Miami Beach is a coastal city located on a barrier island in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Known for its beautiful beaches, art deco architecture, and vibrant nightlife, Miami Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page on Miami Beach, the city has an estimated population of 91,917 as of 2021. It is part of the Miami metropolitan area, which has over 6 million residents.
History
Miami Beach was incorporated as a city in 1915. Early growth was spurred by industrialist Henry Flagler, who built the first bridge to the island and several rail lines connecting it to mainland Miami. During the Art Deco period of the 1920s-1930s, Miami Beach saw a building boom of hotels, apartment buildings, and other structures in this iconic architectural style.
Geography and Climate
Miami Beach is situated on a coastal barrier island between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and short, warm winters. The average year-round temperature is 77°F.
Economy and Major Employers
Tourism is the driving force behind Miami Beach’s economy. Major employers in the city include Fontainebleau Miami Beach, University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and Mount Sinai Medical Center. Other major industries include real estate, finance, retail, and services related to travel and hospitality.
Landmarks and Attractions
Some of the top attractions in Miami Beach include:
- Ocean Drive – Iconic street lined with Art Deco hotels and restaurants.
- South Pointe Park – Waterfront park at the southern tip of Miami Beach.
- Art Deco Historic District – Largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world, with over 800 preserved buildings.
- The Bass Museum – Miami Beach art museum with Renaissance and Baroque works.
- Holocaust Memorial – Memorial dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust.
- Lincoln Road – Outdoor pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Transportation
Miami Beach is connected to mainland Miami by several bridges. The MacArthur Causeway, Venetian Causeway, and Julia Tuttle Causeway all link the island to the mainland. Public transportation is provided by Miami-Dade Transit buses and the Miami Metrorail via the MacArthur and Venetian causeways.
Education
Public schools in Miami Beach are operated by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. There are several elementary, middle, and high schools located within the city. Higher education options include the Miami Beach campus of Florida International University.
Sports
The Miami Heat professional basketball team plays at the FTX Arena in downtown Miami. Other sports teams in the metro area include the Miami Dolphins NFL team, Miami Marlins MLB team, and the Florida Panthers NHL team.
Government
Miami Beach utilizes a city manager-commission form of government. The city manager is appointed by the city commission and acts as chief administrator. Miami Beach is part of Miami-Dade County in South Florida.
For more information, visit the City of Miami Beach’s official website or Facebook page.