Learn all about the architectural style that defines South Beach on a walking tour organised by the Miami Design Preservation League. Tours depart daily from the Art Deco Welcome Center on Ocean Drive. The 90-minute trip covers Art Deco architecture and its historical context, as well as Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern (MiMo). You’ll view the hallmarks of the movement in both the exterior and interior design of landmark hotels and buildings throughout the historic district. mdpl.org
The Wolfsonian – Florida International University is situated in a historic Mediterranean Revival building in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco District. It combines a museum, library and research centre with an intriguingly specific scope and mission; the collection of 120,000 artefacts, photographs, design objects and artworks dating from 1885 to 1945 sheds light on ‘the persuasive power of art and design, and explores what it means to be modern.’ Curators work with historical advertisements, posters, clothing, photographs and film to illustrate their theses. Bear in mind that entry to the museum is free during extended hours on Fridays from 6pm-9pm. wolfsonian.orgIn South Beach, get lunch at La Sandwicherie, a charming lunch counter specialising in enormous sandwiches on baguettes or croissants. I love the chicken salad, piled high with lettuce, tomato, onion, cornichons, olives, peppers, Swiss cheese and crave-worthy French vinaigrette. Eat at the counter or take it down to the beach for the perfect picnic.In the evening, head to Sunset Harbour, a trendy South Beach enclave overlooking Biscayne Bay that locals flock to. Grab dinner at Pubbelly Sushi where you’ll delight in creative, deconstructed sushi by beloved local chef José Mendin, with a backdrop of playful anime-like characters drawn on the walls. The bigeye tuna roll on crispy rice drizzled with truffle oil is ahhmazing. Afterwards, head down the street for drinks at Bay Club. You’ll find a local crowd mingling over craft cocktails and glasses of Italian wine.
Looking for a free romantic evening out in South Beach? Grab take-away burgers from Shake Shack on Lincoln Road and head to New World Symphony’s SoundScape Park. On most Wednesday evenings from October to May they screen free films under the stars projected onto the landmark building designed by Frank Gehry. There’s also a programme of free simulcasts of symphony performances.
