The ultimate guide to Coral Gables, Florida

Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue

Miracle Mile is the iconic main street of Coral Gables. True to George Merrick's vision, they feature pedestrian-friendly sidewalks adorned with restaurants, terraces, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. At the end of Miracle Mile, you'll encounter a coral building, which is the Coral Gables City Hall, complete with a statue, of course, of George Merrick.

Coral Gables Museum

Housed in the Old Police and Fire Station, the Coral Gables Museum offers insight into the city's origins. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and numerous events for both locals and visitors.

Books and Books

Occupying the Mediterranean-style building beside the Coral Gables Museum, Books and Books is an independent bookstore that is a literary experience with curated selection of books and author events. Enjoying the courtyard with a glass of wine and live jazz music is also very typical in this venue. Right across the street is the Coral Gables Art Cinema cherished by locals for its lineup of new releases and independent films for all audiences.

Shops at Merrick Park

Shops at Merrick Park is an open air and luxurious mall with premier shops and restaurants with terraces to enjoy the nice weather. From Downtown Coral Gables, you can reach here by the historic trolley in just 10 minutes.

Granada Golf

The natural scenery around the golf course and the surrounding area, which is quiet and walkable, deserves a leisurely stroll or a good run. To refresh yourself or enjoy a cup of coffee, you can visit the Coral Gables Country Club. The building is beautiful and retains elements from its creator, obviously, Mr. Merrick.

The Venetian Pool

The site that is today the Venetian Pool was originally a quarry pit that provided the building material for many of Coral Gables’ early houses. The coral rock was also crushed and used to pave the city’s streets. Merrick decided to transform it into a pool and is fed by spring water from an underground aquifer and is refilled daily.

The Biltmore Hotel

In addition to being a luxurious hotel with an unparalleled location, it is a must-visit destination in Coral Gables. The building is infused with Italian, Moorish, and Spanish inspirations. Among its amenities, you'll find a fabulous golf course, tennis courts, a spa, and the largest hotel pool on the East Coast of the United States.
Opened on January 15, 1926, this historic hotel has hosted distinguished guests, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Al Capone and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Matheson Hammock Park and Marina

Let's call the Matheson Hammock Park and Marina the beach of Coral Gables, and indeed, it offers a lovely scenic view, in my opinion, one of the best views of Biscayne Bay. Of course, there's a restaurant built into a historic coral rock building and picnic areas. Various water sports such as kiteboarding or sailing can be enjoyed here.

Old Cutler Road

Old Cutler Road is a scenic road lined with giant sprawling banyan trees and some of the Florida’s most spectacular historic mansions. With its shades and sidewalks, it’s an ideal trail to walk, run or bike by the bike line.

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens

One of the largest of its kind in the country, this botanical garden is gorgeous, unique, and super instagrammable! I would say this botanical park is the hidden gem in this guide.

Lowe Art Museum

The Lowe Art Museum is located at the University of Miami, in Coral Gables and it’s my favorite museum in the region. Maybe because you don’t expect so many art pieces from so different styles. You can find modern and contemporary works, archaeology from Asia, Africa and Pacific, pre- Columbian, Renaissance and Baroque art.. everything in a middle-size space. The Myrna and Sheldon Palley Pavilion for Contemporary Glass and Studio Arts presents glass masterpieces that really deserves a visit.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove is a neighborhood of Miami and doesn't belong to Coral Gables, but it's so close that it's worth a visit. It's a blend of bohemian, chic, and tropical styles. Although Coconut Grove doesn't have a beach, it does have a marina where sailboats are docked, and there's a sailing club. The sea views are spectacular. There's a shopping area with trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants. Undoubtedly, the new MR C Miami Coconut Grove hotel is an ideal option to enjoy the neighbourhood and its landscapes. As a cultural visit, I would highlight The Barnacle Historic State Park.

Finding a restaurant in Coral Gables is the easiest thing to do, there are countless options and very diverse:

• Hillstone Restaurant: This is the trendiest place to enjoy an American-style meal in downtown Coral Gables. Freshly cooked sushi is also a delight.

• Zucca: Italian and high-quality dinning in the most exquisite atmosphere in downtown Coral Gables.

• Fiola: This is the sister restaurant of the Michelin-starred Washington DC flagship from the Italian chef Fabio Trabocchi. Check out the website because every day there are special offers, such as aperitivo hour, wine tastings, Sunday Jazz brunch.

• Tur Kitchen: Interesting Mediterranean-style dishes

• Grazianos in Giralda Avenue: Delicious Argentinean meat and high-end wines

To have a breakfast or brunch:

• L’artisane: Vegan and delicious!!

• Bachour: Chef Antonio Bachour is specialized in pastries and I second it!

• Madruga Bakery: The best muffins I eat in Miami.

• Chocolate Factory: Tasty French pasties. During Holidays, you can find traditional French desserts. Wide variety of chocolates.