Originally known as “Fulford-by-the-Sea”, North Miami Beach is an independent city between Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale. It was established in the wake of the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926, which put an end to South Florida’s real estate boom. Fringing North Miami Beach is a string of beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Things to do in North Miami Beach
One of North Miami’s most beautiful buildings is St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church, which was originally built in the 12th century in the Spanish town of Sacramenia. In 1925, its cloisters and outbuildings were purchased by William Randolph Hearst and dismantled before being shipped to the United States. It was later reassembled in North Miami Beach where it is known as the Ancient Spanish Monastery.
Encompassing more than 400 hectares on the northern edge of Biscayne Bay is Oleta River State Park, which is renowned for its large number of casuarina trees. It’s a popular destination for canoeing and mountain biking, while it also regularly hosts triathlons. Rent a kayak to paddle through its mangrove-fringed canals or cast a fishing line to see what’s biting.
North Miami Beach is home to one of the largest shopping malls in Florida, the Aventura Mall, which is home to more than 300 retail stores that include JCPenney, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s. You can shop for the latest fashions at Balenciaga or admire the jewellery at Tiffany’s & Co. before dining at one of the mall’s 50+ restaurants and eateries.
Getting around North Miami Beach
North Miami Beach is around 45 minutes’ drive from Downtown Miami and 40 minutes from Miami International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to North Miami Beach and travel throughout the area, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the region.