All You Need to Feel the Pulse of Miami Nightlife

Nestled in the palm trees, and flanked by the beautiful beaches, there’s a precious gem of a city that calls on music lovers and nightlife connoisseurs from around the country and world. For those that need something off-the-beaten path, approved by the coolest locals and tropically chic, we’ve teamed up with KOOL to bring you the best weekend trip you could possibly have. In a little over a century, Miami has come a long way, transforming a destination unlike anywhere other in the U.S. It has undergone several iterations over its lifetime, from a Prohibition Era getaway in the 1920s to the American Riviera for European tourists in the 1990s to what it is now; as a cosmopolitan destination with global renown.

STRAWBERRY MOON

Few places do poolside experiences better than Miami. One of the best is Strawberry Moon at the Goodtime Hotel, a property co-owned by über-producer and musician Pharell Williams and hospitality impresario David Grutman. Strawberry Moon’s pool deck is an oasis of pastel hues, with DJs dishing out the beats on weekends as you bask under the sun. With tickets offered for its weekend bashes, you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy everything Strawberry Moon has to offer.

THE STANDARD SPA

Searching for relaxation? The Standard Spa in Miami Beach has been a local favorite since opening in 2006. With a pool overlooking picturesque Biscayne Bay, it makes for one of the most serene experiences in the city. Whether you’re a hotel guest or opt for a day pass, you’ll have access to the spa facilities, including the Turkish baths. Tucked inside, however, is the Monterrey Bar, right off the hotel’s lobby, where bartenders serve expertly crafted cocktails organized thematically by the four elements. An homage to architect Norman Giller, the rich velvet seating, Amazonite stone bar, and thoughtful lighting make it an aesthetic delight, demanding you to stay in the moment and enjoy the scene. The stylish space is a great start to an indulgent night, or an intimate moment with conversation, elevated bites, and nightcap. Please note that this speakeasy has a dress code.

TERRAS
Cross the causeway from Miami Beach, and you’ll find yourself in Little Havana, a historic neighborhood shaped by Cuban immigrants. At the heart of it all is the boutique Life House hotel, where the rooftop bar, Terras, offers stunning views of the downtown skyline. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, like being on a close friend’s rooftop terrace surrounded by lush tropical plants. It’s a warm invitation to explore the rich cultural heritage of the city below with its delicious cocktail menu that partners with local spirits, and a mouth-watering shareable food menu. Miami is all about togetherness, and Terras is a testament to that.

HOY COMO AYER
For a more lively experience, head over to Hoy Como Ayer, Little Havana’s quintessential bar and music hall. Over the years, this hot spot has been a hub for live music, with a focus on salsa and other tropical genres. After a recent makeover that boasts a beautifully backlit bar, the venue has retained its lived-in charm with its wood flooring and mood lighting, offering a down-to-earth environment where you can enjoy a cocktail and hear some of the best salsa sets that the city has to offer. Whether it’s the live musicians on stage or a hot DJ, Hoy Como Ayer is an institution that Miami’s dance-lovers flock to – don’t forget to get lost in the music with them. There’s also a side alley space where you can enjoy a nightcap under twinkling lights in a quieter setting.

COYO TACO
With its street art murals and trendy shops, Wynwood attracts visitors in droves, but the locals still flock to spots like Coyo Taco, a Baja-style taqueria that serves affordable bites and potent margaritas. The hidden secret here is the speakeasy in the backroom. Just go behind the door past the bathroom and walk down the dimly lit hall, and you’ll stumble upon its jewel box of a lounge where some of the city’s best DJs spin, and its massive bar serves drinks until 3 a.m. The clientele here is dressed casually but chic, dancing from everything from hip-hop to bass-heavy dance music.

DANTE’S HIFI
For a refined experience in Wynwood, look to Dante’s HiFi, which is credited as the city’s first sound-room-style bar. Taking inspiration from Japanese sound rooms, where patrons grab a drink and sit down to hear DJs spin on audiophile equipment, Dante’s also sees music as king. With its mix of leather, velvet and lowkey lighting, this handsomely decorated space puts the DJ front and center, with music curation by Rich Medina, whose vinyl collection is stored on the shelves. The bar serves Japanese-style highballs and whiskey. Unlike its Asian counterparts, Dante’s gets a bit rowdier as the night progresses. Miami locals aren’t ones to sit down and listen to music quietly — and who can blame them?

ZEY ZEY
A bit further north, in the Little Haiti neighborhood, is ZeyZey, a sprawling venue founded by a group of hospitality veterans. The compound comprises two venues in one, with an indoor space inside an old-Florida-style home where house music and disco often spill out of the speakers and a large outdoor stage underneath a Banyan tree where live acts perform. “ZeyZey means happiness in Iku, a dialect spoken by the Arhuacos, an indigenous community from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. Our venue reflects just that: Miami’s happy climate, its joyous people, and the beautiful community that our little oasis welcomes every day,” says partner Pili Restrepo. The venue serves the city’s eclectic community with live music that ranges from Latin bands to pop acts and everything in between.

MEDIUM COOL
Back on Miami Beach, you’ll find Medium Cool in the basement of the Gale Hotel. Its unassuming entrance leads to a space dripping with Art Deco style. The dimly lit room hosts jazz bands in the early evening, and despite the elegant feel, the stylishly dressed staff is welcoming and attentive. “It’s like a hang in your living room,” says co-owner Josh Wagner. “It can be chill with jazz, great cocktails, and conversation, or have lights dimmed, let the DJ roll and start dancing on your furniture.” Either way, you can’t go wrong here.

DO NOT SIT ON THE FURNITURE
For the late-night warriors, South Beach has plenty of options; however, few clubs compare to Do Not Sit on the Furniture. The intimate venue hosts some of the biggest names of Baleric-style house music throughout the year. The lounge is owned by DJ/producer Behrouz and his wife, Megan Nazari, so Don’t Sit — as the locals call it — has the dance music pedigree. Get lost to the beat until last call at 5 a.m., and, yes, you’re allowed to sit down if that’s what you wish. But why would you? Miami will have you dancing until you’re ready to go hom .