The Iconic Art Deco-Inspired Miami Beach Lifeguard Towers
When I think of Miami, Ocean Drive comes to mind. The vibrant art deco architecture and lively beach vibes are clear markers that you’ve found yourself in South Beach.
One of Miami Beach’s most iconic and Instagram-worthy attractions is its collection of colorful lifeguard towers. On my recent trip, I set out to walk the length of Miami Beach to see as many of these artistic structures as I could. I managed to visit nine of them, but with 36 of them scattered along the shoreline, there’s plenty left to explore, and i’ll know where to start when I return.
The story of these iconic towers began after Hurricane Andrew devastated the area in 1992. As part of Miami Beach’s recovery and revitalization efforts, architect William Lane was commissioned to redesign the lifeguard stands. His vision transformed them from standard, utilitarian structures into eye-catching landmarks that reflected Miami Beach’s vibrant art deco and modernist aesthetic.
Since then, the towers have become symbols of Miami Beach, and each one is built to withstand the elements while showcasing bold colors, whimsical shapes, and unique architectural details.
These lifeguard towers are functional, of course, but they are also works of art that I feel embody Miami Beach’s bold and playful personality.
Walking along the beach to see them is sort of like a scavenger hunt, and it’s also a free activity that lets you soak up some sun, people-watch, and spend time by the water. It’s also possible to get a great workout—I walked 15,000 steps the day I set out to see as many of the towers as I could.
If you’re inspired to see these towers for yourself, here are some tips:
Start Early: Miami Beach stretches for miles, so starting early lets you cover more ground before the sun gets too intense. Speaking of intense sun, it’s a great idea to take plenty of water with you.
Bike or Walk: I walked, but one of the things I wish I had done was rent a bike so that I could see more towers in a shorter amount of time.
Bring a Camera: Most of us always have our phones in hand, but I also happen to always have my camera (Sony A7III) with me, which I used for these photos.
Plan for Breaks: By early afternoon, the sun can be unbearable and there is no barrier to shield you from it. If you plan see as many of the towers as possible, I would recommend stopping to return to your beach chairs or dip in the water periodically. You could even pop over to Ocean Drive for a drink and then get back to it.
