FIFA World Cup 2026: The Beach Cities Near Miami Perfect for Soccer Fans

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Advisor - Jayden Chang
Curated By

Jayden Chang

  • Beaches

  • Miami

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Coastal

Advisor - FIFA World Cup 2026: The Beach Cities Near Miami Perfect for Soccer Fans
Curator’s statement

As someone who’s spent countless summers chasing sunsets along Florida’s coast, I wanted to share the beach towns that truly capture that South Florida magic. Ones just far enough from the Miami crowds, yet close enough to the World Cup energy. From hidden surf spots to seaside cafés where locals gather after a long match, these are the beach escapes that make game week unforgettable.

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Where to stay in Miami, Florida

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Things to do in Miami, Florida

Miami Beach, Florida

Pompano Beach

  • Stroll the Pompano Beach Pier and Promenade: There’s something so peaceful about walking this pier in the late afternoon, with fishermen casting lines and the ocean stretching endlessly ahead. It’s the kind of place where time slows down just enough for you to breathe it all in.

  • Snorkel at Shipwreck Park: This underwater park is home to sunken ships and vibrant coral reefs. It’s one of those adventures that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world, full of quiet beauty beneath the waves.

Miami Beach

  • Explore the Art Deco Historic District: Every pastel building tells a story here. Wander down Ocean Drive early in the morning when the light hits just right, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a film set from another era.

  • Relax at South Pointe Park: This spot is perfect for watching cruise ships drift out to sea as the sun sets over the skyline. It’s calm yet full of life, with locals walking dogs and couples sharing takeout on the grass.

Fort Lauderdale

  • Take a water taxi through canals: It’s easy to see why they call this the “Venice of America.” Drifting past luxury homes and palm-lined waterways gives you a different view of the city, with it being seen as unhurried, scenic, and quietly glamorous.

  • Spend an afternoon on Las Olas Boulevard: Boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and everything else here has a local charm. Grab an iced coffee and people watch, or stop into a small gallery that catches your eye; it’s the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s creative side.

Dania Beach:

  • Visit the Dania Beach Pier: Less crowded than its neighbors, this pier feels like a secret among locals. Bring a coffee, lean over the railing, and just listen to the waves roll in. The simple kind of moment that sticks with you.

  • Browse vintage finds at Dania Pointe: Part shopping, part people-watching, this outdoor area blends modern shops with that relaxed coastal vibe. It’s the kind of place you wander without rushing, maybe grabbing an ice cream along the way.

Sunny Isles Beach

  • Walk through its beachfront paths at sunrise: Few things compare to watching the sun rise over Sunny Isles’ golden sand. It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels like the city hasn’t quite woken up yet. It’s just you, the sea breeze, and the sound of waves.

  • Unwind at Oleta River State Park: Just a few minutes away, this hidden pocket of nature offers kayaking, biking, and peaceful trails. It’s the perfect escape if you want a little adventure between beach days and evening matches.

Places to eat & drink in Miami, Florida

Root beer float

Pompano Beach

  • Sea Watch on the Ocean: A classic oceanfront restaurant perched on the dunes feels timeless, with panoramic views and a sea breeze through every meal. Pair this with key lime pie as dessert, and that’s enough for pure coastal comfort.

  • Beach House Pompano

  • This sleek rooftop setting overlooking the pier has an upbeat vibe but is still relaxing enough for a sunset dinner. Here you can get a sushi of your choice and a mojito supreme, which is light, fresh, and perfect for beachside people-watching.

Miami Beach

  • Joe’s Stone Crab: Miami’s most iconic seafood spot includes white tablecloths, world-class service, and a slice of Old Florida history. The stone crab claws with Joe’s mustard sauce are a must-try, followed by the key lime pie and a classic martini.

  • The Lincoln Eatery: This is a fun, lively food hall where local chefs bring their signature dishes under one roof, a perfect moment to have between games or beach walks. You can grab yourself a truffle burger from Little Libertysome pasta from Pesto Italian Cuisine, paired with a treat at Stephanie’s Crépes, and mingle with locals.

Fort Lauderdale

  • Evelyn’s at the Four Seasons: This spot is best described as sophisticated but soulful, with bright Mediterranean flavors and ocean views that feel like a retreat. Here, the waygu beef is a great choice, and can also try their truffle hummus.

  • Coconuts: Coconuts is laid-back and is full of local flavor, which perfectly describes Fort Lauderdale’s staple for seafood lovers. Try out the scoobies (garlic blue crab) with an ice-cold draft beer or rum punch. The crab can be a bit messy, but it’s flavorful and worth it.

Dania Beach

  • Quarterdeck Restaurant: This place features beachfront dining that feels like a hidden gem, along with being family-run, casual, and having surprisingly fresh seafood. I would recommend the mahi fish tacos with a frozen margarita, a refreshing choice after time in the sun.

  • Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant: Jaxson's has retro Americana fun all over, with legendary homemade ice cream existing here since the 1950s.

  • The Kitchen Sink Sundae (yes, served in an actual sink) is a great choice with an old-fashioned root beer float for nostalgic vibes.

Sunny Isles Beach

  • Timo Restaurant & Bar: This is an intimate, chef-driven Italian-Mediterranean spot with sleek interiors, perfect for a relaxed but elegant night. The truffle ricotta gnocchi with a glass of Prosecco or Negroni is a good combination to try when visiting.

  • Baires Grill Argentine Steakhouse: There’s a warmth here that feels instantly welcoming, the kind of place where you linger long after the plates are cleared. The steaks are perfectly charred, the chimichurri is bright and addictive, and the service makes you feel like family. The entraña (skirt steak) with a glass of Malbec is something you should take your time with, as this meal is meant to be savored.

Need to know

Miami will transform into a global celebration hub during the World Cup. The FIFA Fan Festival at Bayfront Park will host thousands of fans daily for live match broadcasts, concerts, beach-inspired pop-ups, and Latin-infused culinary experiences. Beyond the festival, expect beach parties, rooftop watch events, and cultural celebrations across Wynwood, Little Havana, and South Beach that will be blending the city’s electric nightlife with its passion for fútbol.

Advisor - Jayden Chang

Travel Advisor

Jayden Chang

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