Deco Dreamin'

A selection of Miami's art deco architectural treasures

- Sara Liss

Seen on everything from the opening credits of “Miami Vice” to the numerous postcards gracing every souvenir shop, the art deco buildings of Ocean Drive (and the surrounding area) have come to be as synonymous with Miami Beach as frosty cocktails and beach umbrellas. Over 800 art deco structures are found in South Beach alone, according to the National Register of Historic Buildings, making the main drags of Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue a parade of pastel and prewar flourishes.

All of this was codified back in 1979 when a dedicated group of activists helped create The Miami Beach Architectural District (also known as Old Miami Beach Historic District and, the more popular name, Miami Art Deco District) and designated the area a U.S. historic district. (Pro tip: The Miami Design Preservation League hosts daily walking tours of the district.) And though Ocean Drive has become more commercial in the last few decades, several hotels have maintained their aesthetic integrity (and also their lawful obligation as part of a historic district) by restoring their facades and interiors to their former glory. The porthole windows, shiplike railings, sleek curves, glass blocks, shiny chrome and gleaming terrazzo floors transport us back to a time when Miami was developing its signature glamour and look.

And no trip to the area is complete without basking in the flamboyant-yet-futuristic beauty of art deco. Here are some of our favorite spots.