About this tour
A 2.5-hour small-group walking tour through Miami Beach's Art Deco Historic District with exclusive interior access to landmark hotels and buildings closed to large groups. You'll explore architectural gems from the 1920s–40s boom era, learn the tangled history from swampland to resort destination, and discover filming locations from Miami Vice and Scarface. Guides hold degrees in hospitality and tourism management, and the intimate group size means personalised recommendations and fewer crowds.
Highlights
- Exclusive interior access to historic hotels and landmark buildings
- Learn Art Deco architecture history from qualified guides with tourism degrees
- Discover Miami Vice, Scarface, and Birdcage filming locations
- Small-group format for personalised, intimate experience
- 50% discount on cocktails at an Ocean Drive Art Deco hotel
- Insider tips on local restaurants, hidden gems, and secret spots
- Wheelchair accessible; suitable for all fitness levels
- 50% off Miami Undiscovered Travel Guide with ticket
What to expect
Your guide meets you in the Miami Beach Art Deco Historic District and leads you on foot through the neighbourhood's most significant buildings and streets. You'll stop at multiple exterior landmarks and gain entry to the interiors of historic hotels and other structures normally off-limits to large tour groups — a key difference from standard walking tours. Along the way, you'll hear detailed stories about Miami's transformation from mangrove swamp to exclusive resort, touching on the era's colourful cast: Jewish developers, Cuban arrivals, mobsters, and entertainment industry figures.
The tour weaves in film history (Miami Vice sets, Scarface locations) and architectural detail specific to Art Deco style. Your guide offers restaurant and bar recommendations tailored to your interests. The experience wraps up within the 2.5-hour window. You'll have a discount code for half-price drinks at a participating Ocean Drive hotel, usable later the same day.
What travellers say
- Exclusive interior access to buildings closed to standard large groups
- Guides' hospitality and tourism degrees show in depth and polish
- Small-group intimacy allows personalised conversation and recommendations
- Cocktail discount and travel guide add tangible post-tour value
- Accessible and manageable pacing for mixed fitness and mobility levels
- Walking tour requires comfortable footwear; not suitable for those unable to walk
- Miami heat and humidity in summer months; bring water and sun protection
- Peak-season crowds on streets may reduce sense of exclusivity outdoors
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour suits anyone interested in 1920s–40s architecture, Miami history, or classic crime films. The small-group cap means a more conversational pace than large coach tours and genuine access to building interiors. The route is flat, wheelchair-accessible, and manageable for all fitness levels, so age or mobility is not a barrier. Note: it is a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are essential. Weather can be hot and humid; bring water and sun protection. Peak season (November–April) may mean busier streets, though the small-group model still feels intimate. Infants and young children can travel in a pram. Service animals are welcome. Private and Spanish-language tours are available by direct inquiry. The package includes a 50% discount on bike rentals and tours elsewhere in South Beach, plus the travel guide discount and cocktail voucher.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.