Miami Beach Tour: Discover Its Hidden History

Embark on a captivating guided walking tour through the heart of Miami Beach, exploring its fascinating history, iconic Art Deco architecture, and intriguing stories of the city’s past.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Ocean Drive - Betsy Hotel, Cardozo Hotel, The Carlyle, Marlin Hotel, The Webster, Victor Hotel lobby, Versace Mansion, Muscle Beach, Park Central Hotel lobby
  • Collins Avenue - The Marlin Hotel, The Webster
What's Included
  • Guided tour with local historian and preservationist
  • Receive an artfully crafted guide map personally curated by your tour host
  • Get to know Hollywood film locations that made Miami famous such as Miami Vice, Scarface & Birdcage
  • Behind-the-scenes access to historic hotel lobbies and other semi-public spaces
What's Not Included
  • Tips and Gratuities
Additional Information

Did you realize that Miami Beach is largely artificial? Or that Biscayne Bay was once a superficial swamp? Furthermore, did you know that Muhammad Ali first earned his world boxing title right here in Miami Beach? The history of Miami Beach is filled with fascinating tales, and I’ve dedicated myself to breathing life into these narratives with thorough…

Location
1440 Ocean Dr
Ocean Drive
Meet at "The Betsy Hotel" lobby, near the concierge desk (Please come inside from Ocean Drive, NOT Collins Ave.)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(143 Ratings)
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W6128ejsandran
Mar 22, 2026
Outstanding - The tour was both engaging and rich with insight, mixing together stories and details that made the area come alive. Damian brought high energy to the experience, paired with a deep well of knowledge that gave everything real substance. Thoughtfully curated rather than routine, with each stop adding something meaningful to the bigger picture. One of the best tours I've ever had.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nsch90
Mar 10, 2026
enjoyable tour with a local expert - I´ve been on the Art Déco tour with Damian and highly recommend it! As a member of Miami Design Preservation League he knows quite a lot about Art Déco and its influence in Miami Beach. Damian also took us on a journey through Miami´s history and showed us how the zeitgeist of earlier times is captured by the buildings in Miami Beach. I learned a lot and highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pbhy3378
Mar 4, 2026
Exceptional walking tour about the Art Deco history of Miami Beach. - Exceptional private walking tour with Damian. He was incredibly well informed as well as personal and professional. First class experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sebastiena372
Feb 25, 2026
10/10 - Damian was fantastic. I ended up being the only guest on the tour, and he turned it into a truly personal experience. His knowledge runs deep, and it’s obvious how much he cares about this city. 10 out of 10, I’d absolutely recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peggy_f
Feb 21, 2026
Damian gave a great tour,... - Damian gave a great tour, he is knowledgeable about art deco and the history of south beach. Very interesting and I would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Alistairt161
Feb 7, 2026
The best Art Deco Tour in the World - It was easily one of the standout moments of our time in Miami Beach, and it’s definitely not a typical walking tour. It’s a layered, immersive experience that weaves together architecture, history, culture, film, design psychology, and powerful storytelling into something that feels almost like a movie unfolding in real life. Damian has a rare talent: he makes history feel alive, emotional, and relevant. He’s funny, sharp, and incredibly knowledgeable, and he delivers it all with style. You leave not only entertained, but with a deeper appreciation of why Miami Beach looks and feels the way it does, and how design shapes our daily experience wherever you are. If you want a tour that’s more than facts and dates, something immersive, layered, and unforgettable, Damian is the guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
573daisyj
Feb 7, 2026
Great tour of Miami Beach! - Great tour of Miami Beach! Lots of information shared regarding the development of the area and how the historical district has been preserved.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wroehome
Jan 22, 2026
Fascinating and fun - Fascinating and fun. He really brought the Art Deco area to life and was so knowledgeable!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark
Jan 19, 2026
Art Deco in Miami Beach - Great walking tour full of history and current information. Loved it. Our guide Damien was amazing. Knowledgeable about Art Deco and urban design as well as the history of Miami Beach.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolem444
Dec 18, 2025
A heartfelt tour of Art Deco in South Beach - Damian’s tour was outstanding!!! This was no ordinary tour because not only does Damian have a wealth of knowledge about Art Deco he puts his heart and soul into it. We loved how his real concern about preserving this important and stunning architecture in South Beach shined through.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $49
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).