5 South Beach Rooftop Bars Not to Miss

1. The Hotel
801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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.

2. Hotel Gansevoort South Beach
2377 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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.

3. Rooftop Lounge at the Townhouse Hotel
150 20th St, Miami Beach, FL 33149
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.

4. Wet Willie’s
760 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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.

5. Sanctuary Hotel
1745 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
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.