Moon over Miami: South Beach bars with views worth howling at

Miami Beach is known for its pastel Art Deco buildings, its sexy Latin Ritmos, and the spectacular full moon rising over the Atlantic surf. If you happen to be in the city during our monthly lunar light show, here are a few of the top spots to toast your good fortune.


DiLido Beach Club (1 Lincoln Road): Once a month, the swank beach club at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach hosts a fabulous Full Moon Party from 7 to 11 p.m. featuring $7 cocktails, $5 beer, and free hookah pipes that fill the air with fragrant, fruity smoke. DJ Edwin Adams spins for a great-looking crowd that gathers on the sand to dance, mingle, and view the rising orb through high-tech telescopes. With no cover and a chance to munch tapas prepared by Top Chef-testant Jeff McInnis, this is one moonlit night you won't want to miss. (Weather permitting: March 30; April 28; May 27; June 26; July 26; August 24; September 23; October 23; November 21.)


Spire Bar (801 Collins Avenue): In the heart of the Deco District, the landmark Hotel of South Beach sports a rooftop pool deck and my favorite hideaway, the Spire Bar. Overlooking the neon lights of the city and bathed in the buzzing glow of the original "Tiffany" sign, the Spire is a wonderfully refined al fresco lounge. Discover the perfect spot for a dry martini and a few moments of retro repose as the moon casts its spell on your vacation. Hotels near the Spire include the Casa Grande Suite Hotel and the Room Mate Waldorf.


Webster Lounge (1220 Collins Avenue): High atop the newly renovated Webster Hotel, an elegant rooftop retreat deftly replicates a 1940s era lounge where guests sip champagne and nibble caviar sent upstairs from the Kaspia Restaurant. Decked in perfectly vintage "Godfather" rattan furniture and surrounded by potted palms, the overall effect is stylish and secluded. A well-dressed happy hour crowd gathers Tuesday through Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. for $8 specialty drinks and light bites, but you'll probably want to hold off until the moon rises to get the full benefit of the Webster's South Beach sizzle. Stay at the Hotel Victor, the Hotel Nash, or the Suites On the Beach.


- AdvisorGirl