Soak Up Some History in the Miami Beach Art Deco District
For many holiday makers the attraction of Miami lies in it's modern feel, luxurious resorts and buzzing nightlife.
However, those seeking something a little more cultural may wish to soak up some history in Miami Beach's Art Deco District.
The Miami Beach Architectural District, or the 'Miami Art Deco District' as it's now better known boasts the largest collection of Art Deco architecture found anywhere in the world today.
The district's rich tapestry of historic buildings and culture makes the area one of Miami's most popular and celebrated tourist destinations.
In 1979 the Art Deco District was officially recognised as a place worthy of preservation and listed on the US government's National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the first cities to be listed on the register.
The district is made up predominantly of hotels and apartments, the majority of which were erected between 1923 and 1943.
During this time the area was a hugely popular destination for fashionable vacation makers, trendy sun seekers and a star-studded playground for the rich and famous.
But predictably, in the true spirit of all things fashionable, things soon changed.
Eventually the area became less-popular with tourists which led to the area suffering a period of neglect and inevitably the glamorous locals were soon replaced by retirees.
Thankfully in more recent decades the district has been reinvigorated and a steady injection of new buildings and businesses means the area is once again in back in vogue.
If you're visiting the district for the first time there's no better way than with the guidance of a local expert.
An official Art Deco District walking tour will typically last around 90 minutes and educate you on everything you need to know about the area's history and architecture.
During a typical tour you can expect to explore some of the district's many Miami Beach hotels, restaurants and a number of other interesting buildings, you may even have an opportunity to look around inside some of them.
If walking isn't your thing then you may wish to try a different style of tour all together, perhaps self guided, by bike or even by cellphone.
All tour information can be found at the Art Deco Welcome Center.
The Art Deco Welcome Center is located on Miami Beach's famous Ocean Drive, which makes it an ideal location for vacation makers staying in any one of the many luxury hotels in Miami Beach or surrounding areas.
However, those seeking something a little more cultural may wish to soak up some history in Miami Beach's Art Deco District.
The Miami Beach Architectural District, or the 'Miami Art Deco District' as it's now better known boasts the largest collection of Art Deco architecture found anywhere in the world today.
The district's rich tapestry of historic buildings and culture makes the area one of Miami's most popular and celebrated tourist destinations.
In 1979 the Art Deco District was officially recognised as a place worthy of preservation and listed on the US government's National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the first cities to be listed on the register.
The district is made up predominantly of hotels and apartments, the majority of which were erected between 1923 and 1943.
During this time the area was a hugely popular destination for fashionable vacation makers, trendy sun seekers and a star-studded playground for the rich and famous.
But predictably, in the true spirit of all things fashionable, things soon changed.
Eventually the area became less-popular with tourists which led to the area suffering a period of neglect and inevitably the glamorous locals were soon replaced by retirees.
Thankfully in more recent decades the district has been reinvigorated and a steady injection of new buildings and businesses means the area is once again in back in vogue.
If you're visiting the district for the first time there's no better way than with the guidance of a local expert.
An official Art Deco District walking tour will typically last around 90 minutes and educate you on everything you need to know about the area's history and architecture.
During a typical tour you can expect to explore some of the district's many Miami Beach hotels, restaurants and a number of other interesting buildings, you may even have an opportunity to look around inside some of them.
If walking isn't your thing then you may wish to try a different style of tour all together, perhaps self guided, by bike or even by cellphone.
All tour information can be found at the Art Deco Welcome Center.
The Art Deco Welcome Center is located on Miami Beach's famous Ocean Drive, which makes it an ideal location for vacation makers staying in any one of the many luxury hotels in Miami Beach or surrounding areas.
