Miami, I can always get down with you! This Miami Marlins and Fontainebleau post is late. I know. When I returned from Miami I got swamped with some day job things that kind of took over. BUT here I am, so let’s get to gameday in Miami shall we?
Okay so first things first, this was more of a relaxation trip with baseball thrown in there, so I am going to give you a little bit of everything about our stay in Miami. As you know, my friend Alayna of Dresses and Salted Pretzels joined me in Miami for the weekend and we kicked if off immediately with a trip to LoanDepot Park. First off, you need to know that we stayed in South Beach at Fontainebleau, so yes, we did Uber to the ballpark This made ballpark 9 for me – contrary to what I posted on Instagram. I was excited to see what the Marlins were working with. Here’s everything you need to know.
Flights
Your flight is my one pro tip of the whole trip. Fly into Ft. Lauderdale. You will save A TON of money on your flights and the drive is about 40 minutes to South Beach from FLL. You will save money in the long run and that’s most important. South Beach ain’t cheap.
Miami Marlins LoanDepot Park
Home to the Miami Marlins. That’s literally how I would describe this ballpark. Other than the mini bobble head museum (which I did not get to see), This is literally a building where the Marlins play, and there are snacks. If you seeing all of the major league ballparks is on your list, then save this one for when you’re team is at least playing. I will say, that our game (Braves vs. Marlins) was pretty entertaining, but it was like being at a Braves game in Miami.
Alright, if you are staying in the South Beach area LoanDepot is a pretty easy ballpark to Uber to, and the rideshare stand when leaving is very efficient. The rideshare stand is probably the most efficient rideshare stand I’ve ever been to at any ballpark, stadium or arena. Basically you put in for the car and as your ride approaches they tell you what stall to go to and you wait for it to arrive that way. This way no one steals your ride and what not. This is the first time I’ve ever experience this, so if there are others like this, please let me know!
If you are looking for baseball culture, then I don’t think that Miami is the spot for that in Florida. Maybe Tampa Bay is better. Also please keep in mind that this is my opinion, and I could’ve been at the game on an off day. However, this was a Friday night in early June. There wasn’t any basketball or football to compete with either.
Fontainebleau
Want the best spot to vacation in South Beach, then Fontainebleau is one of those spots. Whenever I think South Beach, I think of Diddy. I don’t know why, but I do. Fontainebleau is perfect if you want to see and be seen. However, I must tell you, Fontainebleau is not budget friendly at all. On a scale of $ -$$$$, it is definitely $$$$. Let me put things into perspective a little bit. For our beach day, we got an umbrella ($25 rental fee) and four cocktails ($110 pre tip). We had an appetizer and a cocktail each at Le Cote, post beach ($85). Let me add, that if you stay at the resort, service charges are automatically applied to each bill. If you can look past the expenses and want a nice, upscale resort with a great pool scene, Fontainebleau is definitely for you. Go to the spa for a spa day and make use of the facilities. I know resort spas are not wallet friendly but call to the spa ahead of your trip and see what promotions are available for hotel guests.
If you want to party, you don’t have to leave the hotel. LIV is the best night club in Miami. Before you hit the club, have dinner at Hakkasan. The dumplings sampler platter is amazing. If I must make a recommendation, get a bunch of appetizers for the table and share a bottle of wine.
Overall, be ready to spend money on everything at Fontainebleau. Yes you can stock your room with whatever liquor you want to save on drinks. But beware. Security checks bags to get onto the beach and the pool area for all of your stashed beverages. So you will have to buy drinks and such at the pool and beach.
Next time I’m in Miami, I hope its for basketball. But I could also do some Heat action as well. Have you been to Miami lately for a game? Where did you stay? Who did you see? Let me know in the comments!
PS: I’ll be laying low for a bit until late summer and fall the sports travel will pick back up. Check out some of my other Brat Travel posts like Kansas City, and Boston.