Coral Gables is a city located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, with a population of about 50,000 inhabitants. It is a suburban community known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, tree-lined streets, and lush parks and gardens.
The city was designed by renowned city planner George Merrick in the 1920s and is home to many historic landmarks, such as the Biltmore Hotel and Venetian Pool.
It is also known for its high-end stores, restaurants, and cultural attractions, such as the Lowe Art Museum and the Actors’ Playhouse. It is a popular residential area for families and professionals, recognized for providing a high quality of life and safety.
Here are the top 10 things you can do in Coral Gables.
1. Miracle Mile
Miracle Mile is a shopping and dining district located in the heart of the exclusive Coral Gables neighborhood. It is one of Miami’s most dynamic and eclectic areas, offering a diverse mix of dining options, luxury boutiques, antique stores, jewelry stores, fine restaurants, and cultural attractions.
This popular tree-lined street is lined with colorful Mediterranean-style buildings, creating a charming atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors. Some of the popular restaurants and stores located along Miracle Mile include La Carreta, Books & Books, Coral Gables Art Cinema, and many others.
Miracle Mile is certainly a great place to spend a day exploring, shopping, and eating some delicious food, as it is considered to be one of the most beautiful shopping areas in Miami.
- Location: Coral Gables, Florida, 33134.
2. Lowe Art Museum
The Lowe Art Museum, founded in 1950, is a non-profit museum famous for its collections of Baroque, Renaissance, American, Native American, and Asian art, and is part of the University of Miami.
Its permanent collection houses more than 18,000 works representing different cultures and periods, including productions from ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as diverse pieces such as sculptures, ceramics, photographs, and textiles.
Besides appreciating the breathtaking artworks, the museum has much more in store for you. Starting with multiple workshops and classes designed for all ages, where participants can learn about different artistic techniques, including drawing, painting, or engraving.
On top of that, there are guided tours, conferences, and concerts, you can take home a book, or buy a special gift for a loved one in their unique gift store.
- Location: 1301 Stanford Dr, Miami, FL 33146.
3. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
The Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is an authentic tropical paradise of approximately 33 hectares, filled with diverse species of exotic plants from all over the world.
It was founded in 1938 and is one of the largest tropical botanical gardens in the world. It features a lush tropical rainforest, a palm garden, a mangrove swamp, and a conifer garden, among other outstanding spaces.
Visitors can explore the garden through guided walking tours and trolley tours. They can also join educational programs and workshops that include gardening classes and bird watching.
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is a popular destination for nature lovers, offering a variety of events and exhibits throughout the year, including Art in the Garden, Orchid Festival, and International Mango Festival.
- Location: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156.
4. Old Cutler Road
Old Cutler Road is a historic road that is approximately 42 kilometers long and stretches from Biscayne Bay to the Deering Estate.
It is widely known for its scenic views and tree-lined streets, as well as the historic homes and numerous monuments. Some of the noteworthy attractions along Old Cutler Road include the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, Matheson Hammock Park, and the Coral Gables Country Club.
This road offers a quiet escape from the busy city life and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. Along the way, you’ll find several parks, museums, and historical monuments to explore, including Matheson Hammock Park, Deering Estate, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Overall, Old Cutler Road is a beautiful and peaceful place that offers a glimpse into the history and natural beauty of Coral Gables.
5. Venetian Pool
The Venetian Pool is a large historic pool that opened in 1924, it has a Mediterranean style and was carved out of a rock quarry.
This pool, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, has a variety of spaces suitable for various water activities, including waterfalls, bridge crossings, and underwater caves, which are filled with spring water every day.
Besides the main swimming area, the Venetian Pool features a shallow splash area and a diving board. The lush tropical gardens and Mediterranean-style architecture surrounding the pool add to its appeal and make it a popular destination for locals and tourists.
Sunbathing on the spacious terrace is a popular activity for visitors, especially on a hot summer day .
- Location: 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
6. Matheson Hammock Park
Matheson Hammock Park is a popular park that offers a variety of recreational activities and scenic views for visitors to enjoy.
It features an artificial beach, picnic areas, a marina, a fishing pier, activities such as bird watching, boating, hiking, and a large natural area with hammocks where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The park also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including concerts, art fairs, and food festivals. Matheson Hammock Park offers a serene atmosphere, breathtaking views, and tons of recreational activities. If you want to spend a magical day with your friends or family at this outdoor paradise, this is a must-visit destination.
- Location: 9610 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156.
7. Village of Merrick Park
The Village of Merrick Park is a shopping center located in the heart of Coral Gables, just minutes away from Miami International Airport. It is known for its elegant European-style architecture.
The mall is home to more than 50 retail stores such as Neiman Marcus, Cartier, and Gucci, with thousands of shopping options and fancy restaurants, including Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel, and Williams-Sonoma, resulting in a popular destination for shopping, dining and relaxation.
It also features beautiful outdoor spaces with lush gardens, fountains, and areas to sit and contemplate the beautiful green spaces.
- Location: 358 San Lorenzo Ave #2140, Coral Gables, FL 33146.
8. Actor’s Playhouse
Actor’s Playhouse is a non-profit regional theater founded in 1984 and since then, it has witnessed the birth of a variety of high-quality theatrical productions.
The theater is dedicated to showcasing the talents of local actors and artists, producing shows for audiences of all ages. Some of its most popular productions include “Avenue Q,” “The 39 Steps” and “In the Heights.”
The theater also offers a wide range of activities for children and adults, including educational programs, acting classes, workshops, and summer camps.
- Location: 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
9. Coral Gables Museum
The Coral Gables Museum, founded in 1984, is a museum housed in a beautiful Mediterranean-style building built in the 1920s, which serves as a center for the study of the city’s cultural, social, and architectural history.
It features a variety of collections, including photographs, artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of the city’s past and its evolution over time.
Visitors can learn about the history of Coral Gables, the development of its unique Mediterranean-style architecture, and its gradual growth into one of Miami’s most iconic neighborhoods.
All in all, this museum is a wonderful place to delve into the history of Coral Gables and is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and cultural heritage of South Florida.
- Location: 285 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
10. Deering Estate
The Deering Estate is a historic 17-acre property of coastal rainforest, pine forest, and mangrove wetlands located on the shores of Biscayne Bay. Today, this area is a cultural and environmental preserve that offers visitors educational programs, environmental research, and recreational options.
The Estate has several historic structures, including the Main House, the Stone House, and several outbuildings. The main house is a Mediterranean Renaissance-style mansion, while the stone house is a rustic-style building made of coral rock, used as a guest house and corporate event center.
Visitors can take guided tours of these areas and the surrounding grounds to learn about the history of the property and the local environment. In addition, the property also offers trails for hiking, bird watching, kayaking, fishing, and paddle boarding in Biscayne Bay.
- Location: 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33157.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions tourists have about activities in Coral Gables.
What places should I visit in Coral Gables?
The most outstanding tourist attractions to visit in Coral Gables are:
- Venetian Pool.
- Coral Gables Museum.
- Miracle Mile.
- Actor’s Playhouse.
- Merrick Park.
What can I do in Coral Gables for free?
The places you can visit for free in Coral Gables are:
- Village of Merrick Park.
- Church of the Little Flower.
- Old Cutler Trail.
- Alhambra Water Tower.
We hope you enjoyed touring this charming destination full of history, culture, and natural beauty. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this place, don’t miss it. Thanks for joining us on this trip!
