This section offers excellent views of cars navigating a curved portion of the track, with overtaking opportunities at both the entrance and exit of the turns. It’s also conveniently located near a food court and hydration stations.
A one-day Saturday ticket is a more affordable option and a good choice for a first-time Formula 1 experience. It also allows for other weekend activities around the Miami area. A one-day ticket for Saturday features events like Sprint Race, as well as Qualifying and Academy Races and costs less than half of race-day tickets.
When attending F1 Miami events, I highly recommend avoiding driving directly to Hard Rock Stadium, as traffic congestion can add more than an hour to the final few miles.
A better option is to park at one of the designated areas and take the free shuttle. The event typically offers three shuttle pickup points around metro Miami, including the Fort Lauderdale Brightline train station, which also connects Orlando and Tampa via high-speed rail.
Download the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix official app on your smartphone to get up-to-date information on schedule, parking locations, a map of the venue and traffic alerts.
Keep in mind that selfie sticks and other larger items are typically prohibited at F1 events. There are lockers provided outside the entrance that can keep your oversized items. In early May, Miami can get hot with occasional showers, so dress accordingly.
Conclusion Of F1 Events
F1 isn’t just an event but an experience. From the lead-up races and activities to the main event, there is so much to do and witness that’ll get your heart pumping and adrenaline running.
My family has had the privilege of attending several F1 events over the years and always walks away with new memories to cherish.
One of our most recent memories is watching British F1 driver Lando Norris of McLaren Racing win the 2024 F1 Miami Grand Prix, marking his first-ever F1 race victory!
You’ll be sure to make memories just as exciting and fun as ours when you plan and experience your very own F1 Miami getaway.
Key Takeaways
Choose Your F1 Experience: You can opt for a one-, two- or three-day pass depending on the experience you want and what your budget for your getaway is.
Choosing Where to Stay: Stay near F1 in Miami and enjoy all the local shopping and dining or opt for a stay as far away as Orlando to enjoy the theme park thrills and attractions as well.
Booking Your Stay: It’s recommended to book your accommodations at popular Hilton Grand Vacations locations like McAlpine Ocean Plaza, at least a few months in advance of your F1 event.
Traveling to F1: If flying, choose either Miami or Fort Lauderdale airport, and if driving, park at a designated location and take advantage of the shuttle service to avoid traffic congestion.
Download the App: Use the official F1 app on your phone to get updates and information on the event.
FAQs
Q: What is the best day to attend the F1 Miami Grand Prix for first-time fans?
A: Saturday is often the best value for first-time attendees, offering sprint races, qualifying sessions and a full Formula 1 atmosphere at a lower cost than race day.
Q: How far is Miami Beach from the F1 Miami Grand Prix track?
A: Miami Beach is approximately 15–18 miles from Hard Rock Stadium, depending on traffic and route.
Q: Do I need a car to attend the F1 Miami Grand Prix?
A: A car is not required. Many attendees use designated parking areas with free shuttle service or rail connections to avoid congestion.
