The Perfect F1 Weekend in Miami at the Elser Hotel

Just the Facts: Formula 1 Miami Roundup

When: May 1-3

Where: Miami International Autodrome in Miami Gardens
Race Details: Practice/Sprint Qualifying May 1, Sprint/Qualifying May 2, Race Day May 3

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Getting to F1 from the Elser Hotel

Brightline and Shuttle

The Brightline MiamiCentral Station is a quick, 10-minute walk from the hotel. Take the train to Aventura Station (about 17-20 minutes), then use the complimentary shuttles at Aventura Station. Buying your Brightline ticket in advance is recommended, and details about the complimentary shuttles and how to make those connections from Aventura Station are available on the Brightline website.

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Rideshare

Taking Uber/Lyft to the F1 site is another option. You’ll need to set the drop-off/pick-up point to a specific rideshare lot in order to reach the site. They are all listed on the official F1 Miami site. (The site warns fans can expect surge pricing and extended wait times due to the crowd size.)

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What to Bring & Leave Behind

Maximizing your experience means being prepared and knowing the rules in advance so you (or your belongings) aren’t turned away at the gate. Sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and breathable layers are always a good idea when attending an event like this one. Organizers have outlined the following rules regarding the types of bags you can and can’t bring. We recommend reviewing the complete F1 policies before you set off from the hotel, but here are some highlights we thought would be most helpful:

Allowed

• Clear plastic bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ 
• Small bags or fanny packs that do not exceed 4.5″ x 6.5″ 
• Diaper bags are permitted and subject to search. 
• Empty plastic or silicone drinking container up to 32 oz.
• Empty Camelbak- type hydration pack with no pockets 
• Food in a clear plastic bag for guests with special medical or dietary needs 
• Factory-sealed plastic bottles of water, 20 oz. or less in size. (Clear, plastic, reusable water bottles are permitted).

Not Allowed

• All purses or bags that exceed 12” x 6” x 12” 
• Non-clear bags that exceed 4.5” x 6.5” 
• Alcoholic beverages or Illegal substances
• Coolers, ice chests, glass, and thermoses of any kind
• Aerosol cans (e.g., mace, pepper spray, sunscreen, etc.)
• Tents, canopies, large umbrellas, collapsible or non-collapsible chairs, flagpoles
• Video cameras, monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, and audio recording devices
• Seat cushions of any size except those for medical needs
• Smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices (Vaping)
• Weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, pepper spray, etc.
• Fireworks, flares, explosives, ammunition, or other incendiary devices
• Any animal, except for a service animal or a service animal in training
• Laser pointers, horns, two-way radios, bells, whistles, noise makers or megaphones
• Frisbees, footballs, beachballs or any other projectiles
• Strollers, wagons, bicycles, skateboards, hover boards or scooters
• Drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• Signs, banners, or flags

More of Miami to Explore

The engines may be loud, but when the track goes quiet, Miami doesn’t. From design-forward neighborhoods and gallery hopping to golden-hour strolls and Italian apertivos, Miami is wide open from your Elser home base Downtown. Here are a few off-track stops worth weaving into your F1 weekend. 

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A Visit Inspired by “F1” Star Brad Pitt 

Walk the line between Hollywood glamour and F1 grit with a Miami stay inspired by the effortless cool of Brad Pitt, fresh off the Oscar-nominated success of his racing epic, F1: The Movie.

At the Elser Hotel: Brad Pitt’s disciplined training for F1 would find its match in The Elser’s 10,200-square-foot, two-story fitness center and expansive 19,000-square-foot amenity deck. 

Art & Design: An architecture enthusiast who demands the best, Pitt would surely appreciate The Elser’s mid-century aesthetic and custom Italian woodwork. He’d likely spend his downtime in the nearby Design District, a global hub for the avant-garde galleries and collectible design he famously champions.

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A Miami Visit Inspired by Sir Lewis Hamilton

Indulge at  Zuma: Hamilton is a regular at Zuma (a 12-minute walk from The Elser), where he famously hosts driver dinners. 

‍Sip Almave at Casadonna: Visit Casadonna in Edgewater to try a cocktail made with Almave, Hamilton’s own non-alcoholic agave spirit, which he has personally promoted at the venue.

The Morning Ritual: Lewis reportedly often starts his day with yoga and meditation. The Elser’s outdoor yoga deck helps you get into the same mindset, with its sunrise views and the zen atmosphere. 

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More Miami Sites to See During Your F1 Trip

Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel - The wheel offers an incredible view of the city's race week transformation.‍

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) - The exhibition Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture features world-class contemporary art alongside iconic racing memorabilia, including original McLaren Racing steering wheels and 1970s Nike sneakers. 

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ViceVersa Aperitivo Bar: We may be biased, but we believe the Michelin-recommended Elser lobby bar is the ultimate pre-race "pit stop." Fuel up on thin, neo-Neapolitan pizzas and signature Affogato Martinis before hitting the track.

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Lights Out and Away We Go 

The F1 Miami Grand Prix moves fast, but that doesn’t mean your weekend needs to feel frantic. With The Elser as your Downtown home base, you can keep logistics clean, arrive prepared, and still make time for the kind of Miami moments that turn a race weekend into a full-on getaway. 

Ready to stand atop the podium? Explore our exclusive offers to find the perfect stay and let your itinerary run as smoothly as the straights at Miami International Autodrome.