The Big Read 2025: At-home Tourist: Rediscover the City Where You Live
Sandra Cisneros’ iconic novella The House on Mango Street captures a year in the life of a 12-year-old girl in the small Chicago community that has shaped her. Get to know your own community and explore how our physical environments impact the identity and architecture of our cities and ourselves.
Art Deco Walking Tour: Transport to the 1920s and ’30s for a fun and engaging historical and architectural walking tour of South Beach! You’ll begin with the fascinating history of early pioneers, unlikely heroes, and the influence of the mob and Hollywood, then learn about the origins and elements of art deco architecture – from Europe to the United States.
Big Bus Tours: Hop on, hop off these Miami day tours through Bayside Marketplace, the Design District, Miami Beach, Soundscape Park, and the Everglades.
Menace, Murder & Malice: Miami Ghost Tours: This spooky season, check out this ghost-themed walking tour to learn about Miami’s haunted past and tales of paranormal activity. Visit The Betsy Hotel, Lummus Park, Mac’s Club Deuce, The Villa Casa Casuarina at the former Versace mansion, and a secret site linked to Al Capone.
HistoryMiami Museum: Take advantage of a wide slate of educational tour opportunities for adults and students of all ages – including a cemetery walking tour and Miami River cruise – to learn more about the many historic neighborhoods, landmarks, and sites throughout South Florida.
Little Havana: Embark on an unforgettable journey in the heart of Little Havana on Calle Ocho with a Cultural Walking Tour to the Bay of Pigs monument, a traditional cigar factory, Domino Park, and more. Upgrade to the Food Tour for a taste of Cuban traditional pastries, a ventanita cafecito, and a special secret dessert that pays homage to the Cuban legend Celia Cruz.
Tap Tap Tours: Experience your local neighborhoods like you’ve never known them before! Options include Overtown, the heart of a long-established African American community; Coconut Grove, a neighborhood established by Bahamian pioneers; and the Vodou Tour, which separates fact from fiction, rumor, and superstition.
Wynwood Art Walk Tour: Known for its iconic murals from international street art superstars including David Walker and El Mac – as well as locals like Atomik and Luis Valle – the Wynwood Art District reflects a very American story: poverty, riots, ingenuity, gentrification, and success.
Presented as part of the 2025 NEA Big Read Miami.
