10 curiosities of Miami (Florida) that will surprise you

curiosities of Miami

When we talk about the curiosities of Miami or those things that make you different, it is easy to think of your eclectic architecture, exotic wildlife, white sandy beaches or the mixing of cultures.

But this city has so much more to offer, especially if you are Venezuelan and you have moved to the United States looking for a new beginning.

Miami is not only a meeting point for Latinos, but it is also full of interesting facts and corners to discover that will surely surprise you, even if you have been living here for a while.

It is known as a "second home" for many people. Venezuelansand you may feel comfortable with your warm and familiar atmosphere. But behind its palm trees and skyscrapers, there are unique details that are not always obvious. 

In this article, we will take you through a tour of ten curiosities that will make you see this city through different eyes, from its history to its culture and everything that makes it a vibrant and lively place. 

Join us to discover some of Miami's secrets that you may not have known about!

Discover some of the most surprising Miami curiosities

You are at ten curiosities of MiamiSome fun and some surprising, they will allow you to see the city from a different perspective and perhaps help you to appreciate even more the place you now call home. 

Let's discover together what makes this tropical city so unique!

It is the only major U.S. city founded by a woman.

Something that few people know is that Miami has the honor of being the only major city in United States which was founded by a woman: Julia Tuttle

This woman from entrepreneurial spirit arrived in the area in the XIX century and saw the enormous potential it had Miamialthough at that time it was only a small community surrounded by swamps.

Julia Tuttle was responsible for convincing Henry Flaglera railroad tycoon, to extend his railroads to Miami. It showed him that the city's warm climate and strategic location could make it an important commercial and tourist center. 

Thanks to his insistence and vision, in 1896 Miami was officially foundedand the railroad finally arrived, driving the city's growth.

It is curious to think that if it had not been for Juliaperhaps Miami would not be the vibrant urban center we know today. 

So, when you're walking downtown or enjoying an afternoon at the beach, remember that this amazing city is the result of a woman's vision determined and never gave up.

It is surrounded by two national parks

Everglades National Park

One of the things that makes Miami is that it is surrounded by two impressive national parks: the National Park ofs Everglades and the Biscayne National Park.

This means that, in addition to enjoying the city, you have access to some of the city's most important America's most amazing natural landscapesand they are only a couple of hours away by car!

On the one hand, thes Everglades are a vast swampy area full of wildlife, where you can see from alligators to exotic birds. 

Tours in hydrofoils are very popular, and allow you to navigate the canals while learning about the incredible biodiversity of this region. 

In addition, the Everglades are the only place in the world where so many people live side by side. alligators as crocodileswhich is quite surprising.

On the other hand, the Biscayne National Park is a marine paradise that covers both tropical islands such as coral reefs. 

If you like water sports, this is the perfect place to do them. snorkeling or diving and explore its crystal clear waters full of colorful marine life. You can also go on boat excursions to discover the beauty of its mangroves and small islands.

Having access to these two parks so close to the city is a luxury that few places in the world can offer. 

So if you like nature, Miami gives you the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds: urban life and outdoor adventure.

The Art Deco District in South Beach

Art Deco District in South Beach

One of the most emblematic things about Miami, and that you have surely seen in many photos and movies, is its famous Art Deco District in South Beach. 

This neighborhood is like traveling back in time, as it is home to the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. 

These colorful buildings, with their geometric lines and vintage detailsare an essential part of the Miami landscape and make walking through South Beach a unique experience.

The Art Deco style was popular in the decades of 1920 y 1930, y Miami Beach took advantage of this trend to build hotels, restaurants and bars that today are still part of the tourist attraction of the city. 

The pastel colors, neon colors and retro designs of these buildings create an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. Even if you just take a stroll through Ocean DriveYou will feel as if you were in an old postcard.

In addition, what is most interesting is that this district was on the verge of disappearing in the 1970s, when it was almost demolished to make way for new developments. 

Thanks to preservation efforts, today we can continue to enjoy this piece of architectural history that gives Miami that special and charming touch. 

It is the cruise capital of the world

If you love the sea and boating vacationsHere's a fact you'll love. Miami is known as the "cruise capital of the world".

That's right! Every year, millions of passengers set sail from the port of Miami to explore dream destinations in the Caribbean and beyond. 

From here, you can embark on cruises that take you to paradisiacal islands, such as the Bahamas, Jamaica and Puerto Ricoand live an unforgettable experience on the high seas.

The port of Miami is the busiest in the world for cruise ships, which means you see giant, colorful ships almost every day. 

The city has state-of-the-art terminals that facilitate the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers, and the excitement felt at the port is contagious.

From tourists arriving from all over the world to families ready to enjoy a vacation, the atmosphere is always festive and full of energy.

So, if you've ever wondered why so many cruise ships leave from MiamiIf you're looking for the perfect place to start an adventure, you've got your answer: it's the perfect place to start an adventure!

A paradise for international food lovers

One of the largest curiosities of Miami is that it offers a incredible gastronomic experience. 

The city is a true paradise for international food lovers, where you can find dishes from all around the world, from cubans and haitians to argentines and, of course, Venezuelans. The variety is amazing!

One of the largest Miami attractions is the incredible offer of restaurants and cafés that reflect the cultural diversity of the city

You can start your day with a tasty "cuban "cafecito in a small window, enjoy a stuffed arepa in a venezuelan restaurant or delight yourself with a peruvian ceviche dish for lunch.

And let's not forget the taco, sushi and italian food feasts which are also part of the daily menu.

The Venezuelan influence in the Miami gastronomy has grown enormously in recent years, turning the city into a meeting point for those who miss the flavors of home. 

Places such as Wonder Arepa, Lele's Snack and La Empanada have gained popularity, offering delicacies that transport you straight to the Venezuela with every bite.

If you want to discover more places where you can enjoy our delicacies, do not miss our article about the Venezuelan food in Orlando (Florida).

It has the largest free-ranging parakeet population outside Latin America.

green parakeets Miami

Another of the curiosities of Miami is that, in addition to the typical pigeons and seagulls, you can also see parakeets flying through the city parks! 

These colorful tropical birdswhich we normally associate with countries of Latin America, have found in Miami a perfect home.

And how did they get here? Well, many of these parakeets were brought in as exotic pets years ago, and some managed to escape or were released.

With the warm weather and the many trees that remind them of their natural habitat, these birds quickly adapted and are now part of the Miami's urban landscape. 

It is common to see flocks of green and yellow parakeets flying over the parks or perching on palm trees. Sometimes they can even be heard as they move in groups.

The Miami River flows backwards

Incredible as it may sound, the Miami River has a peculiarity that few know about: its water can change direction! 

Unlike most rivers that always flow in one direction only, the Miami River is one of the few in the world that, depending on the tideThe river can flow both inland and towards the ocean. It is almost as if the river has a "changing mood" and decides in which direction to move according to the day.

This phenomenon occurs because the Miami River is directly connected to the Biscayne Bay. 

When the tide is high, the ocean water pushes inland, causing the river to flow in that direction. On the other hand, when low tidethe river flows back to the sea. 

It is a surprising detail that goes unnoticed by many, but which makes this small river have its own unique personality.

It has its own mango festival

mango fruit

If you are mango fanatic, ¡Miami has an event you will love! 

Every summer, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden organizes the International Mango Festivala celebration entirely dedicated to this delicious tropical fruit

Miami, with its warm and tropical climate, is an ideal place for the mango cultivationSo it is not surprising that the city has created an entire festival in his honor.

During this event, attendees can try out a wide variety of mangoes y learn about its cultivation and history in the region.

 The festival also offers products made from mangoThe fruit can be used as sauces, desserts, and juices that will delight anyone who loves the sweet and refreshing taste of this fruit.

Although it is a little-known event, it is perfect for the tropical fruit lovers and a great way to spend a different kind of day at Miami. 

It is home to a hidden subway city

Believe it or not, underneath the streets of Miami there is a "subway city" that many do not know about: the Miami Tunnel

This tunnel, which is almost 2 kilometers longconnect the port of Miami with the main city highwaysIt was built to reduce the heavy truck traffic that used to pass through the center. 

The tunnel is one of the Miami's great engineering worksAlthough it is key to the functioning of the city, many people are unaware of its existence. 

This impressive project not only helps to decongest the streets, but it also goes unnoticed under our feet, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy a Miami cleaner and tidier.

It has more than 800 parks

miami parks

Miami is not only beaches and tall buildings, it is also one of the cities with the most green areas in the United States.

In fact, it has more than 800 parks distributed throughout the city. From small neighborhood parks to gigantic green spaces such as the Bayfront Park or Matheson Hammock Park.

The best part is that many of these parks are right next to the water, making them perfect for a picnic, a hike or just relaxing while watching an amazing sunset. 

In addition, these spaces are not only ideal for humans, but are also home to many species of tropical birds, iguanas, and other animals that make these places a real oasis in the city. 

It used to be known as "the citrus city".

Before Miami became the metropolis we know today, it was famous for its citrus fruits! 

During the the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the area of Miami was full of plantations of oranges, lemons and limesand a large part of the local economy depended on the production and export of these fruits.

Although today Miami is best known for its tourism and its vibrant urban lifeIn the city, that agricultural past is still present in some corners of the city and in the local markets where juicy citrus fruits are still sold.

As we can see, Miami, with all its curiosities and contrasts, is a city that has something to surprise everyone. 

At Curiarawe know that being far from Venezuela is not always easy, but we hope that while you are exploring Miamiyou can find little moments that make you feel at home. 

And it is that with its diversity, its culture and the warmth of its peopleThis city offers a welcoming place for those who, like you, have decided to make it their new home. 

So continue to enjoy all that Miami has to offer and that every curiosity of this city reminds you of how exciting it is to discover a new city. place so full of life and surprises.

 May your adventure here be unforgettable!