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10 Top Things to Do in Coral Gables (2024)

Last Updated on March 5, 2024

Are you looking for the top things to do in Coral Gables? Now is a great time to experience the charming Miami community and enjoy the perfect authentic Florida adventure.

Biltmore Hotel Tower in Coral Gables Miami by Mikhail Nilov.
Photo credit: Mikhail Nilov

Coral Gables has historical gems like the Biltmore Hotel, Venetian Pool, DeSoto Plaza, Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miracle Mile, and the Coral Gables Museum.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens.
Fairchild Gardens

Miami may be a busy metropolis, but if you know where to look, you can still find enchanting neighborhoods like “The Gables” that brim with history and charm. 

Treelined Street in Coral Gables.

The Gables (what the locals call it) is an incorporated city within greater Miami, with an impressive architectural heritage and lush, tropical greenery.

Things to Do in Coral Gables

The Venetian Pool, Coral Gables.
The Coral Gables Venetian Pool, sculpted from a coral rock quarry

In case you also enjoy getting “off the beaten path,” we’ll share some insider tips about one of Miami’s prettiest destinations.

Table of Contents

    Biltmore Hotel

    Biltmore exterior
    Source: Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables


    The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is a historic luxury hotel that opened in 1926.

    Miami Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables Florida
    Source: Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables

    It’s known for its stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture, lush tropical gardens, and the iconic 315-foot (96 m) tower inspired by the Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain.

    Biltmore Pool
    Source: Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables

    The hotel has been a favorite destination for celebrities, politicians, and socialites over the years and is famous for its opulent ballrooms, championship golf course, and one of the largest hotel pools in the United States.

    Biltmore WLRN
    Source: WLRN

    The Biltmore is also a designated National Historic Landmark, reflecting its significance in American history and culture.

    Biltmore Hotel Address: 1200 Anastasia Avenue Coral Gables,FL 33134

    Coral Gables Merrick House

    From acres upon acres of untamed pine scrubland, pioneer George Merrick created a Spanish-style town in the 1920s, inspired by the City Beautiful philosophy.

    He named his creation “Coral Gables,” after the coral rock home built by his parents.

    Merrick House in Coral Gables
    George  Merrick House, photo, Zickie Allgrove

    This graceful, historic bungalow still stands on Coral Way. The Merrick House is currently under renovation and closed for tours (as of Spring 2016), but you can still drive over to take a look. 

    It’s worth parking at the parking lot to the rear of the property so you can appreciate the garden and snap a few photos of the elegant canopy of oak trees lining the street.

    Merrick House Address: 907 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134

    Granada Boulevard

    Now you will want to head north on Granada Boulevard for a drive past houses and mansions, many of them constructed in a Mediterranean style with red tile roofs.

    Plaza in DeSoto.
    Source: Zickie Allgrove 

    Where Granada intersects DeSoto Boulevard is another photogenic spot called DeSoto Plaza, with its distinctive pillar and fountain. You may glimpse the Biltmore Hotel’s distinctive tower in the distance.

    Continue for a few blocks until you reach a real piece of old Miami: Burger Bob’s.

    Granada Address: 2799 Granada Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134

    Coral Gables Museum

    After your meal, you can head over to downtown. You will find Aragon Avenue and the Coral Gables Museum just one block off Miracle Mile.

    The building once housed the city’s police and fire station. Walk around the exterior and see the handsome, art deco-carved statues.

    Coral Gables Museum building exterior.
    Source: Zickie Allgrove

    The museum’s thoughtful exhibitions detail the city’s heritage, including its architecture and George Merrick himself.

    It’s also worth popping into the gift shop with its jewelry, gifts, and books collection.

    Coral Gables Museum Address:  285 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

    Books & Books

    Exterior of the Books & Books store.
    Miami’s most famous bookstore, Books & Books, photo, Laura Albritton

    Speaking of books, steps away from the Coral Gables Museum, there’s Books & Books, Miami’s most famous bookstore, housed in a Spanish-style building with a courtyard.

    Whether you’re searching for a guidebook, novel, or biography, this local institution has a fresh, well-curated selection.

    Books & Books Address: 265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

    Miracle Mile

    Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.
    Source: Laura Albritton

    Now it’s time to wander one block south to Miracle Mile, a historic shopping strip with boutiques, bridal stores, jewelers, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

    Sign that reads Leica.

    Shutterbugs, stop in the tempting Leica Store; if you need a chic swimsuit for the beach, check out the fashionable shop Curves N’ Waves.

    Road sign that reads Miracle Mile and other sign reading Ponce DeLeon.
    Source: Laura Albritton

    At the western end of Miracle Mile at Lejeune Road, you’ll spot the grand Coral Gables City Hall and a larger-than-life statue of founder George Merrick himself.

    University of Miami

    Another one of Merrick’s ambitious dreams was the University of Miami. In fact, he donated land and buildings in Coral Gables to the fledgling institution.

    Exterior of Love Museum.
    Source: Laura Albritton

    After driving about 10 minutes from Miracle Mile, you will reach the university entrance at Stanford Drive, with its graceful alley of Royal Palms. Here you can look at the campus and explore UM’s Lowe Art Museum.

    This accessibly-sized museum features changing exhibitions and a permanent collection of works from ancient Greece, Africa, and Asia, along with stunning medieval and baroque European pieces.

    University of Miami Address: 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146

    Venetian Pool

    The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is considered one of the true gems of Florida. This pool is filled with spring water from an underground aquifer.

    Venetian Pool in Coral Gables Florida.

    This beautiful attraction features two waterfalls and cave-like grottos. This gives visitors to the Venetian Pool a unique experience they are sure to brag about for years.

    Venetian Pool Address: 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134

    Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

    Glass art in Fairchild Tropical Garden.
    Source: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

    Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden allows you to step away from the busyness of the city. Immerse yourself in the fresh garden experience in Coral Gables’ heart.

    Sibley Victoria Pool in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
    Source: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

    Walk through luxurious gardens, buy a plant to take home, or enjoy one of their many events. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden allows visitors of all ages to connect with nature in extraordinary ways.

    Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Address: Coral Gables, FL 33156

    Actor’s Playhouse

    My final “insider” recommendation for Coral Gables is to see what’s playing back on Miracle Mile at the Actor’s Playhouse in the historic Miracle Theater. This art deco gem of a theater has been renovated.

    It now stages musicals like West Side Story and various plays. It’s a good idea to look at their website in advance, and if the evening show sounds appealing, you can buy tickets online.

    Miracle Theater exterior in Coral Gables.
    Historic Miracle Theatre, photo, Phillip Pessar, Flickr

    Consider also making reservations for a pre-theater dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, such as Bulla Gastropub, a happening place with a fresh take on Spanish cuisine.

    Enjoying some theater and savoring a wonderful meal allows you to feel like a real local and to round out a delightful exploration of Coral Gables’ history, culture, and cuisine.

    Actor’s Playhouse Address: 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134

    Laura Albritton is the author of five books on South Florida history and travel, including Historic Lighthouses of the Florida Keys, Hidden History of the Florida Keys, and the guidebook Miami for Families. (Main photo credit:  Zickie Allgrove)

    Historic Lighthouses of the Florida Keys
    Photo of George Merrick Son of the South Wind
    For more info, read: George Merrick, Son of the South Wind

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