There is perhaps no other street in America that blends the past, present, and future quite like the illustrious Ocean Drive. Bursting with iconic Art Deco Era buildings that are perfectly lined along the sandy beaches, visitors flock to the European style cafes, vibrant nightlife, and nostalgic hotels. Miami prides itself on the preservation of more than 800 buildings built between 1920-1940, and we’re showcasing our favorite places to stay and dine. So, step back into the heyday of South Beach at these quaint gems.
Stay
The Breakwater
Originally opened in 1939 and designed by Yugoslavian architect, Anton Skislewicz, the 99-room boutique hotel”srecognizable façade not only draws a crowd for its stylish accommodations but also as a chic hangout.
Hotel Victor
Brimming with seventy-five years of history, Hotel Victor is the quintessential Ocean Drive staple. Designed by Florida architect Lawrence Murray Dixon, known as the “Dean of Deco,” the hotel embodies the era’s clean lines and playful details. Today, sophisticated travelers flock to the hotel for a taste of the old and the new.
Congress Hotel South Beach
Comprised of three buildings, the hotel reflects bespoke design details of the 20’s like concrete “eyebrows” over windows, which served as a way to keep rooms cool before air-conditioning. One of the more spacious hotels on the drive, Congress Hotel South Beach features swanky suites brimming with ocean views, and all of the amenities of home (think full kitchens and spa-like baths).
Dine
A Fish Called Avalon
Nestled in the Art Deco Avalon hotel, the restaurant borrows design inspiration from its nostalgic exterior. For more than thirty years, A Fish Called Avalon has been serving up epicurean delight and proven to be great for people watching. Award-winning cuisine includes plats such as steak and tarragon crusted lobster tail and orzo seafood paella for two.
Pelican Cafe
Located in the historical Pelican Hotel, built in 1939, this award-winning café offers coastal dishes with an Italian flair. Evoking a feeling of the old days of glam, the local hotspot offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Carlyle
You may recognize the building from the movie “The Bird Cage.” Today, the Carlyle offers luxury vacation condo rentals and a café on the bottom level. The restaurant serves oversized drinks like the Bahama Mama and frozen daiquiris along with casual bites.
