Heading to one of tennis’s best tourneys? Or just happen to find yourself in sun-soaked South Florida from March 17 to March 31? Lucky you, because the Miami Open presented by Itaú is back and better than ever. But with 15 full days of world-class tennis, entertainment, food, drinks and—brand-new this year—pro pickleball, it can be difficult to narrow down the best of the best. Here, eight must-dos from our editor-curated itinerary.
8 of the Best Things to Do at the Miami Open 2024, from Palomas to Pickleball
1. Sip an Ace Paloma
Game, set, sip! The Miami Open’s signature drink, the Ace Paloma, returns to the Hard Rock Stadium with sponsor Maestro Dobel Tequila. A thirst-quenching combination of tequila, grapefruit juice, lime and grapefruit soda makes it easy to soak in the South Florida sun while staying refreshed. Or try the other signature tourney custom cocktails: the Slice Ranch Water and the Spin Margarita.
2. Make History with Pickleball & Wheelchair Tennis
Know any picklers? Pickleball and wheelchair tennis tournaments will be on offer this year for the first time for any master’s tournament ever. The Major League Pickleball Showcase starring 16 of the world’s best players will debut from March 27 to 29, while the Miami Open Wheelchair Invitational will happen March 26 to 28. Both inaugural events will be open to all ticketholders.
3. Catch Reigning Champs Back in Action
World No. 1s Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek will headline this year’s Miami Open, and they’re just the start of a long list of tennis stars you can catch in the Sunshine State this March. Returning champion and world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will see if he can take home the Miami Open men’s title yet again. And Florida-native Coco Gauff, now world No. 3, will be on hand post-U.S. Open win. Trust: There won’t be a shortage of shock and awe under the bright lights.
4. Beat the Heat with Bubbly and Gin
Two new bars are on offer at the event this year. Save time to quench your thirst at the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Garden and the No. 3 Courtside Club, both located in the scenic Sunset Terrance for equal parts people watching and bubbly imbibing.
5. Fuel Up with Local Fare
Among dozens of dining options is one of South Beach’s most talked-about taquerias: Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, which attendees can sample between sets. The South Florida favorite for tacos and tequila is returning to the Lawn of Hard Rock Stadium with margs, frosé and al pastor tacos, plus other menu staples. Also returning to the Miami Open this year is the city’s beloved Kiki on the River, serving up modern Greek fare, drinks and Mediterranean-meets-Miami vibes, as well as Cheeseburger Baby (known to Miami locals as “the Queen of South Beach”).
6. Soar to New Heights
Or perhaps elevation is more your style. Take in a bird’s eye view of the tennis courts aboard the glass-bottomed Piper-Heidsieck SkyView Gondola for a 1600-foot round trip ride overlooking the campus and courts.
7. Load Up on Gear
If the tennis stars whet your appetite for elegant sporting apparel, head over to the official fashion sponsor of the Miami Open. The on-site Lacoste store features three stories of French athletic fashion including the co-branded Lacoste x The Miami Open collection. Find colorful and classic pieces for turning heads both on and off the court.
8. Let a Celebrity Chef Deliver the Goods
New to the tennis campus this year is celebrity chef David Chang’s famed Fuku Chicken, and two concepts from downtown seven-story food hall Julia & Henry’s, called Papa and Cicchetti. At the Miami Open, you won’t have to look far for five-star fare.