When was the last time you partied until sunrise? If you’re a local, the answer is probably never. Rather than stay out late, Miamians prefer to rise with the sun and hit the gym early, at least that’s what our Time Out City Index results reveal. The global study—which polled more than 20,000 people from 18 different cities—ranked Miami as the city with the best bar-to-gym ratio. We’d rather get toned than tipsy: for every 31 visits to a bar each year, we’ve been to the gym 26 times.
We go drinking almost as frequently as New Yorkers do (about every other week) yet we work out twice as hard they do. How do we do it? We party early and often while the sun is still up. You see, flashy South Beach nightclubs are generally for tourists; true Miamians will pass on a night at LIV to dance at a beach club or booze it up by the pool all afternoon. (This is why staying in shape is so necessary.)
Whether you're looking for a new place to while away the afternoon or have an early appointment with your trainer but still want to get in a few hours of fun, here is where you'll find the best day parties in Miami.
Pool parties at Hyde Beach
Part pool party, part daytime club, Hyde Beach is where Miamians go when they want to dance in their bikinis and enjoy bottle service outdoors. Pitchers of cocktails and sangria are also available for purchase if you’re just looking to lounge around and soak your feet in the pool while enjoying a drink… or two.
Sun at 10am. 1701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 305-674-1701.
Miami Is an Island at the Anderson
This pop-up dance party with a tropical vibe happens sporadically at the Anderson, so you’ll need to check the bar’s site for details. What we can tell you is that it’s a hot-and-sweaty good time that rounds up local vendors selling accessories, wares and rum-filled fresh coconuts with tiny umbrellas. There’s also a kiddie pool for when things get really steamy.
Various dates and times. 709 NE 79th St; 305-757-3368.
Brunch at Bagatelle
Timing is everything at Bagatelle: arrive too early and you’ll miss the party, arrive too late and you’ll walk into a cloud of smoke just before the lights are turned on and the curtains are drawn to reveal the daylight. What starts as a typical brunch slowly builds into a full-on blowout, culminating in guests dancing on tables and sexy French servers swinging napkins in the air while the rosé flows.
Sat–Sun noon–6pm. 2000 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 305-704-3900.
Sundays at Nikki Beach
The South of Fifth restaurant and club offers two options on Sunday: a casual brunch and a late-afternoon party that goes all night. The day kicks off with a full spread that features carving stations and a dessert bar, plus flowing champagne and cocktails, available until 4pm in the dining room or at one of the beachside cabanas. At 4pm, Nikki at Night takes over and guests must adhere to strict SoBe-style dress code (read: no swimsuits and flip-flops).
Sun 11am–5am. One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; 305-538-1111.
Liquid brunch at El Patio
Great drink specials make El Patio’s Sunday event the ultimate brunch after party. Enjoy $5 beers, well spirits and a themed cocktail while Miami’s own Mr. Pauer and DJ Cu4tro spin Latin music all afternoon.
Sun 4–9pm. 167 NW 23rd St; 786-409-2241.
Backyard Boogie at Wood Tavern
Ditch the tourists sightseeing around Wynwood and join the locals at the neighborhood watering hole for its laidback Sunday party. Find a spot along the wooden bleachers and chill with a craft beer in hand, as Wood features at least a dozen drafts and twice as many canned and bottled options.
Sun 3pm–3am. 2531 NW 2nd Ave; 305-748-2828.
24/7 at E11EVEN
Miami’s only 24-hour nightclub is as fun in the daytime as it is late at night. You’ll find more people watching sports games and hanging out if you pop in early, but it’s only a matter of time until the music and crowds pick up.
24/7. 29 NE 11th St; 305-570-4803.
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