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North Miami Beach

North Miami Beach, Florida - Facts & Information

North Miami Beach, Florida

Historic Monastery Meets Modern Coastal Living

45,655 Population
1927 Incorporated
12th Century Monastery
55.2% Foreign-Born

Quick Facts About North Miami Beach

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Ancient Spanish Monastery

12th-century monastery from Spain, dismantled and shipped by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s, reassembled in the 1950s

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Originally Fulford-by-the-Sea

Founded in 1926 as Fulford-by-the-Sea, incorporated in 1927 as City of Fulford, renamed North Miami Beach in 1931

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Historic Speedway Site

Carl G. Fisher built the Fulford-Miami Speedway in the 1920s, forerunner to Sebring and Daytona races

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International Gateway

Unofficial "Chinatown" along 163rd Street with Asian businesses, plus Haitian and Jewish American communities

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Greynolds Park

Historic park with rock castle, BBQ areas, wildlife, golf course, and host to annual Bluegrass Festival

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Crossroads of South Florida

Located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale with easy access to I-95, Florida Turnpike, and Palmetto Expressway

Discover North Miami Beach

North Miami Beach has a fascinating history that begins with its 1881 settlement, when it was first platted as "Fulford-By-The-Sea" after Captain William H. Fulford of the U.S. Coast Guard. The city was officially incorporated in 1927 as the City of Fulford, then renamed North Miami Beach in 1931 to capitalize on the coastal proximity and Miami Beach's growing popularity.

The 1920s brought the ambitious Fulford-Miami Speedway, an all-wooden racetrack built by Carl G. Fisher that could seat 12,000 spectators. Though destroyed by the devastating 1926 hurricane after just one race, it served as a forerunner to Florida's famous Sebring and Daytona racetracks. The city persevered through the hurricane and the end of the Florida land boom, building a resilient community.

Today, North Miami Beach is a diverse, multicultural city of 45,655 residents representing communities from around the world. The city is renowned for its Ancient Spanish Monasteryβ€”a 12th-century architectural treasure that William Randolph Hearst purchased and shipped from Spain in the 1920s. The city also features the historic Fulford-by-the-Sea Monument, vibrant international neighborhoods including an unofficial "Chinatown," and excellent parks and recreation facilities.

🏰 The World's Largest Jigsaw Puzzle

The Ancient Spanish Monastery is often called "the largest and most expensive jigsaw puzzle in the world." Built in 12th-century Spain, purchased by William Randolph Hearst, and reassembled in North Miami Beach in the 1950s, it stands as a National Register historic landmark and popular wedding venue.

North Miami Beach Demographics

41.1%
Hispanic/Latino

Largest demographic group with vibrant Latin culture

37.2%
Black or African American

Strong Caribbean heritage, especially Haitian community

55.2%
Foreign-Born Residents

International gateway with global connections

39.6
Median Age

Mature, family-oriented community

Top Attractions & Destinations

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Ancient Spanish Monastery

12th-century cloisters from Spain, purchased by William Randolph Hearst, now a National Register landmark and popular wedding venue with stunning gardens.

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Greynolds Park

Historic park with rock castle, wildlife (iguanas, raccoons, birds), BBQ pavilions, golf course, and annual Bluegrass Festival each summer.

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Oleta River State Park

Florida's largest urban park with kayaking, paddleboarding, 15 miles of mountain bike trails, beach, and pristine mangrove forests.

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Fulford-by-the-Sea Monument

32-foot coral rock fountain on National Register of Historic Places, symbol of the city's 1920s origins as the "Venice of the Americas."

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Julius Littman Performing Arts Theater

Art Deco-style community theater hosting live theater, comedy, jazz nights, multicultural dance, and youth arts education programs.

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Chinatown (163rd Street)

Unofficial Chinatown along NE 167th/163rd Street with Asian restaurants, markets, and businesses since the 1990s.

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Arch Creek Park & Nature Center

Historic park with natural limestone bridge used by Native Americans and pioneers, museum exhibits, and tropical hammock trails.

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Greynolds Golf Course

Nine-hole par-36 course designed by Mark Mahannah in 1964, offering affordable golf in a convenient location.

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Dezerland Action Park

250,000-square-foot indoor entertainment complex with arcade, go-karts, trampolines, VR park, climbing wall, and roller skating.

Why People Love North Miami Beach

Historic Heritage

  • 12th-century Spanish Monastery
  • Fulford-by-the-Sea Monument
  • Historic speedway site
  • Coral rock architecture
  • Rich 1920s Florida history

International Flavor

  • Vibrant Chinatown district
  • Strong Haitian community
  • Jewish American heritage
  • Global restaurants and shops
  • Multicultural festivals

Parks & Recreation

  • Greynolds Park & golf course
  • Oleta River State Park access
  • Community centers
  • Tennis complexes
  • Annual Bluegrass Festival

Strategic Location

  • Between Miami & Fort Lauderdale
  • Near Sunny Isles Beach
  • Major highway access
  • Close to Aventura Mall
  • Crossroads of South Florida

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