Why Miami Is Called The Magic City

As the only major U.S. city conceived by a woman, a refuge for multiple ethnic groups over the past century, and the youngest major city in America, Miami is, indeed, an exceptional place. Read on to learn how this international hub became known not just as special, but as magic.

Home to a thriving tourism economy, diverse architecture, and year-round bathing suit weather, Miami is undeniably unique. Some might even say, “magic.” Around only 100 years old, it is a surprisingly young city with an even more surprising backstory.

In the late 19th century, the owner of a citrus plantation, Julia Tuttle, conceived the idea of transforming the South Florida area, which would one day become Miami, into a hub city for international trade. The means she would use to fulfill this vision? An extension of Henry Flagler’s recently built railway extending from New York to Palm Beach. When approached by Tuttle, Flagler initially dismissed the idea, and Miami as we know it almost never came to be. At the time, the area was mostly wilderness, undisturbed hammock and pine trees and bountiful plantations, and the railway magnate couldn’t see how the proposed extension would be profitable—that is, until later that year in 1894 when the Great Freeze descended upon Florida.

Today, the average low temperature for Miami is around 60°F (16°C), but in the winter of 1894–95, South Florida reached an all-time low of 18°F (-8°C). Landowners suffered as farms and plantations throughout the state failed to yield any crops, except for one: Julia Tuttle’s estate was somehow unaffected by the deep chill, and in 1894, she was Florida’s sole citrus producer. The rumors are that Tuttle sent Flagler a single, perfectly formed orange during this period. Suddenly, the businessman could see the value in her plan.

And so the railway extension was built. Between the resulting increased accessibility to the area and the mass exodus of northerners seeking opportunities and refuge in the Great Freeze’s wake, Miami’s population saw an extreme and sudden influx. Witnesses at the time said that it was as if a major city had popped up overnight, almost like magic.

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.