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.
Coral Gables has historical gems like the Biltmore Hotel, Venetian Pool, DeSoto Plaza, Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miracle Mile, and the Coral Gables Museum.
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.
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
In case you also enjoy getting “off the beaten path,” we’ll share some insider tips about one of Miami’s prettiest destinations.
Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is a historic luxury hotel that opened in 1926.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Shutterbugs, stop in the tempting Leica Store; if you need a chic swimsuit for the beach, check out the fashionable shop Curves N’ Waves.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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)
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