11 Things You Didn't Know About Miami FL

You may have heard about Miami’s incredible nightlife and beautiful beaches, but did you know it’s also the “Wreck-reational Diving Capital of the World”? Or that it’s home to one of the greatest archaeological sites? You may think you know Miami, but here are a few fun facts to still discover.

Its “Magic City” nickname is down to a growth spurt

Miami grew from having a population of one thousand to five million in the short span of a century. The moniker “Magic City” comes from its rapid growth being like ‘magic’.

The sand in Miami Beach is imported

Sunbathing along Miami Beach? The pristine sands are probably from the Bahamas or other beaches in the Caribbean. The state of Florida recently spent $11.5 million importing sand to restore the shoreline in Miami Beach that continues to be eroded by the ocean waves.

Miami is the cruise capital of the world

The port of Miami is the largest passenger port in the world – in 2017, some five million passengers sailed through its confines.

The city has one of the largest collection of Art Deco buildings

There are over 800 historic Art Deco buildings just in Miami Beach! Though city is teeming with modern condos, there’s a large collection of relics reminiscent of the glamorous Art Deco movement.

There used to be an ATM for rollerbladers

In 1996, Citibank installed its first ATM lane for rollerbladers. The bank’s solution gave access to in-line skaters in Miami Beach.

Sunscreen was invented here

Although the protective lotion was already invented in Europe, pharmacist Benjamin Green invented his own version in Miami and later sold it to Coppertone.

Buildings here can’t have basements

Try digging deep enough into the ground, and water will start spouting up. Florida homes don’t have basements because the land is just about six to nine feet above sea level.

Burger King opened its first location in Miami

The predecessor to the fast-food chain was founded in Jacksonville as Insta Burger King, but was later purchased by Miami-based franchises James McLamore and David R. Edgerton, who renamed it Burger King. The first Burger King location opened in Miami on December 4, 1954.

Its name comes from the native word Mayaimi for ‘big water’

Miami was named after the Miami River which divides the city. The name comes from the Native American word Mayaimi for ‘big water’.

It’s the only city in the USA bordered by two national parks

Miami is bordered by the Everglades National Park on the West and the Biscayne National Park on the East.

Miami is the only major city founded by a woman

The city was founded by American businesswoman Julia Tuttle, who convinced oil tycoon Henry Flagler to extend his railroad from Central Florida to Miami. The first train of the Florida East Coast Railroad arrived to the city in 1896, and Miami was incorporated later that same year.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.