Miami Beach: A Sunny Stroll through its History and Architecture

Miami Beach hasn’t always been the glamorous tourist destination it is today. Less than 150 years ago, it barely existed at all. This self-guided audio tour starts at the Miami Beach sign and follows the beachfront before turning onto Ocean Drive. Along the way, you’ll hear all kinds of stories, including how Julia Tuttle persuaded Henry Flagler to extend his railroad south, helping spark the development of Miami and Miami Beach. From Ocean Drive, you’ll head inland through Collins Avenue, home to Miami’s oldest bar, Mac’s Club Deuce, and Washington Avenue, where you’ll see the Old Clay Hotel. As you walk, you’ll see how Miami Beach has repeatedly reinvented itself – from a 1920s holiday playground, to a World War II military base, to a fading retirement spot, and eventually into the neon-lit destination it’s known as today. The tour ends on Española Way.

1. 1

   Stop 1

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   Pass beneath the iconic Miami Beach sign and take in your first view of the city's sun-drenched streetscape. Begin here with a sense of the transformation that awaits — from swampland to one of the world's most recognisable destinations.

2. 2

   Stop 2

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   Admire the Colony Hotel's distinctive steel corner windows and glowing neon marquee, hallmarks of the Streamline Moderne style that defined Ocean Drive's golden age. Walk past this 1935 landmark and appreciate how its sweeping curves and bold signage set the tone for an entire architectural era.

3. 3

   Art Deco Museum

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   Stop outside the Art Deco Museum and explore how Miami Beach's pastel-painted district became the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world. Step inside to discover how preservationists fought to save these buildings from demolition in the 1970s and 80s.

4. 4

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   Pause at the 13th Street Lifeguard Tower, one of the most photographed structures on Miami Beach, its bold geometric form rising against the open sky. Marvel at how these colourful towers — each one uniquely designed — have become symbols of the city as recognisable as the beach itself.

5. 5

   Stop 5

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   Stand outside the ornate gates of the Versace Mansion and take in the opulent Mediterranean Revival façade that fashion designer Gianni Versace called home. Hear the story of how Versace was shot on these very steps in 1997, a moment that sent shockwaves through the glamorous world he had helped create.

6. 6

   Espanola Way

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   Stroll along Española Way and soak in the charm of this narrow, terracotta-roofed street, built in the 1920s as a Mediterranean-inspired artists' colony. Explore how this pedestrian lane became a hub for café culture and creativity — and how it has retained its old-world atmosphere through decades of change.

7. 7

   Stop 7

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   Walk past the 12th Street Lifeguard Tower, a landmark of Miami Beach's vibrant LGBTQ+ community and the stretch of beach long known as a welcoming gathering place. Enjoy the colourful energy of this spot, where the rainbow flag flies as a symbol of the neighbourhood's proud and inclusive identity.

8. 8

   Mac's Club Deuce

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   Push open the door of Mac's Club Deuce, Miami Beach's oldest bar, and step into an interior that has barely changed since it opened in 1964. Enjoy the no-frills atmosphere that has made this neighbourhood dive a beloved constant through every reinvention the city has seen.

9. 9

   Collins Avenue

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   Walk along Collins Avenue and take in the mix of boutique hotels, vintage storefronts, and Art Deco facades that line one of Miami Beach's most storied streets. Reflect on how this boulevard has served as a backdrop for the city's shifting identities — playground, military base, retirement haven, and nightlife capital.

10. 10

    Clevelander South Beach Club

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    Finish at the Clevelander South Beach, an Ocean Drive institution whose outdoor bar and pool deck have been a centrepiece of the strip's social scene for decades. Enjoy the lively atmosphere here and consider how this corner captures everything Miami Beach does best — sunshine, music, and the irresistible urge to stay a little longer.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.