Miami Beach Art Deco & Hidden Gems Walk Tour with Local Historian
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Did you know that Miami Beach is mostly man-made? And that Biscayne Bay used to be a shallow swamp? And that Muhammad Ali became world boxing champion for the first time right here in Miami Beach? Miami Beach history is riddled with enchanting stories, and I have made it my mission to bring these tales to life through extensive research, engaging storytelling and passion.
As a seasoned tour guide, I've discovered and curated the best-kept secrets of the area, including secret rooftop terraces with breathtaking views, peculiar corridors leading to hidden havens, obscure lobbies with intriguing tales, speakeasies that hold captivating stories. We will step foot on crime scene locations that once captured the World’s headlines, and decipher Art Deco hidden in plain sight. Whether history fascinates you or not, you’ll be entertained by an array of quirky facts and indulge in movie and TV trivia as we unveil the backdrop of popular film and television locations.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Receive an artfully crafted guide map personally curated by your tour host
Guided tour
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
Our small groups create a more personal, intimate, and customized experience
Tips and Gratuities
What To Expect
Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive - one of the most photographed streets in the World. It's an symbol of Miami. Full of historic architecture and symbolism, hidden in plain sight.
Cardozo Bar & Grill
Introduction of Art Deco architecture, its origins and place in the history of Miami Beach
Options
Miami Beach Art Deco & Hidden Gems Walk Tour with Local Historian
Reviews
146 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Would highly recommend
Maral D,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable in the history of the area. Not one question he couldn’t answer. It was a perfect pace. It gave me whole new respect for architecture and opened my eyes to other counterfeit art deco. Other than the miami weather, I would give it 100/100.
Outstanding
yusufm741,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Damian was an outstanding guide! Friendly, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable, with a wealth of stories and insights about Miami’s history. Communication before the tour was smooth, and his directions to the meeting point were clear. He arrived early and greeted us right on time. The pace of the tour was easygoing, with comfortable walking distances. Damian’s iPad was loaded with fascinating photos and documents that really brought Miami’s past to life. I’d absolutely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a great walking experience in Miami Beach!
great experience
michaelkO5482ZU,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a small group of four, but the energy was big! Touring with Damian in September (off-season) was ideal. He offered engaging stories about Miami’s architecture, industrial design, city design, and hidden gems. Definitely a must for all travelers or anyone looking for a rich, intellectual experience!
Past to the present and back
alexanderbJ5963ZO,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Damian’s tour is engaging and full of insight. Highly recommended for anyone interested in architecture, design, urban development, and history. Guide uses a mic and speaker so his voice carries clearly over the street noise, and enhances the experience with iPad photos that bring the past to life.
gold star
A4790GBphilipg,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Damian is an outstanding guide, you won’t need to look any further. We’ve taken dozens of guided tours, and this was by far the best. He brings an entirely new dimension to the art of tour guiding.
Incredibly knowledgeable
U2032IIgeorgew,
Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Damien was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, clearly passionate about the topic. It's a full mix of history, architecture, progress and urban design that felt fresh and educational, not something you’d hear from a typical tour guide. Highly recommended!
Top class
hectorhB82TN,
Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Damian was outstanding, incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Miami Beach’s rich architectural history. Even passersby couldn’t help eavesdropping and chimed in to say it was amazing. They were right. I’d recommend this experience to anyone who wants to explore the beauty and history Miami has to offer. I’m a South Florida native, and I still learned a lot!
Absolute Gold!
r0yalpalmb,
Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Epic experience, featuring history, design, technology - all intertwined. No words can describe the fascinating journey through different eras this is! Book, first thing.
Exceptional
773stephonm,
Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was easily one of the best walking tours I’ve experienced. The attention to detail was outstanding, the route was thoughtfully planned, and the guide was exceptionally knowledgeable. I highly recommend it to both first-time visitors and longtime Miami regulars.
Wonderful tour
U8904STfabriceb,
Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Damian is outstanding guide with a wealth of knowledge about Miami history. Despite the tropical heat, he kept things engaging and made the experience truly unforgettable. Thanks, Damian!
From $48.00
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Operated by Miami Deco Tours