From Sunrise to Sundown, Here's Your Guide to Day Parties in Miami

Starting at noon every Thursday through Sunday, this high-energy dance party is easily the wildest blowout on South Beach. Located at the luxurious SLS Hotel, expect champagne showers and endless bottle parades. With a spacious oceanfront foyer to revel in, groove out while listening to house music from some of Miami’s hottest DJs. When it gets too hot, take a dip in the pool or recharge under the shade of a private cabana. As the day turns into night, the party kicks into high gear with vibrant light shows and costumed performers keeping to help the party go on until late.

Hosted by Barter in Wynwood on Saturdays, this weekly daytime disco kicks off at 3pm. Combining a mix of soca and afro-beats with classic hip-hop favorites, the atmosphere is equal parts lively and fun. Dance the day away while sipping on specialty cocktails like the Make Me Jealous (vodka, thyme and raspberry jam) or the Devil’s Deal (tequila and jalapeño finished with red wine). This imaginative event space doubles as a vintage store, so bring in your favorite recycled fashion for discounts on drinks and food. If you’re looking to keep the party alive, dancing continues into the evening until 9pm.

On Saturdays and Sundays (starting at 11:30am or 2:00pm) at Miami’s Palace Bar, nimble drag queens host this venue’s iconic Drag Brunch. Delivering show-stopping performances alongside classic brunch fare and endless mimosas, expect high-heeled death drops and awe-inspiring lip syncs. At $45 (£34) per person (and $20 (£15) extra for bottomless drinks), this show is well worth the ticket. With some of South Beach’s fiercest queens including Missy Meyakie Lepaige and Tiffany Fantasia, this fabulous affair is not to be missed. Afterward, stay for the notorious T-dance when the beats turn up and the lights go down. Pro Tip: call ahead and reserve a table, as they fill up quickly.

Starting at noon on both Saturday and Sunday, Little Havana’s famous Ball & Chain hosts vibrant daytime parties that combine sophisticated Miami style with colorful Latin traditions. The fiesta kicks off in high gear with live bands and professional dancers in vibrant costumes. Later on, a DJ steps in to help continue the party and open up the floor. Serving festive cocktails with a Cuban flare, specialty drinks like the Miami Mule or the Passion Fontaine (Avion tequila, passion fruit purée, and jalapeño) will keep you refreshed and ready to party well into the evening.

Liquid Brunch Sundays at El Patio attract a diverse crowd and are a welcome alternative to the EDM parties that frequently take hold all over South Beach. At this “brunch,” you can dance the day away soundtracked by an eclectic playlist of world music. The indoor-outdoor setting creates a house party atmosphere that is both casual and friendly. When it comes time to take a break, there are plenty of comfortable couches and low-profile chairs to relax on and rest your feet. A small menu of bites, including pulled pork sliders and Venezuelan-style cheese sticks, will keep you fueled up and energized. After 4pm, all house cocktails and buckets of beer are only $4 (£3), so arrive early, but plan to stay late.

Located on the southern tip of South Beach, this swanky beachfront club hosts an extravagant Sunday brunch and afternoon soirée that is legendary among Miami’s plethora of day drinkers. The day kicks off with a decadent spread of carving stations, made-to-order omelets, and a dessert bar. Top it all off with a bottomless bloody mary or a Moët & Chandon. Featuring DJ sets directly on the sand and a live saxophone player making rounds, take off your sandals and dance away the day to the backdrop of a perfect Miami sunset. And the lush, tropical setting is particularly attractive to the Insta-centric millennial crowd. When you need to relax, cabanas and daybeds are available at an additional cost.

Ditch the sightseers at the Wynwood Walls, and join this friendly neighborhood bash at the Wood Tavern every Sunday starting at 3pm. There are vibrant murals covering the walls and a large backyard patio that is ideal for relaxing with friends or dancing to a variety of tunes. Expect live DJ sets playing old-school favorites and local breakdancing crews battling it out on the dance floor. There is always a perfect blend of both locals and tourists, creating a cheerful and eclectic atmosphere. Party specials include $4 burgers, $8 short ribs and sangria or sweet tea vodka for a mere $4.

Located inside the Freehand Hostel in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker hosts a notorious poolside bash every Sunday from 3pm to 6pm. One of the top-rated party destinations in the Magic City, troves of excitement seekers come out every week to enjoy the sun and freshly prepared craft cocktails. Imaginative drinks like the Beet Drop (Leblon Cachaça and beet juice orgeat) or the Stunt Double (Bulleit Rye whiskey, mint and cinnamon) pair perfectly with made-to-order barbecue, served poolside. Chill out with live sessions from some of Miami’s hottest DJs at this buzzing palm tree-lined oasis.

Opening at noon Thursday through Sunday, The Wharf is a unique open-air event space located directly on the historic Miami River. Every weekend, merry-makers from all over the world converge here for sunny river views and some serious (but responsible) day drinking. A rotating schedule of food vendors, live music and drink specials means there is always something new going on. The casual atmosphere encourages guests to settle in and stay a while. With several bars and lounge seating on the deck, grab your favorite cocktail and enjoy the view. As the name suggests, there is plenty of room for mariners to dock their boats and join in on the fun.

Close out the weekend at the Standard Spa’s Lazy Sundays BBQ. With a casual atmosphere (populated by casually dressed party-goers), this daytime shindig is reminiscent of a classic summer cook-out. Clans of locals and tourists alike gather to relax by the pool and enjoy the breezy Miami vibe (along with endless views of Biscayne Bay). Featuring big-name DJs, grilled eats and plenty of booze to go around, this kickback has all you need to savor a classic fun-in-the-sun day party. Whether you chose to dance on the deck or challenge a friend to a game of ping pong, this easygoing ambience is a perfect alternative to the overcrowded beach. Pro Tip: stay until late to catch a magnificent sunset over the water.