Fort Lauderdale Multi-Sport Road Trips for 2026-2027

Fort Lauderdale Multi-Sport Road Trips for 2026-2027

Fort Lauderdale is one of the best destinations in North America for a multi-sport road trip. With the Miami Dolphins and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers both playing nearby, fans can enjoy NFL football and NHL hockey during the same getaway while staying in one of South Florida's most popular beach destinations. Whether you're planning an AFC East rivalry weekend, a Battle of Florida matchup, or simply escaping to the sunshine for a few days, Fort Lauderdale offers one of the most rewarding sports travel experiences in the United States.

The 2026-2027 schedules create six outstanding opportunities to combine Dolphins football with Panthers hockey. Highlights include AFC East rivalries, marquee NHL matchups, and an unforgettable Halloween weekend featuring two Panthers home games and a Dolphins home game over four days—one of the best multi-sport itineraries of the season. With Fort Lauderdale conveniently located between Hard Rock Stadium and Amerant Bank Arena, it's the perfect home base for experiencing both teams in a single trip.

Beyond the games, Fort Lauderdale offers everything you'd expect from a South Florida getaway. Relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach, explore Las Olas Boulevard's restaurants, shops, and nightlife, stroll the Riverwalk, or take a sightseeing cruise through the city's famous waterways. With warm weather, waterfront dining, and easy access to both venues, Fort Lauderdale combines world-class sports with a true vacation atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the multi-sport calendar.

Why Fort Lauderdale Is One of the Best Multi-Sport Road Trip Destinations

Fort Lauderdale offers one of the most unique multi-sport experiences in North America. Home to nearby Miami Dolphins football and Florida Panthers hockey, fans can easily enjoy NFL and NHL games during the same trip while staying in one of South Florida's most popular beach destinations. With Hard Rock Stadium and Amerant Bank Arena both within easy reach, Fort Lauderdale provides the perfect balance of convenience and vacation appeal.

The 2026-2027 season is especially exciting for South Florida sports fans. The Florida Panthers enter the season as the defending Stanley Cup champions, making Amerant Bank Arena one of the NHL's premier road-trip destinations. Combined with a Dolphins schedule featuring AFC East rivalries and marquee home matchups, Fort Lauderdale offers several outstanding opportunities to experience two of the region's top professional teams in a single weekend.

Beyond the games, Fort Lauderdale delivers everything you'd expect from a South Florida getaway. Spend time on Fort Lauderdale Beach, explore the restaurants, shopping, and nightlife along Las Olas Boulevard, or take a sightseeing cruise through the city's famous waterways. Visitors can also venture to the Everglades, Sawgrass Mills, or nearby Miami for even more attractions. With warm weather, waterfront dining, and endless things to do between games, Fort Lauderdale offers one of the most complete sports travel experiences in the country.

Best Fort Lauderdale Multi-Sport Weekends for 2026-2027

The 2026-2027 schedules create six outstanding opportunities to combine Miami Dolphins football with Florida Panthers hockey. From AFC East rivalries and Battle of Florida matchups to an unforgettable three-game Halloween weekend, Fort Lauderdale offers some of the most unique sports getaways of the season.

Each itinerary is designed as a two, three, or four-night vacation, giving you plenty of time to experience both games while enjoying everything South Florida has to offer. Whether you're relaxing on Fort Lauderdale Beach, exploring Las Olas Boulevard, or taking in the waterfront before game day, these featured weekends combine world-class sports with one of the country's premier vacation destinations.

October 10–11, 2026 | Panthers Home Opener Weekend

Minnesota Wild at Florida Panthers + Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins

Kick off the 2026-2027 season with one of South Florida's biggest sports weekends. On Saturday night, the Florida Panthers host the Minnesota Wild for their home opener at Amerant Bank Arena before the Miami Dolphins welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. It's the perfect way to experience championship-caliber hockey and NFL football in the same weekend.

Weekend Schedule

Saturday, October 10 (Panthers Home Opener)

• Minnesota Wild at Florida Panthers
• Amerant Bank Arena
• Evening Game

Sunday, October 11

• Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins
• Hard Rock Stadium
• Afternoon Game

Why This Weekend Is Worth the Trip

The Panthers' home opener is one of the most anticipated games of the NHL season. Fans will celebrate the start of another championship defense as the team raises its newest Stanley Cup banner, creating an unforgettable atmosphere at Amerant Bank Arena. It's one of the premier hockey experiences of the entire season and a bucket-list event for Panthers fans.

The excitement continues on Sunday as the Dolphins host the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Together, these two games create an outstanding opening weekend for sports fans while providing plenty of time to enjoy everything Fort Lauderdale has to offer, from relaxing on the beach and exploring Las Olas Boulevard to enjoying waterfront dining before or after game day.

Recommended Package

Our Fort Lauderdale Panthers Home Opener Weekend Package includes Panthers and Dolphins game tickets, a Fort Lauderdale hotel, and optional flights, making it easy to enjoy one of the best sports weekends of the 2026-2027 season.

Book your Florida Panthers Home Opener Weekend Package.

October 30 – November 2, 2026 | Three-Game Sports Weekend

Winnipeg Jets at Florida Panthers + New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins + Detroit Red Wings at Florida Panthers

Experience one of the most unique sports weekends of the 2026-2027 season with three professional games over four days. The weekend begins Friday night as the Florida Panthers host the Winnipeg Jets before the Miami Dolphins welcome the New England Patriots to Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. The trip concludes Monday evening with another Panthers home game as the Detroit Red Wings visit Amerant Bank Arena.

Weekend Schedule

Friday, October 30

• Winnipeg Jets at Florida Panthers
• Amerant Bank Arena
• Evening Game

Sunday, November 1

• New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
• Hard Rock Stadium
• Afternoon Game

Monday, November 2

• Detroit Red Wings at Florida Panthers
• Amerant Bank Arena
• Evening Game

Why This Weekend Is Worth the Trip

This is the premier sports weekend on Fort Lauderdale's 2026-2027 calendar. Very few destinations offer the opportunity to attend three professional sporting events in a single vacation, making this an unforgettable getaway for both football and hockey fans.

The weekend features one of the NFL's most recognizable rivalries as the Dolphins host the Patriots, while Panthers fans get the rare opportunity to watch two home games in the same trip. Between games, you'll have plenty of time to relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach, explore Las Olas Boulevard, enjoy waterfront dining, or experience everything South Florida has to offer before heading to the next event.

Recommended Package

Our Fort Lauderdale Three-Game Sports Weekend Package includes two Panthers games, Dolphins game tickets, a Fort Lauderdale hotel, and optional flights, creating one of the most unique sports travel experiences of the 2026-2027 season.

Book your Fort Lauderdale Three-Game Sports Weekend Package.

November 28–29, 2026 | Battle of Florida Weekend

Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers + New York Jets at Miami Dolphins

Spend Thanksgiving weekend in South Florida with one of the best football and hockey combinations of the season. On Saturday night, the Florida Panthers host the Tampa Bay Lightning in the latest edition of the Battle of Florida before the Miami Dolphins welcome the New York Jets to Hard Rock Stadium for an AFC East showdown on Sunday.

Weekend Schedule

Saturday, November 28

• Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers
• Amerant Bank Arena
• Evening Game

Sunday, November 29

• New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
• Hard Rock Stadium
• Afternoon Game

Why This Weekend Is Worth the Trip

The Battle of Florida has become one of the NHL's premier rivalries, featuring two of the league's most successful franchises in recent years. Every meeting between the Panthers and Lightning delivers an electric atmosphere, making it one of the toughest tickets on the Panthers' home schedule.

The weekend continues with an AFC East rivalry as the Dolphins take on the Jets at Hard Rock Stadium. Combined with the Thanksgiving holiday, it's an ideal opportunity to extend your stay, enjoy South Florida's warm weather, relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach, explore Las Olas Boulevard, and experience one of the country's top sports travel destinations between games.

Recommended Package

Our Battle of Florida Weekend Package includes Panthers and Dolphins game tickets, a Fort Lauderdale hotel, and optional flights, making it easy to enjoy one of the top rivalry weekends of the 2026-2027 season.

Book your Battle of Florida Weekend Package.

January 2–3, 2027 | Bills-Dolphins Weekend

Montreal Canadiens at Florida Panthers + Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

Start the new year with one of the most popular sports weekends on the South Florida calendar. On Saturday, the Florida Panthers host the Montreal Canadiens at Amerant Bank Arena before the Miami Dolphins close out their regular season against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in a pivotal AFC East matchup at Hard Rock Stadium.

Weekend Schedule

Saturday, January 2

• Montreal Canadiens at Florida Panthers
• Amerant Bank Arena
• Afternoon Game

Sunday, January 3

• Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
• Hard Rock Stadium
• Afternoon Game

Why This Weekend Is Worth the Trip

This is one of the most anticipated weekends of the season for visiting fans. The Canadiens always draw a passionate following to South Florida, creating an exciting atmosphere at Amerant Bank Arena, while Bills-Dolphins has become one of the NFL's premier divisional rivalries and frequently carries playoff implications heading into the final week of the regular season.

For Canadian travelers looking to escape the winter, there's no better combination than hockey, football, and a weekend in the Florida sunshine. Spend your downtime relaxing on Fort Lauderdale Beach, exploring Las Olas Boulevard, enjoying waterfront dining, or taking in South Florida's warm weather before cheering on two outstanding matchups.

Recommended Package

Our Bills-Dolphins Weekend Package includes Panthers and Dolphins game tickets, a Fort Lauderdale hotel, and optional flights, making it one of the most popular sports travel packages of the 2026-2027 season.

Book your Bills-Dolphins Weekend Package.

Additional Fort Lauderdale Multi-Sport Weekend Options

Beyond the featured itineraries, two additional weekends offer excellent opportunities to combine Miami Dolphins football with Florida Panthers hockey. These trips pair exciting matchups with everything that makes Fort Lauderdale a premier sports travel destination, from beautiful beaches to outstanding restaurants and year-round warm weather.

September 26–27, 2026 | Season-Opening Sports Weekend

Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers (Preseason) + Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins

Kick off the football and hockey seasons with an exciting weekend in South Florida. On Saturday, the Florida Panthers host the Tampa Bay Lightning in a preseason Battle of Florida matchup at Amerant Bank Arena before the Miami Dolphins welcome the Kansas City Chiefs to Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.

This is one of the best-value multi-sport weekends of the season. Preseason NHL games provide an affordable opportunity to experience Panthers hockey, while Chiefs-Dolphins is one of the marquee matchups on Miami's home schedule. It's the perfect weekend to enjoy NFL football, NHL action, and everything Fort Lauderdale has to offer before the busy winter travel season begins.

December 26–27, 2026 | Holiday Sports Weekend

Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers + Los Angeles Chargers at Miami Dolphins

Extend your holiday celebrations with a memorable weekend of NHL and NFL action in South Florida. On Saturday, the Florida Panthers host the Tampa Bay Lightning in another chapter of the Battle of Florida before the Miami Dolphins take on the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.

This holiday weekend combines one of the NHL's best rivalries with an exciting AFC matchup, making it an ideal getaway for fans looking to escape the winter weather. Between games, relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach, enjoy the restaurants and nightlife along Las Olas Boulevard, or explore South Florida's waterfront attractions while taking advantage of the region's warm December climate.

Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Beach is the ideal home base for a multi-sport getaway. Staying near the beach, Las Olas Boulevard, or downtown Fort Lauderdale gives you convenient access to both Hard Rock Stadium and Amerant Bank Arena while placing you close to some of South Florida's best restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and waterfront attractions.

For visitors looking to combine football, hockey, and a beach vacation, Fort Lauderdale offers the perfect balance of convenience and relaxation. You'll be just a short drive from both venues while enjoying easy access to the beach, Riverwalk, Las Olas Boulevard, and countless dining options. It's an excellent choice whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay.

While Miami Beach and downtown Miami are popular alternatives, Fort Lauderdale provides the most convenient location for attending both Panthers and Dolphins games during the same trip.

Looking for hotel recommendations? Explore our complete guides to the Best Hotels Near Hard Rock Stadium and the Best Hotels Near Amerant Bank Arena.

Should You Stay Near Hard Rock Stadium or Fort Lauderdale Beach?

For most multi-sport trips, Fort Lauderdale Beach is the best place to stay. It offers the most convenient location for visiting both Hard Rock Stadium and Amerant Bank Arena while providing easy access to South Florida's beaches, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.

Since every featured itinerary combines a Miami Dolphins game with a Florida Panthers game, staying in Fort Lauderdale allows you to enjoy both venues without changing hotels. It's the ideal home base for exploring the area between games, whether you're spending time on the beach, strolling Las Olas Boulevard, or enjoying waterfront dining along the Riverwalk.

If your trip is focused exclusively on a Dolphins game, staying closer to Hard Rock Stadium can be a good option. However, for fans planning to experience both NFL and NHL action in the same weekend, Fort Lauderdale offers the best combination of convenience, atmosphere, and vacation appeal.

Getting Around Fort Lauderdale During Your Multi-Sport Road Trip

Getting around South Florida is easy, and having a rental car is the most convenient way to explore the region while visiting both Hard Rock Stadium and Amerant Bank Arena. Flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a popular choice thanks to its proximity to Fort Lauderdale Beach and easy access to both sports venues.

If you'd rather not drive, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Fort Lauderdale, while many sports travel packages also include convenient transportation options to and from game day. This lets you focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about parking or traffic.

Between games, take advantage of everything Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Spend the day relaxing on Fort Lauderdale Beach, exploring Las Olas Boulevard, enjoying a waterfront meal along the Riverwalk, or visiting nearby attractions before heading to the stadium or arena. With great weather, beautiful scenery, and easy access to both venues, Fort Lauderdale makes every sports weekend feel like a vacation.

Related Guides:

• How to Get to Hard Rock Stadium
• How to Get to Amerant Bank Arena

Fort Lauderdale Between Games: What to Do on Your Sports Weekend

The reason a Fort Lauderdale sports weekend works so well is that the trip is not just the games. A weekend here that skips the beach, the food, and the Miami Beach nightlife is a wasted trip. Here is what our team recommends between the Panthers and Dolphins games.

Fort Lauderdale Beach. The seven-mile stretch of Atlantic Ocean beach from Sunrise Boulevard south to Port Everglades is one of the great American winter beach destinations. The Fort Lauderdale Beach Boardwalk (A1A) runs along the beach with restaurants, bars, and hotels facing the ocean. Sunrise walks, mid-day beach time, and sunset drinks at Beach Place or the Elbo Room (the classic 1938 beach bar at Las Olas Boulevard and A1A) are all part of the standard Fort Lauderdale Beach day. Free to visit, walking distance from any beach hotel.

Las Olas Boulevard. The historic Las Olas Boulevard restaurant and shopping strip runs from Fort Lauderdale Beach west through downtown Fort Lauderdale to the Riverwalk district. Casa Sensei (Peruvian-Japanese), YOLO (New American), Louie Bossi's (Italian), Timpano Restaurant and Chophouse (steakhouse), and Boatyard (waterfront seafood) are the standard picks. The Elbo Room at the beach end and the Riverwalk restaurant scene at the west end give fans two distinct dining zones on the same strip. Twenty-minute walk end-to-end or a five-dollar water taxi ride along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Sawgrass Mills. The largest outlet shopping mall in the United States, located five minutes from Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. More than 350 outlet stores including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and Bloomingdale's Outlet. Sawgrass Mills works well as a morning stop before a Panthers game or as a Sunday morning add-on between the Panthers Saturday night and a later Dolphins Sunday afternoon.

Everglades day trip. Everglades National Park is 45 minutes to an hour west of Fort Lauderdale via Alligator Alley (I-75), with airboat tours at Sawgrass Recreation Park (30 minutes west) or Everglades Holiday Park (30 minutes west) offering the classic Everglades airboat experience in a half-day format. Sawgrass Recreation Park is 10 minutes from Amerant Bank Arena, which makes an airboat tour the ideal morning add-on before a Panthers game.

Miami Beach. Thirty minutes south of Fort Lauderdale via I-95 or the Overseas Highway. Ocean Drive in South Beach, the Art Deco Historic District, the Design District, and the Wynwood Walls street-art district all sit within a 15-minute area, and a Saturday or Sunday morning trip south to Miami Beach for lunch and a walking tour works well as a between-games add-on. Joe's Stone Crab on Miami Beach is the iconic stone crab restaurant of the Southeast, running since 1913, and a stone crab lunch or dinner is the classic South Florida sports-weekend food stop when in season (October to May).

Little Havana. The Cuban neighborhood in Miami, 40 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale, is one of the most important cultural stops in South Florida. Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th Street) has Cuban restaurants (Versailles is the iconic classic since 1971), coffee windows (a Cuban colada at a Little Havana coffee window is the definitive Miami morning), cigar shops, and the Domino Park where locals play dominoes daily. A morning walk of Little Havana pairs naturally with a Miami Beach afternoon on any Sunday between a Panthers Saturday night and a Dolphins Monday.

Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk. The redeveloped Riverwalk district along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale connects Las Olas Boulevard west to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Water taxis run along the Intracoastal Waterway between the Riverwalk and Fort Lauderdale Beach at a $30 day pass, which gives fans a scenic option for moving between the two districts. Downtown Fort Lauderdale has grown into a legitimate food and drink scene in the past decade, with Rooftop @ 1WLO, Coyo Taco, and the Wharf Fort Lauderdale (outdoor waterfront bar) as the standard picks.

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk. Fifteen minutes south of Fort Lauderdale, the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk is a 2.5-mile paved beachfront promenade that runs along the ocean with restaurants, cafes, and small hotels. Nick and Johnnie's Beach Bar, Le Tub Saloon, and the classic Diplomat Beach Resort all sit along or near the Boardwalk. A morning bike ride along the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk works well as a Saturday morning add-on, particularly for fans staying at the Diplomat Beach Resort.