What better way to enjoy Miami than by sipping a cool cocktail and relaxing on the beach, or at a bar with beach vibes? There are plenty of places to pass the time, but these are the best beach bars in Miami.
Miami Beach
Nestled in the historic Freehand Miami, the Broken Shaker's hip patio bar is known as the "coolest backyard in Miami." Stone tables set amidst lush greenery just steps from the beach create the perfect atmosphere for enjoying handcrafted cocktails using housemade elixirs, syrups, and infusions created from local Miami herbs and produce.
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Built in 1938, This historic Art Deco hotel built in 1938 is widely known for its legendary outdoor pool parties and an exquisite rooftop lounge with breathtaking beach views. Tired of the same, old cockails? Try their Frozen Clevelander Colada, a delicious twist on the classic.
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Quirky and casual, Sweet Liberty serves classic American cuisine and some of Miami Beach's best cocktails with a full menu available until 4:00 a.m. Be sure to check out the house-special Moscow Mule that's only $5 during happy hour, or indulge in one of their tasty concoctions from their Fancy Cocktails list.
Known as Miami Beach's "favorite waterfront grill," Shucker's was one of the very first dockside restaurants on Biscayne Bay and still offers free dockage for customers arriving by boat. It has everything you're looking for in a beach bar with a generous happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., specialty tropical drinks, a raw bar, tasty hot wings, and local favorites like po' boy sandwiches and fish tacos.
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Looking for something a little more "real?" If you want to get away from the glitz and the glam, head on over to Mac's Club Deuce, the oldest bar in Miami Beach! Just a short walk from the water, Mac's is famous for its daily happy hour from 8:00 in the morning to 7:00 p.m. This dive bar boasts strong drinks, hilarious bartenders, and two claims to fame. It's one of renowned chef and travel host Anthony Bourdain's favorite drinking holes and was the preferred location for Miami Vice cast parties.
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South Beach
Practically a South Beach institution, Wet Willie's is in the heart of the historic Art Deco district and offers beach views as well as tons of daily food and drink specials. Try their "high-octane" specialty frozen drinks like Willie's famous "Call A Cab" and "Shock Treatment"- just be sure to have a designated driver!
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Once called the "Sexiest Place on Earth" by the London Observer, Nikki Beach has it all with a world-class beachfront resort, one of Miami's best restaurants, and one of the hippest waterfront bars in South Beach. Head up to the decadent Pearl Champagne Lounge, Nikki Beach's European-inspired cabaret club, for stunning views, champagne, burlesque shows, and performances by world-famous DJs.
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South Beach's Kill Your Idol is a hipster's paradise and a punk rock alternative to the glitz and glam of the traditional Miami Beach bar scene. Tucked away on Espanola Way and just steps from the beachfront, this dive bar was inspired by the No Wave music and art movement of the late 70s and early 80s. Always keeping it real, Kill Your Idol offers emerging local artists and musicians as well dive-bar pricing on daily drink specials.
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With miles of waterfront, Miami has a lot of places to grab a drink, but these best beach bars in Miami have everything you need to make the most of your time in this top vacation city.
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