About Steve
Steve Adkins is the President of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for gay and lesbian businesses and one of the largest LGBTQ Chambers in the USA.Steve moved from his native San Diego, California to South Florida in 1999 and immediately became interested in promoting Miami as a year-round, gay and gay-friendly tourist destination, when he owned and operated the Jefferson House, a South Beach Boutique Bed & Breakfast Hotel. Prior to his move to the East Coast, Mr. Adkins held several positions in banking.Mr. Adkins serves on the Board of The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce South Region Co-Chair, and on the Advisory Board for Miami Beach Pride. Mr. Adkins received the 2009 Eddie McIntyre Community Service Award from the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force; the 2010 Bacardi Icon Award, received the Pa’Lante Award from the Gay8 Festival, the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce received Equality Florida’s first “Equality Means Business” Award in 2012 and the South Florida Business Journal Business of Pride Award 2020.Steve Adkins’ Top Five LGBT Visitor Center/Historic City Hall FIU Wolfsonian Museum (world famous & very unique collection by gay art collector Micky Wolfson) 11th Street Diner (your after-TWIST hangover diffuser) Beatnix (for all your party costumes and Pride wear) The Betsy Hotel - LGBT & gay-friendly cultural calendar is packed with impressive offerings.
Steve's Picks LGBT Visitor Center/Historic City Hall
Name: LGBT Visitor Center/Historic City HallAddress: 1130 Washington Avenue, 1st Floor, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.397.8914Website: www.gogaymiami.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/LGBTVisitorCenterInstagram: @gogaymiamiTwitter: @LGBTVisitorCTRYelp: the-hub-at-the-lgbt-visitor-center-miami-beach?osq=LGBT+Visitor+CenterThis LGBT visitor center is sponsored by the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. The visitor center is your one-stop destination for information, publications, wireless internet access, LGBT curious as well as other weekly community events. The LGBT Visitor Center can also assist with any last-minute needs such as hotel and excursion reservations, dining and attraction recommendations The visitor center “prides” itself on being a community resource to assist you during your fun-cation to Miami Beach.The LGBT Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.Tip: A lot of marriage ceremonies take place in the lobby and patio of this landmark property (the courthouse is located on the 2nd Floor). From marriage licenses to paying for your parking ticket, it truly is a beautiful building.
Steve's Picks FIU Wolfsonian Museum
Name: FIU Wolfsonian Museum (world famous & very unique collection by gay art collector Micky Wolfson)Address: 1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.531.1001Email: info@thewolf.fiu.eduWebsite: www.wolfsonian.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/wolfsonianInstagram: Wolfsonian (The Wolfsonian – FIU)Twitter: @wolfsonianYelp: The Wolfsonian – FIUTheWolfsonian museum declares itself to be “a museum exploring the inventive and provocative character of the modern World”.Rooted in the greatest century for growth and change that humanity has ever known (1850-1950), the Wolfsonian museum traces the odyssey from agrarian to urban, colonial empires to Cold War superpowers, the first spike of the Transcontinental Railroad to the advent of television.With more than 200,000 objects, our collection contains a vast universe of ideas; household appliances that sped up the pace of work; designs that bridged cultures; architectural plans fueled by ambition; and propaganda that helped turn the tides of war. The core focus of the Wolfsonian’s material is from Europe and the US and extending to regions of Latin America, Asia, and Africa.The Wolfsonian has a sister museum in Genoa, Italy, also founded by Micky Wolfson Jr. himself called the Wolfsonian.Tip: One of the most eclectic art collections in the world. The Wolfsonian is the owner of the largest AIDS poster collection…ask to see it!
Steve's Picks 11th Street Diner
Name: 11th Street Diner (your after-TWIST hangover diffuser)Address: 1065 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.534.6373Email: N/AWebsite: www.eleventhstreetdiner.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/11thStreetDinerInstagram: 11thstreetdinerTwitter: @11thstreetdinerYelp: 11th-street-diner-miami-beach-2This diner is a South Beach mainstay, feeding hungry locals and visitors from 7:30 AM to Midnight weekdays and around the clock on weekends.Open since 1992, the building is a 1948 Art Deco styled classic dining car brought over from Pennsylvania and painstakingly refurbished to fit in to the historic Art Deco District neighborhood.Known for delicious American comfort food, - Oh the stories this place can tell!Tip: A classic Diner silver stream design, they are known for their Pork Chop (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives)
Steve's Picks Beatnix Miami Beach
Name: Beatnix (for all your party costumes and Pride wear)Address: 1149 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.532.8733Email: info@beatnix.com.auWebsite: N/AFacebook: @beatnixMiamiBeachInstagram: @beatnixmiamiTwitter: N/AYelp: beatnix-miami-beach-3Do you have a big party to attend – or better yet – are you planning to go to Miami Beach’s legendary Pride Festival?Beatnix has everything you will need to stand out in the crowd. Specializing in costumes, wigs, shoes, and jewelry, it also serves as a vintage shop carrying all sorts of one -of-a-kind items that are so hard to resist.Located in the heart of the Washington Avenue business district, you will find it across the street from the LGBT Visitor Center at Old City Hall and just down the street from the 11th Street Diner.Tip: Whether dressing up for a masquerade party or PRIDE, Beatnix has what you need.
Steve's Picks The Betsy
Name: The Betsy - LGBT & gay-friendly cultural calendar is packed with impressive offerings.Address: 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 866.792.3879Email: info@thebetsyhotel.comWebsite: www.thebetsyhotel.comFacebook: facebook.com/thebetsyhotelInstagram: ThebetsyhotelTwitter: @thebetsyhotelYelp: the-betsy-hotel-miami-beach-3This much-loved jewel of Ocean Drive was originally conceived as a Florida-Georgian Colonial creation of one of Miami Beach’s fathers of Art Deco design, L. Murray Dixon in 1942.Now a family owned hotel and with more awards to count from Travel+Leisure to Conde Nast, the place merges culture, art, poetry, photography, books, fine dining, and so much more. The hotel has made it a center of exchange of ideas and artistic expression as well as a safe space for anyone and everyone.Come for a drink and a performance, I guarantee you will not want to leave.Tip: One of the non-art deco hotels on Ocean Drive, this hotel hosts some amazing cultural offerings in their downstairs bar area…check the website to see what is playing while in town.
About George
George is currently the President & CEO of Tours “r” Us, a tour company that curates tours concentrated on the historic communities of Miami Beach, the historic Art Deco District, MiMo resort architecture; Wynwood, Miami Design District, Little Havana, Little Haiti, Downtown Miami, Historic Overtown, Coconut Grove and beyond.He was previously Associate Vice President of Cultural Tourism for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) from 1998 until his retirement in 2018.Prior to his tenure at the GMCVB, George was the Executive Director of the Miami Design Preservation League of Miami Beach, Florida, He is a Trustee for Dade Heritage Trust; is a past Trustee of Miami-Dade Art in Public Places, is a past board member of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Co-Chair of The Miami Beach Sister Cities International Miami Beach Committee, and a founding member of The Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council. Additionally, he for served 8 years and was a founding member on the Miami Beach Pride Committee; founding member of the Mayor’s LGBT Business Enhancement Committee and served for 7 years, holds membership in the Black Archives is a founding board member of the Greater Miami Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and is an Advisor from Florida to The National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. He is also an adjunct professor at Miami Dade College and the former Chair/Member of the Board of Advisors at the Design and Architecture Senior High School (DASH). He is also on the Board of Directors and Fundraising Chair for the MDCPS Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT) among many other organizations.George’s Top 5 Century Hotel Club Deuce Wherever Tiffany Fantasia is Lifeguard Stands Ted’s Hideaway
George's Picks Century Hotel
Name: Century Hotel Address: 140 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.674.8855Email: info@centurymiamibeach.comWebsite: www.centurymiamibeach.comFacebook: facebook.com/CenturyMiamiBeach @CenturyMiamiBeachInstagram: centurymiamibeachTwitter: N/AYelp: N/AThis hotel was originally built in 1939 and designed by famed Miami Art Deco Architect, Henry Hohauser. It sits in the toney South of Fifth neighborhood of South Beach just steps from the ocean.The 26-room boutique hotel was recently renovated in 2018 and continues to attract artists, musicians, photographers, and visitors alike, looking to enjoy its elegant atmosphere.Tip: Walk across the street to Marjory Stoneman Park and watch the sunrise.
George's Picks Club Deuce
Name: Club DeuceAddress: 222 14th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.531.6200Email: macsclubdeuce@gmail.comWebsite: www.macsclubdeuce.comFacebook: @macsclubdeuceInstagram: macsclubdeuceTwitter: @macsclub222Yelp: macs-club-deuce-miami-beachYou can certainly say a great many things about Club Deuce, but elegant would not be one of them. A bit gritty and stark in atmosphere, this is the quintessential dive bar and feels decidedly out of place in its South Beach neighborhood. And while the neighborhood around it has changed significantly, you will not find the same inside. Rather, when you walk in, you could be in just about any small town in America.If you are looking for a reprieve from the glitz, this place will check off all the boxes. Bring cash – no credit cards accepted. Featured in the Miami Vice TV show of the 1980’s, as well as Anthony Bourdain’s, Parts Unknown, it is easy to see why this now “oldest bar in Miami” (since Tabacco Road closed) feels like a weird and wonderful adventure. Tony loved the place and it fit his unique sensibilities that craved real people having real conversations.If dive bars are your thing, don’t miss this place.Tip: Oldest bar in Miami with a legendary happy hour.
George's Picks Tiffany Fantasia @The Palace
Name: Wherever Tiffany Fantasia is? That would be The Palace BarAddress: The Palace – 1052 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.531.7234Email: N/AWebsite: www.palacesouthbeach.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/tiffany.fantasia/ Tiffany T. FantasiaInstagram: @tiffanyfantasiaTwitter: @tiffanyfantasiaYelp: palace-bar-miami-beach-2?osq=The+Palace+Miami+BeachPalace is South Beach’s most iconic gay bar on Ocean Drive, famous for nightly drag shows and a weekend drag brunch where queens like Tiffany Fantasia (the emcee of the show) sashay down the sidewalk entertaining everyone in sight. The Palace is indeed home to some of Miami’s top drag queen talent.A mainstay of the gay bar scene, Palace has operated for more than 30 years featuring amazing cocktails and outstanding dining experiences. It also offers a rooftop bar with beautiful beach views unlike any other on Ocean Drive. Over the years famous celebrities have been seen there including the likes of Elton John, Madonna, Gianni Versace, Andy Cohen, Perez Hilton and so many more.The Palace has played host to numerous events and actively supports the LGBTQ+ community contributing to numerous causes from the Task Force to Meals on Wheels. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience you are not likely to forget on your visit to Miami Beach and don’t forget to check out Tiffany! Tip: You can now visit the Palace for a Drag Lunch Monday – Thursday 12 -3 pm. Say hi to Tiffany and say Georgie sent you.
George's Picks Lifeguard Stands
Name: Lifeguard StandsAddress: from South Pointe Park to 87th Street, Miami Beach.Website: www.miamiscapes.com/south-beach-lifeguard-towers.htmlFacebook: MIamiScapesInstagram: @MiamiScapesTwitter: @MiamiScapesYelp: N/AThe Lifeguard towers started popping up shortly after Hurricane Andrew hit in the early 1990s. The first towers were designed and built by Architect William Lane, whose donation quickly became a hallmark of Miami associated with its revival after the devastation.Many more lifeguard stands followed, some as a result of design competitions, and others were commissioned by local entrepreneurs.There are now 36 Lifeguard Towers just along the coastline of Miami Beach from the very tip at South Pointe Park up to 87th Street. Their vibrant colors fit the landscape and photograph beautifully as befitting of the epic beach they serve.Tip: Wake up early and grab your coffee (café con leche/Cortadito or cup of Joe) and begin your tour of the only in Miami Beach Lifeguard Stands. They are individually designed and painted in shocking iridescent colors.
George's Picks Ted’s Hideaway
Name: Ted’s HideawayAddress: 124 2nd Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.532.9869Email: tedshideaway@gmail.comWebsite: http://tedshideaway.netFacebook: www.facebook.com/tedshideaway.netInstagram: @Teds_HideawayTwitter: N/AYelp: teds-hideaway-miami-beachThis restaurant/bar is another iconic gem literally hidden away in upscale South of Fifth neighborhood. It may be a mostly “locals” hangout, but you would be wise to visit if you are looking for an easy place to have a good meal or drink or both.You can leave the fancy digs behind and enjoy a great conversation with someone local who can tell you about a whole other Miami most visitors never get to see. Tip: Ironic, one of kind bar where the locals go to hide, and the visitors/tourists find them!
About Dan
Dan has called Miami Beach home since 2015 and has the unique situation — his home is also his job! Dan develops initiatives to position Miami Beach as a world-class destination that welcomes ALL! Looking at Miami Beach through that lens, Dan shared with us his top 5 favorites, but makes it clear that these 5 are just the beginning of the things he loves about Miami Beach. Dan’s Top 5 O Cinema South Beach La Sandwicherie Miami Beach (quick, delicious and affordable) Planta (Vegan never tasted so good) Miami Beachwalk (running and people watching) Mondrian Miami Beach (Cocktail and sunset)
Dan’s Pick O Cinema South Beach
Name: O Cinema South BeachAddress: 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (Old City Hall)Phone Number: 786.471.3269Email: N/AWebsite: www.o-cinema.org/Facebook: www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=O%20CinemaInstagram: instagram.com/ocinema/Twitter: @OCinemaYelp: o-cinema-south-beach-miami-beach?osq=O+CinemaName: O Cinema South BeachO Cinema is an independent and not-for-profit Arthouse cinema and the last remaining cinema on Miami Beach.They feature independent films, foreign films, art films and others of a non-commercial nature as well as commercial films. Their mission is to provide the Miami Beach community with culturally focused entertainment that reflects the diverse community it serves. They offer several levels of membership that provide an affordable alternative to commercial movie houses that will remain accessible to the broadest possible audience. They offer a wide platform that offers creative and innovative programs designed to engage their audience.O Cinema’s stated mission is to Entertain, Educate and Inspire.TIP: Sitting in the back row provides a good view of the movie PLUS a great perspective to take in the charming space.
Dan’s Pick La Sandwicherie, Miami Beach
Name: La Sandwicherie, Miami Beach (quick, delicious and affordable)Address: 229 14th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.532.8934Email: N/AWebsite: https://lasandwicherie.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=La%20Sandwicherie%20SOBEInstagram: www.instagram.com/lasandwicheriesobe/ @lasandwicheriesobeTwitter: @LasandwicherieYelp: /la-sandwicherie-miami-beach-miami-beachName: La Sandwicherie Miami Beach (quick, delicious and affordable)This local sandwich shop chain has been in business since 1988 and have, bit by bit, opened their four locations including the original one in South Beach plus the others, located in Brickell, North Beach, and Coral Gables.Their sandwiches are priced affordably, and they have an excellent array of them; not to mention salads. The owners are French, so the menu leans in that direction but not exclusively. They offer Vegan options as well.Don’t count on delivery from Uber Eats, Door Dash, or any other delivery App. As they cannot control the condition of the food delivered by third parties, they do not allow them. Either you eat in or takeout to go yourself. Enjoy!TIP: The Magic Sauce is magical indeed… it’s a MUST TRY!!!
Dan’s Pick Planta
Name: Planta (Vegan never tasted so good)Address: 850 Commerce Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.397.8513Email: MBRes@PlantaRestaurants.com, info@plantarestaurants.comWebsite: www.plantarestaurants.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/PLANTA-930060480492457, PlantaInstagram: www.instagram.com/planta/Twitter: @plantaSOBEYelp: planta-miami-beach-3Name: Planta (Vegan never tasted so good)Planta is a Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant with 4 locations in South Florida. Décor is elegant and modern, providing great atmosphere to go along with their healthy, delicious food. Led by Founder and CEO Steven Salm and Co-founder and Executive Chef David Lee, PLANTA was born in 2016 to expand the accessibility and acceptability of plant-based dining; dining as it should be — an unguilty pleasure.They have created a premier hospitality collective of 100% plant-based restaurants with multiple locations in the US and Toronto.PLANTA reimagines, reinvents, and revitalizes - providing flavorful proof that the power of plants can change the world.TIP: The perfect spot for date night!
Dan’s Pick Miami Beachwalk
Name: Miami Beachwalk (running and people watching)Address: from South Pointe Park to the Miami Beach boundary at 87th Street.Phone Number: N/AEmail: miamibeachboardwalk@isatisfy.comWebsite: www.miamibeachboardwalk.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/miamibeachboardwalkInstagram: #miamibaeachboardwalkTwitter: N/AYelp: miami-beach-boardwalk-miami-beach-2?osq=Miami+Beach+BoardwalkName: Miami Beachwalk (running and people watching)Running the length of the city from the tip of South Pointe Park, the Beachwalk is a seven-mile oceanfront pedestrian promenade designed for joggers, cyclists, and anyone out for a scenic seaside stroll to enjoy.The Beachwalk now connects to pathways already in place in the neighboring towns of Surfside and Bal Harbour but there is more. It is part of the Atlantic Greenway Network that supports non-motorized, pedestrian friendly modes of transport from Maine to Key West!Along the way, you will find parking, bathroom facilities, bike rentals, playgrounds and that is not to mention, the beautiful ocean views throughout. There are also the colorful Art-Deco inspired Lifeguard Stands and native plants protected by sand dunes and other vegetation maintained to preserve this precious ecosystem.There is much, much, more to see so don’t miss it. TIP: People-watching central!!! Make sure you make some time to sit and take in the sights.
Dan’s Pick Mondrian Miami Beach
Name: Mondrian Miami Beach (Cocktail and sunset)Address: 1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone Number: 305.514.1500Email: reservations@mondriansouthbeach.comWebsite: book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/south-beachFacebook: www.facebook.com/MondrianSouthBeachInstagram: #MondrianSB, MondrianSOBETwitter: @mondriansobeYelp: mondrian-south-beach-south-beach?osq=Mondrian+South+BeachName: Mondrian Miami Beach (Cocktail and sunset)Situated on Biscayne Bay facing west, near the entrance to the McArthur Causeway, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the Miami Skyline, Star, Palm, and Hibiscus Islands, while possessing a decidedly South Beach vibe.The hotel has plenty of atmosphere and the rooms are mostly mini-suites providing spacious comfort for all guests.Drinks poolside, particularly at the end of the day, provide an especially magnificent view of the sunset behind the breathtaking Miami Skyline.TIP: “The Martinez” and “Cadillac Margarita” are faves!
