How to Explore Downtown Miami Ahead of Super Bowl LIV

Miami is set to host its record 11th Super Bowl when the San Francisco 49ers clash with the Kansas City Chiefs inside Hard Rock Stadium on February 2. Looking back on the city's historic run of hosting the Big Game, it's clear that Miami's booming downtown area has come an awfully long way since the second AFL-NFL World Championship Game in 1968 and has also made remarkable strides since it last appeared on the NFL's grandest stage during Super Bowl XLIV a decade ago.

Downtown Miami's population has grown by 40 percent in less than 10 years while the number of tourists visiting downtown grew from 3.1 million in 2010 to more than 5.4 million in 2017. With the spotlight back on The Magic City, let's look at all of the new experiences that await visitors to Downtown Miami before, during and after Super Bowl LIV.

Whether traveling domestic or international, Miami is one of the world's most accessible cities so getting here is a breeze. Even better, airlines are increasing flights and offering great deals ahead of the Big Game. Miami International Airport, located just 15 minutes west of downtown, is a hub for American Airlines and one of the nation's top airports operating more than 1,000 daily flights. If MIA isn't an option or you're seeking a more cost-friendly airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport-a hub for Spirit Airlines and JetBlue-is a little more than a 30-minute drive from Downtown Miami and Palm Beach International Airport is located just over an hour north of the city.

There are plenty of stellar hotels from established brands to choose from in Downtown Miami-which is currently home to more four- and five-star hotels than any submarket in Florida per capita-but The Gabriel Miami, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, should be your first choice to ensure an awesome stay in the heart of the action. Guests will enjoy beautiful ocean and city views from their rooms as well as the 14th-floor pool deck at this property located conveniently along Biscayne Boulevard.

Not only will you be walking distance from some of Miami's top attractions, including the Perez Art Museum and the Frost Museum of Science located directly across the street (more on those later), but you'll have access to a vast number of amenities and services, including a fitness center, spa, two outdoor pools, room service and daily breakfast. The Gabriel Miami is also pet-friendly.

The Metromover makes it both easy and cheap to navigate Downtown Miami year-round. The 4.4-mile, electric-powered people mover is completely free to use and operates seven days a week. What's more, the downtown area is also flush with Uber and Lyft drivers ready to get you from Point A to Point B. Motorized scooters are yet another transportation option for visitors exploring downtown. It also doesn't hurt that Miami is among the nation's most walkable cities, earning a respectable 79 from Walk Score.

Scenic Maurice A. Ferre Park, also known as Museum Park, features gorgeous waterfront views complemented by calming bay breezes and plenty of shade in addition to pedestrian access to the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. The former showcases eye-popping and imaginative international art from the 20th and 21st centuries and even offers visitors shopping and dining at the on-site gift shop and Verde waterfront restaurant and bar.

The 250,000-square-foot Frost Museum of Science is not to be missed either as it features a state-of-the-art planetarium as well as the 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream Aquarium, which visitors can experience at three different levels. Better yet, guests will enjoy stellar bay and skyline views while they learn all about South Florida's biodiversity. Families can also access the interactive Miami Children's Museum across the bridge on Watson Island.

Miami's Brickell City Centre is a one-of-a-kind destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. This city within a city spans nearly 5 million square feet, 500,000 square feet of which is dedicated luxury and premium retail space. Visitors can also see movies like a VIP at CMX, which features 10 screens and a pair of bars equipped with massive television screens. Foodies will absolutely love the restaurant selection here, which includes the mouthwatering Pubbelly Sushi, among other delights. Another highlight of Brickell City Centre is the $30 million Climate Ribbon, an elevated trellis blending art and science that cools, shelters and shades the development.

Most notably serving as the home of the three-time NBA champion Miami Heat, AmericanAirlines Arena will be the place to be leading up to Super Bowl LIV, hosting Heat games and highly anticipated Super Bowl Music Fest concerts featuring big names like Maroon 5, DJ Khaled and Guns N' Roses, among others. For a truly VIP experience, be sure to purchase a suite-level ticket for access to the one-of-a-kind Bacardi Ocho Lounge. Nearby, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts boasts a loaded schedule featuring Broadway shows, opera, dance showcases and much more.

There's no better spot to grab a cocktail than Sugar, the 40th-floor rooftop bar and garden located atop the EAST, Miami Hotel. Named the best rooftop bar in America by Conde Nast Traveler two years in a row, this inviting venue features a relaxing tropical theme, delicious craft cocktails and unbeatable views of the Miami skyline and its surrounding waterways. Area 31, located on the 16th floor of Miami's Kimpton EPIC Hotel, and Rooftop at E11even also boast tremendous views of downtown.

Brightline, soon to be named Virgin Trains USA, features stations in not only Miami but Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, making it both easy and fun to traverse South Florida by train. Whether traveling solo or as a group, you'll enjoy plenty of legroom and awesome amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and USB outlets. The ADA-accessible trains also offer bathrooms and food and drink service. Brightline is even offering special savings, perks and other deals ahead of Super Bowl LIV, including free shuttle service to the Big Game.

Downtown Miami's 32-acre Bayfront Park isn't just a great place to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the waterfront or to take the kids to play. This sprawling urban park also plays host to a variety of exciting events, including yoga classes, concerts and even flying trapeze school. A visit to Bayfront Park is guaranteed to be even more special during Super Bowl LIVE leading up to the Big Game.

Super Bowl LIVE will take over Miami's Bayfront Park from January 25 to February 1. The free-to-the-public week-long fan festival will feature loads of activities and events showcasing Miami's vibrant arts and culture, including evening concerts, a Road to the 11th Super Bowl activation featuring a regulation size football field detailing the history of the past 10 Super Bowls hosted in Miami and Tailgate Town featuring a special stage for live cooking exhibits and demonstrations from celebrity chefs as well as water shows, evening parades, fireworks and a whole lot more. Visitors will also benefit from the festival's ideal locale just across the street from excellent bars, restaurants and nightlife options.