1.Dolphins Fans Don’t Care About Their Record
Hootie and the Blowfish sing, “I am such a baby, the Dolphins make me cry.” Hootie’s not the only one crying. Year after year Dolphin fans pray for a big comeback, back to the glory days when Coach Don Shula won the most games of any other NFL coach. Thus far the prayers haven’t exactly been answered, but that doesn’t discourage the true fans. FINS UP!
2. Everyone Accepts The Three-Peat Defeat
Miami was all a buzz over the possibility of a third National Basketball Championship. It didn’t happen, but folks had fun anticipating the possibility. There’s always next year.
3. How To Let Lebron Go
LeBron James booked it back to Cleveland and into the arms of Cavalier fans, who despised him just two Miami championships ago. Now that he has returned to Cleveland, Heat fans have adopted a “don’t let the door hit you on the way out” attitude. It was good while it lasted.
4. Miami Is Kind Of Like The Sixth Borough Of New York
There are probably more New Yorkers in Miami during the winter months than there are in Manhattan. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but you get the idea.
5. If You Can’t Stand The Heat, Get Out Of The City
Miami is H-O-T. 365 days a year. And because of the humidity folks from up north believe the city is a nice place to visit, but not to live. But remember: people in Miami don’t have to shovel humidity out of the driveway.
6. But Be Sure To Keep An Umbrella In Your Car
Summer means rain. But hey, it’s South Florida. Wait a minute and the weather will change back to sunny and glorious. And the umbrellas are pretty useful on those days too.
7. Palm Trees, Palm Trees Everywhere
Florida is home to a dozen different varieties palm trees—which aren’t actually native in Miami. The city’s heat and rainy season is the perfect environment for the gorgeous palms, though. So no harm done.
8. And Some Trees Have Roots On The Outside
Banyan or Ficus trees are found in many Miami neighborhoods. Kids love them for their height and strong branches for easy climbing, and the sheer girth of the tree provides shade as branches and foliage spread widely.
9. Most Miamians Are From Somewhere Else
This is true of most of South Florida. Miami is no exception, and it might even be more obvious here. The population is made up of folk from all points north, but also people come to Miami from all over the world.
10. Menus Are Written In More Than One Language
Not necessarily at McDonalds, but plenty of mom and pop restaurants provide their menus in English and Spanish, sometimes in Creole too. No wonder, considering the city’s Caribbean Island influence.
11. Miami And Miami Beach Are Not The Same
Miami Beach is more upscale than Miami, with a lot of high rises. But both downtown Miami and Miami Beach are part of Miami-Dade County. Just don't assume they're the same.
12. Think Twice Before Downing Cuban Coffee
Delicious, but not for the faint of heart, Cuban Coffee is dark, strong and rich. But that's how fans like it. And every day at 3:05 p.m. everyone in Miami can take a mayor-mandated break to sip one.
13. Where Boat Buffs Go To Drool
If Miamiams want to see how the “other half” lives, drive along I-395 to see cruise ships on one side and mansions and yachts on the other. It's a rough life but somebody has to live it, and it is so Miami.
14. The Bahamas Are Closer To Miami Than Most Florida Cities
Seriously. The islands are so close to the Florida coast that the Bahamian people can pick up some Florida radio stations.
15. Diversity Is What Miami Is All About
Miami is one of those great American cities that allow you to experience different cultures without ever leavings. The city has a large Latino population, but is also fortunate enough to incorporate other cultures too, like Haitian, Jamaican and Bahamian.
16. Little Havana Is Where The Party’s At
The neighborhood was named after the city in Cuba, and is home to immigrants and residents from Central and South America too. Bone up on your Spanish, though, for all those dual language menus.
The neighborhood also sponsors many cultural festivals, like the Three Kings Parade.
17. And Little Haiti Is Like An Island Getaway
Little Haiti is home to Haiti’s diaspora and like Little Havana, has many cultural offerings, including the Little Haiti Cultural Center. The center features Haitian art and Caribbean music, and the outside fruit vendor is reminiscent of the island nation’s street markets. This is no tourist trap, it’s the real deal.
18. Everyone Isn’t Always On Vacation
Miami has a tourist, holiday, vacation feel, but what the rest of the world has to realize is that Miami residents are not on vacation. Sure, they definitely know how to play, but there is more to life here than fun in the sun.
19. Miami’s Marketing and Tourism Campaign Is SO Cool
It’s short and sweet and to the point. If it shines, “it is SO Miami.”
20. Miamians Are Always Prepared
Hurricane Andrew changed how Floridians and Miamians view preparing for storms, and now the city's stronger than ever. Since the 1992 hurricane windows, doors and hurricane shutters must be approved by the county.
21. Beware: Alligators Don’t Mind Miami
You are mistaken if you think alligators are subject to boundaries. In urban Miami alligators have been known to appear in the canals. The rule of thumb? Don't play in freshwater.
22. A Fish Named Billy Is Miami’s Hero
Full of antics and very cute (at 8 feet tall and 250 pounds), Billy is beloved by everyone. And do you get the joke? Billfish? Ha.
23. South Beach Is More Than Miami’s Party Central
Sure, this stretch of Miami is known for nightspots and partying. But, there is much more to this very colorful neck of the woods. South Beach is also a hub for Miami’s art, architecture, and fashion world. Take a closer look.
24. Where To Have A Short Romantic Stroll
Espanola Way is located a few blocks from South Beach, just off of Ocean Drive. It’s a quiet spot amid the bustle, and is a very charming area. It’s only about two blocks long with Spanish colonial architecture, sidewalk cafés, restaurants and attractive shops.
25. Art Deco Symbolizes Nostalgia For Miamians
Just as the Miami area has experienced a resurgence of non-natives moving there, the Art Deco architecture that defines its past is coming back too. Back in the day the Art Deco design was considered very modern. And the biggest examples have been saved from demolition, thank goodness. Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington Avenues are like a step back in time.
Feature Image Source: Visit Miami Facebook
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Miami? Tell us in the comments below! 
