Miami is a city that you need to visit at least once in your life. It’s so unlike any other place in the US–especially when you grow up in the midwest. Miami is a cultural melting pot with art galore, hotels with beautiful architecture, fusion restaurants with any cuisine you could ask for, dazzling nightlife, and of course, the beach. It’s a place where no one can drive, the roads are always under construction, the women wear 6 inch heels to the pool and there’s an event every night of the week. But all of these things make it a truly fascinating city and there are so many cool areas that have the best places to take pictures in Miami.
I say this a lot, but I did not take advantage of documenting the 5 years I spent living in Miami. Don’t get me wrong, I lived it up as much as I possibly could–there’s a lot of things to do in South Florida after all. But it was back in the days of Blackberries and pocket cameras–many of which were the casualty of spilled champagne at the club. The amount of content I could have gotten but did not get, pains me a little but it’s fine. I live in South Florida again (just not in Miami) and am trying to rectify that.
The thing about Miami though, is that there are places to take pictures everywhere. But here are some of the main spots to check out if you want Instagrammable photos or just cute photos in general:
Ocean Drive
I have to get this one out of the way because it’s probably the most well-known street in South Beach. Ocean Drive was once the crown jewel of Miami, making appearances in countless TV shows and movies. And apparently it was the place to be in the 80s and 90s, back when you couldn’t walk down the street without running into a super model.
The street itself is lined with colorful Art Deco buildings that Miami is famous for. On the other side of the street you’ll find a palm tree lined boardwalk and then the beach. It’s a popular place for people to be outside. There’s lots of rollerbladers, people playing sand volleyball and biking.
If you’re a local, you likely won’t ever be seen on Ocean Drive. It’s a very touristy spot but it’s also quintessentially Miami and that’s what most tourists are looking for. But it also makes for good photos, especially if you are wanting to capture the ‘scene’ of a place. I would always take visitors here just because I felt like it was a scenic place in Miami and probably what they were hoping to see.
The streets are not normally open to pedestrians but they had blocked them off so restaurants could have tables further out (2020 stuff).
Location: 1st street to 15th street near the beach.
Versace Mansion
One of the buildings on Ocean Drive actually happens to be the Versace Mansion. The building itself has a cool history of how it became the Versace Mansion with lots of beautiful, yet eccentric, interiors. For crime scene buffs, it’s also the infamous location of where Gianni Versace was shot dead.
The inside is uniquely Versace and worth exploring. Not to mention that one of the most famous places to photograph is the Versace pool. The pool is made of thousands of mosaic tiles some of which are 24-karat gold.
Location: 1116 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Lifeguard Stands
The lifeguard stands are one of my favorite things about the city and easily one of the best places to take pictures in Miami. All along Miami Beach are these brightly colored life guard stands made in the Art Deco style of the beach. They are fantastic. They are so uniquely cute with bright colors and odd shapes.
I’m obsessed. You can find them from 1st street in South Beach all the way up until 87th street. And easily one of the best places for pictures since you’re likely going to the beach anyway.
Location: 1st-87th street on the beach
South Pointe Park
Along the southern tip of Miami Beach is where you’ll find South Pointe Park. It’s a grassy area with a boardwalk that follows the waters edge from the beach to the bay. You can rent a bike to ride around, have a picnic in the grass or watch the cruise ships go by.
Towards the Bay side is where you’ll find a modern looking lighthouse (in Miami’s artsy style no less) that overlooks the water and the famous Miami skyline. The best part is that the sun sets over the city. We may not get beach sunsets but the sunset over the city and the bay is pretty magical too.
Location: 1 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Lincoln Road
Another famous road in Miami Beach is Lincoln Road. It essentially took over as being the new Ocean Drive though it has changed a lot even since I lived there. The road is filled with shops and outdoor cafes, and is one of the best places to people watch.
The road has some interesting black and white designs and there are palm trees in the center. It’s another ‘atmosphere’ place for photos but also very Miami.
Location: Between 16th and 17th street in South Beach
The Design District
One of the best places to take pictures in Miami is absolutely the Design District. It’s one big photo op. The Design District is where you’ll find a lot of the high end designer stores, but there’s art work and sculptures everywhere. Even the stores themselves have played into the fact that it’s an artsy area.
The outside of this building is so full of random art, designs and shops that it’s easy to miss. Someone drove by while I was there and was like, “Do you all know where the parking garage is? It says it’s here but I don’t know where!” And I pointed to the building behind me and was like, “It’s here!” It’s an interesting place but you’ll definitely want to bring your camera because there are some great spots here.
Location: 140 NE 39th St. Miami, FL 33137
Wynwood Walls
Equally as well known as the Design District if not even more so, are the Wynwood Walls. Wynwood was very up and coming when I lived in Miami and at the time, it was sprouting up cute cafes and happy hour places all over. But the Wynwood Walls have always drawn people there. Nearly all the walls in the area have some sort of art work on them. So if you’re someone who loves street art and graffiti, this is definitely a place you’ll want to check out.
Location: 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Another place that is FULL of photo ops is Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This home is located off the island of Miami Beach and sits on the water, but the main draw for people to come here is the vast garden.
Every nook and cranny of this place is perfect for whatever type of photo you are trying to get. Weddings, portraits, engagements, instagram shots, whatever! It’s just a beautiful, romantic location to take some pictures.
Location: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129
Hours: 9:30-4:30, closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays (Check here for current times)
The 8th Magic Mountain
On the outskirts of Las Vegas is where you’ll find an art installation in the middle of the desert. That installation is called the 7 Magic Mountains and are seven of these giant, colorful rock pillars. The installation in Vegas is really neat since it’s just out there in the middle of nowhere. But the artist, Ugo Rondinone, made an 8th Magic Mountain that happens to be in Miami. You can find it at the bass Museum.
Location: The Bass Museum, 2100 Collins Ave
The Hotels
Miami is no stranger to eccentric, artsy hotels. Take your pick…any of the higher end hotels have some sort of art installation, crazy architecture or insane interior design. It’s just what Miami does. And with a lot of these hotels, you don’t have to stay there to be able to walk around.
Faena – has a gold skeleton of a woolly mammoth on your way to the beach.
The SLS Hotel – Has a giant, metal rubber ducky near the pool as well as a wall of frames and interesting decor.
The Fontainebleau – This hotel was an icon back in the day and still carries that reputation. It is a massive resort with a huge lobby that has three $1 million chandeliers. It also is home to Bleau Bar, a circular, blue bar right inside the lobby. And of course, it’s the location of the famous club: LIV.
Mondrian South Beach – This hotel has giant photos of an anime looking girl and eccentric, solid-colored furniture. But its pool is the main attraction. There are bright red oriental rugs at the pool and large plant archways with chandeliers and curtains over the day beds. Plus it has a great view of the bay.
I’m sure I could go on, but those were a few that definitely stood out to me.
Bill Baggs Cape Lighthouse
If you want to go to a beach that’s a little less crowded and has a cute lighthouse, head to Bill Baggs Cape State Park. You can climb up the lighthouse for views of the beach and ocean as well as walk around for cute lighthouse pictures. It’s a little different from the other places you’ll find in Miami but an enjoyable place to go and check out.
There are certainly way more places to go than what’s on this list. But these are some of the most well-known and iconic places to shoot. And yes, some of the most instagrammable places in Miami too. Even if you don’t actively try to find good places to take pictures, you’re likely to find them anyway. Miami is so full of unique places and great corners. All you have to do is get out and explore!
PIN IT FOR LATER
Thank you, Madam ! it seems you had a good life in colourful, romantic Miami ! You even had Versace´s pool on your own !?
“Oh let the skies thy worthy mirror be!
And in dear stars try shape and image see…”
It’s a small boutique hotel so not many guests can say there at a time!