Miami Fun Facts
The Mayaimi lived here in the 16th and 17th Centuries. They were located by the Lake Mayaimi, now known as Lake Okeechobee.
It’s the only US city that was founded by a woman.
A local businesswoman called Julia Tuttle encouraged a developer to extend the new Florida East Coast Railroad to Miami – this led the way to the development of modern Miami.
Miami is not Florida’s capital.
Miami is such a famous city in Florida that it’s often mistaken for being Florida’s capital city. But it is not! As a matter of fact, it’s not the biggest city in Florida either.
Florida’s capital city is Tallahassee.
The biggest city in Florida (by size) is Jacksonville.
Among U.S. airports, MIA handles the most cargo and the second-highest number of international passengers.
Miami welcomes over 14 million tourists per year.
Over 10% of our workforce works in the tourism industry. It’s also known as the cruise capital of the world, too, as Miami has the largest cruise ship port in the world.
The art deco nightclub district on Miami’s South Beach is one of the best in the world.
Miami is home to the world’s largest collection of art deco architecture.
Miami is the US’s warmest location in winter.
The average temperature during winter is between 65 -75 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 - 23 degrees Celcius.
Miami was once a mangrove swamp and the land we now know was mostly man-made.
As a result, some of our beaches need to be replenished with sand regularly.
Sun tan lotion was invented in Miami.
A pharmacist called Benjamin Green invented the mixture in 1944.
It’s a built-up area, but it also has its own unspoiled wilderness in the Everglades National Park.
It’s here you can view flora and fauna that are unique to this area.
It’s the only city in the US that’s surrounded by two national parks.
Biscayne National Park and the Everglades National Park.
Miami is also known as a divers’ paradise.
There are over 50 shipwrecks underwater, which scuba divers love to explore.
Miami is also a great agricultural region.
Growing avocados, tomatoes, and mangoes, thanks to its fantastic climate.
It has the highest concentration of international banks than any US city.
It’s a good agricultural region - yet downtown Miami is also a huge corporate center.
Miami is steeped in art and culture.
It has its own symphony orchestra and ballet company, and its own professional theater company at the Coconut Grove Playhouse, not to mention some fabulous museums!
Though it's best known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, you can find one of the country's biggest skiing clubs in Miami Beach.
