What it is
First, a planning note that will save you an afternoon: if an older guide sends you to Hyde Beach at the SLS South Beach, skip it. That pool party has closed and the SLS South Beach itself is shut for renovations as of 2026.
The South Beach pool day worth building around now is Strawberry Moon, at The Goodtime Hotel on Washington Ave. It's a swim club, restaurant, and bar in one — Deco pinks, lagoon blues, and palm greens, with an indoor parlor that opens onto an expansive outdoor pool deck. It's more curated than the old mega-dayclub scene, but the DJ bookings are not small: David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Marshmello, Black Coffee, and Diplo have all played this pool. Pool parties run Friday through Sunday, 12 PM to sundown.
VIP options are tiered: Beach Couch ($500), Daybed ($750), Poolside Daybed ($1,250), Cabana ($2,000), and Bungalow ($4,000), each with a dedicated server and DJ-booth sightlines. General admission tickets run around $40. Dress code is enforced — upscale swimwear and resort wear only, no athletic gear, jeans, or boots.
Why it works for the group
This is your daytime look-and-feel block: pastel loungers, a pool that photographs well, and a golden-hour stretch (roughly 4–6 PM) that's the best light of the whole trip. Coordinate swimsuits or cover-ups and you've got the group shot without fighting a huge, chaotic dayclub crowd — the smaller capacity here actually works in your favor for getting a good table and a clean backdrop.
Because it's compact, book VIP if you want a guaranteed spot rather than gambling on a walk-in table on a Saturday. A Cabana or Bungalow gives the bride her own reserved space to actually relax between photos, instead of hovering by the bar waiting for lounge chairs to open up.
Planning tips
When to book: Email [email protected] as early as you can for VIP — capacity is only 300–400 people, and the best tables go fast on weekends. If you're doing general admission, arrive before 1 PM on Saturdays to get a decent walk-in spot before the line builds.
What to budget: General admission runs around $40/person. VIP starts at $500 for a Beach Couch and scales up to $4,000 for a Bungalow — split across a group of 8–10, a Cabana ($2,000) or Poolside Daybed ($1,250) is the more realistic mid-range option.
Time to set aside: Doors are open 12 PM–6 PM, so block the better part of an afternoon. Sunscreen and water breaks matter here — a sunburn on day one of the trip is the fastest way to wreck the Saturday night that follows.
Good to know
- Where: The Goodtime Hotel, 601 Washington Ave, South Beach.
- Duration: Open 12 PM–6 PM, Friday–Sunday; plan for 3–6 hours.
- Price: ~$40/person GA; VIP tables $500–$4,000 (Beach Couch to Bungalow), 2026.
- Group size: Best for small-to-mid groups (2–12); larger groups should book a Cabana or Bungalow.
- Dress code: Upscale swimwear/resort wear only — no athletic gear, jeans, or boots. 21+ only.
- Booking: No affiliate listing — buy tickets and reserve tables directly through The Goodtime Hotel's Strawberry Moon page, or by email for VIP.
