Miami South Beach Art Deco Fully Guided Walking Tour
Description
South Beach is one of the most photographed neighbourhoods on earth, but most visitors never get past the surface. This walking tour goes deeper, uncovering the stories behind the Art Deco facades, the landmarks, and the communities that made this district iconic. You'll walk Ocean Drive past buildings designed by Henry Hohauser and L. Murray Dixon, hear how Barbara Capitman rescued these pastel gems from demolition, and stop at the sun-drenched steps of the Versace Mansion, the Wolfsonian–FIU Museum, and a gleaming 1948 diner shipped here from Pennsylvania. Along the way, you have the option to add food and drink stops that bring the neighbourhood's flavours to life: a Summer Sangria, a mystery Secret Dish with a crisp Margarita, a Pastelito de Guava con Queso with a Mojito, and a bold Cuban Sandwich. This food experience is available as a private upgraded option, tailored to your group.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We’ll meet here for an introduction to the tour and Art Deco essentials.
Along the way, our expert guides share stories of the Tropical Art Deco style's origins as we pass by iconic sites like The Victor, Dream Hotel, McAlpin, Crescent, and Cavalier. Step into the opulent lobbies of these magnificent hotels and marvel at their beauty.
Stroll through historic Washington Ave to discover many preserved structures like the Sonder Hotel and Taft Hotel.
Witness the lasting influence of Art Deco on Ocean Drive's architecture.
Continue the journey along Collins Avenue, exploring naval-inspired Art Deco designs, including the Victor Hotel. Encounter historical landmarks like the Kent Hotel and The Marlin Hotel, representing the vibrant '70s and '80s Miami Beach vibe.
When you pass by the Versace Mansion, the guide will teach you why it’s a cultural monument in South Beach. But that’s not all! Before the tour guide ends, the guide will provide some more info about the Ocean Drive.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for child aged 5 and under
- Please know traffic is heavy and parking is limited after 12pm on Fridays, weekends and holidays. If you are driving into South Beach please allot additional 45 minutes to enter South Beach and locate parking as some garages may be full and you will need to drive around to locate street parking. ALSO please check traffic advisory on Internet for any traffic delays.
- Tour continues in rain or shine (except for Hurricanes Watches or Warnings). In the event of rain, we keep you indoors most of the time. Be sure to carry an umbrella or rain poncho to walk in between buildings. Statistically, rain showers do not last more than 20 minutes.
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Reviews(1,109)
James was great, very knowledgeable! Great to walk around.
Did the MBDL South Beach Scandal Tour last night with Harvey B. Harvey is incredibly knowledgeable and engaging all along the tour. I'm a local and thoroughly enjoyed learning new trivia about my iconic neighborhood. Our group size was perfect with about 12 people - also all locals. I'm looking forward to going on the Art Deco Tour as well as the Jewish History Tour that Harvey conducts. I highly recommend!
Hearing from guests after their experience is always appreciated. We're glad that so many elements came together to create such a positive outcome. We hope to welcome you back to Secret Food Tours!
Janinha was awesome! We had an incredibly informative tour and our guide knew lots of stuff about the art Deco scene in Miami. Definitely worth the time investment. We know so much more than we knew about the history of art Deco in Miami. So many overlooked gems and aspects of the Deco architecture that we overlook every time we're here. I would highly recommend this tour!
Every guest takes away something different from their experience. We're pleased that yours left such a positive impression and so many memorable moments. We hope you'll join Secret Food Tours again in the future!
We had an awesome time with James on the art-deco tour!! 10/10 will come back again :)
Your feedback was wonderful to read. Knowing that the walk left such a strong impression means a lot. We hope to see you again with Secret Food Tours soon!
James was great! Wonderful experience!
We truly appreciate your 5-star review! It's rewarding to know that your time with us left you with such positive memories. We hope to see you again with Secret Food Tours soon.
Very good tour with lots of information and the guide Janinha was very friendly and attentive
We loved coming across this review today! It’s great knowing your day with us gave you something positive to look back on afterward. We’d happily welcome you back to Secret Food Tours.
James is an amazing tour guide. Very educational and scenic
Thank you for sharing your experience here. We are pleased to know your day with us became such a rewarding part of your visit overall. Secret Food Tours would be happy to welcome you back!
James Cubby was great! Very informative with a wealth of historical knowledge from personal experiences of living in Miami the past 30 years.
We appreciate this more than you know. It’s always wonderful hearing that guests walked away feeling happy they chose to spend their day with us. Hope to see you again through Secret Food Tours!
James was great. His knowledge of the Art Deco Style and history in Miami Beach was top-notch. We highly recommend booking with James.
We’re happy you shared this with us. Knowing the journey became such a positive part of your trip is exactly the kind of thing our team loves hearing. Secret Food Tours sends our thanks!
I love Miami SB, been there few times and I am glad I took the tour because it was so worth it. James is such a nice, fun person and with him you get to enter into the Art Decó hotels. The tour is very fast paced and if I may is not always easy to follow what the guide is saying.
We’re pleased the tour became a memorable part of your visit. Hearing feedback like this keeps our whole team motivated every day. Hope to see you again through Secret Food Tours!
