by Ed Ford Why go? Fantastic nightlife, sure, but also all the perks of beach culture, a growing arts scene, fine dining and cheap eats, and Art Deco architecture that serves as a great backdrop for Instagram. It’s an ideal destination for a bachelor party weekend. And weather-wise, you never have to worry about snow.
Best Ideas: Spend the days relaxing at poolside parties, exploring the Everglades, or eating your way through the Little Havana neighborhood, and nights partying at some of the hottest bars and clubs in town.
Good to Know: Miami is a bilingual city so brush up on those high school Spanish lessons. While you’ll be just fine speaking English in most places, some knowledge of Spanish can help you and your group, as it’s the predominant language in certain parts of the city.
Located in the Southeast corner of Florida, Miami promises sunshine and warmth all year round. Known several decades ago for being a lawless center of the drug trade, the city today has mostly shed its Miami Vice image and morphed into a premier vacation destination, with enough restaurants, bars, shopping, and beaches to keep even the most discerning traveler occupied. And there’s a lot more to Miami than South Beach, which used to be home to the only party scene in town, including new restaurants, galleries, and bars all over the city.
Travel & Essentials for a Miami Bachelor Party
Once you decide to head south for your bachelor party, you shouldn’t have much trouble getting into town. Miami International Airport (MIA) is one of the nation’s busiest, with nonstop flights to most major cities — it’s a major hub for American Airlines. Other major carriers also serve the city, so you’ll have no trouble getting to Miami on a nonstop or one-stop flight. The airport is only about nine miles, or a 20-minute drive without traffic, to Brickell, and about 13 miles, or a 25-minute drive, to Miami Beach.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) isn’t far away either. It’ll take about 35 minutes to reach Downtown Miami or about 45 minutes to reach Miami Beach. If you’re staying in the northern parts of the city or near the North Miami Beaches, it will likely be about the same distance and time from either MIA or FLL, depending on traffic conditions. All major airlines fly into Fort Lauderdale, and it’s often a cheaper option than flying into Miami International. If you do your homework before you buy your flights down to Florida, you just might arrive with more cash in your pockets to spend on booze.
Getting around: Miami isn’t a city known for its extensive public transit system, so once you arrive, you’ll likely be relying on Uber, Lyft, or other ride-share services to get you around town. While nothing is too far apart on paper, traffic can be a major issue at times, especially on weekends, which makes it even more important to choose your base hotel carefully, depending on what you want to get out of your time here.
The seasons: While you can reasonably expect to have solid weather just about any time of year, there are definitely high and low seasons here. Generally speaking, the high season stretches from late-November through May when temperatures aren’t too hot and the humidity isn’t overbearing. However, with all the people flocking south to escape the cold, snowy winters in the north, the city tends to be very busy and prices are higher. Low season lasts more or less from June through the end of November. Summers in Miami tend to be very hot and humid — and it’s hurricane season — but, the city’s notably less busy and you’re more likely to find a deal on airfare or lodging.
Pros and Cons of a Miami Bachelor Party
Pros:
- Great weather pretty much all year long
- Seemingly unlimited places to eat and drink
- Few places on earth rival the city in terms of nightlife
Cons:
- Eating and drinking at the hottest spots in town gets expensive
- Navigating the nightlife scene with a large group of guys can be tricky
- Hurricane season is June through November, so plan accordingly
Miami Neighborhoods
If you’re looking to party nonstop, stay as close to the beaches as possible since that’s where the majority of nightlife options and daytime pool parties are concentrated. If you want easier access to a greater variety of neighborhoods, your best bet is to stay near Downtown on the mainland. There’s no way you’ll get to see or do everything in Miami, especially in a weekend filled with partying, but there are several neighborhoods worth checking out if you’ve got some extra time or want to do a bit of exploring.
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Brickell
Brickell, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo of Brickell, Miami, by klerigirealty)
Your first instinct will likely be to look for a resort on the beach — after all, it’s the main attraction for most people’s trips to Miami. However, if your group is looking to save a little cash, the downtown district of Brickell has plenty of options for lodging and is just a short drive from most popular spots in Miami Beach. Having a base in Brickell will also allow you to explore more of the city — if that’s what your group is looking to do — given its proximity to many of its hottest neighborhoods. Brickell is Miami’s financial center, but in recent years, it’s also become a hub for new residential construction. And with all those new residents have come a slew of new restaurants and bars, including some of the city’s best rooftop spots.
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Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo of Downtown Miami by downtownmia)
Downtown Miami is home to many of the city’s cultural attractions like the Adrienne Arscht Center for the Performing Arts, the American Airlines Arena — home of the world-famous Miami Heat basketball team — and Bayfront Park.
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Little Havana
Little Havana, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo by littlehavana.miami)
Get a taste of a different era in Little Havana, the cultural home of Miami’s large and thriving Cuban community, which has contributed immensely to the food, music, and overall vibe of the city. Here you’ll find old-style Cuban cigar shops, Cuban-style coffee and sandwich eateries, and the heart of this Insta-worthy neighborhood, Calle Ocho, which will make you feel like you’re 90 miles south in Havana.
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Wynwood
Wynwood, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo by WynwoodMiami)
Experience the cutting edge of modern Miami in Wynwood, a formerly derelict warehouse neighborhood that’s been transformed entirely into one large public display of art, making it one of Miami’s most Instagrammable areas.
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South Beach
South Beach, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Valerie)
Last but not least is South Beach, a tiny neighborhood in Miami Beach that’s become synonymous with Miami itself. Famous for its nonstop party vibes and pastel-trimmed whitewashed Art Deco buildings, you could easily spend an entire day and night in this part of the city.
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Best Attractions and Activities in Miami
Miami may be best known for what happens at night, but with plenty of sunshine and good weather almost all year long, there’s no shortage of things to keep you and your group occupied during the day, too.
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Play a Round of Golf (or Two)
Miami Beach Golf Club, Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by The Biltmore Golf Club)
You’ll find more than 20 award-winning golf courses in the Miami area. Whether you’re looking to play on a public course or spend the day at a posh golf resort, South Florida’s got you covered. Popular public courses include the Miami Beach Golf Club, Melreese Golf Course, and Crandon Golf, located on Key Biscayne just south of the city. If you want to live it up on the green, head to The Biltmore Golf Club, Turnberry Isle Miami Resort — home to two 18-hole courses designed by Raymond Floyd — or Trump National Doral, which features a whopping four courses.
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Get Outdoors With a Trip to Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
(Photo by Everglades National Park)
While Miami’s got plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, there’s one place that shouldn’t be overlooked: the Everglades. If your group is eager for a little adventure, plan a day trip to Everglades National Park, where you’ll find clearly marked trails to ensure you don’t get lost, no matter how much beer you’ve had before you get there. If you’re feeling brave and want to get a closer look at the wildlife, try an airboat safari ride, available from several companies for about $30 per person. It’ll make you feel like you’re in a real-life episode of CSI: Miami.
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See the Miami Heat Play at AmericanAirlines Arena
AmericanAirlines Arena, Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo by Miami Heat)
Located in Downtown Miami, the AmericanAirlines Arena is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the U.S. Home of the NBA’s Miami Heat, you’re guaranteed to have a fun time if you’re in town during basketball season. Catch an evening game, then head to one of the area’s many rooftop bars to get your night started off right.
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Explore the Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls, Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo by WynwoodWallsOfficial)
No weekend in Miami is complete without checking out the Wynwood Walls, located in the Wynwood district of the city. Formerly filled with worn-down warehouses, things began to turn around in 2009 when artists were encouraged to paint large-scale murals as public art. The initiative was a great success, with artists from all over the world contributing to the project, thus turning the area into a major tourist attraction. There’s plenty to eat and drink here, too, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting a dose of culture while keeping your buzz going before night falls. The walls are open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday to Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Private walking tours of the area are also available.
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Go Boating in Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay, Florida, USA
(Photo by Valerie)
Nothing says Miami like an afternoon on a boat in the bay. Life in Miami is life on the sea and on a sunny day, hordes of residents will head for the water in boats of all kinds. Spend the day cruising around Biscayne Bay past luxury resorts and taking in the sights of this amazing city from the water, or sailing around its many waterways, getting up close and personal with some of the most opulent waterfront mansions you’ve ever seen. Bring plenty of booze and sunscreen, and you’re guaranteed to have an afternoon to remember.
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Hit Up an Epic Miami Beach Pool Party
SLS South Beach, Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Hyde Beach Miami)
If you can be sure of one thing in Miami, it’s this: there is no shortage of pool parties that last throughout the entire day on weekends, and you’ll find most of these day parties lining the beach at major hotels. One of the mainstays is Hyde Beach at the SLS South Beach, home to a giant rubber ducky that makes for the perfect jealousy-inducing Instagram shot. If you’re feeling a little bit classier than the rest of the folks partying at noon, head to the Delano Hotel South Beach, rent a cabana, and party with the jet-set crowd in what’s arguably Miami Beach’s poshest pool.
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Head to a Winery Near Everglades National Park
Schnebly Redland's Winery & Brewery, Southwest 217th Avenue, Homestead, FL, USA
(Photo by Schnebly Redland’s Winery)
45 minutes southwest of Miami near Everglades National Park is not where you’d expect to find a winery. Famous for its fruity wines — some are even made with mango and guava — Schnebly Redland’s Winery also has a brewery where you can sip refreshingly fruity brews. Besides all the great beverages to be sampled, the winery is a destination unto itself. Set far from the hustle and bustle of South Beach, it feels downright outdoorsy between its lush setting and the tasting room’s rustic vibes. Start off your afternoon with a tasting for $12.95 per person.
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Go Bar Hopping in South Beach
South Beach, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Clevelander Hotel)
If you want to get in on the South Beach daytime party scene but don’t feel like shelling out a small fortune for a cabana at a hotel pool, you’ve still got options. There are tons of bars lining the ocean in this part of town and your group will have no trouble at all keeping busy for a couple of hours in the afternoon before the real fun begins. Stop by the Clevelander Hotel, where you can order bar snacks and drinks in the pool area but don’t have to pay major cash to be part of the party.
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Eat Your Heart Out in Little Havana
Little Havana, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo of a Cuban sandwich by Versailles)
It’s inevitable that you’re going to wake up hungover on at least one day of your Miami weekend. And there’s no better place to deal with it than in Little Havana, a neighborhood teeming with Cuban restaurants and coffee shops that are all but guaranteed to revive you. Treat yourselves to a Cuban sandwich and a cafecito at Versailles, which claims to be the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world.
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The Best Hotels & Airbnbs in Miami
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Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
Most Affordable Splurge Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club)
The Cadillac Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, strikes a great balance between affordability and beachfront luxury.
Vibe: Having recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, the hotel is located in the Mid-Beach area, meaning it’s not in the center of much noisier South Beach but is still close enough that you won’t feel removed from the scene.
Price: You can expect to find rooms for about $200 a night in the off season, and around $400-$500 a night at peak times.
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W Miami
Best Infinity Pool W Miami, Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo by W Miami)
You might feel like you’re a little too old for the W at this point, but this specific location in Brickell guarantees epic city and Biscayne Bay views, and puts you close to the action in the Miami Beaches.
Vibe: With one of the largest infinity pools we’ve ever seen — it’s 300 feet long! — the W Miami is the perfect backdrop for a successful bachelor party weekend.
Price: You can expect to pay around $275 per night for a room here during the low season.
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The Miami Beach Edition
Best "Go Big or Go Home" Splurge The Miami Beach EDITION, Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by The Miami Beach Edition)
If your crew is balling with no budget on this weekend getaway, you’ll want to book some rooms at The Miami Beach Edition, which has become one of the best spots to see, be seen, and get your party on.
Vibe: From the super cool, all-white-marble lobby to the luxurious but relaxed pool deck, this is one serious hotel. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Matador Room, is helmed by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and is an experience all its own.
Price: Rooms here start around $350 per night in the low season.
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Shore Club South Beach
Best for Big Groups Shore Club South Beach, Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Shore Club South Beach)
Located oceanfront in South Beach, the Shore Club is an ideal balance for groups looking to get some relaxation on your big weekend out.
Vibe: Since it’s right on the beach, you can spend your days set up on a lounger with the waves crashing just feet from you, or partake in the hotel’s famous weekend pool parties, where stylish young people sip on rosé and cocktails late into the afternoon.
Price: Room rates are reasonable here, too, with prices around $150 per night in the low season.
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SLS South Beach
Most Affordable SLS South Beach, Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by SLS South Beach)
In a way, the SLS South Beach feels like a cousin of the Shore Club.
Vibe: Located right on the beach, it’s also known for its rowdy weekend pool parties at Hyde Beach and for the giant rubber ducky that sits next to the pool.
Price: Rates here start around $150 per night in the low season.
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Airbnb: Luxury Estate in Miami
Best for BBQ Lovers Miami Shores, FL, USA
(Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
Vibe: This lovely six-bedroom estate just 10 minutes from all the action in Downtown Miami, Wynwood, and South Beach sleeps up to 14 guests in a cozy tropical setting. You’ll have access to parking spaces for five cars, a sweet outdoor patio and BBQ space, and a pool, as well as a fully equipped kitchen and a 70-inch TV if you’d rather kick back inside after a big night out.
Price: From $575 a night. Note that there is a three-night minimum stay for weekends and anything less than that needs to be pre-approved by the host.
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Airbnb: Luxury Miami Mansion
Best for Large Groups Miami Shores, FL, USA
(Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
Vibe: This gorgeous 10,000-square-foot mansion is perfect for large groups, with 10 bedrooms, 11 beds, and 8.5 bathrooms, giving you plenty of room to spread out. Just a 15-minute drive from South Beach, it’s the perfect base if you want to relax poolside between bachelor party festivities.
Price: From $2,850 a night.
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Airbnb: Beautiful Waterfront Mansion
Best If You Want to Feel Like a Celebrity Eastern Shores, North Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo courtesy of Airbnb)
Vibe: If you’ve got money to burn and don’t mind being a little off the main drag, this stylish waterfront mansion just north of Miami in Sunny Isles Beach makes a great base, with its proximity to area dining and shopping and gorgeous outdoor pool deck. With seven bedrooms, you’ll have enough room for you and 13 of your best buds to have the ultimate guys trip.
Price: From $4,000 a night. Note that there is a $500 fee if you are caught smoking anywhere on the property.
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Best Restaurants in Miami
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Joe’s Stone Crab
Best Spot for a Seafood Splurge Joe's Stone Crab, Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Joe’s Stone Crab)
Joe’s is one of the most iconic restaurants in Miami, having been in business since 1952. The name says it all — get the stone crab, especially when it’s in season from around mid-October through mid-May. Joe’s doesn’t take reservations so make sure you budget in some time for waiting. You will not regret it.
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Cecconi’s
Best Brunch Buffet Cecconi's, Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Cecconi’s)
Located in the courtyard of the Soho Beach House — Miami’s outpost of the members-only club — open-to-the-public Cecconi’s has become famous in recent years for offering the “Weekend Feast,” a lavish brunch buffet spread that begins at 11 a.m. each Saturday and Sunday and costs $70 per person. These days, brunch is an all-afternoon affair so we have no doubt you’ll get your money’s worth.
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Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Best Family Style Greek Food Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo by Mandolin Aegean Bistro)
A relaxed yet seriously good Greek restaurant set in a bungalow in the city’s Design District, Mandolin is one of the best places for a group meal in Miami. As soon as you walk into the space, you’ll feel relaxed and at home thanks to its laid-back family vibes — and it gets even better once the food arrives. Make your reservations far in advance, as this is one of the most popular restaurants in the city.
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Zuma Miami
Best Upscale Japanese Food Zuma Miami, Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo by Zuma Miami)
This popular, high-end Japanese restaurant has made a name for itself all over the world, and its Miami location is just as great as the others. Located next to the Miami River, it’s the perfect place to splurge on a fancy dinner. Make sure you dress the part though, as Zuma Miami is definitely a popular scene and you definitely won’t want to roll up in your swim trunks and flip flops.
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OLA Miami
Best Food to Get Your Night Started OLA Restaurant, Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by OLA Miami)
For a taste of modern, pan-Latin cuisine, head to OLA Miami — the OLA, by the way, stands for “Of Latin America.” Try plenty of ceviches, artful seafood dishes, and the epitome of Latin American comfort food, empanadas. Enjoy fresh cocktails along the Miami River and get your night started with some serious Latin vibes, exactly what you need for a successful night in South Florida.
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Versailles
Best Cure For a Hangover Versailles Restaurant Cuban Cuisine, Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo by Versailles)
An institution in Little Havana, Versailles has served seriously good Cuban food since 1971. Since then, it’s become a highlight of the city’s thriving Cuban culture and has landed at the top of nearly every Miami must-do list. Cuban food also happens to be great hangover food, so when you’re feeling less than ideal after a big night of partying, head here and down some cafecitos and croquetas before taking on the day.
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Best Bars and Clubs in Miami
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Sugar at EAST
Best Rooftop Bar EAST Miami, Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo by Sugar at EAST Miami)
Perched atop the EAST hotel in the city’s Brickell district, Sugar is arguably the city’s best rooftop bar — it has even appeared on Conde Nast’s lists of top rooftop bars in the entire country. If you’re staying in Miami Beach, especially if you’re staying in Brickell, this bar is certainly worth a visit. There’s no better place to pre-game than at the top of one of Miami’s futuristic glassy skyscrapers, taking in views of the skyline and water from every angle.
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Watr at the Rooftop at 1Hotel South Beach
Best Bar to Get the Night Started 1 Hotel South Beach, Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by the1rooftop)
Called Watr at the Rooftop, this restaurant and bar space features a seafood-heavy menu influenced primarily by Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. During the day, Watr is only open to hotel guests, but after 6 p.m., when the sun goes down, the scene turns up and patrons get treated to views of Miami’s vast skyline with craft cocktails in hand. This is the perfect spot to gather your group and kick off an evening of partying.
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Broken Shaker at Freehand Miami
Best Low-Key Party Scene Freehand Miami, Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Broken Shaker at Freehand Miami)
Broken Shaker at the Freehand Miami has chill vibes, with the majority of the bar set up in a lush outdoor courtyard filled with plants. There’s even a pool patrons can sit by and stand around when the courtyard gets busy. It’s a great spot for a group who wants to keep things low key to start but has every intention of turning things up as the night goes on.
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Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company
Best Place to Go Dancing All Night Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company, 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company)
Located in South Beach, but distinctly lacking the typical South Beach vibe, Sweet Liberty is a great place to dance when you don’t feel like partaking in “the scene.” It gets packed, sure, but the music is fun, and drinks and bar snacks are relatively cheap for Miami.
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Mac’s Club Deuce
Best In-Between Bars Bar Mac's Club Deuce ♣️, 14th Street, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Mac’s Club Deuce)
For a great place to slam some beers after dinner (but before it’s late enough to go out clubbing) hit up Mac’s Club Deuce in Miami Beach, an old favorite of the locals. It’s got all the trappings of a great dive bar, including a good old fashioned jukebox. Just remember to bring cash. Your plastic isn’t accepted here.
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Bâoli Miami
Best Place to Party Like a Celebrity Bâoli Miami, Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, USA
(Photo by Bâoli Miami)
This Mediterranean lounge and restaurant with a sister location in Cannes, France, turns into a full-on nightclub after dinner service ends. Come here if you’re looking for one of the trendiest spots to spend a whole lot of money on table service.
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E11EVEN
Best Strip Club E11EVEN MIAMI, Northeast 11th Street, Miami, FL, USA
(Photo by E11even)
It’s very possible that E11even is the grand-daddy of all nightclubs — and strip clubs. It stays open 24/7 and is a hybrid normal/strip club where acrobats twirl from the ceiling in very little clothing. It’s a Miami experience that can’t be missed, especially during your bachelor party weekend.
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Bottom Line
Miami has it all — the city, surf, sun, sand, beautiful people, great food, great drinks, and great vibes all around. It’s the perfect place to relax in the sun all day and have epic nights that end at five (or six or seven) in the morning, and we can’t think of many places better-suited to a bachelor party weekend.
