Frequently Asked Questions
Tour Logistics
Q: How long is the tour?
A: Most tours last 2 to 2.5 hours. If you are interested in a private tour or corporate event, we can tailor the day to meet your needs.
Q: What days and times are the tours offered?
A: The Art Deco & History Tours is offered daily at 10:00 AM. The bike tour is offered daily at 2:00 PM and all other tours are offered by appointment.
Q: Where does the walking tour start and end?
A: Depending on the tour, most Art Deco and History Tours begin at the Betsy Hotel on 14th and Ocean Dr. All walking tours end near 11th and Ocean Drive. Bike tours begins and ends at the bike shop on 9th and Washington. All other tours start and end on Ocean Drive and are dependent on the type of tour.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Yes. All bookings should be scheduled in advance to ensure availability as this is a highly curated and boutique experience. Group sizes are kept small to ensure a personalized experience.
Q: Is there a maximum group size?
A: Yes, but we can generally accommodate most groups. Since the sidewalks can be very narrow and sometimes crowded, we may need to break groups up into smaller sizes. Please contact us and we will work with you to accommodate your needs.
Q: What should I wear on the tour?
A: Comfortable walking shoes, breathable clothing, and a hat or sunglasses are recommended.
Q: Do I need to bring bottled water to drink?
A: A bottle of water will be provided to you, but you may want to also bring water or other liquids as it can get quite warm in the Miami sunshine. We will make stops in hotel lobbies to get a break from the sun and to explore the intricate details of these amazing historic gems.
Q: Are there restrooms along the route?
A: Yes. We recommend using the facilities before the tour begins, but as we are stopping in several hotel lobbies along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for restroom breaks as needed.
Weather and Conditions
Q: What happens if it rains or there is bad weather?
A: Tours operate rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, you will be contacted for rescheduling or a refund.
Q: Is the tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
A: Yes. The route is flat and sidewalk-accessible, though some older building entrances may have minor limitations. Please let your tour guide know when you book if you need special accommodations.
Q: How strenuous is the walking?
A: We cover about 1 mile at a relaxed pace with frequent stops. Luckily Miami Beach is located at sea level and there are no hills or mountains to climb. We will walk up steps to enter the hotel lobbies but that is the extent of the strenuous activities you can expect on the walking tours.
Pricing and Policies
Q: How much does the tour cost?
A: See the tours page for detailed information and pricing for each type of tour.
Q: What is the cancellation or refund policy?
A: Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance receive a full refund. No-shows are non-refundable. For all private tours, a portion of the fee will be non-refundable if cancelled with less than 7 days’ notice. Contact us for more information.
Q: Are gratuities included or expected?
A: Gratuities are not included though are greatly appreciated when you have had an exceptional experience.
Content and Focus
Q: Are these tours suitable for children?
A: Children are welcome, but keep in mind, the history and architecture tour is designed for highly curious and intellectual travelers. Children below a certain age may not appreciate the depth of the history and discussion provided throughout this tour.
Q: Will we be entering any buildings?
A: Absolutely. The history and beauty of Miami Beach is just as much the inside of the buildings as it is on the outside. You will experience the historic ambiance and be officially taken back in time to a period when life was much different than it is today.
Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Absolutely. We want you to capture the essence and beauty of the designs and architecture along the way.
Q: Is there an option to pair food and drinks with any of the tours?
A: The tours open to the general public do not include food and drink options. However, for those seeking a private, or specially curated event, we offer food and cocktail stops along the way.
Q: Who leads the tour?
A: All tours are led by local historian, preservationists, and architecture expert Damian Rudys, who is affiliated with the Miami Design Preservation League.
Q: Are private or custom tours available?
A: Yes! We offer tailored experiences for corporate groups, school trips, and architecture enthusiasts. Email us for details.
Specific Tours
Q: What can I expect from the Miami Beach Art Deco & History Walking Tour
A: The tour generally departs from the historic Betsy Hotel on 14th and Ocean Drive. This is the ideal location to launch our story. Did you know that Miami Beach is mostly man-made? And that Biscayne Bay used to be a shallow swamp? And that Muhammad Ali became world boxing champion for the first time right here in Miami Beach? Miami Beach history is riddled with enchanting stories, that will be brought to life through engaging storytelling and passion.
Our journey will take us along iconic streets of South Beach leading us through lobbies and rooftops of exquisite Art Deco hotels. You'll gain insights into early days evolution, The Great Depression, city’s unique architecture, Black history, Jewish history, Cuban migration, the notorious cocaine cowboys’ era, the influence of "Miami Vice," the infamous murder of Gianni Versace, plenty of hidden gems, and much more. This tour offers an exciting time-travel experience, full of imagery, detail, and insight, revealing a side of the city even locals are yet to uncover. Discover the true spirit of Miami Beach beyond the typical tourist routes and simplified clichés. You'll walk away with a newfound appreciation for Magic City.
Q: I am a huge Miami Vice fan, does your TV & Movie Filming Locations tour offer details about the filming of this show?
A: Yes, we all equally love Miami Vice, so plan to watch some scenes and match the location where you are standing to the episode. You will also learn details about how the show impacted the city, and how the crew brought the show to life with unique neon signs and specially selected filming locations.
About the TV & Movie Filming Locations Tour
Take a step back and relive the iconic Pop-Culture of the past as we walk along the very streets and dirty back alleys that set the stage for the vibrant and historic locations that brought the big screen to life. Miami Vice caused the "Vice Effect" which placed the forgotten city on a global map. This guided tour includes a portable screen to watch scenes from the show right where they were filmed, allowing us to visually travel back in time. You'll gain insider knowledge on movie & TV creation, experience the buildings, street corners, and interior spaces which were used as filming locations, and discover fascinating nuggets about the checkered history of the 1980s Miami. Every stop is a scene, every building a backdrop, every lobby a close-up, and every detail a story waiting to be told.
Q: What should I expect from the bike tour?
A: This experience is 2.5 hours and tailored for those who are comfortable riding a bike and want to explore more of the city’s sites than can be covered during the historic walking tour.
Our trip begins at the bike shop located at .... Here we will fit you for your bike and get on our way. Together we explore the beautiful Art Deco Historic District, pedal down the coastal pathway, and see the sights from South Pointe Park. This tour offers an exciting time-travel experience, full of imagery, detail, and insight, revealing a side of the city even locals are yet to uncover. You'll walk away with a newfound appreciation for the Magic City.
Q: What about the Crimes & Scandals tour?
A: Miami holds incredibly checkered scandalous crime-rich history. Some of the topics include racism/segregation, rivers of alcohol during the Prohibition, illegal gambling rackets, lanes (not even lines) of cocaine in the 1980s, Russian mafia's grip on Washington Avenue in 2000s, and so much more. Every stop is a crime scene, every building a crime location, every lobby a corpse close-up, and every detail a dreadful story waiting to be told. You will feel the thrill and fear of Miami’s darkest past!
Content and Experience
Q: What does the tour cover?
We explore the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (MiMo) architecture of South Beach—plus colorful stories of notorious crimes, celebrity scandals, and Prohibition-era mischief.
Q: Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, though some crime and scandal content is PG-13 and may be best suited for teens and adults.
Extras & Add-ons
Q: Are there any add-ons like food or drink tastings?
Yes! Optional Art Deco + Cocktails or Architecture + Bites packages are available seasonally. At the conclusion of each tour, guests receive a specially curated map from the host, featuring personalized recommendations and additional sites worth exploring.