Explore Miami Beach from the bottom to the top. Here are some of its hidden gems

Miami Beach is like an encyclopedia of the best of 20th century architecture.

There are 14 historic districts comprising more than 2,600 protected buildings, along with four National Register historic districts. The main architectural styles generally go by decade — from the Mediterranean 1920s, Art Deco 1930s and ‘40s, and MiMo 1950s and ‘60s.

South Beach is a dense, walkable playground with beaches, Art Deco architecture, and the Atlantic Ocean. In Mid Beach, stately homes on the west side of the island coexist with oceanfront resort hotels and condominiums on the east. North Beach — which saw its major development in the 1950s and ‘60s — is now home to two Miami Modern historic districts.

Whether exploring by foot, bicycle or car, there is an abundance of visual, cultural, and artistic delights to enjoy on a stroll around Miami Beach.

Here are my five favorite spots in Miami Beach:

South Beach

South Pointe Park, 1 Washington Ave.

A visit to South Pointe Park at any time of the day is bound to bring a smile to visitors. In the morning, watch as the sun rises over the native garden plantings overlooking South Pointe Park Pier and the iconic Miami Beach lifeguard towers. Free yoga classes are offered regularly nearby — it’s a great way to start off the day surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Tip: At sunset, watch the sun disappear behind the high rises in downtown Miami, while drum circles and yogis celebrate its departure underneath a pastel-colored sky.

Art Deco Welcome Center, 1001 Ocean Drive

[Disclosure: I work here] What would Miami Beach be like without Art Deco? Spend a morning at the Art Deco Welcome Center — start with a walking tour from a Miami Design Preservation League guide, then explore the exhibits in the Art Deco Museum and take something home from the Art Deco Gift Shop.

Tip: Admission to the museum is free for Miami-Dade County residents, tour tickets are $30. Visit mdpl.org for information.

Mid Beach

Muss Park, 4300 Chase Ave.

Miami Beach is full of neighborhood parks, and Muss Park recently underwent a lengthy renovation. It ranks among my young niece and nephew’s favorite local parks. Situated along the Biscayne Waterway, enjoy the kids’ playground while you watch kayakers row by.

Tip: If you stay long enough, you’re likely to see dolphins and manatees.

Miami Beach Beachwalk, from South Pointe Park to 87th Street and Collins Avenue

One of the country’s most impressive urban projects is right in our backyard. Over the last several decades, the City of Miami Beach has created a beachwalk that within the past year, provides a continuous, car-free path from South Pointe Park to 87th street and Collins (the northern city limits).

Walk, bike, or roller skate along the beachwalk. You’ll see the evolution of Miami Beach’s neighborhoods and the ocean side of many of our historic districts, with peeks out to the beautiful Atlantic Ocean at different moments throughout the undulating path.

Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to benefit from the sun being on the west side of the buildings, which will provide additional shade for your journey.

North Beach

North Beach Oceanside Park, Collins Avenue between 78th and 87th streets

Originally a single-family neighborhood, the land at the northern end of the city was converted in the 1970s to expand public park space. It may not be as well known as its South Beach counterparts, but this park is full of amenities like a playground, picnic tables, a dog park, mature shade trees, and meandering paths. Not to mention the beach runs the length of the park on the east side — and is generally less crowded than South Beach.

Tip: Head over on a sunny day to walk under the mature trees — it’s about 10 degrees cooler under the shade

North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave.

Recently designated as a local historic landmark, the North Beach Bandshell is not only an important mid-century modern landmark, but has helped spearhead the revitalization of the area. The Rhythm Foundation does a great job producing diverse programs that have made it a go-to hub for residents and visitors. A newly designed canopy helps provide shade and rain protection.

Tip: Bookmark the bandshell’s event listings, which are updated throughout the year on its website: https://www.northbeachbandshell.com/events#/events

Daniel Ciraldo is the executive director of the Miami Design Preservation League, the Miami Beach nonprofit that works to preserve the city’s historic architecture.

This story was originally published February 23, 2022 at 6:00 AM.