one of my favorite things to do in miami is to roam the streets of the art deco district. it is also known as the miami beach architectural district and is listed on the national register of historic places. built mostly between the 1920s to 1940s, you’ll find hundreds of these preserved buildings along famed ocean drive (between 5th and 15th) and further north around collins avenue. recently i was in nearby hollywood for work and decided to pop into south beach for an afternoon. i could’ve spent all day capturing all the pretty pastel hues + all the lines and angles on these landmarks. my favorite features were the letterings on all those signs. this area could have its own font book!
a few sightings of some vintage vehicles was also fun, too.
i also visited a few properties and the interiors are just as spectacular—especially the delano, nautilus and the new faena hotel. the art within the latter is otherwordly, and a must-see the next time you find yourself there is the gilded mammoth display by artist damien hirst.
• all photography by leslie santarina.
I SO need to go to Miami, all these pictures are beautiful! x
http://jessicawoods.fr
Miami is very close to the top of my US cities to visit and these pictures are motivating me to make it first on my list! I love the pastel colors and you’re right- the fonts are so unique!
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Fantastic! Font row for sure. Each one took me to a different headspace. . . . Great pictures.
Leslie, these pictures are gorgeous! I grew up in Florida and would go to South Beach every once and a while – I had forgotten how much I loved those art deco buildings!
Thanks Amanda! Will need to get some of your recos when I’m here next.
Miami is so beautiful. All the pastels and the Art Deco. And then the warm beaches and beautiful people. What not to love!
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Art Deco is one of my favorite design periods. I’d love to go to Miami to see all of the old buildings!
Kari
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What else do you recommend seeing/ places to eat or drink? I love your blog – I live in SF and am going to Miami for a Bachelorette party later this year and am a bit hesitant. Would love recommendations!
Hi Lisa! It was a quick a very quick trip to Miami, but I loved True Loaf for pastries based on Garance Dore’s reco: http://blog.sixtyhotels.com/garance-dores-guide-to-miami/. I also thought The Dutch at the W Hotel was quirky and fun: http://www.wsouthbeach.com/miami-restaurants. Lots a of cool decor in the hotel as well. The Nautilus has a very fresh interior and if it’s available, Cereal Magazine did a lovely Miami Guide for them. It wasn’t yet available when I stopped in a couple of weeks ago. If you’re into really unique art/decor, take a walk up to the new Faena Hotel to see what they’ve done, including Damien Hirst’s massive gold mammoth out in the back: http://www.damienhirst.com/news/2015/faena-miami-beach.
Thanks so much!!