13 Things To Do During Miami’s Art Deco Weekend

Brush up on your art deco knowledge on a walking tour that takes you to both landmark South Beach buildings and out-of-the-way gems. You’ll learn all about the history of South Beach, the preservation of its art deco architecture, and the various characters and scandals that have shaped the area. It’s also a great way to pick up some trivia that will impress your fellow art deco enthusiasts.

While you’re in the South Beach area, get a taste of the diverse cuisines available at its wide array of American, Cuban, French, Haitian, Italian, and Peruvian eateries. Taking a guided walking tour to learn more about local food culture is a great way to cover more spots than you probably could alone.

Explore another of Miami’s most fascinating districts on a walking tour of Little Havana. Here, Miami’s vibrant Cuban culture is expressed through colorful murals, the sound of dominoes and salsa music, and the scent of cigars and coffee. Meanwhile, a food-focused tour can take you inside locals’ favorite and family-owned eateries to try authentic Cuban cuisine.

From South Beach and Wynwood to Coconut Grove and Little Havana, each of Miami’s neighborhoods have their own character. Get to know them all by taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour that lets you board and alight where you want and spend more time in the places you like the most.

Keep the early 20th-century throwback vibe going by visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami's lush Coconut Grove neighborhood. A masterpiece of Mediterranean Revival and Italian Renaissance style, the house and gardens are a treat for architecture and history lovers alike.

When you’re in Miami, you’ve got to get out on the water and there’s no better way to do it than in a speedboat. With that in mind, opt for a speedboat sightseeing tour that will give you picture-perfect views of the Miami skyline, Star Island, and the art deco buildings that line South Beach.

For a more exclusive experience on the water, charter your own yacht and leave the hard work to the crew while you spend your day as you please, whether that involves swimming, snorkeling, or simply chilling out on a sandbar.

Shepard Fairey, Maya Hayuk, and El Pez are just a few of the world-renowned street artists that have left their colorful marks on Miami’s revitalized Wynwood district. Learn about the stories behind the artworks on a guided tour and don’t forget to take a snap or two (hundred) while you’re at it.

Swap the retro glamor of Art Deco Weekend for rugged adventure in the Everglades National Park. Exploring the Everglades with a naturalist guide offers the chance to spot birds, manatees, and dolphins; hike in Big Cypress National Preserve; and take an airboat ride far into the River of Grass.

Millionaire’s Row is exactly what it sounds like: a dense concentration of very expensive homes owned by the very, very rich. Taking a cruise through Biscayne Bay is the best way to get a peek at these massive mega-homes.

If you’ve got a day to spare, Key West is in easy reach. Let someone else do the driving and book a guided tour that offers optional activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, and a glass-bottom boat tour for a more relaxing experience.

If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Miami, it’s a quick 1.5-hour drive over to Naples on Florida’s Gulf side. Here, the serene beaches offer a respite from Miami’s tourist crowds and there’s a great food and drink scene to boot. Boat tours departing from Naples can even take you out to see manatees, alligators, dolphins, and more.

Take a boat over to Bimini—the closest Bahamian island to Miami—for the day. There, explore the island, ride a golf cart across the beach, and grab some tasty Bahamian eats from a beachside seafood shack.