Private tour in Miami Maria P
5.0
(1) review
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Maria P.
4.9
Guide rating
59
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3 hrs
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Not only was I raised in Miami but I'm also a real estate agent so I'm familiar with every crevice and corner of the Magic City. My family had a travel agency so I know the tourism industry well and know exactly what world travelers are looking for when they visit a new city. I LOVE Miami as well as sharing my passion for it with tourists. By the time I was 18, I was planning and escorting tours of 50-75 guests all over the world. I know firsthand exactly what world travelers expect out of a tour and from their guide, a first class experience that imparts a lot of local information while having an exciting time with a knowledgeable and fun local. I have a rapport with every store and restaurant along Calle Ocho in Little Havana, and in South Beach, I know where the bodies are buried. Literally. I know where ghosts like to haunt and the best watering holes to hear the tales of Al Capone and the Cocaine Cowboys. On a more personal note, I moved to NYC when I was 24. While being there for 30 years, I got married, had two boys who are now men, I was the managing editor of a magazine, the executive director of a chamber of commerce, wrote a sitcom pilot for the FOX network, produced a documentary for PBS, published my own newsletter for the Cuban exile community, was featured in a book about successful Latinas, gave many keynote speeches and served on many business panels. I moved back ten years ago to take care of my aging mother and now on top of selling houses and taking tourists all over Miami, I teach yoga classes at LA Fitness, paint pop art that sells at exhibitions and love to cook exciting recipes from scratch. Interestingly enough, I'm the great granddaughter of Cuba's second president, Jose Miguel Gomez, and grandniece to the island nation's seventh president, Miguel Mariano Gomez, so the tours of Little Havana are extremely personal for me. I would LOVE to show you around my beautiful city! :) I was born into a family whose business was a travel agency. I am licensed and insured so I can drive guests around Miami. I used to give keynote speeches in New York City to large business groups. Real State Agent. None.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Maria P.
If you don't believe in ghosts, you will after this tour! South Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, also has an incredibly gruesome history. From the tales of Al Capone's and the Cocaine Cowboy's hits that left an army of ghost wandering Lummus Park to Luis, the barfly ghost at the Clevelander Hotel, and the Lummus Park Muscle Beach Ghost killed by his girlfriend, Ocean Drive is rife with interesting, scary tales from long ago. Enjoy a 24 Karat Golden Margarita at the Onyx Bar, the former kitchen in Versace's Mansion, aka Villa Casa Casuarina to learn about the trifecta of ghost haunts in what is now a 10 suite, $3000 a night hotel. Stroll through tree lined Espanola Way, a pedestrian restaurant row designed in the 1920s, so every restaurant has a back patio that served as a Speakeasy and Casino! This was Al Capone's winter haven and burial ground. We'll wrap up with a drink at Mac's Club Deuce (Anthony Bourdain's favorite Dive Bar), featured in Miami Vice! Customizable itinerary:
- We'll start at the Art Deco Center on Ocean Drive & 10th Street across from The Clevelander Hotel. - We'll take a short stroll down Ocean Drive to The Versace Mansion where its Onyx Bar is known for their 24 Karat Golden Margarita with real shaves of gold! Hear tales of the Ghosts of Lummus Park, The Clevelander Barfly Ghost, and the Versace Mansion, as well as the ghost that attacked me! - We'll pass by The Tides Hotel, which is so haunted, it sits vacant on Ocean Dr. since 2017! - We'll stroll down beautiful Espanola Way to hear the tales of Al Capone's murderous rampage from his winter headquarters in The Clay Hotel. - We'll stop in El Tropezon, a Spanish restaurant known for its large variety of gins infused with exotic flavors. - We'll pass by the Fienberg Fisher Grammar School to hear about how Hurricane Andrew left two ghosts to walk the halls of the schools for eternity. - We'll finish off at Mac's Club Deuce, Miami's oldest bar! This is where Don Johnson held the "Miami Vice" wrap parties.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
This is a Walking Tour but if you prefer to be picked up from where you are staying, I can certainly do so for an additional fee, depending on how far you are from South Beach. Please contact me for quotes.
1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Art Deco Center on Ocean Drive & 10th Street
1 reviews
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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