"You're dreaming of a vacation but you’re on a budget, so the closest you’re getting to South Beach is Royal Sands in Navy Yard, which is doing its best to deliver beach party vibes. You can slide into the built-in pool bar, grab a cocktail on tap, and eat some less-than-stellar bar food while listening to music that will have you thinking you’re about to go fist pumping in 80-degree weather (even if you’re shivering). Take in the umbrellas and fake palm trees downstairs or head to the second floor and enjoy the Miami sunset painted on the wall. On the weekend, you can stretch your dinner date into a dance party when the DJ turns up the volume from the lifeguard stand around 10pm." - tristiana hinton, omnia saed