South Beach. Miami, Florida:
Quick, tell me – what do you think of? If you know nothing about the area at all, you probably think of the obvious: beaches, the ocean, palm trees, sunshine, and fruity drinks decorated with tiny paper umbrellas.
What you may not know is South Beach has the largest collection of art deco architecture in the world! And it’s the perfect place for it – it’s as if South Beach exists so that all of those wonderful art deco structures can have a home. South Beach is art deco, and art deco is South Beach.
What is art deco? The term art deco came from the Exposition des Arts Decoratifs, held in Paris in 1925. It is a style that blends many design elements from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Geometry, vertical lines, curved lines, round porthole windows, and strong colors define the more modern art deco designs of South Beach.
Ocean Drive, Miami
This neighborhood was built in the 1930’s and after World War II, was in decline. By the 1970’s many of the art deco hotels and buildings were seriously rundown and where scheduled for the wrecking ball. Luckily in 1976, Barbara Capitman founded the Design Preservation League to establish this area as an historic district. Today there are still buildings that are being renovated.
The design elements that define art deco are a perfect fit in this easy, breezy beach environment. Come to think of it, even the colors of the buildings remind you of those umbrella drinks.
Mermaid sculpture
Each building is a work of art on its own, and the best way to see the Art Deco district is on foot. Begin at the south end of Ocean Drive at 5th Street and walk north. The beach will be on your right.
Walk up to Lincoln Rd., then head west over to Collins. From there, you can continue south to about 10th St. You’ll want to head back to Lincoln Rd. for one of the best outdoor shopping malls anywhere – and lots of options to gawk at all the beautiful people that seem to be everywhere.
The Miami Design Preservation League has a guided tour which you can do solo or in a group. If you want to do the tour on your own, you can rent an iPod at the Art Deco Headquarters on Ocean Drive. The MDPL also offers guided tours that include other areas of Miami. All tours depart from the Art Deco Headquarters, 1001 Ocean Drive at 10th Street.
Waldorf Towers
I did not take the tour, however, based on the research I did for this story, it seems that not every building is on the tour. Be sure to allow yourself time to really explore this neighborhood. After, or maybe even during your walk, you’ll want to take a break and sample some of the local cuisine, have a refreshing beverage, do some retail damage in the boutiques, and enjoy the luscious architecture.
If you love traveling to see great architecture and public spaces, you will love South Beach.
Park Central Hotel
The Breakwater Hotel, Ocean Drive
9th and Collins Ave.
For a map of the area stop by
Art Deco Headquarters at 1001 Ocean Drive. There’s also a fun gift store there.
Adventures of a Carry-on 
I lived on S. Beach for a couple of years and spent a lot of time just wandering the streets and looking at the architecture. There is so much to see that you can not even come close to seeing it in one trip. The residential streets also have an amazing collection of Art Deco buildings that most people never get to see. I almost never saw any tourists on these side streets which is a shame because they do not know what they are missing.
I knew I had missed a lot. Would love to go back there.
It’s different to me, i travel while i go through this post and so it never completes, i like to know and i come to know while i sail through your posts, thanks.
We loved SB when we visited last year. Loved the art deco look!
Love how you captured the beauty, magic and nostalgia of every architectural wonders. I am going to Florida this Summer. My wife hopes to see Miami. You just gave me a priceless idea. Thanks.
I’d definitely recommend South Beach. These photos don’t begin to describe it. It’s really fun!
gorgeous colors!
I love anything Art Deco so South Beach would be heaven for me. 🙂
Hi Bethaney, if you haven’t been I do recommend it! It’s crazy fun.
I’ve never been to SB, but thanks to my sister’s love of the Roaring 20s and the Great Gastby, which I just finished re-reading for the big premiere in Spain this weekend. I’d love to see it in person, especially when the lights are coming up!
I’m sure you caught Larissa’s post about Art Deco theatres in the Midwest? Great stuff!
I’ve love Art Deco South Beach ever since I stayed in a Deco hotel on the strip in the early 90s. A weirdly wonderful place — and great photos, btw.
The Strip in Vegas? What hotel was it?
I love Art Deco South Beach — and your pictures really capture it.
Thanks for the compliment. I only had about an hour there right before the sun went down – I had to work fast! 🙂
Cat, if you are ever near SB, you MUST go!