Category Archives: About Miami

When you visit Miami, there is a lot to explore. Miami’s architecture is unique, and there are so many different styles and influences behind the buildings in this oceanside city.

Are you ready to learn about the most iconic buildings in Miami?

Keep reading as we discuss the top buildings to visit in Miami if you love Art Deco, Latin, Modern, and Classic architecture. Miami boasts gorgeous buildings in a wide range of architectural styles.

 

Learn All About These 35 Best Miami Iconic Places to Visit

To plan an exciting Miami trip, check out these beautiful and inspiring buildings littered across the city! Make the most of your trip and visit these stunning sites.

 

1. One Thousand Museum Residences

Located on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, the One Thousand Museum residential building is named after the One Thousand Museum on the same street. This high-rise building is a feat of art and architecture. The beautiful swirls cascading the building create an elegant and unique look. If it’s within your budget, you might also consider checking out the luxury apartments inside! The building boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, private movie theater, helipad, and extraordinary spa.

 

2. Art Deco District

This historic Miami Art Deco district can be found at the heart of South Beach. The buildings are adorned with beautiful striped canopies. If you visit the Art Deco district at night, you’ll get the most out of your visit. The buildings are lit up by beautiful colorful lights, giving you a better view of the beautiful Art Deco structures. The colorful Art Deco buildings are still just as impressive in the day, too!

 

3. Olympia Theater

This concert hall and theater venue is a sight to behold—especially if you love the dramatic arts. John Eberson designed the theater itself and it reflects his unique and atmospheric style. Whether you’re catching a show or wish to explore, the Olympia Theater should be on your Miami architecture bucket list!

 

4. Park Grove

The curved edges of the Park Grove building are genuinely fascinating and have a Logarithmic spiral feel. When you look at this building, you’ll think of the spirals on a snail’s shell or a goat’s horns. The building is home to luxury condos with stunning views on all sides. If you’re searching for an elegant and impressive home in Miami, it’s worth checking out any listings at Park Grove.

 

5. Ingraham Building

If you like elegant and archaic architectural styles, you’ll be blown away by the stunning Ingraham Building. The beautiful arches in this 1985 high-rise building are reminiscent of much earlier styles.

 

6. Venetian Pool

The Venetian Pool was built in the 1920s as part of the Venetian Casino in Miami. The pool has a unique origin, carved into the stone quarry in Coral Gables. Back then, plans for the town included a focus on building Mediterranean-style homes for a truly tropical hometown feel. The pool now boasts grottos and waterfalls galore and can be a fun place for a day trip in Miami for you and your family. Who knew a quarry could be turned into something so beautiful?

 

7. Miami-Dade County Courthouse

The courthouse in Miami-Dade County is truly unique and has a classic feel. When it was built, the courthouse was the tallest building in both Miami and Florida. The slender tower is enclosed in historical tiers and enclaves and has a genuinely stately feel, perfect for a courthouse. The building is 27 stories tall and when it was built, sailors said they could see the building’s lights from over 100 miles out at sea!

 

8. Palazzo Del Sol

Palazzo Del Sol is situated on an Island off the coast of Mainland Miami. It is a condo building with natural elements in the design. From the apartments inside the Palazzo De Sol, you can see the gorgeous blue jewel waters of Biscayne Bay. And, if you’re a golf lover, you might enjoy stopping at the golf course nearby for a few holes when you visit this stunning building!

 

9. Central Baptist Church

The Central Baptist Church in Miami is a monument worth visiting. It has Greco-Roman influences, with stunning pillars and statues at the building’s entrance. The pointed roof truly creates an ancient and temple-like feel. If you like Classic architecture, you should visit this church in Miami.

 

10. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was once the estate of a regarded businessman called James Deering. The museum is built in a gorgeous Mediterranean beaux-arts style, with a red slate roof. If you love the Mediterranean revival style, you will enjoy visiting this museum and exploring the relics stowed away inside!

 

11. Lincoln Road

This building is a parking garage and event space in Miami and has Modern architecture to die for! The building was designed by a Swiss architectural firm called Herzog & De Meuron. The facility can house 300 cars, and harsh zig-zagging lines and protruding elements complement the open-air architecture.

 

12. Coral Castle

If you want to see where some of the limestones dug up at the Venetian Pool went, you should visit Coral Castle. The beautiful crescent moon structures and interesting limestone shapes will leave you in awe. The limestone castle is between Leisure City and Homestead in Miami Dade County and is in an unincorporated territory.

13. Pérez Art Museum Miami

This contemporary art museum is located on Biscayne Boulevard and is another modern Miami building designed by Herzog & De Meuron, the famous and award-winning Swiss architects. At the front of the building are beautifully landscaped terraces that enclose an open and transparent building front. If you’re looking for contemporary art, visit this unmissable architectural building!

 

14. Alfred I. Dupont Building

From the outside, this building isn’t much to behold. However, stepping inside, you’ll see beautiful gilded metalwork and Classic interior architectural styles. It is an Art Deco-style high-rise building that is typically used for weddings and events. If you’re on East Flagler Street in Miami, it’s worth poking your nose inside!

 

15. Kaseya Center

The Kaseya Center is formerly known as the American Airlines Arena and is located at the heart of downtown Miami. If you’re interested in large-scale Modern architecture, this is truly a feat. And, while you’re there, you might be able to catch one of the various events they host at this location!

 

16. La Época

If you love shopping and exploring new architectural styles, you’ll have a ball at La Epoca. The building used to be a Walgreens store, and that’s what it’s still known as today. The building has an interesting curved shape and is built in the Streamline Modern architecture style. The Art Deco staircase in the rear is worth a look, and the interior of the building has three stories to explore.

 

17. Grove at Grand Bay

The Grove at Grand Bay is a truly decadent condo building. The high-rise building gives the appearance of being twisted, with brise-soleil style balconies and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The building in Coconut Grove offers stunning views of the marina and Atlantic Ocean sunsets.

 

18. History Miami Museum

This minimalist Mediterranean revival style architecture is worth a look—and you can learn more about the history of Miami while you’re inside. You can find this historic building in Downtown Miami—so stop by while you’re there!

 

19. The Brickell Avenue Bridge

The Brickell Avenue Bridge is named for the Brickell family—who once operated a trading post on the South Bank. This bridge is a grand sculpted masterpiece designed by architect Portuondo Peretti. The bas-reliefs on the bridge depict the rich history of Florida, telling the observer a story.

20. The Miami Circle

The Miami Circle is a remnant of a historic civilization on the Miami coast. If you’re interested in learning about the rich history of the Miami area before it was an American city, you’ll love taking a tour of the Miami Circle. The strange holes carved into the limestones were uncovered during a construction project in the late 1900s.

 

21. Adrienne Arsht Center

The Adrienne Arsht Center is one of the largest performing arts centers in the world. The building was designed by Cesar Pelli and was finished in 2006. The building is reflective of the Art Deco style that is so prominent in Miami.

 

22. Royal Palm Cottage

The 1897 Royal Palm Cottage building is one of 30 buildings that Henry Flagler built across Miami. The building was painted in the architect’s favorite color—bright yellow. The building is the last remaining cottage and was moved by the Miami design preservation league and given historic building protections.

 

23. Rubell Museum

New York architect Selldorf Architects designed the Rubell Museum. The building is an excellent example of adaptive reuse in action and is intentionally minimalistic, allowing visitors to appreciate the art within and the surrounding neighborhood.

 

24. McCrory’s

The history of this Miami building is quite significant regarding the civil rights movement. The McCrory building was one of many department stores scattered across the US. As you enter the building, you’ll see McCrory engraved on terrazzo floor plates.

 

25. New World Center

The New World Center is a 365-seat performance hall for the New World Symphony America’s Orchestral Academy. The building was designed by the Gehry Partners and had the architect’s well-known bends and folds inside. On the outside, the building is a white rectangular structure, and you’ll often see different images projected onto it during the nighttime.

 

26. The Old Federal Building

The architect behind the Old Federal Building, James Knox Taylor, completed construction in 1915. Until the 1930s, the building was used as a courthouse and post office, and then it became the first Federal Savings and Loan Association of Miami. It is a Neoclassical building worth visiting during your time in Miami.

 

27. Wynwood Walls

The Wynwood Walls in Miami can be found in Wynwood as part of the Miami Street Art Museum. The architecture consists of multiple walls coated in a layer of vibrant graffiti. If you love street art and architectural styles, it’s worth visiting the Wynwood Walls.

 

28. The Ralston Building

Now known as the Carrion jewelry store, the Ralston Building was built in 1917. When it was built, it was the tallest building in Miami—with only 8 stories! If you appreciate skyscrapers and their history, this is a significant building to add to your list, the first skyscraper in Miami.

 

29. Gesu Church

This building has some very interesting influences. It is a Neoclassical design with Arabic architectural influences. The pale peach building was constructed in 1922, and it can be an interesting place to visit, light a candle, and admire the beautiful architectural style.

 

30. Delano South Beach

The Delano in South Beach was initially designed by architect Robert Swartburg and has a brilliant white cladding. At the center of the structure’s roof is a geometric accent that creates a modern architectural feel. The building is currently part of a resort in South Beach—why not book a stay for your trip?

 

31. Capital Building

The capital building reflects early 1920s Second Empire architecture and is an earlier skyscraper in the city. Still standing today, it is used as the Congress building. If you’re in downtown Miami, it’s worth stopping by.

 

32. Freedom Tower

This building has a rich history. At first, it was home to the Miami News, a prominent Miami newspaper. It was given the name Freedom Tower after the building was used to house Cuban refugees and provide assistance. If you visit the building today, you’ll find that it is used as part of the college campus.

 

33. Huntington Building

Built in 1925, the Huntingdon building is a monument to the fast-paced construction that was happening at the time. The gritty architecture can provide some inspiration for those who enjoy a unique rooftop. The jutting architecture makes an interesting imprint on the Miami skyline.

 

34. Monad Terrace

The Monad Terrace building has an interesting U-structure and is clad in stunning, clean glass and metal. There are currently condo units for sale in this building, with truly luxurious balcony space. The architectural style is designed to blend indoor and outdoor spaces to provide a truly unique living experience.

 

35. Shoreland Arcade

This building perfectly exemplifies Neoclassical, Mediterranean, and Art Deco architectural styles with masonry vernacular details. If you’re in Miami, you should check out this architectural relic—there is plenty of inspiration here!

 

Takeaway

Whether in Miami Beach or Downtown Miami, there are plenty of architectural amuse bouches to tickle your fancy. Some are relics of Miami’s rich history, while others are functional buildings like condos and hotels.

If you want to move to Miami and live amongst the Art Deco buildings, why not check out the condos and homes available with Chatburn Living? We know Miami real estate best!

Miami is one of the most popular metropolitan areas in the United States. The sunny Florida weather, Formula 1 racetrack, and stunning beaches are just some of the many attractions that draw residents in.

The new developments and investments in Miami are also making this an attractive area for new residents.

Want to learn more about the best residential neighborhoods and vibrant downtown Miami areas? Keep reading as we explore the best 19 places to live in Miami, helping you to make the right choice for your next home and experience the best of sunny Miami!

 

How to Choose the Best Place to Live in Miami?

When deciding where to settle next, there are several important factors to keep in mind, including what there is to do there. Below are some of the things you should consider when choosing between the best neighborhoods in Miami

• Budget—you need to consider how expensive homes in the area are.
• Safety—it’s a good idea to check the crime rate in the area to see how safe you will feel when living there.
• Amenities—it’s no good moving somewhere only to find they don’t have the amenities you need. You should look at the restaurants, cinemas, shopping centers, and amenities close to the neighborhood to ensure it meets all of your needs.
• Housing type—if the area only has detached houses and your budget can only cover an apartment, then the area won’t be suitable for you or your family.

These considerations will help you determine your needs and what you value most in a new neighborhood.

 

Learn All About These 19 Best Places to Live in Miami, FL, in 2023

Now that you know which features and qualities you should look for when choosing a Miami neighborhood, let’s dive in. Here is our list of the 19 best communities in Miami for you to choose from!

 

Pinecrest

Pinecrest is a carefully managed suburban village in Miami. If you’re looking to adopt the suburban lifestyle, you’ll be amazed at what Pinecrest has to offer. Plenty of parks, botanical gardens, lakes, and rich wildlife will be on your doorstep in Pinecrest.

The village is managed by five council members that act per the Government to provide safety and perform homeowner’s association duties. Pinecrest is a great place for families as it is one of the safest neighborhoods in Miami. If you require extra safety and security, you can always choose one of the gated communities in Pinecrest for your next home.

 

South Beach

With an eye for beauty and fashion, the famous Gianni Versace chose to make South Beach his home. South Beach is where you will find the Versace mansion, which offers glorious beaches for all to enjoy.

Ocean Drive in South Beach is known for providing Art Deco architecture, an unmissable pedestrian shopping district, and stunning beach views. This is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Miami where you will find many tourists and sun-seekers.

As with any other metropolis, there are some shady areas in South Beach that it might be wise to avoid. However, South Beach is moderately safe and provides an excellent neighborhood if you’re seeking somewhere vibrant and eclectic to live.

 

Coral Gables

Coral Gables’ most famous attraction is its Venetian pool, carved into the remnants of a mining quarry. Coral Gables has everything you need if you want to swim but wish to avoid the beachfront neighborhoods. You’ll find botanical gardens and aquariums right on your doorstep.

The area itself has something for everyone—it’s a mix of suburban and urban elements, providing both fast-paced and slower living options for residents.

If you live in the areas closest to Miami, the crime rate in Coral Gables will be higher. Property crimes in Coral Gables are the largest contributor to the crime rate, and therefore, the neighborhood is still relatively safe for residents.

 

South of Fifth

This is a small neighborhood located on the southern tip of Miami Beach. It is considered a very affluent area, offering many local eateries and yacht ports for residents to enjoy.

Since this is a very metropolitan area, you’re more likely to find stunning condos than detached homes in this neighborhood. You’d be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean in your SoFi home.

 

Glenvar Heights

Glenvar Heights is a census-designated neighborhood in Miami with plenty of attractions. The Doug Barnes Park offers opportunities for kayaking, open-water swimming, and other lake water sports.

Most residents in Glenvar Heights own their homes, and it is considered one of the safer neighborhoods to live in Miami.

Glenvar Heights would be the right choice for you and your family if you’re looking for a quiet urban feel.

 

Little Havana

Little Havana is a very historic neighborhood with a rich Cuban influence. Living here will give you access to authentic Cuban food, and you will be situated amongst some heavily Cuban-inspired architecture.

Little Havana is still considered a safe neighborhood. However, there is a higher gang presence in Little Havana than in other parts of Miami, so it’s important to keep this in mind when deciding whether to move here.

If you’re a dancing fan, you and your family will love the festivals, dancing, and festivities that regularly occur in Little Havana. The housing options in this area mainly include condos and apartments rather than houses and detached properties.

 

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove is often considered one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Miami. Its palm tree-lined streets and oceanside location make it a serene environment. The sidewalk cafes and upscale boutiques make this an incredibly sought-after location.

This is an ideal location for families and home buyers interested in boating, and it offers condos and beach houses.

Coconut Grove is about 55% safer than the rest of Miami, and you can expect a high level of safety and privacy when living in this area.

 

West Miami

West Miami is a calm neighborhood, mainly populated by elderly citizens and families. There is an abundance of stores, plazas, and markets to enjoy. The crime rate in West Miami is in line with the crime rates for most cities in the USA.

There is plenty of cultural diversity in West Miami, with many English and Spanish-speaking people intermingled.

If you’re a Spanish-speaking citizen, West Miami offers proximity to Spanish and American cultural influences for a perfect blend!

Bal Harbour

Bal Harbour is a popular resort located within walking distance of a stunning bay. It is located just south of Fort Lauderdale. The white sandy shores make for a beautiful morning walk, jog, or beach day with the family. Bal Harbour has plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to enjoy. The neighborhood has a dense urban feel, and most residents own their homes.

However, Bal Harbour is home to many hotels and resorts and is a relatively affluent area, so it has a higher crime rate than most US cities. Bal Harbour is close to Oleta State River Park, Bal Harbour Beach, and Haulover Park, providing plenty of direct beach access and days out in the beautiful South Florida landscape.

 

Wynwood

If you’re into coffee shops, art, and culture, Wynwood is the best choice. Upscale boutiques, late-night bars, and bistro restaurants litter this Miami area. The community life in Wynwood is led by art and culture, with murals from Wynwood’s street artists adorning most of the buildings in the area.

Wynwood may not have waterfront access, but it provides plenty of museums and galleries and is considered a vibrant “happening” place to live.

 

Brickell and Downtown Miami

Brickell and Downtown Miami are known for providing excellent shopping opportunities and event venues. Downtown Miami, during the daytime, is home to open-air malls, jewelry stores, and department stores.

At night, however, the Kaseya Center makes this area a bustling and vibrant place for music, events, and nightlife. The Perez Art Museum, Florida Grand Opera, and Miami City Ballet are also attractive features for a resident in Downtown Miami.

Downtown Miami properties are primarily condos and apartments as this area is more urban. If you plan to move to Downtown Miami, you will enjoy the vibrant and energetic atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of city life!

 

Palmetto Bay

Palmetto Bay is a neighborhood in Miami Dade County with a certain level of small-town charm and is considered a village. Palmetto Bay is worth considering if you’re looking for a quaint suburban area!

Bill Sadowski Park is an excellent place for a picnic, and Zoo Miami is a great place to spot some colorful flamingos. There are many parks to facilitate fun days out with the family, and most residents in Palmetto Bay own their homes, increasing the close-knit community life.

The cost of living in Palmetto Bay is slightly higher than the national average, but the crime rate aligns with the national average. This is a safe neighborhood for families moving to Miami.

 

Aventura

Aventura is considered a planned suburban city in Miami and has a stunning city skyline you can enjoy from a rooftop restaurant or bar. The Aventura Mall is a famous shopping experience in South Florida.

Aventura Mall houses Bloomingdale’s, two Macy’s stores, and JCPenney. Residents in Aventura can enjoy a luxury shopping experience right on their doorsteps. Aventura properties are primarily condos and apartments, and a few holiday resorts are located in the area.

And, if you’re a fan of outdoor activities, you can enjoy the Tidal Cove Waterpark in Aventura. The crime rate in Aventura is meager, making this one of the best neighborhoods if you’re looking for a safe place to live.

 

Surfside

Surfside is known for beautiful serene beaches, direct beach access, and a vibrant food scene. Located in the downtown Miami district, Surfside provides a calm and comforting residential suburban area.

Surfside has a low crime rate, making it an excellent location for young professionals living alone and families who need extra security and privacy.

Properties in Surfside are mostly pleasant villas and condos, allowing you to experience the Miami beach environment without the hustle and bustle of city life.

 

Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is a unique neighborhood as it is located on a small island across from mainland Miami. The beautiful Biscayne Bay is backed by a tropical paradise with palm trees and rainforest foliage. If you want your home to feel like a tropical paradise holiday, you might consider purchasing property in Key Biscayne.

You’ll find plenty of upscale restaurants in Key Biscayne, but if you’re thinking about living here, you’ll need to consider the extra commute for things like shopping trips, groceries, and food deliveries.

Privacy is the main attraction of Key Biscayne as it is sparsely populated. Key Biscayne and Biscayne Bay also have a lower crime rate than most American neighborhoods, providing a truly idyllic atmosphere.

 

Miami Beach

Miami Beach is located on an island connected to mainland Miami by a series of bridges. Miami Beach is known for Ocean Drive, a famous street filled with restaurants and stores.

The Bass Art Museum is an excellent attraction for a Miami Beach tourist or resident. The city also has many parks for family day trips and picnics.

There are plenty of estates and condos in the Miami Beach area.

 

Miami Shores

Miami Shores is a quiet neighborhood for young professionals and families moving to Miami. The neighborhood is located six miles out from the beach, opposite Biscayne Bay. The Bayfront Park in Miami Shores is a sought-after location for families and beach homes.

The architecture in Miami Shores is in the Mediterranean Revival style, and you’ll find some beautiful Art Deco architecture there, too.

The Miami Shores Country Club, Museum of Contemporary Art, Biscayne Boulevard, and Oleta State River Park are some of the most notable attractions in the area. Miami Shores has a relatively low crime rate, making it suitable for families.

 

Bay Harbor Islands

The Bay Harbor Islands are located between Biscayne Bay and Bal Harbour, close to the Keystone Islands. If you want your home to feel like an island paradise on the sunny Miami beach, the Bay Harbor Islands make an excellent choice.

You will be near North Beach, connected to mainland Miami by bridges. You can enjoy day trips at Haulover Park or Biscayne Beach, and you can visit Collins Avenue for shopping trips. The property types vary in the Bay Harbor Islands, and you can choose between condos, apartments, and detached homes, depending on your budget.

The crime rate in the Bay Harbour Islands sits around the national average, so the area is considered quite safe.

 

Edgewater

Edgewater is known for its high-rise condos and apartments and offers plenty of luxury residences. Living in Edgewater, you can enjoy the tennis courts, parks, and gardens in Margaret Pace Park, along with a broad offering of restaurants and cuisines.

Edgewater has a dense urban feel, and most people rent their homes there. It is ideal for professionals and those seeking a fast-paced and vibrant area.

Edgewater’s crime rate sits significantly below the national average, making this a sound choice for those seeking safety and an urban lifestyle.

 

Takeaway

When choosing where to live in Miami, it’s best to opt for downtown areas and suburban neighborhoods as this will give you some time away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas while still allowing you easy access to urban life.

If you’re considering moving to Miami and wish to experience the beauty of this tropical paradise, you should check out the properties on offer at Chatburn Living. We provide elegant, stunning, and serene properties for families and young professionals in Miami!