Visit the "Magic City" - Miami, Florida
by Paul H. Green
Miami beaches glisten on the Atlantic Ocean while the city of Miami hops with shopping, dining, nightlife, arts and culture, and business. The city offers the best of both worlds - relaxation on the beach and much to do for the resident and tourist alike. There are attractions for the family and places of interest for history buffs.
Miami is located near the Florida Everglades in Southeast Florida. It is in Miami-Dade County and is the county seat. Nearby cities include Gladeview, Brownsville, Miami Springs, Coconut Grove, and Virginia Gardens. The estimated population in Miami was 376,815 as of 2003 and it's still growing.
Miami history
Miami has a long history of survival. It has gone through hurricanes and other local disasters since its founding about 108 years ago, but is still going strong as a city. Miami's beginnings didn't just start with its incorporation as a city. The roots go back thousands of years to the Tequesta Indians, who possibly came to the area because of its attractive beaches and climate. During the 16th century, the area was rediscovered by the Spanish.
Wreckers from the Bahamas as well as Seminole Indians came to the area during the 19th century. Runaway slaves also fled to the area. Then in 1891, a widow named Julia Tuttle moved to the area and bought 640 acres of land. She approached a railroad builder named Henry Flagler and asked about the possibility of extending his railroad to the area. Her plans were to build a hotel and lay out the plan for a new city. So, Miami was born, and the City of Miami was incorporated on July 28, 1896.
As in the past, Miami's population and culture today is diverse. There are people from all walks of life. More than half of Miami's population is Hispanic. The predominant language is Spanish. Others who have settled in Miami include Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Brazilians, and many others. Miami is naturally a great place to host many international events such as the Latin Grammy Awards. Today, Miami is a popular tourist area as well.
Famous people in Miami
Many well-known people have resided in Miami including actor/dancer Ben Vereen, actor Sylvester Stallone, singer Gloria Estefan, and baseball player Steve Carlton. Several movies have been filmed in Miami such as "The Godfather: Part II" and "The Birdcage." The sports teams in Miami are Heat (NBA), Miami FC (USL Soccer), Dolphins (NFL), and the Florida Marlins (NL).
Miami beaches - fun in the sun
Miami is located where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. It's where the sand is beautiful, white and soft and where the ocean water turns to almost a clear aqua color. There are many beautiful beaches in Miami and the surrounding areas where families and individuals can go swimming, sun bathing, snorkeling, boating, fishing, jet skiing, and whatever else. Some of the most popular beaches in and around Miami include Sunny Isles Beach (actually its own city now), Oleta River State Park, Haulover Beach, Surfside Beach, North Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, South Pointe Park, Hobie Beach, South Beach and North Shore Open Space.
Miami festivals
There are a few popular festivals hosted in Miami each year such as the Carnival Miami, the Miami International Film Festival and the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition. The Orange Bowl is also hosted in Miami.
Family attractions in Miami
Those vacationing in Miami with their young ones will find plenty to do day and night. At the Miami Seaquarium www.miamiseaquarium.com/ , the home of "Flipper," there are dolphin shows, a killer whale, and many fascinating marine animals to keep the kids busy.
The Miami Metrozoo www.miamimetrozoo.com/ has many animals for the kids to see such as tigers, crocodiles, cranes, gazelles, turkeys, giraffes, monkeys, ducks, porcupines, hogs, rhinoceros, bats, snakes, and many others. The zoo also features many endangered or rare animals, shows and rides, educational programs, special exhibits, playground and water-play areas, and fun interactive stuff for the kids.
Another family attraction is the Parrot Jungle Trail. The trail takes visitors to a beautiful island called Parrot Jungle Island, located just off the coast of Miami. The island is rich in scenic beauty with tropical gardens and exotic wildlife. It's a relaxing alternative for the tourist who wants to get away from the city's hustle and bustle for a day.
Miami beach Botanical Garden
Those who enjoy nature's beauty will enjoy the Miami Beach Botanical Garden (www.mbgarden.org/). The garden boasts 4.5 acres of orchids, a Japanese garden, tropical trees and plants, and a living wall landscape that will captivate the garden lover. Admission is free and it's a great place to relax and see lovely flowers and plants.
Tour the Miami museums
Those who enjoy history and learning about culture will find an array of museums in and around the Miami area. There are Hispanic art museums, railroad history museums and many others. To name just a few: Florida Museum of Hispanic and Latin American Art, Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Miami Museum of Science & Space Transit Planetarium, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, and the Miami Art Museum.
Miami is a wonderful destination for vacationers, explorers and anyone who's looking for a great time.