In the late 19th century the area around Miami River was largely undeveloped. It was businesswoman Julia Tuttle who won the area its first major investment, encouraging Henry Flagler to bring the Florida East Coast Railroad to the region in 1896. Over the next few decades the Miami metropolitan area expanded drastically with the arrival of workers and investors keen to profit from the thriving city. The Great Depression slowed investment for a while, but Miami’s growth picked up during World War II and the postwar years.

Greater Miami isn’t as famous as the central hub of Miami Beach and Downtown, but there are still some places well worth exploring for the cool art scenes, historic sights, and great beaches.