South Beach Tour

Tour Date & Time: 5 July, 9am – 1pm EST

Cost: $40

Why Take This Tour? Miami Beach is known for the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world, exciting restaurants and nightspots, and general ambiance of “fun in the sun.” Loved by tourists and celebrities the world over, this area does not need much of an introduction.

For starters, the driving forces behind the historical preservation movement, the demographics and economics of community development, the challenges of diversity, and the problems of maintaining a sustainable oceanfront city are just a few of the intriguing interests you might have. In addition, did you know that Miami Beach was home to the largest population of Holocaust survivors?

Starting at the Intercontinental, we will drive down the southernmost bridge connecting the city of Miami to the island of Miami Beach. Upon arrival, we will begin a walking tour on Ocean Drive and 13th street, down to 5th St. The tour will answer questions such as; What makes Miami Beach so special? What is Art Deco? Where did Versace meet his death?

While in South Beach, it is worth going to the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens to admire the tribute of our sister city in Japan and honor the lives of those lost in the Holocaust at the Holocaust Memorial right next door.

Port of Miami Tour

Tour Date & Time: 5 July, 2pm – 6pm EST

Cost: $40

Why Take This Tour? The Port of Miami is a major seaport located in Biscayne Bay at the mouth of the Miami River. It is formerly known as the Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami and is famous for cruises – being largest passenger port in the world, and globally recognized as the “cruise capital of the world.”

Guests will learn about all the modes of transportation when it comes to importing and exporting. In addition, you may have questions on topics such as port organization and logistics, sustainability initiatives, environmental regulations in the cruise business and on the oceans, and other crime and safety issues. If so, this tour is for you.

The tour begins at Port Miami where we explore various aspects of what makes it successful. Port Miami has a direct underwater tunnel to the expressway that goes to the airport, so we’ll  drive through this tunnel to pass by the airport. From there, we will take 8th street back to Downtown, passing by the Little Havana district. If time allows, we can have free time in Little Havana. From there, we will take the Rickenbacker to Miami Marine Stadium, turn around, and get a breathtaking view of the Miami skyline on the Brickell side. The tour will end by exploring our financial district of Brickell as we head back to the hotel.

Wynwood/Allapattah Tour

Tour Date & Time: 6 July, 9am – 1pm EST

Cost: $40

Why Take This Tour? Wynwood is the new fun spot in Miami that is quickly transforming. It is known as an exciting entertainment district, with artwork, restaurants, breweries, clothing stores, dance venues, among other retail options. Formerly a warehouse and industrial district, the area is now known for the murals that cover the walls of many of the buildings. The Wynwood Walls are a prime destination for viewing murals, and Wynwood’s perspective on street art.

Well, after this brief introduction you might still have questions. For example, how did this area come about and where is it going? Or what is so novel about Wynwood’s street art? This tour provides answers and a sneak peek into the vision behind this exciting case of community development with implications for shaping future communities. After these questions are all answered, the tour group shall have about 30 minutes of free time to explore.

We will then spend the rest of the day learning about the history of Allapattah. Bordering Wynwood, Allapattah is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Miami, and it exudes  a strong sense of community and a distinct Latin flavor. It is home to Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Rubell Museum, one of the biggest private contemporary art collections in North America. The tour will end by exploring our financial district of Brickell as we head back to the hotel. So, if you are an art enthusiast, love culture and community development, this tour is for you.