Miami Beach Art Deco: Hidden Gems Tour
5.0
51 Ratings
Miami Beach
Uncover the hidden gems of Miami Beach on a captivating Art Deco tour. Explore secret rooftop terraces, peculiar corridors, and obscure lobbies while discovering fascinating history and intriguing stories.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Ocean Drive - We’ll start by revisiting the very first “Miami Vice” scene with Don Johnson at “The Carlyle” restaurant.
- Cardozo Bar & Grill - Introduction of Art Deco architecture, its origins and place in the history of Miami Beach
- Washington Ave. Beach - USPS post office building is both a “Miami Vice” filming location and a very important monument of Art Deco. We will step inside to marvel its original beauty.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Guided tour
Additional Information
Did you know that Miami Beach is largely artificial? Or that Biscayne Bay was once a mere swamp? Or that Miami Beach was the place where Muhammad Ali first claimed the world boxing championship? The history of Miami Beach is a fascinating tapestry of intriguing narratives, which I have devoted myself to illuminate through thorough investigation, compelling narration, and a love for the subject.
As an experienced tour director, I’ve unearthed and collected the area’s best concealed treasures, such as hidden rooftop terraces boasting incredible vistas, peculiar passageways leading to clandestine sanctuaries, enigmatic lobbies steeped in enthralling stories, and discreet bars with gripping tales to share. We’ll tread upon locations that were once the focus of global news as crime scenes, and interpret the camouflage of Art Deco architecture in plain view. Regardless of your interest in history, you’ll be captivated by an assortment of eccentric facts and engage in film and TV trivia as we reveal the settings of famous film and television scenes.
Location
1440 Ocean Dr
Ocean Drive
Meet at "The Betsy Hotel" lobby. Please come inside from Ocean Drive, NOT from Collins Ave.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(51 Ratings)
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Marisamg3221ip
Apr 12, 2024
Explore with Miami Aficionado - JOIN THIS TOUR! Damian, an enthusiastic Miami aficionado and self-proclaimed global citizen, offers an informative and engaging experience. Covering architecture, classical history, art deco, Miami Beach personalities, geography, and local lore, his tour is suitable for all ages and backgrounds. Using iPad to illustrate past, present, and future perspectives, Damian crafts a professional and enjoyable two-hour exploration of Miami's rich tapestry.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markps332mu
Apr 9, 2024
Start here, it will change your whole Trip - Glad to have taken the tour early on day one of my trip. That painted a map in my head and had a very positive influence on the rest of my stay in Miami Beach. Brilliant architecture and history, insights, and advice/recommendations for travelers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Garrih2024
Apr 7, 2024
Slice of Magic - Prepare to be dazzled by Damian's Art Deco Tour – a journey that transcends traditional sightseeing to immerse you in the heart of Miami's architectural masterpiece. From the moment you step foot on the tour, you're whisked away on a captivating adventure through the vibrant history and intricate designs of Art Deco.
What sets Damian's tour apart is its bold exploration of not just the exteriors, but also the interiors of these iconic buildings. As you stroll through the sun-soaked streets, Damian expertly guides you into multiple lobbies, and backrooms, where you're treated to a glimpse of checkered history, which made Miami Beach a global destination.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janetmn4107jy
Apr 5, 2024
From Down Under to South Beach: A Travellers's Tale - Incredible experience! Traveling all the way from Sydney, Australia, I was eager to explore Miami Beach. Damian is incredibly knowledgeable and provided fascinating insights throughout the entire tour. I gained a wealth of information and am keen to participate in another one of his tours. We visited numerous spots in South Beach, prompting my sister and me to return later for photo opportunities. If you're seeking a comprehensive understanding of Miami Beach's history and development, I highly recommend booking this tour – you won't regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Departure660931
Apr 4, 2024
Shifted Our Frame of Reference - Thanks to Damian we now know we are travelers and not tourists - an important distinction. A tourist comes to South Beach to escape- a travelers comes to understand the history and culture. I can’t imagine finding someone with as much passion for this area and its history as you, Damian!
Job well done Damian on providing the detailed information we needed to immerse ourselves fully in South Beach. We encourage others to take this tour on your first day or two to take advantage of insider tips and the detailed map with suggested destinations and restaurants to visit.
When we return we will definitely take Tour #2!
PS - Hanging @ Monty’s as I type this…
Review provided by Tripadvisor
809kirstinr
Apr 3, 2024
Great way to start your holiday - Awesome way to start our Miami Beach holiday! Damian was both knowledgeable and funny. Highly recommend this tour and do it early into your holiday so you use all the education and info Damian provides during your stay.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Antonics-antennas
Apr 3, 2024
Miami Beach Art Deco with Damian - Damian has been such a fun guide who has shown us hidden gems of historical Miami. We liked his tour so much that we booked a second tour a few days later. He has a wealth of knowledge and lots of insider infos and made our stay truly remarkable. He was very entertaining and has amazing energy. We can recommend his tours to anyone who wants to explore Miami in a fun and unique way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z8788emjohnw
Apr 2, 2024
Wonderful Journey Through Time - Damian proved to be an excellent guide, displaying genuine enthusiasm for history, Miami, and the essence of life itself! Throughout the excursion, Damian ensured our comfort by keeping us shaded while imparting fascinating insights into Art Deco architecture and the colorful history of South Beach, sharing both its triumphs and challenges. As the tour concluded, Damian thoughtfully provided us with a map, he curated himself from scratch, empowering us to further explore the area at our leisure. His affable demeanor and approachability made for effortless and engaging conversation, leaving a lasting impression on our experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arthurrd390kt
Apr 2, 2024
Escapist Nostalgia - Miami Beach is a true time capsule and Damian put together a very well curated tour, which is the whole experience. Allowing us to travel back to the 1930s.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peterdq6354vf
Apr 2, 2024
Storyteller's Time! - Epic experience with a true professional. Damian is more than a tour guide, he's a historian and storyteller, who lives and breathes Miami Beach and historic preservation. Will come back next year.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
