The best Miami pool parties for some fun in the sun
It shouldn’t be that hard to find the best Miami pool parties, right? It seems like such an obvious event for this city. But, you’d be surprised. There are a lot of duds out there—far too many stinky chlorine shindigs with lame DJs spinning EDM hits from 2012. A good pool party, dear reader, mixes all the good parts of the best clubs in Miami with the most gorgeous pools in Miami—with an added dash of the best bars in Miami. We’ve got a range of options for you here, from all-out ragers to slightly more refined options. They are sexy, fun and—in a good way—just a tad cliché. Just don’t forget that sunscreen, fam.
Best Miami pool parties
Full Moon Swim at Broken Shaker: Every full moon
Each month, when the moon is at its fattest, Broken Shaker hosts a full moon night swim. It’s a gorgeous evening full of very hip-looking folks, swimming and some of the best cocktails in Miami. There’s usually a host of pop-up shops to peruse at each month’s event as well—just in case you forgot your bikini. Monthly, 7–11pm; free.
Photograph: Courtesy Freehand Miami/Ra-Haus Fotografie
Sunset Sessions at Atton Brickell: Saturday
The Atton Miami is an underrated little Brickell hotspot. And on Saturdays, the Atton’s Vista Rooftop Pool and Bar is the place to be if you’re looking for a more relaxed alternative to the usual pool party scene. The sweet views of Biscayne Bay would normally be reason enough to stop by, but when you tack on live music, food and 50 percent off all drinks—it’s hard to understand why you’d go anywhere else on a Saturday afternoon. Sat 2–7pm; free.
Meet Me Upstairs at the SLS Brickell: Sunday
Every Sunday, the towering and colorful SLS Brickell hosts the Meet Me Upstairs pool party at its Altitude Pool. With some seriously gorgeous views of downtown Miami, this pool party is proof that you don’t need to cross the bridge to get your fun in the sun. If you’re not too burnt and partied out, head down to Bazaar Mar for a drink or two afterward. Sun noon–6pm; free.
Shore Club Sessions: Sunday
Every Sunday, the Shore Club gives a DJ control of the decks and lets them do their thing. From noon to sunset, expect a stellar soundtrack and lively crowd splashing around. The parties only get better during Miami Music Week, when huge DJs stop by for special editions of the party. Sun noon–6pm; free.
Photograph: Courtesy Shore Club
Sip. Swim at 1 Hotel Rooftop: Sunday
1 Hotel’s Sunday bash offers a chance to detox from the weekend. The relaxed vibe and cocktails with fresh juice will either help you combat your hangover or center yourself before Monday comes charging into your life. Plus, those views. Those freaking views. Sun noon–6pm; free with RSVP via viprooftop@1hotels.com.
Backyard Saturdays at the Confidante
Forget sneaking in. This hotel pool party is open to locals and features relaxing vibes (the discounted bottles of rosé probably have something to do with that) and two pools in which the water is always the perfect temperature for a good soak. Chill under a cabana, snack on some food from the property's restaurants or just enjoy the sounds of the DJ. Sat noon–6pm; free.
Mondrian South Beach: Saturday
The view from the Mondrian’s pool—which looks out over an open stretch of Biscayne Bay—is about as nice as it gets in Miami. If you’re not staying at the hotel, you’ll need to spend a minimum of $50, which shouldn’t be that hard to do with a few glasses of rosé. Sat 1–7pm; $50 minimum food and drink purchase for non-guests.
Night Swim at Hyde Beach: First Sunday of the month
Hyde Beach at the SLS is known for its rambunctious Saturday pool parties—the kind you normally only see in Pitbull videos and beer commercials. But Hyde Beach has recently launched a new monthly pool party called Hyde Night Swim. Unlike Hyde Beach’s usual affairs, the Night Swim will extend into the—you guessed it—night. Going strong until 11pm, the party offers music, performances and shots out of snorkels. Yup, snorkels. Sun 4–11pm; free.
Arkadia Pool at Fontainebleau Miami Beach: Weekends
The Fontainebleau has a pool for every occasion but, for a good party, hit up the adults-only Arkadia Pool on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s an upbeat atmosphere with music, drinks and the added perk of chilling within one of Miami Beach’s best and most historic hotels. Fri, Sat, Sun noon–7pm; free for guests, non-guests must purchase cabana $350–$1000.
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