A guide to America's largest and prettiest Art Deco district

Take a quick minute to pop over to Lummus Park and enjoy the sand and the views of the Art Deco buildings from the shore. You can get in some stellar people-watching at this park, too... always a treat in Miami.

Waldorf Towers is one of the distinctive buildings worth checking out on your tour. Built in 1937, it was designed by Albert Anis, and it recently went through a restoration that updated the amenities and restored

The Colony Hotel, built in 1939, is one of the most photographed on Ocean Drive. The little boutique joint has been featured in lots of TV shows and movies (like "Dexter") and it's no wonder... it looks absolutely incredible, especially all lit up at night.

The Celino Hotel (formerly known as the Park Central Hotel) was opened in the 1930s, and even though it's undergone a name change and some renovations, it's still just as Art Deco Glam as ever... in fact, the hotel says it drew inspiration for the vibe from a tropical, Latin-inspired New Year's party in 1940. It now has two pools (including a rooftop one with a glass bottom) an outdoor bar, and some world-class dining.

The Savoy is an architectural gem, and it offers its guests private beach access... not many of the Art Deco hotels are located on the beach. The best reason to stay here? The two-acre, palm-tree shaded courtyard, which features two pools with ocean views. It will honestly make you feel like you've been transported back to the 40s!

This old Art Deco masterpiece has been turned into a Johnny Rockets, so it's not a bad place to stop and get a boozy milkshake to cool off. If it looks familiar to you, that's because it's featured in the classic movie "Scarface".... this is the home where Angel gets chainsawed!

The Scarface building is pretty close to another Ocean Drive icon with a dark past. Hotel Casa Casuarina is the former mansion of Gianni Versace, and he was murdered for unknown reasons outside the home in 1997 after returning from a morning walk. The spa is incredible, as is the lobby and rooftop patio, and the breathtaking Million Mosaic Pool was inspired by Versace's "Marine Vanitas" collection... it contains thousands of tiles made of 24 karat gold. The history of the building dates back even further, to the 1930s, when it was built, so you can enjoy the Art Deco vibes melded with high fashion.

This 1936 beauty is known as The Tides, but it's earned the nickname "The Diva of South Beach". The airy atmosphere, with lots of windows, high ceilings, and white, is lovely. It was the tallest building in Miami when it was built, and the hotel was incredibly popular right off the bat for its innovative design. Stop in for a drink... try their signature cocktail, the Tides Royale.

The Carlyle, opened in 1939, is another famous spot featured in "Scarface" and other films. It offers a bit of a different experience: You can rent suites and condos to stay in if you're more into exploring Miami on your own terms.

Also opened in 1939, the Hotel Cardozo is also an updated gem that's still managed to retain the beautiful Art Deco architecture (the rounded lines look like the fender of a Studebaker, very old-school.) It was featured in "Any Given Sunday" and "There's Something About Mary", so it's definitely an inspirational spot. Oh, and did I mention that it's now owned by Gloria Estefan? Growing up in Miami, she always loved the hotel's architecture, and aspired to own it some day.

You'll find more than just stunning old hotels on Ocean Drive... there are plenty of galleries, shops, and restaurants as well. A local favorite is the Front Porch Cafe. All-day breakfast, reasonably-priced lunches, and a killer happy hour make this joint popular for a reason! Innovative omelets and benedicts make deciding what to order a struggle... but don't rule out the French toast either!

Art and Miami go hand-in-hand, and the Sagamore takes this to heart. Not only is the building itself a work of art, but the rooms are filled with sleek and modern art. This area is especially dense with gorgeous architecture. Two other Art Deco icons, The Delano and The National, are right next door.

The Raleigh is considered by some to be the "grande dame" of South Beach. It was built in 1940, and the delightfully retro design is tastefully done. Life Magazine declared the pool here to be America's most beautiful in 1947, so you know it's gonna be a standout, even among the other glam Art Deco spots here. Lean into the 40s thing by grabbing a drink at their Martini Bar!

Formerly the Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center, the Bass Museum of Art is located in a 1930s Art Deco building that is rich in history: It was the first building to publically display art in South Beach. It was turned into a museum in the 1960s following the donation of John and Johanna Bass's private collection. It's filled with gorgeous examples of modern art, and it's definitely worth a tour.