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Various locations throughout South Beach. Held between mid-February and mid-March, this circuit party benefits several gay organizations throughout Dade County as well as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Beach parties, pool parties, parties held at local clubs and a dinner are the main features of the Winter Party.
Miami Beach Architectural District
It only takes a stroll down Ocean Drive and through much of the neighboring blocks to see the world's largest collection of modern Art Deco architecture. The Miami Design Preservation League runs an Art Deco Welcome Center that serves as the base of operations for all things Art Deco: they hold lectures, show films, and other special events here. They also conduct guided walking tours of the district for a fee; call ahead for times and to make reservations.
Versace Mansion
Built in 1930 and remodeled by Gianni Versace in 1993, this famous house is where he was murdered in 1997. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in South Beach, but it is not open to the public. It now houses a boutique hotel.
Modeled after Mediterranean villages found in France and Spain.
An artificial island within Miami Beach. The houses are colossal and the architecture is worth taking a look at. Most of the houses are gated. The island looks exclusive because there is a guard house, however, it is a public neighborhood and you are able to go on the island and check out the houses. Celebrities such as Will Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, Lenny Kravitz, Gloria Estefan, Rosie O’Donnell, Madonna, P. Diddy and many others have lived here. If you are planning a trip to Miami this is a good bit of free sightseeing for you.
A state-of-the-art theater, home to local and national artists and institutions from the worlds of theater, dance, music, comedy and film.
The Fillmore
Opened in 1950, the theater grew in popularity during the Golden Era, hosting performances from dancers, musicians, comedians and on occasion boxing matches, and featuring figures like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Jack Benny. The television boom in the 1960s led to many shows to be filmed in the auditorium, such as The Dick Clark and Ed Sullivan Show, along with the televised Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. In 1964, the famous comedian Jackie Gleason was given the opportunity to film his weekly comedy hour in the theater, which brought a lot of publicity to Miami. From the 1970s till the late 1980s, the theater became the head theater for many Broadway performances. Today, the Jackie Gleason Theater is known for having the biggest names in the music industry and is now operated by Live Nation.