5 to Try: Rooftop Bars in Miami

by Rick Munarriz - Citysearch Contributor - 365 Reviews - 141 Lists

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From the archives: June 25, 2009

If you want to party under starry skies, Miami won't let you down if you know the way up. With the wind in your hair, imbibe your cocktails alfresco at the top of these high-rise hotels and low-rise watering holes known for their sizzling scenes. As you pound the night away, don't let the penthouse guests below you bite.

Raise the Roof

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Hotel Gansevoort South Beach
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    2377 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (map)

    It's a tropical paradise, 18 stories high. Between the palm trees, the 110-foot long swimming pool and the cozy cabanas, you'll swear you're on terra firma. That all changes when you peer over the railing, watching the Atlantic Ocean slam the shore.

  2. 2 Rooftop Lounge at the Townhouse Hotel
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    150 20th St, Miami Beach, FL 33149 (map)

    Resting unpretentiously at the quiet northern end of the SoBe club scene, this is a starry escape for those who don't want to cope with the velvet rope politics. The music is low enough to carry on a conversation. The drink prices are reasonable. Yes, it's on the wrong side of Lincoln Road, but you're still cool on the inside.

  3. 3 Sanctuary South Beach
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    1745 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (map)

    Sun worshippers staying at this boutique hotel hit the top floor pool by day, hoping to brush up their tans by getting closer to the rays. Things take a turn for the decadent once the sun sets, with cozy cabanas transformed into intimate hideaways.

  4. 4 3 Star Rating: Average The Hotel
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    801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (map)

    This Todd Oldham-designed lounge offers killer views of the Atlantic Ocean and the South Beach party scene below. The pool, like the lounge itself, is topless. As long as you come to drink and not to gawk, you'll feel like you belong in this swanky hotspot.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Wet Willie's
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    760 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (map)

    If you have a fear of heights, this is the rooftop hangout for you. It's just a single flight of stairs away, but the outdoor patio of this two-story building is what South Beach is all about. You'll have a great view of the pedestrians strolling along Ocean Drive and the beachcombers at the other end of the street. Potent frozen drinks are the club's specialty.