The Long Weekend Edit: Your Guide to Memorial Day in Miami
- rcastro05
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 10 hours ago
Memorial Day weekend transforms Miami’s tropical playground into a patriotic party of rooftop fêtes, fireworks, and sun-drenched escapes. Whether you’re sipping poolside cocktails with skyline views or watching planes soar above Ocean Drive, there are plenty of ways to soak up the long weekend.
Sky-High Tributes and Beachside Beats
Celebrate Memorial Day at The Betsy South Beach, a 130-room family-owned oceanfront hotel in Miami Beach’s iconic Art Deco Historic District. From May 24-25, hotel guests and diners at LT Steak & Seafood (featuring cuisine by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel) are invited to watch the magnificent Hyundai Air & Sea Show from the rooftop Ocean Front Deck. Before or after the show, experience The Betsy’s artistic soul with live jazz at The Piano Bar, plus dynamic art exhibitions, poetry readings and a rich literary heritage inspired by poet Hyam Plutzik. Enjoy the serene beauty of “The Betsy Orb” and explore verses from Miami’s most influential voices etched along “The Betsy Poetry Rail.”
The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, known for its lively weekend pool parties, is inviting military members to enjoy complimentary admission to its poolside events this Memorial Day weekend. From Friday, May 23, through Monday, May 26, non-hotel guests who present a valid military ID will receive free access to The Pool at Strawberry Moon, an Instagram-ready pool deck and bar perched above the busy streets of South Beach. Inspired by the glamour of 1950s Acapulco and Havana, Strawberry Moon features retro-style scalloped cabanas and a pastel palette of mint, coral, pink, and white. Every weekend, the space transforms into a high-energy scene with top-tier DJs, VIP cabanas, and bottle service. For more information, click here.
Where to Stay (and Play)
This Memorial Day, step into a vibrant retreat at The Gabriel South Beach, a boutique oasis nestled in Miami Beach’s iconic Art Deco Historic District. Guests can unwind by the striking glass-bottom pool, dive into one of the hotel’s three diverse dining destinations, and experience the hotel’s rooftop watch party for the Hyundai Air & Sea Show.
Meanwhile, The Gates Hotel South Beach offers a Memorial Day escape where the timeless allure of Miami Beach meets modern luxury and tranquility. With the hotel’s Stay More, Save More offer, guests can save up to 15% when they book three nights or more.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, a 1940s art deco gem, has crafted a day full of programming just for guests on Saturday, May 24, including a Cafecito Cart Pop-Up from 9-10 a.m. in the lobby, an Aqua Fit Wellness Session at the Family Pool from 3-3:30 p.m., a Star-Spangled Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. featuring “Red, White, and Boozy” drink specials, and an evening celebration in the lobby featuring Italian ice cream. Guests and visitors can also stop by Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill, the hotel’s beachfront bar and restaurant located just off the Miami Beach boardwalk. Be sure to book the Seaside Savings package, which includes 20% off a minimum two-night stay, a complimentary bottle of prosecco, and a $50 food and beverage credit.
The newly renovated Hotel Continental, a boutique lifestyle hotel located in Miami Beach’s vibrant Mid-Beach district, invites guests to kick back at its 1950s Miami Modern (MiMo)-inspired pool area and the recently launched Divebar, featuring a self-pour beverage wall with select wines, local craft beers, and batch cocktails. Guests can also enjoy the “Dive-In Cinema” with a poolside family-friendly movie night, or sip their way down memory lane with the Retro Drink and Popsicle Cart at Mixer lounge.
The Elser Hotel, a 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami, is an all-in-one summer kickoff spot with accommodations featuring fully equipped kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers. Guests can take the plunge into the 132-foot rooftop pool, sip something patriotic at the hotel’s outdoor bar, or catch a game or movie on the massive 16-foot LED screen. The Elser also offers an exclusive veteran and military special of 15% off the property’s best available rate to all veterans and active military personnel.
Lastly, at Arlo Wynwood, the first hotel to open in Miami’s preeminent creative and cultural district, guests can bring their hotel room poolside to ART Wynwood, the hidden rooftop bar perched above the street art with stunning views of the bay. The rooftop’s crown jewel is its 76-foot-long heated pool surrounded by comfortable chaise lounges and private cabanas. Guests can also sip handcrafted cocktails and delectable bites at on-site eateries Higher Ground and Wyn Wyn. Cabanas and day passes are available through ResortPass.
Savor the Holiday
Roll into the long weekend with something cooler than your usual backyard BBQ. Uchi Miami is firing up the flavor with bold, elevated bites that maki it a must-visit! Whether you’re here for the sashimi, tempura, or the soy-much-fun vibes, Uchi blends the spirit of the season with Japanese creativity for a Memorial Day that’s anything but ordinary.
A fiery sibling to the beloved Uchi, Uchiko Miami Beach serves standout dishes like Roasted Lobster drizzled in umeboshi butter and rich, umami-packed roasted mushrooms in silky tom kha broth. Whether sipping on a Lychee Martini or diving into a curated Nigiri Flight, Uchiko delivers all the summer sizzle without the backyard cleanup.
If you’re in Downtown Miami, head to Julia & Henry’s for a star-spangled spread that takes your taste buds on tour—no passport (or grill) required. Located in a beautifully restored historic building, this three-story culinary destination is serving up long weekend energy with over 20 dining concepts to explore. Highlights include Peachy’s crispy fried chicken sandwiches, Yabai’s crave-worthy Japanese hand rolls, and refreshing spritzes from The Alicia.
Nearby, Verde at Pérez Art Museum Miami invites guests to enjoy stunning views of Biscayne Bay and a locally inspired, seasonal menu by Executive Chef Valeri Fuentes of Constellation Culinary Group.
At Food@Science at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Memorial Day weekenders can enjoy Downtown Miami’s Maurice A. Ferré Park with a science-inspired lunch related to the museum exhibitions, plus artisan pastries, farmstand salads and bowls, sandwiches and burgers, pizzas, kid-friendly signatures, and on-the-go snacks.
Meanwhile, in Brickell, perched on the 25th floor of Hotel AKA Brickell, the coastal-chic hideaway ADRIFT Mare showcases sun-drenched flavors and jaw-dropping views of Biscayne Bay led by Michelin-starred “Gypsy Chef” David Myers.
Don’t miss Pubbelly Sushi, where five-time James Beard Award semifinalist Chef José Mendín’s innovative fusion of Japanese and Latin flavors shines in every bite. Try the decadent Butter Krab Roll, the bold flavors of Lobster Donuts drizzled with spicy honey, creative sake cocktails, and more.
For more information or reservations, visit the featured properties and dining destinations’ official websites or follow their Instagram accounts.