Roadside Attractions--The following examples of public art and prized architecture are great photo opportunities and worth visiting if you're in the area.

Versace Mansion (Amsterdam Palace): Morbid curiosity has led hordes of people--tourists and locals--to this, the only private home on Ocean Drive. If you can get past the fact that the late designer was murdered on the steps of this palatial estate, you should definitely observe the intricate Italian architecture that makes this house stand out from its streamlined deco neighbors. Built in the 1930s as a replica of Christopher Columbus's son's palace in Santo Domingo, the house was originally called Casa Casuarina (House of the Pine), but was rechristened the Amsterdam Palace in 1935 when George Amsterdam purchased it. While there were rumors that the mansion was to be turned into a Versace museum, it was, instead, purchased by a private citizen from Texas. Located at the northwest corner of Ocean Drive and 11th Street, South Beach.

Estefan Enterprises: Miami's royal family--Gloria and Emilio Estefan--may reside on private Star Island, but the headquarters of their musical empire is located in a whimsical building designed by the world-famous Arquitectonica architecture company. Its facade is carved with color-lined waves and fanciful shapes. But don't get caught up in the design, as you may miss an opportunity to run into the next Ricky Martin or even Gloria herself. The address is 420 Jefferson Ave. (at 5th Street), Miami Beach.

Miami Beach Post Office: Usually known for long lines and surly people, post offices are rarely considered a must-see, but this one's an exception. Built in 1937, this historic Depression-era modern-style building features a fabulous rotunda. Utterly Floridian are the coral steps that lead to the entrance. In addition to the requisite mailboxes, stamp machines, and wanted posters, inside, an intricate sun motif surrounds a lantern hanging from the ceiling, which illuminates an epic mural that depicts some of South Florida's history. One glimpse of this magnificent building and you'll rethink the meaning of "going postal." Find it at 1300 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.

Mermaid Sculpture: A pop-art masterpiece designed by Roy Lichtenstein, this sculpture captures the buoyant spirit of Miami Beach and its environs. It's in front of the Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach.

Morris Lapidus on Lincoln Road: Famed designer/architect, the late Morris Lapidus--the "high priest of high kitsch"--who is best known for the Fontainebleau Hotel, created a series of sculptures that are angular, whimsical, and quirky, competing with the equally amusing mix of pedestrians who flock to Lincoln Road. In addition to the sculptures on Lincoln Road (at Washington Avenue), which you can't miss, Lapidus also created the Colony Theater, 1040 Lincoln Rd., which was built by Paramount in 1943; the 1928 Sterling Building, 927 Lincoln Rd., whose glass blocks and blue neon are required evening viewing; and the Lincoln Theater, 555 Lincoln Rd., which features a remarkable tropical bas-relief.