Welcome to Miami, the city where sunshine, salsa, and sandy beaches meet. Beyond well-known landmarks like Disney and historic destinations, Miami has a diverse and rich culture that locals have taken decades to learn. Though you may only be visiting and not have a total lay of the land, we wanted to give you the inside scoop on how and why locals enjoy the city. In this article, we’ll be covering:
- Fun facts about Miami that will make you feel like a true Floridian
- Why you should spend your summer in Miami
- How you can enjoy Miami with AmeriCamp
- The benefits of AmeriCamp Premium for your Miami summer
At AmeriCamp, we work with over 900 camps across the United States so that you can travel across the globe, become a camp counselor at the best summer camps in the U.S. As a J-1 visa sponsor, we help you connect with camps, support you throughout your visa application process, and offer a 99% placement success rate. Our goal is to do the heavy logistical lifting, so you can focus on starting your camping adventures.
If Miami is already calling your name, you can apply now, or contact us if you have any questions. Now, let’s dive right in!
9 Fun Facts about Miami
The 305, Magic City, Gateway to the Americas–Miami is a city of multiple nicknames and an even more diverse culture that anyone would be itching to explore. But before you land at Miami International Airport, you’ll probably want to have some background info on the city, its history, and the residents’ way of life.
We’ll be going over nine fun facts about Miami, so that by the time you land, it’ll already feel like a second home:
- Miami is also known as “Magic City”
- Miami’s known for its tropical climate
- The life of the party is at Little Havana
- Miami is a hub for street art
- You’ll feel like a movie star on Ocean Drive
- You can dance to the Miami beat all night!
- Miami is known for its food truck mania
- It’s the hub for sports fanatics
- A quick drive and you’re in theme park central!
Fun Facts About Miami #1: Miami is Also Known as “Magic City”
Miami's history dates back thousands of years, with indigenous tribes such as the Tequesta and Seminole people inhabiting the area long before the arrival of European settlers.
However, the modern history of Miami began in the late 19th century when Julia Tuttle, often referred to as the "Mother of Miami," convinced railroad magnate Henry Flagler to extend his Florida East Coast Railway to the region. This request led to the founding of the city in 1896.
The nickname "Magic City" emerged during this period of explosive growth and development. The term was coined to capture the seemingly magical transformation of Miami from a remote outpost to a bustling metropolis practically overnight.
Fun Facts About Miami #2: Miami is Known for its Tropical Climate
Miami boasts a tropical climate that draws visitors year-round with its warm temperatures and sunny skies. With hot and humid summers and mild winters, the city provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and beach relaxation. Remember to pack sunscreen and swimsuits to relax on the beach and be protected from the sun!
Because of its unique climate, Miami is a getaway for lovers of the outdoors. Miami's unique location near the Everglades, the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S., offers nature enthusiasts the chance to explore diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife. It's worth noting that the city's iconic coconut palms were actually introduced in the 1920s to enhance Miami's image as a paradise destination. Now, they have become synonymous with the tropical ambiance of the city.
Fun Facts About Miami #3: The Life of the Party is at Little Havana
Nestled in the heart of Miami, Little Havana pulsates with the vibrant rhythms and rich traditions of Cuban culture. As you stroll along the colorful streets, you'll be enveloped in a lively atmosphere brimming with authentic cuisine, lively music, and infectious energy.
Calle Ocho, the main street in Little Havana, is not just a thoroughfare but also the pulsating heart of the neighborhood's cultural festivities. Each year, Calle Ocho plays host to Carnival Miami, the world's largest street party, where revelers come together to celebrate Cuban heritage with parades, music, dance, and delectable cuisine like the Cubano sandwich (invented in Miami!) and empanadas to aromatic dishes such as ropa vieja and picadillo.
If nightlife is not your scene, you can head over to Domino Park, nestled in the heart of the neighborhood. Here, you can spend time with locals to play a game of dominos and enjoy some friendly competition, lively conversation, and a shared love for this wholesome game.
Fun Facts About Miami #4: Miami is a Hub for Street Art
In the heart of Miami lies the Wynwood Arts District, an eclectic neighborhood bursting with creativity and vibrant street art. Wynwood is renowned for its graffiti art and the iconic Wynwood Walls, an outdoor art gallery showcasing larger-than-life murals and stunning street art created by both local talent and internationally acclaimed artists.
While at Wynwood, you can window shop at trendy boutiques, galleries, and creative spaces. Whether you're browsing for the perfect souvenir or seeking inspiration from local artists, Wynwood is a great district where you can spend hours roaming and viewing art from Miami’s rising talent.
Fun Facts About Miami #5: You’ll Feel Like a Moviestar on Ocean Drive
When you stroll down Ocean Drive in South Beach, you'll feel like you've stepped onto the set of a glamorous Hollywood film. The iconic boulevard has served as a backdrop for numerous movies and TV shows like Scarface and iconic 80’s series “Miami Vice,” earning it a reputation as one of the most filmed locations in Miami.
Ocean Drive is located within the Art Deco Historic District in South Beach is home to the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. Designated a National Historic Landmark, this vibrant district showcases over 800 meticulously preserved buildings dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.
The vibrant energy of the boulevard, with its bustling sidewalk cafes, chic boutiques, and gorgeous South Beach, is a perfect place to sip a cocktail at a trendy rooftop bar or spend your afternoon biking through the glamorous district.
Fun Facts About Miami #6: You can Dance to the Miami Beat All Night!
Miami's rhythm is infectious, drawing you into its vibrant music scene and inviting you to dance the night away. From the pulsating sounds of Latin music to the electrifying beats of electronic dance music (EDM), the city offers a diverse array of musical experiences that cater to every taste and preference.
Miami holds the title of being the "Salsa Capital of the World," boasting a thriving Latin music and dance scene that attracts enthusiasts from near and far. Whether you're a beginner looking to master the basics or an experienced dancer seeking to refine your skills, you can take salsa lessons and bond with locals while learning challenging moves.
If techno, trance, and house are more your style, look no further. You can bop to world-famous DJ sets at Ultra Music Festival or Miami Music Week and have an unforgettable EDM experience amidst the vibrant backdrop of Miami's iconic landmarks.
Fun Facts About Miami #7: Miami is Known for Its Food Truck Mania
Miami proudly boasts the highest number of foreign-born residents of any U.S. city, resulting in a culinary melting pot where Caribbean, Latin American, European, and Asian influences come together to create a culinary experience like no other.
During your busy day of exploring, be sure to check out food trucks sprawled throughout the city. Whether you're craving classic comfort foods or daring to try something new, Miami's food trucks deliver an unforgettable dining experience on wheels. You might be able to catch "Food Truck Invasion," a weekly gathering of food trucks featuring a wide range of international cuisines, where you can sample dishes from around the world without ever leaving the city limits.
Fun Facts About Miami #8: It’s the Hub for Sports Fanatics
Miami is a city that lives and breathes sports, with a fervent fan base that rallies behind its beloved teams. Part of the city’s identity is cheering on the Miami Heat on the basketball court, rooting for the Miami Dolphins on the gridiron, or supporting the Miami Marlins on the baseball diamond.
During your time in Miami, you can watch games from the stands at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium or soaking up the sun at Marlins Park. Or, you can sit at one of hundreds of sports bars and watch the game from large TVs, cheering them on beyond the stadiums. Sports can be a great way to bond with the Miami community, serving as a great conversation starter and helping you feel connected to the city as soon as you arrive.
You can also go to Miami Heat's home court, the American Airlines Arena, which is one of only three NBA arenas not named after a corporate sponsor. This iconic venue, located in the heart of downtown Miami, has been the backdrop for countless memorable moments in Heat history, and you can spend your evening overlooking Biscayne Bay while watching the city’s favorite athletes battle on the court.
Fun Facts About Miami #9: A Quick Drive and You’re in Theme Park Central!
Miami is only a few hours' drive from Orlando, making it the perfect base for a weekend getaway to explore iconic theme parks like Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, and more!
During your Orlando trip, you can visit the classic Cinderella Castle, roam through Diagon Alley at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, or see marine life dance at SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove. Either take the scenic drive route of Florida's Turnpike or Interstate 95, or get on a quick flight if you are short on time.
How You Can Enjoy Miami with AmeriCamp
Now that you know how to spend your time in Miami, the next step is to figure out how you’re going to get there. That’s where we come in! Most of our students want to become camp counselors because they want to explore new cities while being paid.
By being a camp counselor, you’ll be able to spend a few months really getting to know the streets of Miami, bonding with your campers, building your resume, and not having to worry about cramming your bucket list into a short trip.
How AmerCamp Helps You with the J-1 Visa
If you want to be a camp counselor in Miami, you would need an approved J-1 visa to legally work. Once your J-1 is approved, you can work and travel in the U.S. for up to four months during your summer break, so you can explore Ocean Drive and dance the night away in Little Havana.
With AmeriCamp, we simplify the J-1 visa application process into four steps:
- Get connected: After contacting us or an AmeriCamp partner, you’ll get program info and a screening interview.
- Submit your documents: After the interview, you’ll be asked to submit some required documents. Once you send all of them your application will be up for consideration.
- Match with a camp: A camp selected your application–wahoo! You’ll have an interview with the camp director, and once selected, get an acceptance letter.
- Prepare for your adventure: We aren’t going to leave you hanging. As you prepare for your summer in California, we’ll provide you the support you need before you leave for the States.
Our J-1 Camp Counselor Program also provides additional guidance and support throughout your camp experience, including:
- Guidance throughout your full application
- A minimum camp counselor salary of $2,000 for your camp placement
- Free accommodation and meals for the duration of your camp
- Comprehensive medical insurance throughout your time in the US
- 24/7 emergency assistance during your time in the STates
- Up to 30 days of travel in the US after your camp wraps up
At AmeriCamp, we want you to experience the best summer camps in the U.S. so that you can gain personal and professional growth while having the timeless summer camp adventure.
Experiences of Being a Counselor
Camp is the place where you can balance fun and work. It’s also a place where you can jumpstart your career. A former camp counselor reflected on the various ways her AmeriCamp experience allowed her to explore new cities and develop her passions:
The chance to earn up to $1850 was a huge incentive for me; I’d recently finished university and this was the perfect opportunity to head to a new country in search of something different – what I found didn’t disappoint me in the slightest.
After finishing camp, I planned a post-camp trip with some of my new friends! During my trip I visited some truly incredible cities, including Las Vegas, New York and Chicago. I was truly in awe of the landmarks that I’d grown up wishing to see; the Statue of Liberty was a personal favourite!
Camp truly is a fantastic opportunity to spend time with children. I’ve been considering applying for teacher training, so it gave me the perfect experience I needed before sending off my applications to teacher training courses.
From practical financial benefits to developing essential career skills for post-grad job opportunities, being a camp counselor is more than just a gig. In Miami, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the tropical weather and have a work experience like no other. If you want to hear more of our counselors’ stories, you can do so on our blog!
Turn Fun Facts About Miami Into Real Adventure with AmeriCamp!
AmeriCamp is dedicated to connecting potential camp counselors with summer camps that best match their skills and desired experiences. Over the years, we have linked thousands of participants from all corners of the globe to summer camps across the United States.
You can attend our Camp Fair to explore your options, which is an exclusive event where you can connect with camp representatives and discover the perfect match for your summer adventure. We have camps around the world for you to experience if you want to check out other cities beyond the Magic City.
You can also check out our FAQs if you have some questions you want answered, or contact us if you have any other concerns—we love to hear from you.
With so many things to do in Miami, what are you waiting for? Apply now and get ready for an unforgettable summer!
