Art Deco Historic District Miami
The Art Deco Historic District is like stepping into another world, totally separate from Miami. This district encompasses one square mile of South Beach in Miami, and features hundreds of brightly painted 1920's-style buildings. Some of the most fascinating of these buildings are the hotels, many of them restored and decorated to fit their original look. These buildings include the late home of fashion designer Gianni Versace, who was murdered outside the home's gates in 1997.

The streets of this district are littered with both trendy restaurants and stores. Many of the restaurants have outdoor patios so you can sip a cold drink while gazing at the rainbow of buildings around you. While this neighborhood is a haven for both ritzy, glam types as well as bohemians, any visitor will find themselves enjoying a walk through its streets. This is also one of the most gay-friendly areas of Miami, with numerous nightclubs, restaurants and hotels that are hotspots for gay and lesbian travelers.

The best way to gain insight into the architecture and decor of these wonderful buildings is to take one of the tours, which run daily through the district. The Art Deco District Welcome Center is also a valuable resource for visitors.