Things to do / Travel Guide
Since much of present-day South Florida was built in the last half century, it is no surprise that the dominant architecture is of a modern style. There are, however, a few places in the South Florida region that offer some special and distinctive buildings to see.
Miami, Florida
Perhaps the most famous, and even iconic, architecture in the South Florida region can be found in the Art Deco District along Ocean Drive in the South Beach section of Miami Beach. The beautiful buildings in this district, filled with colors and interesting shapes and adornments, were built mostly in the 1930s, in order to satisfy the crowds of vacationers who were looking not only for an escape from the winter, but also from the gloom of the Great Depression. To really appreciate this area's architecture, you should take a long stroll through it, rather than just drive through.
Another impressive example of Italian Renaissance architecture can be found at the Vizcaya estate in the Coconut Grove section of Miami. This opulent residence was built in 1916 and is considered to be one of the most magnificent homes in the entire state of Florida. Today the estate is a museum, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South Florida region.
Key West, Florida
In Key West there are many beautiful examples of Victorian architectural design, employing a wide variety of colors and shapes. There are some specific buildings of interest here, including the southernmost home in the continental U.S. as well as the home of Ernest Hemingway.
Palm Beach, Florida
There are many mansions and palatial estates in Palm Beach, which has attracted the very wealthy for many decades. These homes were mostly built in the Spanish Revival style and can be viewed along the coastal State Road A1A. The predominance of this kind of style around Palm Beach stems from the influence of the area's main architect, Addison Mizner.
Also in Palm Beach, you will find The Breakers, an enormous hotel resort. The building is a beautiful example of Italian Renaissance style. The Breakers was built by Henry Flagler, the wealthy industrialist who was perhaps the most influential person in originally developing South Florida in the early 20th century.
Naples, Florida
For something different, visit downtown Naples on the Southwest Gulf Coast. The whole downtown was rebuilt to reflect the New Urbanism style. The feel and look of Naples is very quaint, homey, and inviting. Again, it's best to stroll, rather than drive, through Naples to appreciate it.
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