Fun Facts About Miami That Few People Know

1. Miami Is the Only Major U.S. City Founded by a Woman

That’s right—Julia Tuttle, a wealthy citrus grower, convinced Henry Flagler to bring his railroad south in the 1890s, ultimately founding the city of Miami. She's often referred to as the “Mother of Miami,” making this city a rare example of female-driven urban development in the U.S.

2. Manatees Swim Right Through Downtown

In most cities, you’ll find cars in the downtown core—not gentle sea cows. But in Miami, the Miami River and Biscayne Bay serve as natural habitats for manatees, who frequently appear near Brickell and Edgewater, especially during winter.

3. There's a Cold War-Era Missile Base in the Everglades

Tucked away in Everglades National Park is a decommissioned Nike Hercules missile site built during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Today, it's a U.S. landmark—and one of Miami’s most unexpected Cold War relics.

4. Miami Has the Largest Collection of Art Deco Architecture in the World

While many associate Art Deco with Paris or New York, Miami Beach actually holds the title. Over 800 buildings in pastel colors and geometric flair line Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, making it a paradise for design lovers.

5. The City Has an Official Language... and It’s Not Just English

Due to its large Latin American population, Spanish is spoken by over 70% of residents, and in many neighborhoods, it’s the dominant language for business, education, and daily life. English may be official, but Spanish reigns culturally.

6. It’s the Only City in the U.S. Bordered by Two National Parks

Miami sits between Everglades National Park to the west and Biscayne National Park to the east. You can kayak in mangroves in the morning and snorkel coral reefs in the afternoon—all without leaving the county.

7. Miami Hosts the World’s Largest Cruise Port

Known as the Cruise Capital of the World, PortMiami welcomes over 5 million cruise passengers annually. The port also plays a major role in Miami’s real estate market, especially in areas like Downtown and Coconut Grove.

8. There’s a Secret Train Station Under the Airport

Underneath Miami International Airport, there’s a ghostly reminder of a never-finished project: an abandoned train station from the 1970s intended to connect the city to Orlando and Tampa via high-speed rail. The project was canceled, but the structure remains.

9. Miami’s Coral Gables Neighborhood Has a Venetian Pool Made From a Rock Quarry

The Venetian Pool is a historic spring-fed public swimming pool carved from a coral rock quarry. Featuring waterfalls, palm trees, and even a Venetian bridge, it’s one of the most unique public pools in the country.

10. Flamingos Were Once Almost Extinct in Florida

Flamingos weren’t always the vibrant Florida icons they are today. Once hunted nearly to extinction for their feathers, these birds have only recently made a comeback in the Everglades, where you might now spot them in the wild once again.

Conclusion

These fun facts about Miami reveal just how much depth lies beneath the city’s glossy surface. Whether it’s Cold War secrets, unexpected wildlife, or a female founder, Miami’s hidden history is as colorful and diverse as the city itself. So next time you walk through South Beach or gaze out over Biscayne Bay, remember—there’s always more to Miami than meets the eye.