Winters on the east coast of the United States can be brutally freezing.  So I always appreciate the opportunity to take in the warmth of a short stay in Florida. Besides the sun and sand, there is nothing like the nightlife in Miami and the surrounding cities.

Skybar Miami Beach

There are hundreds of different restaurants and beach clubs along the seafront. A great choice is the Skybar Miami Beach, which has attracted the stylish and famous for years. The spacious and dramatically designed “Redroom” opens out into a poolside lounge set amidst an elegant garden decorated with tropical foliage, hanging lanterns and vibrantly colored and beaded textiles.  Move from here onto the beach with its warm clear sand and low ocean waves. The food at the Skybar is delicious and the dancing goes on to the wee hours of the morning.

Tantra Bar

The Tantra Bar offers Mediterranean cuisine set in a Moorish atmosphere. Believe it or not, the floor is actually real growing grass and the low colorful sofas and waterfall set the tone for an exotic Middle Eastern experience. Besides a large choice of chumus, matbukas and Turkish delights, Tantra’s menu offers American style filet mignon and a variety of seafood.

Twist

Eating out is not the only highlight of South Florida’s nightlife. There are scores of dance clubs and bars where you can wile away the evening hours. One of the longest running hotspots on South Beach is the Twist, a huge complex with indoor and outdoor bars on several different levels. Live shows and musical events take place here on a regular basis and the dance floors and bars are always packed with locals and tourists alike.  It’s a great place for mingling and socializing.

Monty’s Raw Bar

A visit to Miami’s Coconut Grove is never complete without a stop at Monty’s Raw Bar. Located on the water, local residents can moor their boats at the marina and stop off for a frozen drink or a quick seafood appetizer. Monty’s has been around for over 30 years and is a favorite hangout for locals and tourists. In this waterside setting, you can experience the cool breezes of the ocean, a menu filled with mouthwatering pub treats and live bands that play throughout the afternoon and evening.

Jazid

For those of us who never get to sleep before sunrise, the Jazid is the place to be. This is a classy joint, complete with live jazz bands (a rarity in South Beach) that play music in styles ranging from classical to Brazilian. It isn’t surprising to participate in impromptu celebrity performances which seem to take place almost nightly.  The upbeat, smoky scene of Jazid is conducive to drinking champagne and martinis, but if it gets too much for you, you can move upstairs to the cozy loft where DJ’s create the song and dance in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Scully’s Tavern and Sports Bar

Scully’s Tavern and Sports Bar provides the flavor of an old fashioned neighborhood hangout and is popular with the locals. Scully’s is the place to be for watching the Dolphins games with its excited crowds enjoying cold beer and unbelievable free buffet. In fact, Scully’s in known for its great deals and live music which is available throughout the weekend, including alternative bands and top rock groups from all over the region.

Celina Taylor is a freelance writer and blogger with a focus on travel. Whenever she’s on the move, she always makes sure to bring a great pair of sports sandals from Source.