If you’ve spent any time scrolling through South Beach tags on Instagram, you’ve seen it. That specific shade of "Deco Pink" and "Lagoon Blue." It’s basically the uniform of Strawberry Moon, the high-energy swim club and restaurant tucked away inside The Goodtime Hotel.
People go there for the vibes, sure. But mostly? They go for the shots. Getting the perfect strawberry moon miami beach photos isn't just about having a decent camera. It’s about timing the light against those Ken Fulk-designed interiors. Honestly, the place looks like a Wes Anderson set had a fever dream in 1980s Miami.
What Actually Is Strawberry Moon?
It’s easy to get confused. Some people are looking for the astronomical event—the actual June full moon—while others are looking for the venue.
The venue is a 30,000-square-foot tropical playground co-created by Pharrell Williams and hospitality mogul David Grutman. It’s located at 601 Washington Avenue. They named it after the last full moon of Spring, which famously carries a reddish, roseate hue.
The space is divided into several distinct "photo zones":
- The twin pools with the signature palm-tree-lined runway.
- The striped cabanas that look like they belong in a vintage Slim Aarons photograph.
- The indoor parlor with its pale mint and coral accents.
If you’re there for a pool party on a Saturday, the lighting is harsh. High noon in Miami is a nightmare for shadows. But around 4:00 PM? That’s when the "Magic City" blue starts to creep in.
Timing the Real Moon vs. The Club
So, you want photos of the actual celestial event from Miami Beach? That’s a different beast.
🔗 Read more: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
In 2026, the Strawberry Moon is set to hit its peak on June 29. Because it falls so close to the summer solstice, the moon stays lower on the horizon in the Northern Hemisphere. This is a big deal for photographers. When the moon is low, it shines through a thicker layer of atmosphere, which is what gives it that golden, orange, or reddish tint.
Basically, it doesn’t look like a white orb; it looks like a glowing ember.
If you want the best strawberry moon miami beach photos of the sky, don't stay in the middle of South Beach where the neon signs wash everything out. You’ve gotta head to the water’s edge.
Best Spots for Astronomical Photos:
- South Pointe Park Pier: You get a clear, unobstructed view of the horizon over the Atlantic.
- The 5th Street Beach Walk: Great for getting the sea oats in the foreground for some texture.
- Lummus Park: If you want the Art Deco buildings in the frame with the moon rising behind them.
Why Everyone’s Photos Look the Same (And How to Fix It)
Walk into the Goodtime Hotel on a Friday and you’ll see fifty people taking the exact same photo of the "Strawberry Moon" neon sign. It’s a bit much.
To get something that actually stands out, you have to play with the reflections. The pool water at the club is specifically designed to be a certain shade of "lagoon blue." When the sun starts to dip, the pink shadows of the umbrellas hit the water.
Pro tip: Stand at the far end of the runway (the strip between the two pools). Use a wide-angle lens. If you’re using an iPhone, tap and hold to lock your exposure on the brightest part of the sky. This keeps the pinks from looking "blown out" or muddy.
💡 You might also like: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
Larsa Pippen and various Bachelor alums are regulars here, usually spotted during events like Miami Swim Week. If you’re there for the celeb-spotting, the cabanas are your best bet, but keep it chill. No one likes the person hovering with a telephoto lens while they’re trying to eat their yellowtail hamachi.
The "Blue Hour" Strategy
There is a specific window in Miami Beach—roughly 20 minutes after sunset—where the sky turns a deep, velvety indigo.
At the Strawberry Moon restaurant, the lights transition from golden to a deeper blue. This is the best time for food photography. Their Mediterranean-style dishes, like the Turkish-style pizzas or the Sheftalia spicy sausage, are plated on ceramics that pop against the evening light.
Most people leave the pool deck once the sun goes down. Big mistake. The architectural lighting on the third floor is what makes the hotel look "vibrant."
Common Mistakes People Make
Don't use your flash. Seriously.
The ambient light at the Goodtime Hotel is very intentional. If you fire off a flash, you lose all the pastel nuances that Ken Fulk worked so hard to create. You end up with a flat, white-washed photo that looks like it was taken in a basement.
📖 Related: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
Another thing? People forget the "Healthy" part of the "Happy, Hedonistic, Healthy" mantra. Some of the best photos aren't of the cocktails, but of the fresh, bright salads and the cold-pressed juices against the mint-green tables. It’s a very specific "Miami wellness" aesthetic that performs well on Discover feeds.
Planning Your 2026 Visit
If you’re planning to visit specifically for the 2026 Strawberry Moon (the moon, not just the club), mark your calendar for June 29.
The moon will rise at approximately 7:57 PM.
Expect the beach to be crowded. Locals often gather for "Moonrise" parties. If you want a table at the restaurant to watch the sky, you’ll need to book at least two weeks in advance. David Grutman’s spots don't stay empty for long.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Moon Phase: If you want the actual celestial body in your shot, use an app like PhotoPills to see exactly where it will rise over the Atlantic.
- Book the Right Ticket: Pool party access usually starts around $25-$30 if you aren't staying at the hotel. Buy them online early; they sell out by Friday morning.
- Dress the Part: The dress code is "Resort Chic." If you show up in baggy cargo shorts, you aren't getting past the velvet rope, no matter how good your camera is.
- Clean Your Lens: It sounds stupid, but the humidity in Miami Beach will fog up your lens the second you walk from the air-conditioned lobby to the humid pool deck. Give it a minute to acclimate.
Whether you're there for the astronomical phenomenon or the Pharrell-approved pool deck, capturing strawberry moon miami beach photos requires a bit of planning and a lot of patience. The light moves fast, and the crowd moves faster.
Just remember to put the phone down for at least five minutes. The Mediterranean mezze is actually pretty good, and it's better when it's still warm.