There’s no doubt about it: the Coral Gables neighborhood is an absolute must-see when visiting the Miami area. Like other city neighborhoods, Coral Gables offers quite a number of wide-ranging attractions: from museums to stores, from natural beauty to historical monuments, from golf to yoga, not to mention the Miami beaches so close by.
But the charm of this prestigious residential neighborhood does not lie only in its tourist attractions, but also in the atmosphere that can be felt simply by walking or driving through its streets.
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How to get around in Coral Gables and how to get there
To reach Coral Gables, the nearest airport is undoubtedly Miami (2100 N-W 42nd Ave.) about 20 minutes away. As we said, the best way to visit the neighborhood is by car, since part of the charm of Coral Gables. Moreover, the best things to see are quite decentralized and distant from each other.
The Metrorail transportation system in Miami allows you to reach Miracle Mile and the surrounding areas of downtown Coral Gables in an “indirect” way, passing through the Douglas Road station to get to the Coral Gables trolley station, a very efficient and appreciated hybrid-electric transportation system for people to move around downtown and for free. Getting from the Douglas Road station to the Miracle Mile by trolley takes about 15 minutes. This air-conditioned vehicle has large windows that are ideal for not losing sight of what is going on around you.
To get around the city you can also request the freebee, a kind of large electric golf cart that seats 5 people plus the driver, open on the sides. Freebees can be used for free, leaving only a tip for the driver, and are useful for small trips. They are sponsored vehicles (which allows them to be free of charge), operating from Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm. For more general advice, read our article on how to get around Miami.
Things to see in Coral Gables
We’re southwest of downtown Miami, in Dade County: it’s thanks to the project of the brilliant developer George Merrick that we can visit Coral Gables, a delightful Mediterranean-style town full of architectural points of interest and quiet green areas for you to rest your eyes. We are ready to discover in detail why it is called “The City Beautiful”: we will do it mainly by driving along Coral Way, the main artery of this neighborhood, a “neighbor” of Little Havana: this is a beautiful street characterized by the presence of an endless row of banyan trees, which make the car trip relaxing and help to shade the cafes and restaurants that offer local specialties.
The gates
If you want to visit Coral Gables coming from the north (Little Havana) you’re best driving along SW 8th St (Calle Ocho), which is the northern border of the district: along this road you have several possibilities to reach Coral Way and all the other attractions of the center.
According to Merrick’s project, the Coral Gables area had to be radically distinguished from the rest of Miami by the exclusivity and the Mediterranean-inspired architectural style of its houses: for this reason, he decided to build several monumental gates in Andalusian and Italian styles along this street, so that the visitor would immediately have the impression of entering a place completely different from the rest of the city.
- at the intersection of 8th St. and Douglas Road, just on the corner is the Douglas Entrance, perhaps the most ambitious of those designed by Merrick (certainly the most expensive). At present, it allows access to the neighborhood through a small secondary road on the threshold of which there is a small square with a fountain.
- at the height of Granada Blvd, your attention will be captured by the Granada Entrance, a little less majestic than the previous one but curious for its vaguely Andalusian rustic look, in sharp contrast with the stores on the main street across the way.
- the northwestern entrance to Coral Gables is located at Country Club Prado (from which it takes its name), just in front of the green triangle J. Fritz and Frances Gordon Park. Of all, this is the most elegant entrance: built in Italian style, this entrance does not have a real gate, but rather looks like an avenue embellished with flowering pergolas, fountains, decorative statues, and stairways.
Historic houses and monuments of Coral Way
Much of the value of a visit to Coral Gables lies in driving your car along Coral Way and its labyrinthine crossings: it is a spectacle to pass by and walk along the so-called Banyan Line, with its suggestive sequence of banyan trees with strong aerial roots. Along Coral Way, there is a great concentration of splendid villas with gardens and Mediterranean-style houses, each one more beautiful than the next. A couple of these, however, are of particular historical importance:
- Coral Gables Merrick House: if you want to see it, go to 907 Coral Way. What looks like just one of the many houses in Coral Gables (and not even the prettiest) is actually the most important, and the original core of the entire neighborhood. It is the home of Solomon Greasley and Althea Fink Merrick, parents of George Merrick who, from 1925 onwards, designed the entire Coral Gables. The name itself comes from two architectural elements of this house: the construction material (Coral) and the gable of the upper part of the facade. The house can be visited with guided tours on the days and times listed here.
- Poinciana Place (Honeymoon Cottage): not far from the home of the Merrick family, and more precisely at number 937, there is another very beautiful and very important house, built in a rustic-Mediterranean style and embellished by a well-kept tropical garden. Here George Merrick and his wife Eunice Peacock came to live after their marriage in 1916: they affectionately called it “honeymoon cottage”. Like Merrick’s house, Poinciana Place was the stylistic-architectural matrix of many buildings in the area.
The spectacle of the Banyan Line is a real thrill that also continues in the surrounding streets, for example along Almeria Avenue and part of Old Cutler Road to Cocoplum Circle. Not to be missed is the stretch of Old Cutler where the foliage extends from both sides, “embracing” each other and creating a remarkable tunnel effect! In the shade of these extraordinary trees, Coral Gables promotes a healthy lifestyle, as evidenced by the many yoga and wellness centers that are springing up.
A little south of Coral Way, more precisely at the intersection of Seville Avenue, Granada Boulevard, and De Soto Boulevard, there is another beautiful monument that is worth visiting. In the small circular De Soto Plaza with palms and trees all around, De Soto Fountain, a fountain in neo-baroque style with floral decorations, a tall obelisk soaring from the base, and jets of water gushing from the sculptural works on all four sides, stands out. In the obelisk, there are lanterns that illuminate the area in the evening hours. The name of the fountain refers to Hernando De Soto, a Spanish explorer, and conqueror.
Venetian Pool
Close to the fountain is one of the most well-known attractions in this town: the Venetian Pool (2701 De Soto Blvd.), an outdoor public pool started by Merrick and his collaborators in 1924, carved out of a coral rock quarry and inspired by the Venetian lagoon. Here you can dive into the spring waters and be refreshed by the little waterfall.
As if the beautiful emerald color of the water were not enough, there are Spanish-style buildings with loggias and arcades to surround it, a beautiful bridge, street lamps, palm trees, bougainvillea, and two large observation towers from where you can admire the surrounding landscape.
Opening and closing times vary depending on the season and must always be checked on the official website, but fluctuate between 10 and 11 in the morning and 4.30 and 6.30 in the afternoon. At the same link, you can see what days of the year the pool is closed.
Keep in mind that there is an attendance limit. When that number is exceeded, no more access is not allowed, and children under the age of 3 and children less than 97 inches tall are not allowed in the pool. The cost of admission for adults is $15 and $10 for kids while in the peak season (June-July-August) it is $20 for adults and $15 for kids.
Biltmore Hotel
From De Soto Plaza take De Soto Boulevard: after a short time, your gaze stops on the imposing silhouette of the Biltmore Hotel designed and built by George Merrick and John McEntee Bowman. What does the central tower remind us of? But of course, the Giralda, the bell tower of Seville Cathedral! The Andalusian citation is noteworthy (certainly better than the Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami) but it is not the only reason for interest: outside, at the end of the beautiful tree-lined avenue and right in front of the entrance staircase, a rich fountain stands out, anticipating the finesse of the interior furnishings.
You don’t have to be a guest of the luxury hotel (now also a national historic landmark) to visit or take afternoon tea in the opulent Moorish-style lobby on the second floor, with arches, frescoes, marble columns, furnishings, and ceilings from the Thousand and One Nights.
You can also take a look at the incredible swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and statues in classical style, which for a short time seems to have been the largest in the world. As much as these records are irrelevant, it’s no wonder that this hotel has been frequented by celebrities and even gangsters like Al Capone.
Near the hotel, in a manicured green area at 2711 Indian Mound Trail, the portal of the Church of the Little Flower catches our eye with its exquisite decorations. The interior and stained glass windows are also worth seeing, especially the altar wall and ceiling.
A church with an even more striking facade is located right in front of the Biltmore Hotel: it is the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, noteworthy because it was the first Congregationalist church in the city of Miami. It was built in 1924 thanks to funding from Merrick’s father.
Miracle Mile
Let’s go now along the Coral Way from Merrick’s house eastwards, leaving behind the immense Granada Golf Course. In a short time, we will reach the Miracle Mile, the 2625 feet section that runs from Le Jeune Road and Douglas Road. This short piece of road, along with the surrounding streets (Aragon Ave, Salzedo St.) is the commercial heart of Coral Gables, completely different from the Coral Way we have seen so far.
We walk along the sidewalks past stores of all kinds and for all budgets, fine restaurants but also trendy and easygoing places, cafes with outdoor tables, art galleries, palm trees, and flowers. It is always advisable to pay a visit to the Coral Gables Visitor Center, located at the Coral Gables Museum (285 Aragon Ave.), operating Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.
- 280 Miracle Mile is a historic and ostentatious art deco theater, the Actors’ Playhouse, still active today with a rich program of concerts and shows.
- at the western end of Miracle Mile, we find City Hall (405 Biltmore Way), the historic three-story Mediterranean Revival-style City Hall (dated 1928) with a clock tower rising from the center and a circular Corinthian colonnade at the front. The night lighting creates a pleasant suggestion.
- as its name reveals, the Coral Gables Museum (285 Aragon Ave, just 2 avenues north of the Miracle Mile) was created to showcase the history of this small town as well as the natural environment of South Florida. The Creating the Dream exhibit area chronicles the life of George Merrick (1849-1942) and his dream come true of founding Coral Gables. The museum’s lobby is dedicated to photographic exhibits while the rooms alternate between exhibitions of various kinds. Guided or audio-guided tours are available. The building, with a style reminiscent of Moorish, was once the former police headquarters and fire station. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 12 to 5 pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and $3 for ages 6 to 12.
Museums, botanical gardens, and beaches of Coral Gables
At Miami University, art lovers can explore the Lowe Art Museum (1301 Stanford Dr.), where objects, paintings, and sculptures range from collections from around the world to Native Americans, Greek and Roman civilizations, the Renaissance, and the Baroque. Guided tours lasting 1 or 2 hours or self-guided tours are available. There is a patio ideal for picnics. Admission is $12.50 for adults 12 and older and $8 for seniors and children. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and is closed on Mondays and college holidays.
Although nature has been very generous throughout the Coral Gables area, in the southern part of the district it is even more of a protagonist, starting with the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (10901 Old Cutler Rd.) where plants from all over the world grow. In this immense space that we want to explore (at least in part), we notice many species of palms and cycads (particular trees with evergreen leaves that grow directly from the trunk) and we also encounter iguanas, washerman bears, lake turtles, and many brightly colored lizards.
Along the paths immersed in nature, you can relax on the benches. An added value is given by the presence of the butterfly house and the rainforest but, beware of the heat, because the area is very large and humid. For this reason, a streetcar is available every hour for a tour. Since 2005 the sculpture garden has exhibited works of contemporary art, for example by artists Roy Lichtenstein, Fernando Botero, and Yoko Ono. Tours are conducted daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for ages 65 and up, and $12 for ages 6 to 17 (includes streetcar).
A short distance away, we can’t miss Matheson Hammock Park & Beach (9610 Old Cutler Rd), a 2.5-square-mile park open from dawn to dusk, a paradise with warm waters and gorgeous views of downtown Miami. Hemmed in by palm trees and white sand there is a beautiful circular beach here that welcomes the warm waters of Biscayne Bay; needless to say, it’s a truly remarkable sight.
On the other side of the lagoon, part of the beach faces the marina. A bar and restaurant are located in a coral building, but picnickers will find a dedicated pavilion. The entrance fee for cars is $5 on weekends and $7 on holidays. To learn more, read our article on Miami beaches.
Where to shop
Shopping in Coral Gables is mainly along Miracle Mile or at The Village at Merrick Park (358 San Lorenzo Ave.), an open-air mall created in 2002 with stores, restaurants, cinemas, a fitness center, and a spa.
The pleasant structure of the complex is refined, embellished by a fountain and the presence of palm trees, but the stores are not cheap: there are luxury brands such as Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, La Coste, Tiffany, and Gucci. Whatever your preference for shopping, it is worth visiting and appreciating its structure.
Coral Gables Events
Several events enliven Coral Gables. In January, the free Festival of the Arts takes place (2305 Ponce De Leon Blvd.). The open-air setting hosts about 150 artists and four exhibition sections: visual arts, culinary arts, auditory arts, and musical arts. The level of works and representations is highly qualitative. We see works in oil, water, and others in clay and bronze. And like all events in the States, there is food and stalls.
At the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (10901 Old Cutler Rd.) the Chocolate Festival takes place, in January, and the name already says a lot. Chocolate tasting sessions by master chocolatiers, chef demonstrations on chocolate making, and tours to learn about the life cycle and use of the cocoa plant. Those interested can buy a plant. The event is included in the cost of the entrance ticket to the botanical garden.
In March, it’s party time during the weekend of Carnival on the Mile, a celebration along the Miracle Mile (the most famous segment of the main Coral Way highway) with vendors offering paintings and artwork, restaurants with outdoor tables, food trucks, food booths and lots of music by live local bands (including jazz); the atmosphere is one to enjoy. For three days in March, the Orchid Festival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden showcases more than 10,000 orchids that create a triumph of color, grace, and where seeds can even be bought. Access to the festival is included in the cost of your ticket to the botanical garden.
For one weekend in July, also at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, the Mango & Tropical Fruit Festival comes to life with fruit displays and sales, cooking demonstrations (including classes), live music, children’s activities, and arts and crafts products. Again, access to the event is included in the price of garden admission.
In Giralda Plaza (part of Giralda Avenue), near the Coral Gable Museum, every first Friday of the month from December to April the event Giralda Under the Stars is held and on this occasion, many restaurateurs put the tables outside of their premises to delight guests, with the accompaniment of good live music.
Places to Eat in Coral Gables
It is difficult to choose from among many restaurants and so we decide to produce a range of different types.
- Aromas del Peru (1930 Ponce De Leon Blvd.) serves Peruvian cuisine combining delicious flavors from original recipes. The atmosphere is pleasant, so much so that we feel at home. The owner is also the founder of Fundacion Aromas, a non-profit institution established to bring smiles and basic necessities to children living in poverty in Latin American countries.
- When you’re in the mood for a great burger, you won’t go wrong at BurgerFi (136 Miracle Mile). In a relaxed and casual atmosphere, the restaurant specializes in burgers made with 100% excellent Angus beef, and you can taste it. Fun fact: the name of the restaurant is on the bread.
- In a cozy indoor atmosphere or on the outdoor patio, we find a great selection of wines at Season 52 (321 Miracle Mile). Sunday brunch features fresh food, delicious flatbreads, tempting seafood dishes, and tasty salads.
- At the historic Biltmore Hotel (1200 Anastasia Ave.) we recommend the scenic Cascade. There are also tables under the colonnaded porch that overlooks the pool we mentioned. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu items include shrimp cocktail, grilled chicken wings, Caesar salad, strawberry cheesecake, and key lime pie, Florida’s signature dessert.
Places to Stay in Coral Gables
When deciding to stay overnight, it’s very likely that an icon of Coral Gables springs to mind, the luxurious Biltmore Hotel (1200 Anastasia Ave.), deep salmon-pink hue, with distinctive Mediterranean architecture, Italian, Spanish and Moorish influences scattered throughout the large estate nestled in a tropical setting. Rooms and suites have wi-fi, a mini bar, a safe, and a balcony. (Prices are quite high but deals can be found on Booking, at the link above).
Even the furnishings are influenced by Mediterranean and Moorish styles. The property has a pool, restaurants, bar, spa, stores, golf course, fitness center, and free valet parking. The restaurant rooms are incredibly refined. A cooking academy runs a variety of cooking classes for adults and teens. Transportation services to Miami airport are available with various types of vehicles: SUVs, limousines, vans, buses, and cabs.
In the heart of Coral Gables is the Hotel Colonnade (180 Aragon Ave.) with a European elegance that is also reflected in the rates, that are higher than the average for this location, more or less in line with those of the Biltmore hotel. The famous lobby has a grand staircase, a fountain, and a precious Murano glass chandelier. The rooms and suites are decorated in a modern style. The property has a restaurant, cafeteria, meeting room, gift shop, outdoor pool, and game room. The hotel is an ideal location for weddings.
Again in Mediterranean style and at medium-high prices the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables (50 Alhambra Plaza) was built to replicate the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. The lobby sports antique chandeliers, arched hallways, and floral displays. Rooms and suites are elegant and refined with use of colors such as light gray, and shades of brown and white. The hotel has free wi-fi, a fitness center, business services, a restaurant, a concierge, laundry facilities, a golf course, and a pool. The property is pet friendly.