ART DECO BUILDINGS AND LINCOLN ROADMiami Beach is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places for having the largest concentration of 1920s and 1930s resort architecture in the U.S.
The 800 buildings are known for their Mediterranean and Art Deco styles, with pastel colors, porthole windows, curved walls, and distinctive lettering on historic hotel signs.
Walking tours cost $20 to $30 but many of the buildings are easily recognized.
National Geographic offers detailed notes for a self-guided tour, mostly along Ocean Drive between Fifth and 17th streets.
Perhaps the absolute best free thing to do in Miami Beach is to go people-watching along Lincoln Road.
The pedestrian mall lined with palm trees, dozens of shops, restaurants and bars is a popular tourist destination and hangout spot for locals -- along with their designer dogs.