Miami Beach Day 1

Last night’s late arrival meant that we could go to bed immediately. As a result, thankfully,  this morning, we had no symptoms of jet lag. 

We breakfasted at a local cafe, populated by locals and tourists alike. The temperature was a pleasant 25 degrees  as we strolled  down Collins Ave to admire the Art Deco buildings. 

If you are interested further check out: freetoursbyfoot.com Miami Art Deco District Free Walking Tour  for an excellent article and photographs on Art Deco South Beach. 

John Collins was a farmer and land developer, who in 1913, built the first wooden bridge connecting mainland Miami to Miami Beach but it was Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railroad that made Miami possible, when in 1896 the railroad made the movement of goods in and out of Miami possible. However, while Flagler is considered the ‘Father of Miami’, Julia Tuttle is known as the ‘Mother of Miami’ as it was she who badgered Henry Flagler to expand his line from Palm Beach south to Miami. Flagler stubbornly refused until the Great Freeze of 1895, when Julia send Flagler fruit to Palm Beach to prove that Miami had escaped the Freeze. Flaghler capitulated and the railroad was extended to Miami and thus the American Riviera developed with its Art Deco buidings of South Beach providing a playground for the rich and famous. 

At 5th Street, we turned towards Ocean Drive and Lumus Park, which separates Ocean Drive from the Beach.  

We walked onto the beach, an extensive public beach, which accommodated  many sunworshippers 

Returning to Ocean Drive, we continued our admiration of the Art Deco buildings, standing side by side - the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world.   

We sat and observed young people playing volley ball in Lumus Park. 

We continued down Ocean Drive passing more Art Deco buildings as we walked. 

and once again turned into Collins Avenue and back to the hotel for a rest. 

We left the hotel again and walking up Washington Street, we boarded a free trolley bus which took a most uninteresting route through the south loop of the city - a disappointing 1hr 20 - the best of the city is on Collins and Ocean Drive! 

Tonight, we are dining at  an Italian restaurant which is part of our hotel which for the most part has had excellent reviews - I’ll reveal all tomorrow .........