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Miami Beach History, Art Deco, Crime & Scandals Walking Tour

Miami Beach History, Art Deco, Crime & Scandals Walking Tour

Overview

Did you know that Miami Beach is mostly man-made? And that Biscayne Bay used to be a swamp 2 inches deep? And that Al Capone had an illegal Casino here in South Beach? And that Muhammad Ali became boxing world champion for the first time right here in Miami Beach?

We'll start a tour by heading to the beach where I'll demonstrate you how far the beach has been expanded since late 1970s. The tour is accompanied by hundreds of photos which are displayed on a tablet screen as we go along. Almost every story has photographs, which makes the experience more visceral.

As we walk along I will introduce fascinating history and culture facts about the area, such as Art Deco architecture, the beginnings of Miami Beach and its quick growth in the 1950s and early 60s, the downward spiral of the 70s and early 80s, Mariel Boatlift, cocaine cowboys days, the renaissance influenced by Miami Vice, Gianni Versace mansion and the infamous events surrounding his murder, on top of many other stories.

City: Miami

Fri 20 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $41.00

Make a reservation

Fri 20 Sep

Starting at $41.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Guided tour

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (27)

curiosityseeker19

Mar 2021

Informal walk along Ocean Drive to South Beach. The tour Guide Damian was absolutely wonderful. This was my favorite tour of Miami area. He was very accommodating and easy going offering recommendations.. He provided pictures to back up his storyline. We seen Ocean Drive businesses, restaurants, South Beach clock, Lummus Park and South Beach. Discussions on the advancing shoreline, South Beach history through time, Art Deco district, movie sets filmed here, Giovanni Versace's last day and Mansion and his murder by Andrew Cunanan. Beverage stop included. Other celebrities discussed include Jackie Gleason, Mohammed Ali and baseball pitcher Jose Fernandez death and scenes of Scarface the movie were pointed out. Damian was very accommodating and sensing I was particularly interested in Versace and Cunanan, went above and beyond to show me the areas of the crime scenes and discussions of Cunanan's movements. Highly recommend this laid-back tour, no rush, not physically strenous. Gives you a feel of how South Beach evolved with particular emphasis on celebrities, crime and ecological cultural and economic changes.

Response from Host

Mar 2021

Thank you Gare for your kind words and was happy to see that we shared passion for Versace crime story. Also, I took into consideration your recommendations on how to better the experience by extending the walk to South Pointe Park, and including the story of Jackie Gleason connection to Miami Beach. Best wishes from the heart of South Beach!

Xavier_M

Mar 2021

Miami Beach should be proud to have someone who can introduce it so well like Damian does. This guy loves the city and without a doubt is a part of it. His tour reflects that in every aspect. It includes facts and stories that you would never find out. His tours are full of history, film knowledge, architecture facts, sport and many more. He can tailor the tour for you depends on your interest. Since I am a fun of Miami Vice the tour was truly unique. Thanks Damian and I hope to see you soon again.

Response from Host

Mar 2021

Thank you Xavier for your kind words. Your curiosity and enthusiasm for learning history inspired me to keep updating the tour. Enjoy Miami!

dalesburytransfer

Mar 2020

Amazing historical fasts and a beautiful tragedy of Versace told by a host who loves this city and its history.

Response from Host

Mar 2021

I've been updating the tour contents every on a regular basis since. Thank you for being one of the first people to join me and leave kind words.