Miami Beach Tour: Explore Art Deco, History
5.0
67 Ratings
Miami Beach
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
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
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
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 research, compelling storytelling, and fervor.

I’m thrilled to provide an engrossing guided stroll through the center of Miami Beach. We’ll plunge into its vibrant past and trace its historic timeline, which is undeniably more extraordinary than any fiction. Our exploration will guide us along the famed streets of South Beach and take us through the glamorous lobbies and rooftops of the stunning Art Deco hotels. You’ll acquire knowledge of the city’s initial stages of development, the impact of The Great Depression, its distinct architectural style, African American history, Jewish heritage, Cuban immigration, the infamous cocaine cowboys era, the ‘Miami Vice’ influence, the notorious murder of Gianni Versace, a myriad of hidden treasures, among other intriguing details.

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
(67 Ratings)
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Nabuhikos
Apr 2, 2024
Art Deco Came Alive! - We joined Damian's tour after reading all the reviews, and I have to say - all of the amazing reviews were true. Even though we had high expectations coming in, the experience overdelivered. Damian is a true craftsman and very skillful. Art Deco came to life in front of our eyes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Geraldine_t
Mar 22, 2024
Best tour ever - Great experience. Damion’s wealth of knowledge about the area was impressive. The pace of the tour, the factual information all delivered in a fun and professional way made for a memorable experience. I would recommend taking this tour to everyone who visits South Beach.
Review provided by Viator
Frog77j56
Mar 1, 2024
A Must Do In Miami !! - Damian was a wealth of information. We started at the beautiful Betsy Hotel learning all about it's art and culture. The tour also included pictures on his iPad screen of different parts of the history of Miami Beach. The 2 hour tour was very informative and fun. I would recommend it to everyone who comes to Miami and Miami Beach. Thank you Damian for a wonderful time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Genek277
Feb 16, 2024
Great Tour - Excellent tour of the art deco area. Damian is a great guide, both knowledgeable and entertaining. Our group was small so there could be interaction and it was easy to hear him, despite traffic noise at times. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleen_s
Jan 31, 2024
Deep understanding and informative tour of Art Deco South Beach - Damian was a knowledgeable and informative host. He was waiting for us right on time at the meeting location. He provided each of us with cold bottled water for the walk. The tour was 2 hours filled with history, architectural detail and fun facts as well. The pace was leisurely as we stopped at each point of interest so I would recommend this tour for seniors, and anyone that needs a slower pace to see things.
Review provided by Viator
Lindsey_c
Jan 14, 2024
10/10 recommend - Damian was maybe the best tour guide I’ve ever had, very knowledgeable and organized, appears to really love what he’s talking about. Also notable—as a somewhat anxious introvert that doesn’t care for small talk, really nice to not have awkward pauses in the tour or anything where I’m forced to ask questions/participate in a way I’m not interested in.
Review provided by Viator
Areejs315
Jan 1, 2024
Great Art Deco Tour - Our guide Damian Rudya did an excellent job giving a most interesting and fun tour of some iconic south beach art deco locations. Even as locals to Miami we loved it. The tour is high quality, well thought through and planned, and highly worth the effort.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
492eneidap
Dec 31, 2023
Archi Detailed Tour! - Great tour! He had a lot to say about the architecture of the buildings, describing each detail and the hat they represent. I would go to another one of their tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dhwright
Dec 21, 2023
Amazing walking tour of Miami Beach - I really enjoyed the walking tour of Miami Beach Art Deco, history and more. Damien was very informative and the tour was well paced and fascinating. So much to see and learn! It was so interesting, I took notes and took a zillion pictures. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass31507702867
Nov 11, 2023
Unmissable tour - Damian is very nice and the tour was very interesting. I learnt a lot about the history and the architecture of Miami!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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May 2024
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