Miami Beach Tour: Discover Its Hidden History

Embark on a captivating guided walking tour through the heart of Miami Beach, exploring its fascinating history, iconic Art Deco architecture, and intriguing stories of the city’s past.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Ocean Drive - Betsy Hotel, Cardozo Hotel, The Carlyle, Marlin Hotel, The Webster, Victor Hotel lobby, Versace Mansion, Muscle Beach, Park Central Hotel lobby
  • Collins Avenue - The Marlin Hotel, The Webster
What's Included
  • Guided tour
Additional Information

Did you realize that Miami Beach is largely artificial? Or that Biscayne Bay was once a superficial swamp? Furthermore, did you know that Muhammad Ali first earned his world boxing title right here in Miami Beach? The history of Miami Beach is filled with fascinating tales, and I’ve dedicated myself to breathing life into these narratives with thorough…

Location
1440 Ocean Dr
Ocean Drive
Meet at "The Betsy Hotel" lobby, near the concierge desk (Please come inside from Ocean Drive, NOT Collins Ave.)
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(139 Ratings)
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Ms_l
Jul 20, 2025
South Beach Tour - A great introduction to the Art Deco style of South Beach. Tour guide Damian is superb. He is an artist himself and a member of the local preservation society. You will leave better understanding the significance of the design elements of the art deco style. Damian also is very knowledgeable about culture and history. He also prepares a pocket sized map guide to key attractions in the area. It was very hot when we did the tour but the guide was considerate to bring us indoors and also provide cold water. I left with a greater appreciation for preservation.
Review provided by Viator
Patrickry7683qt
Jul 17, 2025
- Damian is both engaging and extremely well-informed. He has deep knowledge of the city and seems to know just about everyone on Ocean Drive. His passion and dedication really stand out. Our group is truly grateful to have had him as our guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Moonman_13
Jul 13, 2025
Educational and exciting Art Deco tour - Damian inspired us with his knowledge and historical background about the Art Deco buildings on Ocean Drive. It was super exciting and we learned a lot. We also went into buildings. Damian accompanied his remarks with many photos on an iPad. That was very helpful in understanding the context. The two hours passed quickly. We would definitely do this tour again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benjamingm3711iu
Jul 5, 2025
Absolutely fascinating - Four of us joined this walking tour and found it absolutely fascinating—packed with history and little known backstories about Miami! Damien’s knowledge was impressive, and the use of a tablet helped us visualize and connect everything. Exploring Miami Beach on foot through its streets, lobbies, rooftops, and hidden corners—is by far the best way to dive into its rich past. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevinsy2571pv
Jun 11, 2025
Highly recommend! - Damian was a fantastic tour guide! He provided a thorough introduction to Miami Beach and was ready with answers to all our questions. It was a blast learning about the city’s history, its one-of-a-kind architecture, and even some of his personal stories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L1999xfberniem
Jun 2, 2025
Great tour - We had a fantastic time in Miami Beach, and Damien was the perfect guide. He’s a great storyteller and a truly passionate resident. I highly recommend all of his tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ralphdn2839ir
May 21, 2025
Boutique experience - This was an outstanding tour. Even the meeting point—the hotel lobby—felt like stepping into a time capsule. Several aspects truly set this experience apart. Damian’s deep understanding of architecture, history, and cognitive behavior is unmatched—he weaves together insights across disciplines in a way I’ve never seen from another guide. His tablet is filled with images that bring historical context to life and enhance what you’re seeing. The tour has an intimate, conversational feel, far removed from the usual mass tourism experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U7835jcantoniom
May 20, 2025
Highly recommended - This was an outstanding experience! Damien's deep knowledge and use of historical photos really enriched the tour—I discovered so many new things, even though I’ve taken other tours in Miami before. I’d highly recommend this tour to both first-time visitors and those already familiar with the city!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Corlissn2025
Apr 22, 2025
Masterfully curated - Damien is a true professional who goes way beyond the basics, offering rich insights, fun trivia and fascinating detail. It's clear he’s poured a lot of thought and care into crafting the tour, weaving in captivating stories and intriguing “then and now” comparisons throughout.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arnoldsc4964xu
Apr 17, 2025
Insightful design detail, historical depth and thoughtful context - Fantastic walking tour led by a truly insightful guide. The experience was rich with design detail, historical depth and thoughtful context—revealing how architecture reflects the people and mindsets of its time and the technological progress. I especially appreciated the crisp historical images Damian shared on the iPad, the intimate group size, and no question left unanswered.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $48
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).