Miami Beach: Art Deco, Beachwalk and Contemporary Art

Miami Beach combines long paths by the sea, distinctive architecture and international art to create a destination with very different discoveries. You can start the day actively on the Beachwalk, explore Art Deco or visit exhibitions. When choosing your holiday apartment, it is therefore particularly interesting to consider which combination of exercise, beach and culture should shape your trip.

Beach Paths for Active and Relaxed Days

The Miami Beach Beachwalk is a nine-mile promenade by the sea. Joggers, cyclists and people who want to take a leisurely stroll use this path. In June 2022, the Beachwalk was completed as a wider, ADA-accessible paved path. Anyone who likes to have a clearly defined route in mind when planning the day will find a distinctive part of the destination here.

Another option is the beach path in Lummus Park. It stretches across 10 blocks and is used by runners, walkers, cyclists and skaters. Miami Beach’s natural surroundings also include waterways, coastal dunes, natural mangrove shorelines, 26 parks and green spaces, as well as just over seven miles of white sandy beaches. This makes it possible to include both active and quieter sections in your travel plans without focusing solely on a museum or a city walk.

Art and Design in Miami Beach

The Bass presents exhibitions of international contemporary art in Miami Beach. The museum offers guided virtual or in-person tours through its galleries and is open for spontaneous visits. This allows you either to plan your museum visit specifically or include it as a standalone activity in a varied day.

The Wolfsonian–FIU offers another perspective on culture. The museum explores the modern world through objects and design. Its collection comprises more than 200,000 objects and is continually expanded. For travelers who want to consider not only paintings but also design, everyday objects and the development of modern ideas, this focus adds a distinctive dimension.

Art Deco as a Defining Feature of the Cityscape

Miami Beach’s Art Deco architecture comprises more than 800 structures built between 1923 and 1943. The first Art Deco buildings in Miami Beach were constructed in 1933; the local style is sometimes referred to as “tropical art deco.” The lifeguard towers designed by William Lane are also examples of architecture inspired by Art Deco.

The Art Deco District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. It is located in Miami Beach between 5th Street and 23rd Street along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue. Guided tours lasting up to two hours are offered in the district every day. Anyone interested in façades, urban history and distinctive details can plan the tour as a more in-depth experience.

Choose the Right Holiday Apartment Based on Your Travel Interests

When searching for accommodation, you can first weigh different travel rhythms: the Beachwalk, the beach path in Lummus Park and Citi Bike, Miami Beach’s official bicycle rental and bike-sharing program, support travel plans that include physical activity. Culture enthusiasts can make The Bass, The Wolfsonian–FIU and the Art Deco District the focus of their trip. Muscle Beach South Beach adds an outdoor area for sports, weightlifting and gymnastics to the range of options.

These focal points can help you align your search for a holiday apartment with your own daily plans. For families or travel groups with different interests, it may make sense to decide in advance whether shared beach paths, architecture, art or sporting activities should make up the greater part of the trip. Miami Beach offers several clearly recognizable themes without requiring you to commit to just one type of vacation.

More Destinations for Your Search

If you would like to expand your selection, you can find more destination pages for Surfside, North Miami, Aventura, Bal Harbour, Virginia Gardens, Miami, Glenvar Heights and Country Walk.

To the higher-level travel overview: Miami-Dade.