The first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI was released in December 2023, primarily highlighting the new main characters and showcasing the open world for the upcoming installment of the franchise.
Although players will have to wait until 2025 to explore the fictional state of Leonida, scenes from the trailer can be directly compared to various real-life locations in Florida, which likely inspired the setting.
GTA experts at GTA BOOM have highlighted several locations from the GTA VI trailer that you can visit for yourself before the game releases sometime next year.
Old Bahia Honda Bridge
This scene from the trailer is one of many that features fast boats speeding across the sea, so it is safe to assume that players will be able to cruise across the GTA VI version of the Florida Keys. This aerial shot in particular seems to show an in-game recreation of the distinctive Bahia Honda Bridge.
Whilst others believe this is closer to the Rickenbacker Causeway Bridge, the missing section of the lower railway crossing is nearly identical to its actual real-life counterpart and was removed to prevent pedestrian access and allow for more boat traffic.
Bahia Honda Bridge connects Bahia Honda Key with Spanish Harbor Key and is part of the 113-mile Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys to Key West. The best views of the bridge and open water can be seen from the nearby Bahia Honda State Park.
Everglades National Park
The shot of a fan boat traversing the wet grasslands is almost certainly from an in-game area based on the Everglades National Park. However, it is impossible to pinpoint exactly where this location is, since the wildlife reserve stretches more than 1.5 million acres in real life.
Everglades National Park is known as the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and is an important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species, including crocodiles and flamingos. There are plenty of ways to explore the Everglades, including guided walks, hiking, paddle boarding, and many different boating experiences.
This may seem like a strange backdrop for a Grand Theft Auto game, though it would provide a distinct contrast to the other urban areas. The series is known for its large list of different vehicles, which makes it likely that fan boats will be included in the next game.
Venetian Causeway
This stunning evening shot references the Venetian Causeway, which crosses between mainland Miami and Miami Beach on a barrier island. The comparison is clearest due to the building that resembles a flight of stairs, known as the Venetian Isle condominium.
With Miami having been the main inspiration for the famous Grand Theft Auto location of Vice City, which is confirmed to be returning in GTA VI, this will likely be one of the major routes for driving between all the central locations within the game.
The Venetian Causeway can also be traveled on foot or by bike, allowing for stunning views of both the surrounding water and city skylines. However, the version shown in the trailer appears to be shorter than its real-life length of 2.8 miles, so be prepared for a longer trip when walking from one side to the other.
Miami Beach
The picturesque, crowded beaches that feature throughout the trailer may be familiar to players who have already visited Vice City in previous titles. GTA VI will be returning to this location, which means new recreations of Miami Beach and Downtown Miami to be explored within the wider fictional state of Leonida.
Miami Beach is famous for its nine-mile stretch of seaside resorts, which contribute to its booming tourist industry and millions of visitors every year. The coastal city remains distinct from the sprawling skyscrapers of Miami on the Florida mainland through its thriving nightlife and heavy cultural influences.
The main shots from the GTA VI trailer appear to be from South Beach, with its background architecture seemingly based on the Royal Palm South Beach Miami resort. Compared to the more low-key North Beach, South Beach has a lively, party–hard atmosphere, which certainly matches the chaos of the GTA franchise.
Ocean Drive
Another returning location from previous Grand Theft Auto games is Ocean Drive, which is very similar to the real-life Ocean Drive in South Beach, Miami. This busy road runs between the beach, grassy partitions, and the city walkway, with lots of trendy bars, hotels, and restaurants along the boulevard.
The GTA VI trailer version of Ocean Drive features multiple buildings inspired by existing hotels, such as the 1939 Colony Hotel, and a sign for the Oceanview Hotel from the original GTA: Vice City game. This suggests that the location will be maintaining its art deco style and vibrant nightlife from both real life and previous titles.
Ocean Drive is one of Miami Beach’s most iconic locations, so there are plenty of places to stay on the boulevard itself or within walking distance. Tourists can soak up the vibes by exploring in their own time or engaging with some of the lively local attractions that might be missed in the GTA recreation of the area.
Wynwood
All the trailer shots of colorful street art and graffiti can be compared to the Wynwood district, located north of Downtown Miami and west of Miami Beach. These scenes highlight yet another unique area of Miami that has clearly inspired GTA VI’s setting.
This area has become known as the cultural hub of Miami due to all the contemporary art seen in museums, art galleries, and out on the streets. Countess artists have made their mark in Wynwood over the years, resulting in a hot spot for photo opportunities and tourist attractions that could add some contrast to the skylines of Vice City.
The best way to experience Wynwood is by visiting the globally renowned street art museum of Wynwood Walls. Artists from all over the world have created over 35 outdoor murals that have proven to be popular with both locals and inbound tourists.
