From Pitch to Paradise: The Ultimate Guide to Your Miami World Cup Getaway
The World Cup third-place match brings fans to Miami Gardens on July 18, but your Florida trip doesn't have to end after the final whistle.
The third-place match of the men's World Cup is hardly a consolation prize. In fact, it's usually among the most exciting matches of the tournament, as teams play with nothing to lose, leading to higher-scoring matches.
This makes the match in Miami a must-attend experience for any soccer fan, not only because of the excitement of the World Cup, but also the diverse array of things to do and see in Miami.
The match kicks off at 5 p.m. EST in Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on Saturday, July 18. I'll show you some of the best Hilton hotels to consider for your trip, depending on what you want to get into, along with a few suggested attractions to make your stay memorable.
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Make Miami part of your World Cup vacation
Miami is one of my favorite cities. Each neighborhood has its own unique flavor and feel.
Little Havana is the perfect destination for Cuban culture, art and amazing food; Brickell is a downtown hotspot where locals hang out, and Wynwood is an artistic gem known for jaw-dropping street murals, art museums and some of the city's best breweries.
The one thing I recommend when visiting is to take your time while traveling, as traffic is a beehive, even on the weekends. The other thing to keep in mind is that Miami Stadium isn't in downtown Miami; it's north of the city, about a 20- to 25-minute drive.
Thankfully, Miami is offering free shuttles for the event with proof of ticket. Here are the shuttle pickup locations:
- Golden Glades Multimodal Transit Station: 15890 NW 7th Ave, Miami.
- Aventura Brightline Station: 19796 W Dixie Highway, Miami.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza Metrorail Station: 6205 NW 27th Ave, Miami. No on-site parking is available.
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood.
Knowing where to stay can help you plan a trip that includes the World Cup match and other attractions. Here are some suggestions based on different locales:
Close to the stadium recommendations
If you're looking for a quick trip where you get to the match quickly while enjoying time in your hotel, here are a few options to consider:
- Hilton Miami Aventura: The hotel is the perfect choice for convenience and relaxation. It features an upscale rooftop pool and quick access to Sunny Isles Beach via the afternoon shuttle.
- SERENA Hotel Aventura Miami, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: This charming boutique hotel offers a buffet breakfast, breathtaking views of the Miami skyline and is roughly 6 miles from the stadium.
Live the coastal life, Jimmy Buffet style
Meanwhile, if you're in town not only for soccer, but also want to relax and take in some rays on a beach, where you stay will matter a lot. There's Fort Lauderdale, the sleepy yet affluent suburb to the north of Miami, offering exceptional beach views, great restaurants and a quieter neighborhood vibe.
And it's the better overall beach experience compared to Miami. Here are the top stays on the coast:
- Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton - This stunning hotel offers amazing beachfront views, and you can walk to shops and restaurants. There is also a hotel shuttle to Fort Lauderdale Airport (for a fee).
- Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a Hilton Resort - If you're searching for the ultimate beach experience, look no further than this hotel. It features a wraparound deck, spa and condo-style rooms for the ultimate escape from the bustle.
Experience the local Miami vibes
If you want to experience the vibrant downtown core, here are a few places to consider:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell-Downtown: This hotel, nestled in downtown, has a rooftop pool, easy access to restaurants and shops and a daily hot breakfast.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Wynwood Design District: The hotel's design is a tribute to Wynwood's exceptional art culture. The hotel is among the highest-ranked in the area, with walkability to Wynwood Walls and downtown Miami.
Extend your trip with these ideas
One of the perks of Miami is being so close to unique attractions, such as:
- Take the train to Orlando: Known as the theme park capital of the world, this is a perfect family-friendly day trip, easily accessible via the Brightline high-speed rail service that connects Miami directly to Orlando.
- Head to Key Largo: A slower-paced, oceanic oasis about 60 miles from Miami. It's an ideal spot for snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours and kayaking for a relaxing post-match escape.
- Explore the Everglades: Taking an airboat through the Everglades is a surreal experience, allowing you to explore and learn about the wildlife and the area.
How to choose the right hotel for your World Cup trip
As you plan your stay, it's important to consider the full cost of the trip, including transportation, parking, resort fees and meals, rather than room rates alone. Also be mindful of your hotel's cancellation policies and transportation plans, as traffic the day of the match will be very busy around the stadium.
The third-place match can be more than a one-day event: With the right home base, it can become the starting point for a family vacation, beach getaway or Florida Keys escape.
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