There are many things to love about Miami: the perpetually warm weather, Caribbean-like beaches, and the abundance of occidental cuisine are just a few. In recent years, the Grand Prix has offered another reason; the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix has cemented itself as a premier sporting event for adrenaline enthusiasts.
Earlier this month, M and I headed south for time in the sand and our first Grand Prix experience. Though I considered myself an adventurer, I never imagined taking an interest in sports car racing. I can now say, I’m a Formula 1 appreciator.
Last year, M planted the Miami Grand Prix seeds as a hopeful wish he put into the universe and my ears. We already had an entry point as casual and cultural fans of Sir Lewis Hamilton, one of the few Black (if not only) race car drivers competing globally. Armed with an “I’m rooting for everybody Black” mantra and a desire to see my husband grin like a Cheshire cat, I set about planning this getaway as an early birthday gift.
We chose the Miami Grand Prix because it is close to where we live, allowing for a short flight, the beach accessibility, and the timing falls within M’s birthday month.
Time of year we traveled: The Miami Grand Prix started in 2022 and has become one of the city's most anticipated, star-studded events in three short years. May is M’s birthday month, so the event's timing worked perfectly for kicking off his celebrations. For those less versed in Miami’s weather during this time, it’s hot and has scattered showers, akin to the Caribbean islands not far from the coasts of Florida.
Where we stayed: After navigating a hotel mixup while mid-air en route to Miami, we ended up at the Mandarin Oriental in Brickell Key. Admittedly, I’m never impressed with the quality of hotels in Miami, even luxury brands. There’s something about the popularity of Miami that creates a lack of intentionality in hospitality across the lodging industry. Needless to say, our stay at the Mandarin Oriental left us wanting. The team was kind, but the hotel’s design and amenities were lacking. If you’re considering doing the Miami Grand Prix, you’ll want to reserve your hotel as early as possible. Prices skyrocket closer to the race weekend.
Where we ate: Miami has no shortage of dining options. Knowing where to dine in the city is key to having the culinary experience you desire. In our big ages, M and I are less keen to spend time on the SoBe strip. As such, our dining options extended to the broader Miami area. Here’s where we dined and a few honorable mentions to add to your list:
Things We Did: The primary purpose of our trip was to attend the Miami Grand Prix. But of course, when in Miami, a beach day is practically mandatory. Since our hotel was located in the heart of the city, we decided to indulge in a day trip to Bal Harbour, where we booked a day pass at the Ritz-Carlton. This gave us access to both their serene pool area and a stretch of pristine private beach — the perfect balance of luxury and leisure. It was the ideal way to unwind before the adrenaline rush of race day.
As for the Grand Prix itself, we opted for Turn 1 tickets during Saturday’s qualifying rounds — a strategic choice based on our research. Turn 1 is known to be one of the best vantage points for overtaking action, and it certainly lived up to the hype. The energy was electric, the crowd was buzzing, and the sound of the engines roaring into the first corner was unforgettable.
The Grand Prix campus felt more like a festival than just a sporting event. There were a variety of interactive activations spread across the grounds — from F1 driving simulators to gourmet food tastings and brand experiences that added to the excitement. As first-time attendees, we chose to purchase single-day tickets to get a feel for the event. That said, after experiencing the atmosphere firsthand, we’re already planning on doing a full weekend package next time to really soak it all in.
In case you’re wondering, there was plenty of merch. Every team, sponsor, and every corner had high-quality items on display. From limited-edition team apparel to luxury racing collectibles, the swag was abundant though not for the faint of wallet. We, of course, grabbed items to show support for Sir Lewis Hamilton’s prior tenure at Mercedes and his new stint with Ferrari.
All in all, the trip was an unforgettable blend of relaxation and thrill. Is the Miami Grand Prix on your travel list? What other details would be helpful for your trip planning?
Until next time,
