Historic Monastery Meets Modern Coastal Living
12th-century monastery from Spain, dismantled and shipped by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s, reassembled in the 1950s
Founded in 1926 as Fulford-by-the-Sea, incorporated in 1927 as City of Fulford, renamed North Miami Beach in 1931
Carl G. Fisher built the Fulford-Miami Speedway in the 1920s, forerunner to Sebring and Daytona races
Unofficial "Chinatown" along 163rd Street with Asian businesses, plus Haitian and Jewish American communities
Historic park with rock castle, BBQ areas, wildlife, golf course, and host to annual Bluegrass Festival
Located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale with easy access to I-95, Florida Turnpike, and Palmetto Expressway
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 Monasteryβa 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 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.
Largest demographic group with vibrant Latin culture
Strong Caribbean heritage, especially Haitian community
International gateway with global connections
Mature, family-oriented community
12th-century cloisters from Spain, purchased by William Randolph Hearst, now a National Register landmark and popular wedding venue with stunning gardens.
Historic park with rock castle, wildlife (iguanas, raccoons, birds), BBQ pavilions, golf course, and annual Bluegrass Festival each summer.
Florida's largest urban park with kayaking, paddleboarding, 15 miles of mountain bike trails, beach, and pristine mangrove forests.
32-foot coral rock fountain on National Register of Historic Places, symbol of the city's 1920s origins as the "Venice of the Americas."
Art Deco-style community theater hosting live theater, comedy, jazz nights, multicultural dance, and youth arts education programs.
Unofficial Chinatown along NE 167th/163rd Street with Asian restaurants, markets, and businesses since the 1990s.
Historic park with natural limestone bridge used by Native Americans and pioneers, museum exhibits, and tropical hammock trails.
Nine-hole par-36 course designed by Mark Mahannah in 1964, offering affordable golf in a convenient location.
250,000-square-foot indoor entertainment complex with arcade, go-karts, trampolines, VR park, climbing wall, and roller skating.
Discover restaurants, shops, services, and historic attractions in this diverse international community!
Browse North Miami Beach Listings