Art Deco Historic District, South Beach, Miami
The heart of South Beach is its Art Deco Historic District, from 18th St. and south along Ocean Dr and Collins Ave, one of the largest areas in the US on the National Register of Historic Places. In fact, the rejuvenation and rebirth of the District as a major tourist destination directly results from its protection as a historic site in 1979.
The National Register designation prevents developers from wholeheartedly razing significant portions of what was, in the 1980s, a crime-ridden collection of crumbling monstrosities populated primarily by drug-crazed lunatics, refugees from Cuba and residents elderly. It’s a far cry from that now, with a lively mix of neighbors, including gay men, for the winters only, plus a sprinkling of veterans’ shelters. Today, the facades of hotels and apartments are decidedly colorful, with architectural details in pastel colors.
Your first stop here should be the Art Deco Welcome Center (305-531-3484; 1001 Ocean Dr; 10am-7:30am Mon-Sat, 6pm Sun). which will give you a good insight into this beloved but often misunderstood district. You’ll find an informative permanent exhibit in the gallery, a host of walking tours you can sign up for (including a great self-guided audio tour), and a well-stocked gift shop selling memorabilia from old postcards to decor. jewelry style.
Venetian Pool, Miami
As tons of earth and rock were taken for Merrick’s building boom, a very large limestone quarry was soon formed. So a creative thinker thought; Why not transform this monstrosity by letting it fill with water to become an extraordinarily beautiful swimming hole? Now on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1924 spring-fed pool (305-460-5306; 2701 DeSoto Blvd; adult/child Nov-March $6.25/3.25, April-Oct $9.50/5.25; varies by season but usually 11 a.m. 5 p.m.), with a capacity of 820,000 gallons, it features coral rock caves, waterfalls, a palm-fringed island, vine-covered loggias and Venetian-style moorings. It was designed by Merrick’s uncle, the ubiquitous muralist Denman Fink, and is large enough to accommodate a large waterfall, a children’s area, and an adult swimming area. In fact, during its heyday in the 1920s, it played host to synchronized swimmer Esther Williams and Johnny ‘Tarzan’ Weismuller, both seen in historic pool photos. Whether you want to swim in it or not, this pool is a sight to see.
Mallory Square, Key West
Mallory Square is the belly of the beast. While it’s just another waterfront park filled with shops during the day, after dark the area transforms into a wild sunset soiree: an over-the-top display of arts and crafts hawkers, fire-eaters, singers, bikers, mimes and a variety of other characters, all competing for the tourist dollar. as people stroll and gather around the most outrageous performers, the event quickly turns into a mob scene. But love it or hate it, it’s an integral part of Key West culture, so make sure you visit it at least once. You can always calm down watching the glorious sunset.
Author: Kenneth Ng, Lonely Planet
