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Exploring Miami Beach’s Art Deco Heritage
Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District remains one of the most photographed urban landscapes in the world, drawing visitors year-round for its pastel buildings, curved lines, and neon lights. The district spans roughly one square mile between 5th and 23rd Streets along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue.
Guests staying at Rocket Stay can explore it easily on foot or by bicycle. The area features more than 800 protected structures built mainly in the 1920s–1940s, each restored to preserve its streamlined geometry and tropical color palette. Popular landmarks include the Colony Hotel, the Carlyle, and the Essex House — icons of the style that defined post-war Florida glamour.
For a deeper look at the district’s history, visitors can start at the Art Deco Welcome Center, operated by the Miami Design Preservation League. Guided tours run daily, explaining the influence of architects like Henry Hohauser and L. Murray Dixon. Many hotels now combine original facades with modern interiors, giving guests a sense of nostalgia with today’s comfort. Evening is the best time to see the buildings at their most striking, when the neon lights illuminate Ocean Drive’s pedestrian-only stretch. Street performers, café patios, and classic cars contribute to an atmosphere that feels lively but timeless.
Art Deco architecture isn’t the only design story here — Miami Modern (MiMo) and Mediterranean Revival styles also appear throughout the city, giving each neighborhood a unique character. Visitors can walk north to Collins Park for the Bass Museum of Art, which features rotating exhibitions in another restored landmark building. Whether you’re a photographer, history enthusiast, or casual traveler, Miami Beach’s Art Deco heritage offers a vibrant glimpse into America’s architectural evolution — all within walking distance of Rocket Stay’s centrally located properties.
