DK Travel : Miami : Miami Beach and Key Biscayne

Nowher else on earth seems to be so happily addicted to glamour as Miami Beach. All the traits of modern life are here, pushed to the limit: symbols of speed, wealth, and status are vaunted everywhere you look in this body-conscious, sexually charged resort. Key Biscayne, the next big island to the south, provides a stark contast to the dynamism and self-consciousness of its neighbor; here you will find a tranquil and family-oriented atmosphere pervading parks, perfect beaches, and a scattering of museums.

More on the Deco District

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11th Street Diner

Classic diner from 1948, originally built in Pennsylvania.
A Walk Through the Deco District

Morning

From the southern end of the District on Ocean Drive, at 6th Street, head northward, checking out not just the façades but also as many of the hotel interiors as you can. Many have unique design elements in the lobbies, bars, and gardens.

Between the Leslie and the Cardozo is the wonderful Carlyle, currently undergoing a major restoration.

Turn left after the Cavalier, and go to the next street over, Collins Avenue. Turn right on Collins and check out Hoffman’s Cafeteria at 1450, built in curved Nautical style in 1939 by Henry Hohauser. Stop here for lunch.

Mid-afternoon

A little farther on, you’ll find the St. Moritz Hotel, which features a cut coral façade and neon.

At 1685, you can’t miss the all-white Delano, with its landmark winged tower. The outlandish post-modern interiors are by Philippe Starke, and contain original Dali and Gaudi furniture.

Next stop is the Ritz Plaza, with another fantasy tower in glass block. When you get to 21st St, turn left; on the next corner you will encounter the Abbey Hotel, with its marvelous salamander motif and Flash Gordon-style towers.

Head back to Collins Ave, and at 1775 you’ll find The Raleigh Hotel – it’s a beautiful location for drinks.
Abbey Dining Room

Set within an elegant Deco marvel (see Abbey) is a splendid place where food and art are happily confused. Don’t miss bouillabaisse St. Tropez or the fantastic desserts.
Art Deco District Welcome Center

A treasure-trove of Deco kitsch to take home as your very own. Everything from cutesy salt-&-pepper sets to really rather nice reproduction lamps.
B.E.D.

Don’t be a couch potato, go to B.E.D. instead. A bubbling mix of gay and straight, and, yes, there are actual beds for lounging on.
Balans

An eclectic mix of Asian and Mediterranean influences, this chic, London-style café is popular, loud, and a SoBe standard-bearer. Great choice for a non-buffet Sunday brunch.
Balans

This London import is a firm favorite in the gay community. Offering a global menu (including their signature lobster club sandwich) with a dash of British style.
Barton G – The Restaurant

The lush, tropical orchid garden is a great setting for a romantic evening under the stars. Popular with locals, the food is neo-classic American.
Bash

This bar and lounge often hosts big events. Not exclusively gay at all, it is owned by Sean Penn and Mick Hucknall of Simply Red.
Bass Museum of Art

This Mayan-influenced Deco structure of the 1930s came of age in 1964, when John and Johanna Bass donated their extensive collection of art. It consists mainly of 15th–17th-century European paintings, sculpture, and textiles, and highlights include Renaissance and Baroque works, as well as paintings by Dürer and Rubens, and a 16th-century Flemish tapestry.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $20
- $20–$40
- $40–$55
- $55–$80
- over $80