Experience Historic Miami

The Best Downtown Miami Landmarks & Historical Sites to Visit

Beyond Miami’s beautiful beaches, glamorous nightclubs, and world-class cuisine is a city filled with rich history. While the glitz and glamour often get the spotlight, historic Miami in downtown’s hidden gems offers visitors a journey into the city’s past. Every year, thousands of visitors come to South Florida to explore the city’s art, culture, and Miami landmark buildings. Within the downtown Miami historic district, you can find 15 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, all within a few blocks in the Flagler District. Here are some of the top Miami historical sites and famous landmarks in Miami, FL that you will experience on a guided downtown walking tour.

Historical Sites in Downtown Miami

Historic Alfred I. duPont Building

The Alfred I. duPont Building is a symbol of Miami’s economic recovery after the Great Depression. Built in 1937, it was Miami’s first skyscraper since the 1920s and is a prime example of Art Deco architecture. During World War II, it even served as the headquarters for the U.S. Navy’s 7th Naval District.

Security Building

Built in 1926, the Security Building is the only French Second Empire-style structure in downtown Miami. Its ornate design, complete with a cupola and temple-like base, showcases the craftsmanship of the era. Today, it stands as a reminder of Miami’s 1920s land boom and has been repurposed for commercial use.

Seybold Building

The Seybold Building is Miami’s premier jewelry hub, home to more than 300 jewelers. Originally constructed in 1926, this building became a hotspot for Cuban immigrants in the 1980s who helped transform it into Florida’s largest jewelry exchange.

Gesù Church

The oldest Catholic Church in South Florida, Gesù Church was founded in 1896. This historic site has witnessed significant moments in downtown Miami history, including worship by soldiers from the Spanish-American War and World War II.

Miami Tower

Known for its striking lighting display, the Miami Tower is an iconic part of Miami’s skyline. Built in the 1980s, this 47-story tower is famous for its LED lighting, which changes colors to celebrate various events, making it a well-known Miami landmark building.

Olympia Theater

Opened in 1926, the Olympia Theater was originally a silent movie palace with Moorish architecture and a starry ceiling. Over the decades, it has hosted legendary performances and remains one of downtown Miami’s historic attractions.

Ingraham Building

The Ingraham Building, constructed in 1927, was named after James E. Ingraham, a key figure in Florida’s land development. Designed by the firm behind New York’s Waldorf-Astoria, this 13-story structure is a lasting tribute to Miami’s 1920s historic buildings boom.

Shoreland Arcade

The Shoreland Arcade, completed during Miami’s 1920s land boom, represents a bygone era. Originally designed to be a skyscraper, it stands at just two stories, showcasing both the ambition and the economic downturn that followed the 1926 hurricane.

Miami Circle National Historic Landmark

Discovered in 1998, the Miami Circle is a prehistoric archaeological site believed to be over 2,000 years old. This historical landmark in Miami, FL offers a rare glimpse into the ancient Tequesta people and their architectural prowess.

Central Baptist Church

The Central Baptist Church, built in 1926, is Miami’s oldest Baptist congregation. Its Neo-Classical architecture is a standout feature, and it remains one of the few active churches in the Miami historic district.

David W. Dyer Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse

Completed in 1933, the David W. Dyer Federal Building is a stunning example of Neo-Classical Revival architecture. It has hosted significant federal trials, including the conviction of Panama’s former dictator, Manuel Noriega.

Experience Miami’s Landmark Sites & Historic Buildings

These Miami historical sites offer a fascinating look into the city’s rich past. From historic buildings to archaeological sites and historic hotels, downtown Miami is full of stories waiting to be discovered. To experience the history firsthand, book a guided Miami walking tour today and explore these historic Miami sites with expert insight.