About Miami Beach: Our Home

History of Miami Beach, FL

Miami Beach began in 1870 when a Pennsylvania farmer named Henry Lum and his son Charles sailed along the Florida coast from Key West to Miami. On their voyage, they came across a sandbar that would later become the site of Miami Beach. They were so in awe of the region that they decided to purchase the land. Under the ownership of the Lums, the land saw a little development, but it wasn't long before it was sold off.

Elnathan T. Field and Ezra Osborn of New Jersey were the next owners, and they soon set about planting a coconut plantation on their newly acquired land. This venture failed to live up to their expectations, though, and the land was sold yet again, this time to John S. Collins and his son-in-law, Thomas Pancoast. Where Field and Osborn failed with coconuts, Collins found success with avocados.

However, Collins and Pancoast's families saw more potential in the region than solely avocado farming, and it wasn't long until development was underway to turn the area into a full-fledged beach resort. With the construction of Collins Bridge in 1913, which connected Miami to Miami Beach, and the establishment of Brown's Hotel in 1915, Miami Beach was well on its way to realizing this idea.

Miami Beach underwent an explosion of real estate projects during this time, and soon, bathhouses, hotels, golf courses, and even an aquarium could be found scattered across the island. This led to Miami Beach being advertised as an adult playground-like retreat akin to Atlantic City.

The town of Miami Beach officially became incorporated on March 26, 1915, but its rapid expansion led to it being reclassified as a city only two years later in 1917. The city continued to thrive in the coming years, with new hotels and resorts constantly being constructed, helped along a great deal by the economic boom of the 1920s.

Despite its reputation as an easygoing beach resort city, Miami Beach also played an important role in the country's military history. A large training center was established in Miami Beach during World War II, and more than 500,000 Army Air Corps members were sent here for training during the war. When the war came to a close, many of those soldiers chose to return to Miami Beach to make it their home, so many that South Florida's population had doubled by the end of the 1950s.

Location of Miami Beach, FL

Miami Beach is located in the southeastern section of Florida and is part of Miami-Dade County. The city rests an average of 4 feet above sea level and was built on a barrier island between Miami, FL, and Biscayne Bay. The city of Miami resides about 4 miles to the west of Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale is approximately 30 miles to the north.

Miami Beach, FL, Weather

Miami Beach has a tropical climate that experiences both wet and dry seasons. The wet season sees frequent rain and thunderstorms throughout the day and lasts from May through October. The dry season, on the other hand, goes from November through April and is characterized by sunny days and low humidity. The temperature in Miami Beach, FL, is generally 87°F or higher in summer months and 78°F or lower during the winter.

Attractions in Miami Beach, FL

You'll find no shortage of activities and things to do in Miami Beach, FL. The city's early development was focused on creating a playground-like city, and that focus has continued on into modern times.

In addition to the many beach parks available, one of the biggest draws of Miami Beach is its famed boardwalk. With so many shops and eateries to choose from, a simple stroll along the boardwalk can easily turn into an all-day adventure. As spectacular as it is, however, there's far more to Miami Beach than just the boardwalk.

Miami Beach is also home to both a beautiful botanical garden and a fascinating science museum. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a 3-acre tropical garden that houses a diverse array of plant life, including more than 100 different species of palm. The Frost Science Museum in neighboring Miami includes exhibits that visitors of any age can enjoy as well as a planetarium and three-level aquarium.

For music lovers, there's the Miami Beach Bandshell. This outdoor venue hosts a wide variety of musical acts and other live entertainment.

• Miami Beach Boardwalk
• Miami Beach Botanical Garden
• Frost Science Museum
• Miami Beach Bandshell

Where to Eat in Miami Beach, FL

For a city built on a lone sandbar, it's truly impressive how many different places there are to find delicious food in Miami Beach, FL. Some of the best restaurants in Miami Beach, FL, include Santorini by Georgios with its large selection of Greek dishes, CVI.CHE 105 for Peruvian, and the Italian restaurants ll Pastaiolo and Macchialina. There's also Havana Vieja, known for its amazing and mouth-watering Cuban culinary creations.

Those looking for a great bar in Miami Beach, FL, also have a large selection to choose from. There's Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery with its classic speakeasy setting, Abbey Brewing Company for those who prefer a more casual vibe, Kush at Clevelander that's perfect for sports fans, and many more.

• Il Pastaiolo
• Santorini by Georgios
• CVI.CHE 105
• Havana Vieja
• Macchialina
• Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery
• Abbey Brewing Company
• Kush at Clevelander

Where to Stay in Miami Beach, FL

Given the city's role as a beach resort, there are plenty of hotels near Miami Beach, FL, to choose from. South Beach Hotel provides luxurious accommodations with multiple dining options and access to both a private beach and a rooftop pool. Marseilles Hotel is another great option that's located right in the Art Deco district and is only a short walk from the city's convention center. Other hotels in Miami Beach, FL, include the iconic Marlin Hotel, the Fontainebleau, which offers lavish lodgings in the form of standard rooms and specialty suites, and the Oceanside Hotel and Suites, located close to North Beach Oceanside Park, Bal Harbour Shops, and the Normandy Shores Golf Course.

• South Beach Hotel
• Marseilles Hotel
• The Marlin Hotel
• Fontainebleau

Dental Care Services in Miami Beach, FL

When you need a Miami Beach pediatric dentist, you can trust the specialists at Main Street Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics. We offer a wide array of services to make your child's smile shine its brightest, including routine exams and cleanings, crowns, fillings, and braces. We also provide emergency services for urgent issues. If you're looking for a skilled pediatric dentist or orthodontist in Miami Beach, be sure to contact us today!