Miami Beach Art Deco: Hidden Gems Tour

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
(78 Ratings)
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Geom325
Jul 31, 2024
Art Deco wonders - Found the tour incredibly insightful at every step of the way. Damian clearly lives and breathes Miami Beach history and architecture, and is therefore the perfect host sharing the love the travellers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julietl992di
Jul 18, 2024
Phenomenal experience - Credit goes to Damian for putting his passion into this ever evolving experience and sharing it with us travellers from all over. It was absolutely phenomenal, and perception altering.
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Tracymo3962yt
Jul 10, 2024
Expertly Curated - This tour deserves much more popularity. Damian genuinely cares about his expertly curated experience and goes the extra mile. His explanations of history and architecture surpass those of any professor. My only regret is not booking this tour sooner. For an insightful understanding of Miami, book now.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wingsthatwander
Jul 8, 2024
History of Art Deco District - Damian was a superb tour guide! He’s very passionate about his work and the history of Miami. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the art deco district and glad miami tries to preserve the most of it. Damian pointed out so many things I wouldn’t have never noticed if it wasn’t for the tour, and I am someone who frequents Lumus park and art deco district. I look forward to seeing him again on the next tour!
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82barteke
Jul 8, 2024
Enjoyed every minute - The tour was incredibly informative and engaging, featuring references to history, architecture, art, and pop culture. Damian is an exceptional speaker passionate about his vocation, also an active preservationist. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and truly appreciated every minute of the 2 hours. It was one of the standout moments of my trip to Miami.
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Baronj871
Jul 6, 2024
Finding Hidden Treasures - I had an incredible time! This was my second tour with Damian, following the bike tour. This experience was entirely unique, filled with hidden treasures. We even enjoyed a private Scarface segment as part of a tour at the iconic location!
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J6382vvpaulm
Jul 3, 2024
Highly recommended - I strongly recommend going on tours with Damian. He has a deep passion for Miami Beach and its architecture, and my cousin and I had a fantastic time exploring the history and architecture with him.
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425kenjin
Jul 1, 2024
The best tour I've ever taken - I had high hopes for this tour, given its flawless 100% 5-star rating. Still, Damian's expertly curated journey through history, art, and architecture exceeded my expectations. We navigated iconic streets, back alleys, rooftops, and hotel lobbies, all intricately tied to history and past pop culture. It felt like traveling through time. Miami Beach now appears entirely different to me. This was the highlight of my trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lukebazook86
Jun 29, 2024
Special Art Deco tour with Damian - Damian made a very good job with showing us around the Art deco district at the Miami Beach area. He gave us very interesting informations about Miami Beach and also a little bit about the history of Miami.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ewelina
Jun 27, 2024
I spent two delightful days in Miami Beach and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. - Exploring the Art Deco architecture of Miami Beach was an unforgettable experience that left me in awe of the city’s vibrant history and unique charm. The tour was expertly guided by knowledgeable and passionate Damian who brought the history and significance of each building to life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
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September 2024
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