Fashion & Lifestyle contributor Esme Buxton has some tips and tricks for making the most of a visit to Miami.
Ever since Miami joined the calendar in 2022, F1 fans have had the opportunity to enjoy a city that moves at a pace entirely its own – brimming with good food, energetic music and a captivating culture. The race weekend provides plenty of excitement through enthralling racing, celebrity spotting and fan zone activations, but the Magic City can really elevate your trip to another level.
Towards the end of 2025, I was lucky enough to visit Miami for a shoot with Cadillac’s Chief Brand Advisor, Cassidy Towriss. For her, the 305 is special – the Miami Grand Prix is one of Cadillac's home races, so it was a real treat to see the city through the team’s eyes.
I enjoyed so much from my brief time in Florida – from Miami’s sprawling nature and wonderful diversity to its vibrant neighbourhoods and iconic oceanfront promenade. It quickly became clear how much the city and surrounding areas had to offer beyond the well-known tourist spots – you will not want to miss out by not venturing further afield.
This year, I'll be returning for the 2026 race, armed with all the tips and tricks from my last visit – so, if you're coming for the racing, the beaches, or the unique atmosphere, here are a few ideas to make the most of your time in the Sunshine State!
Aside from the Grand Prix, Miami offers a plethora of riches when it comes to things to see and do.
During my trip, I was lucky enough to catch a powerboat race on the seafront. It’s a day that I'll genuinely never forget – oysters on ice, rosé wine seemingly on tap, and Miami's own Will Smith in attendance. A true, only-in-Miami experience. If a motorsport or live event is happening during your visit, go – the energy there is electric.
Miami is known for its iconic beaches, and most visitors default to the beautiful Miami Beach – but if you want somewhere with a little more breathing room away from the crowds, consider heading to Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. The beach and gardens are lined with palm trees, and it’s a beautiful spot with space to wander that’s quieter than the main strip, plus the views back towards the city are lovely.
For a livelier activity, the Wynwood Walls are completely unmissable. It's an open-air gallery and museum in the heart of the Wynwood Arts District and showcases large-scale murals featuring artists from all over the world.
Go in the morning before it hits peak time, wander the surrounding streets, and take your time appreciating the unique artwork. It’s a great way to see Miami’s colourful aesthetic away from the track.
When I return for the Grand Prix, one of my first stops will be the ICA Miami. If there's one thing I love as much as Formula 1, it's art and fashion – and Miami sits at an interesting intersection of the three. The city has a bold, expressive relationship with style that engulfs the surrounding area. From the Art Deco buildings on Ocean Drive to the way people dress up for an evening out in Brickell, there is no denying the Magic City’s unique arts culture.
If you want a day trip that takes you entirely outside of the city, the Everglades are an hour to the west and are unlike anywhere else on earth. There are exciting airboat tours across the swampy wetlands to spot some alligators in their natural habitat and fascinating birds like the roseate spoonbill – it's an adventure you will only have in the Sunshine State of Florida.
Miami is home to one of the United States' most thriving food economies – from Cuban-inspired classics to Latin fusion, the city takes you on a culinary journey like no other. It’s hard to pick a bad spot for food across Miami, but here are a few sites that really stood out to me.
If you want authentic Miami, why not try Little Havana? The area, especially Southwest 8th Street (known locally as Calle Ocho), is a hive of activity with huge family-run restaurants that are full of friendly staff.
The fried plantain and rice blew me away – simple but perfectly executed and deeply satisfying. Calle Ocho also hosts a range of bakeries and cafes – locals will happily be sitting outside enjoying freshly baked pastries and coffees deep into a warm evening, so don’t miss the buzz of the area.
If you are a taco lover, the 305 offers plenty of reasonably priced options, and as a vegetarian, I was pleasantly surprised by the breadth of plant-based dishes, including corn esquites that I haven't stopped thinking about since!
If you're looking for something more refined, there are 14 Michelin-starred restaurants on offer in Miami. Many of them are quintessential mid-century glamour – warm wood panelling and gorgeous proportions, with menus providing elevated dishes inspired by the rich culture of the local area. It's ideal for a special occasion, particularly if you want to treat yourself to the best that the city has to offer.
The Sunshine State also excels at seafood. Keep an eye out for stone crab, grilled snapper, and oysters on ice – best eaten dockside with a view of the skyline. And if you see Key lime pie on any menu, order it – it’s tangy, creamy, and perfectly Floridian.
If you're after a luxury seaside experience – a common wish for Miami visitors – then South Beach is your spot. There are well-known upmarket chains and cult classics, but boutique hotels here are wonderful alternatives – these have a beautifully intimate feel compared to the bigger properties.
However, I ended up away from the barrier island of Miami Beach, opting for something slightly more off the beaten path. The neighbourhood of Overtown was an ideal place to stay, as it was close to downtown Miami, it felt authentic, and it wasn’t far from the airport.
My team and I were in a fantastic apartment building with plenty of amenities for time between shoots – as a Briton, I cannot overstate the joy of sitting by an outdoor pool in the warm sunshine while it remains a dreary November day back at home in the UK.
Overtown is a little far from the Miami International Autodrome, so I'll be based in the Upper East Side near the Design District and Brickell, the main hubs for F1 activations, during race week. The neighbourhood is famously the home of Miami Modern (MiMo) architecture, while it features plenty of cute indie cafes and artsy stores.
The location also puts you nicely between the circuit and the city's best neighbourhoods, making it the perfect spot for any racegoers.
Miami is a big city, which can sometimes feel overwhelming to navigate, particularly during race week. Here are a few things that will make your life easier.
Fonte original: Formula 1