About Activity
Experience Miami Beach's vice, glamour, and secrets. Our dynamic tour blends walking and trolley riding to showcase a mix of history, architecture, and local culture, covering both top sights and hidden local gems not found in standard tourist guides. During the tour, you will learn about Miami Beach's fascinating history and how Jewish elders, Cuban refugees, Hollywood, and the mafia shaped this "Billion Dollar Sandbar." We cover world-famous attractions but also venture beyond tourist hotspots to uncover charming streets, trendy rooftops, speakeasies, and top local eateries. We'll visit filming locations from Miami Vice, Scarface, & The Birdcage, and explore local hangouts. Our itinerary visits the Art Deco District, Ocean Drive, Versace Mansion, Espanola Way, South Pointe Park, Fisher Island, SoFI neighborhood, & historic South Beach hotels. Private tours and Spanish language tours are also available. You can find more information and submit an inquiry at the Sobeach Tours website.
Includes
- Discounts on bike rentals and tours in South Beach with your ticket.
- Private tours and Spanish language tours available; inquire directly at Sobeach Tours website.
- Our small group tours allow for a more personalized, intimate and tailored experience.
- *REACH OUT/BOOK DIRECT WITH SOBEACH TOURS FOR 25% DISCOUNT.
- Private tours & Spanish language tours available; inquire directly with Sobeach Tours.
- *PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE TOUR START TIME TO ALLOW FOR CHECK IN.
- Get to know Hollywood film locations that made Miami famous such as Miami Vice, Scarface & Birdcage.
- Exclusive access to the interiors of historic hotels and other landmark structures.
- Only tour with professional guides holding degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
- 50% off our online Miami Undiscovered Travel Guide.
- Half off cocktails/drinks all day at a historic Art Deco hotel on Ocean Drive.
- Get insider tips and recommendations from your guide on local restaurants and bars.
- Get insights into must-see sights, unique hidden gems and secret locations that many tourists miss.
Departure Point
- We meet in the lobby of the Moxy Miami South Beach Hotel at 915 Washington Avenue in MIAMI BEACH.
*YOUR GUIDE WILL BE WEARING A POWDER BLUE BASEBALL CAP.
*PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE TOUR START TIME.
*IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ "WHAT'S INCLUDED".
Return
- We meet in the lobby of the Moxy Miami South Beach Hotel at 915 Washington Avenue in MIAMI BEACH.
*YOUR GUIDE WILL BE WEARING A POWDER BLUE BASEBALL CAP.
*PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE TOUR START TIME.
*IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ "WHAT'S INCLUDED".
Stop At: Miami Beach *Please arrive 15 min before tour start time. It's not possible to join any of the tours halfway or once they have started.
*We do not recommend driving in Miami. Consider a ride-hailing company like Uber or Lyft, taxi, private car or public transport. Reach out to Sobeach Tours to ask about alternatives.
*It's hot in Miami from May-October. Come prepared to walk outside in the heat for an extended period of time. Temperatures usually range in the low to mid 80sF (30C), however, during heatwaves temperatures can reach well over 90F (35C). We recommend bringing a hat, bottled water, and sunscreen. We'll go inside buildings, try to keep you in the shade and make some stops but this is a 2 hour walking tour outdoors.
*The trolley will be used to go from point A to point B but this is not a trolley tour. It's a walking tour so be prepared to walk for about 2 hours.
Stop At: Art Deco Historic District Visit the heart of the Miami Architectural and Art Deco Historic districts and take a deep dive into Art Deco history, architecture and preservation with your dedicated expert guide. Walk along glamorous Ocean Drive seeing the most relevant Art Deco buildings in South Beach with a visit to the interior of several historic hotels and buildings.
Stop At: Ocean Drive Visit the oldest and most famous dive bar in Miami established in 1926 made famous by celebrities, Playboy and Miami Vice.
Stop At: Collins Avenue This tour touches on various subjects including art, history, architecture, art deco, fun facts, pop culture, celebrities, gangsters, local cuisine, and much more. Hear stories about South Beach's legendary nightlife during the late 80s and visit the most famous nightclub of that era.
Stop At: Espanola Way Visit a cobblestone Mediterranean village built in the 1920s frequented by JC Penney and Harvey Firestone turned into a den of vice and crime frequented by bookies, bootleggers and gangsters by the 30s. Enter a clandestine gambling spot and a rooftop.
Stop At: Lincoln Road Visit one of the top attractions in Miami Beach. Take a leisurely stroll along a 1-mile open air pedestrian mall with more than 200 retail stores, cafes, restaurants, bars and cinemas. Hear stories about the pioneers who developed Miami Beach into a world class resort for the rich.
Stop At: Admission Ticket:
Tickets are not included World-famous Ocean Drive is one of the most photographed stretches of Miami Beach. Here we find, nestled among low-rise Art Deco hotels, Villa Casa Casuarina – better known as the Versace Mansion, the former Miami Beach home of fashion designer Gianni Versace. The Versace mansion is the third most photographed house in the United States behind Elvis’ Graceland and the White House. The Mediterranean Revival style palace, lined with the designer’s signature Greek mythology Medusa logo in gold bas relief, has been the subject of fascination for locals and tourists alike on Ocean Drive ever since Gianni Versace’s untimely murder on its front steps in 1997 at age 50.
Stop At: South Pointe Park South Pointe Park is a vibrant green space at the southern tip of Miami Beach, offering stunning views of the South Beach shoreline, Port of Miami’s cruise ships, and Downtown Miami’s skyline. You might get lucky and spot the Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, docked at the Port of Miami's Dodge Island. For photo-worthy views, take a stroll along the 20-foot wide promenade and see Fisher Island across the water as yachts pass by, then continue on to South Pointe Pier.
Stop At: Mango's Miami Mango's Tropical Cafe in South Beach is the ultimate hotspot for dining, dancing, and entertainment in Miami. With a lively atmosphere that keeps the party going until 5 AM every night, guests can enjoy a Latin Cabaret Revue show, sip on delicious mojitos while learning salsa, and groove to the beats of live music in the #1 nightclub in South Beach. Mango’s became one of the world’s most famous nightclubs in the 90s and is regularly frequented by celebrities such as Will Smith, George Clooney, Robert De Niro, Tiger Woods, Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony and Andy Garcia.
Stop At: Art Deco Museum The Art Deco Visitor Information Center is your go-to spot for all things Miami Beach vacation planning. Located in the lobby of the Art Deco Welcome Center in the heart of the Art Deco Historic Disctrict at 10th Street and Ocean Drive, this friendly concierge hub offers assistance with things to do, places to eat, attractions, tours, and adventures to make your trip a breeze. Stop by for info, maps, brochures, and event guides – no admission fee required! The Center also houses the Official Art Deco Museum and the Art Deco Gift Shop filled with original Art Deco posters, t-shirts, books, cards, vintage items, jewelry, memorabilia, and one-of-a-kind art.
Stop At: The Scarface Hotel, located at 728 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida, is where the infamous chainsaw scene from the 1983 crime drama film took place. In the movie, Tony Montana and his crew visit the Sunray Motel to buy drugs from a Colombian gang, only to find themselves in a deadly setup. The hotel is now home to a CVS store, but back in the day, it was a Johnny Rockets joint. So, if you're ever strolling down Ocean Drive, keep an eye out for this iconic filming location!
Stop At: Mac's Club Deuce One of the few remaining dive bars in Miami Beach (and one of the oldest), Mac's Club Deuce is the seaside town's definitive spot to drink, feed the jukebox, and shoot pool. Not much has changed inside this legendary establishment which opened in 1926.
Stop At: Palace Bar & Restaurant Grab your camera and head over to a Drag Queen show. The Palace is the most famous LGBTQ bar in Miami since 1988! Located on Ocean Drive, it's a popular destination for locals and tourists looking to enjoy a fun night out. The colorful décor and friendly staff add to the overall experience, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to soak up the energetic vibe of South Beach.
Public transportation options are available nearby Suitable for all physical fitness levels Operated by SoBeach Tours For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
Fun and busy morning tour of South Beach Debbie_N
This was a great experience for us five friends in the heat of Florida summer. We had the amazing Paola as our guide and she’s super knowledgeable and personable. She knows every detail of art deco and history of the area. As a local it was a great experience to really learn why things are the way they are and how it all started.
Loved seeing all the hotels and rooftops and getting the “tea”. It is very hot in the summer so be sure to wear a hat, bring water and sunscreen. We walked a lot but that was fine.
Very recommendedCruiser26070645612
Paula was amazing. The trip was personalized, interesting, and fun. She was well informed and fun to listen to and flexible. Thank you!
Fun and engaging walking tour44lianes
Paola our guide was brilliant, fun and knowledgeable. We saw places on the tour that we would never have known existed! Great to hear about the history of Miami Beach and architectural and cultural influences that have shaped it along with movie trivia! A must for Miami Vice fans.
Excellent Art Deco TourRoger_W
We really enjoyed this tour through the art deco area. Our guide, Paola, was fantastic, providing insight into the architecture, restaurant scene in the area and the history. Well-paced walk. Highly recommend.
fun and informative44keithv
Mar 18, 2026, 12:11:46 PM I was very impressed with this tour. It had just the right tone of fun and information. It took us to places we would never of known of and gave us a good perspective of its history. In retrospect, the cost was negligible. There wasn't a large crowd which made the trip very flexible and uninterrupted. I would easily recommend this trip to everyone.
Paola gave an outstanding and very interesting tour. It was fun to learn about the colorful history behind the historic art deco buildings along ocean drive. We had a small group and were able to pop into to a few lobbies also. When I met up with friends later they were equally interested and impressed with my new knowledge! Great way to spend a morning. Highly recommend.
Best of Miami Beach Walk Touranna_a
My husband and I were going in without high expectations: we took similar tours before and they were simply OK. Paula made it very different. She was knowledgeable, but yet not dry. Her sense of humour added extra “shine” to the presentation. Overall we were very pleased with the tour. We went in with the impression of Miami Beach being just a “party central” and, thanks to Paula, gained a new found appreciation of Miami Beach history and culture. Highly recommend.
Excellent South Beach Walking TourTucker55
Our family thoroughly enjoyed the commentary provided with the tour of the Art Deco District in South Beach Miami by Paola. She was extremely knowledgable and interesting and knew all of the background information regarding the various sites we visited. There is no way just walking around on your own and just reading a guidebook would compare with this experience. We found the tour very worthwhile and would highly recommend it.
Great daytime tour!Courtney K
Nov 26, 2025, 12:18:48 PM Great tour! Paula was a lovely guide. Lots of historic information combined with entertaining fun facts. A lot of walking. Perfect length of time.
Miami Beach Art Deco TourandreshN4635DG
Nov 23, 2025, 12:47:06 PM Paola was an excellent tour guide! She's very knowledgeable about Miami Beach's history. We loved her sense of humor!.
Miami Beach Discoverymikah677
We had a fantastic tour with our tour guide, Paola , who was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The tour was around 3 hours and covered lots of culture, architecture, hidden spots , movie trivia and more. There’s so much you don’t know about Miami Beach before this tour - our warmest recommendations go to Paola!
Great tour with some cool secret placesAustinB1007
Nov 21, 2025, 12:39:13 PM Paula was amazing, very knowledgeable and very funny, showed us some great secret little places you’d never know existed
Sobeachtours was great!B391NValisonr
Paula gave a fantastic tour. She was very knowledgeable about the history, sites and culture of the area. Highly recommend!!!!
Amazing informationWander773489
Paula was super informative. We have done the tour before and we learned so much more today. We went into lots of great places and will be going to many of the places she showed us.
Loved the information! Loved the tour.write2becc
Oct 23, 2025, 12:58:56 PM Totally worth it! So informative and fun! Saw so many things we would not have notice. Everyone should do this. Paula was really great and so funny.
Brilliant tour with great tour leader- PaolaelliepC6515VF
We had a really brilliant tour with a lovely tour guide, Paola , who was very knowledgeable and interesting. The tour was around 3h and covered lots of culture, architecture, hidden spots and movie trivia-great value for money.
Would highly recommend!
A Great Morning WalkVeronica H
What a great way to spend the morning in South Beach. Paula was so knowledgeable about the area, the art deco history, Miami history, show/food recommendations, and so much more. We highly recommend taking this tour!
Aug 30, 2025, 12:37:48 PM Outstanding tour. I would strongly recommend it. Definitely worth it. In this tour you get to see a lot of famous movie spots.
informative, interesting, exclusive, funnyBrujobrujo
Aug 27, 2025, 11:10:09 AM I've been to South Beach before but this is my first time taking a tour and I'm glad I did. I had no idea there was so much interesting history about South Beach. Paola has clearly done her homework and spent lots of time studying the history of South Beach. It was worth every penny. She also took us to a few rooftop bars and restaurants that I didn't even know were accessible.
Fun tour with a knowledgeable guideimi138
We had a great time on our walking tour with Paola. She is very funny & knowledgeable, and makes the history of Miami beach come to life. We also enjoyed the hidden gems, which we would not have found without her. Highly recommend this tour
Great experience!mariabW2872CM
Jun 16, 2025, 10:17:29 AM I wish we took this tour much earlier after living in South Florida for 2 years! Paula unlocked so many secret doors for us and I look at Miami with different eyes now. Precious! Highly recommend it.
Walking tour Miami BeachLouise M
We did the Miami Beach walking tour with Paola which was really informative both with historical and current information. Paola was really friendly and also provided good tips on places to eat/drink and other interesting places to visit.
Best tour guide ever!TK6299
Apr 29, 2025, 11:22:54 PM I had an exceptional experience with Paula from South Beach Tours! Her extensive knowledge of South Beach’s architecture and history brought the area to life, highlighting hidden gems we would’ve never discovered on our own. Paula’s friendly and pleasant demeanor made the tour even more enjoyable. She went above and beyond by helping us resolve an issue with a Lyft driver, showcasing her dedication to her guests. Highly recommend Paula for an informative and delightful tour!
Book this tour!! theresa_b
Great tour with lots of historical info about South Beach. The small group made it easy to ask questions. Recommendation were made for restaurants, bars, beaches, and events. .
Perfect introduction to South Beach! Highly recommendRandy M
Such a fun tour! Paula was lovely, had great stories and history to share, knew a lot about South Beach’s amazing architecture. Equally great, she showed us hidden gems to make our time in south beach the best and recommended restaurants, activities and shows we might like. It was the perfect introduction to South Beach. Highly recommend!
A perfect south beach introduction and great timeRandy_M
Such a fun tour! Paula was lovely, had great stories and history to share, knew a lot about South Beach’s amazing architecture. Equally great, she showed us hidden gems to make our time in south beach the best and recommended restaurants, activities and shows we might like. It was the perfect introduction to South Beach. Highly recommend!
Unbeatable Tour Of Art Deco Miami BeachPioneer221157
Paola was a great guide and her explanation of how Miami Beach has developed and the designs of the hotels was both fascinating and entertaining. We have to now rewatch The old Miami Vice TV show again. Thank You for a delightful morning. And the price was good too!
Great walking tourInge_VH613
Paola was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and friendly. I especially loved going inside some of the establishments, and the view from the rooftop patio was astounding! She gave us lots of great tips on where to eat and drink and other fun locations to visit. Highly recommend! (We paid $35 pp + tip. Be sure you’re happy to be on your feet for +2 hours!)
Amazing walking tour of Miami Beach153grahamn
Wow, this is the best tour in Miami. Paula was amazing, went to places we would have walked straight past. Learnt so much. Thoroughly recommend this tour.
Very good and informative tour!LaurenOhio
Very good tour. The guide is very knowledgable about the area and shares lots of interesting information. She recently added a golf cart for part of the tour which was helpful, even for active folks like us! A lot of ground is covered! If you're driving to the tour from outside Miami Beach, I would suggest leaving early to give yourself time to park and locate the meeting destination. Parking in Miami Beach can be tricky.
Art Deco, pop culture and history at its bestNicole_C
We ended up doing the Art Deco tour and it was fantastic ! Paola gave us an amazing lesson in the history of Miami Beach and the beauty of the Art Deco district. She shows hidden gems and how fashion, tv, movies and music helped to transform this area into what this beautiful city is today. We left with a true appreciation of the Art Deco style. Thank you Paola for such a fun morning! We left feeling like we have a new friend in Miami Beach. See you at Club Deuce!
Miami South Beach walking tour - Great!blacksh
Paola ranks one of the most enjoyable and knowledgeable guides my wife and I have experienced and had a great sense of humor. Lots of Miami history and art deco architecture. We would highly recommend SoBeach and Paola. It was a great day.
We enjoyed our tour with Paola! She is very knowledgeable and kind, and the headphones made it very easy to hear her. We all learned about the architecture and history. It exceeded our expectations!
Very informative and friendly guideakashgU9302VJ
Loved it! The guide is very informative, funny and friendly. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to learn about miami's history.
Well worth it!Traveler32233259376
We had a great time with Damian. A very informative and fun tour on both Miami and Miami Beach, quite some hidden gems included, we peeked inside some of the art deco buildings. Loved it from the beginning to the end, and would highly recommend it.
SATURDAY AT MIA SOBE!!Gianni9820
Oct 30, 2024, 12:43:47 PM It was a great time. We really enjoyed the tour with Paola. She explained very well the stories, we understood her very well and we liked her route!
I highly recommend this tour, don't miss it!! she also took care of our 89-year-old mother who walked almost 3 hours like us. Traveling on the trolley was a great experience!! Thanks…
Amazing ad knowledgeable guidealexkB3224IB
Paola is AMAZING! We did a tour of South Beach and even though I live in Miami area I didn't know most of the interesting facts she shared. Highly recommend!
Amazing Miami Vice Fan TourK1395HIannel
Paola Bortolin, guide, was fantastic! Knowledgeable- answered questions-patient! Had the best time with her and also followed her recommendation for great food! Thanks Paola!!
Amazing experiencerychalskia
May 28, 2024, 10:34:17 PM It was AMAZING! We were a group of 3 people, very intimate! Paola was very knowledgeable, the tour was very informative. We saw places that were unexpected. I highly recommend this tour full of humanity. And we eventually finished in the oldest bar sharing a glass of beer and talking about our own experience. I am looking forward to coming back ;-)
A Must Do Walking Tour of Miami Beach and South Beach!Mobile53691790207
Feb 21, 2024, 12:32:47 PM We learned so much about the history of Miami Beach and South Beach. Paola is terrific! So knowledgeable and a delightful person! I can’t wait to return and take another walking tour with Paola! If you are a history and architecture aficionado this tour is a must do while visiting Miami Beach and South Beach!
Great walking tour!donna_t
Wonderful introduction to South Beach explaining the art deco and illustrious history. Our guide was knowledgeable and made the tour fun and interesting. 5 stars!
A great way to spend an afternoon in South Beachwelhard
This tour was a great way to spend an afternoon in South Beach! Paola is a very knowledgeable tour guide who shares information and takes you to places that provide you with a great perspective on South Beach history and architecture. The cost is very reasonable and we would highly recommend this tour.
Great, informative, fun tour of South BeachW8130NMjamieb
Great tour with such interesting stories, mixing architecture, culture, and history. I would definitely recommend.
Great tour and well informed.Brujobrujo
What a surprisingly outstanding tour! I don't usually have high expectations when going on tours but this one turned out great. We visited many important attractions and also went to places that only a local would know about such as speakeasy's and a few Rooftop bars. Highly recommend this tour!
Recommendations on places to visiting and restaurants to eat at. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t push it. You asked for a review and I gave you one
We recommend SOBEACH toursbarbarapV7300UF
Jul 26, 2023, 10:35:08 AM Paola was so incredibly knowledgable and gave us a fantastic tour. We totally recommend SOBEACH Tours.
Fun walking tour with guide.Tamara_M
Paola has shown us (in the shadows) nice places in Miami. Had nice, interesting information about Miami.
