Summary
This small city is located at the intersection of two of Miami’s most renowned roads. The north side of West Miami is bordered by the Tamiami Trail, which traversed the Everglades in the 1920s.
Running down the east side is Red Road, which defined the western boundary with Coral Gables during the same decade.
Remarkably, many of Coral Gables’ most iconic landmarks are mere moments from West Miami. Notably, the exquisite Venetian Pool is an experience that everyone should partake in at least once.
There is a continuous line of stores and dining establishments along both Tamiami Trail and Red Road, featuring a distinctive concentration of jewelry shops. Culinary experiences in West Miami are as vibrant as anticipated, and I will highlight a few cherished Peruvian and Cuban restaurants in this list.
1. Tamiami Trail
Completed in 1928, Tamiami Trail (US 41) is one of the region’s most notable thoroughfares, running along the northern edge of West Miami. By remaining on the Tamiami Trail, one could travel all the way to Tampa without making any diversions.
It is perhaps unsurprising that the construction of Tamiami Trail proved to be a significant challenge. The lengthy section crossing the Everglades took 13 years, utilized over 2.5 million sticks of dynamite, and incurred a cost of $8 million—equivalent to approximately $110 million today.
Consequently, the segment of Tamiami Trail in West Miami serves as a commercial corridor, lined with numerous jewelry stores (I noted ten), alongside retailers of home furnishings, electronics, religious items, literature, and fashion.
Interspersed among these are a wide variety of dining options, including tapas, Cuban and Peruvian cuisine, as well as an array of chain restaurants at Trail Plaza, located west of the city limits.
2. Red Road
While the interior of West Miami consists of a quiet grid of residential streets, the city is framed by several of Miami’s most vital arteries.
North to south, the city’s eastern boundary features Red Road (West 57th Avenue), which extends for over 20 miles through Miami-Dade County.
Throughout this thoroughfare, there exists a plethora of local enterprises, ranging from dining venues to independent shops, martial arts studios, and a Publix grocery store.
The Red Road segment in West Miami is an excellent destination for culinary delights. My visit revealed several Italian restaurants, along with a sushi bar and two Cuban establishments.
3. Coral Gables
West Miami borders what many consider the most picturesque city in South Florida. Coral Gables is a meticulously planned community, established in its entirety during the 1920s.
This design has imparted a consistent aesthetic throughout the city, characterized by hundreds of buildings crafted in the Mediterranean Revival style. Many edifices were constructed from locally sourced coral rock, with one former quarry transformed into a magnificent pool complex.
If architectural exploration interests you, a walking tour of Coral Gables’ numerous nationally recognized historical landmarks is highly recommended. One such landmark, the historic police and fire station, accommodates a museum that elucidates the city’s origins.
In this exquisite urban landscape, visitors can enjoy exceptional shopping and dining along Miracle Mile, alongside botanical gardens, various museums, entertainment venues, and the splendid Biltmore Hotel—a central feature of the original 1920s vision.
4. A.D. (Doug) Barnes Park
Given the city’s size, it is natural that West Miami’s parks are relatively small; however, I discovered a large one located less than five minutes to the southwest.
Spanning over 60 acres, A.D. (Doug) Barnes Park is intersected in the north by the Coral Gables Canal. The standout feature of this park is undoubtedly a 15-acre pine rockland habitat, which is quite unique for the Miami area. Visitors can explore this habitat and its towering pines via a dedicated nature trail.
The park’s active recreational facilities are positioned further south and include fitness zones, basketball courts, and a public pool, the latter of which was undergoing renovations during my visit.
5. Venetian Pool
In the 1920s, much of the construction material for Coral Gables originated from a public swimming pool. In my opinion, the Venetian Pool ranks as a must-see destination in the Miami area.
Covering four acres, it is the largest freshwater pool in the United States, replenished daily with over 800,000 gallons of water sourced from artesian wells.
This alone makes the Venetian Pool extraordinary, but its opulent Venetian-inspired architecture, caves, waterfalls, and swaying palms elevate the experience.
There are areas suitable for younger children, including a shallow section for splashing and a sandy beach area, as well as food concessions.
6. Cooper Park
Situated just off Red Road, you will find West Miami’s community park, Cooper Park. There is much to appreciate about Cooper Park, but I was particularly drawn to the eastern end behind the war memorial.
In contrast to the open layout of the remainder of the park, this area features a cool, shaded hammock, providing an ideal setting for the park’s playground.
The paved trails lead from this area to a large gazebo and another densely wooded section on the northern side containing picnic tables. Along the trails, exercise equipment is available, as well as a sandlot for children, equipped with swings and climbable structures.
7. J. Fritz and Frances Gordon Park
On the northeast corner of West Miami, you will discover a distinguished park designed in the 1920s to serve as an entrance to Coral Gables.
J. Fritz and Frances Gordon Park is situated at the northern tip of Country Club Prado, featuring two lanes flanking a central green median, stretching southward for approximately a mile.
The park, designed by Denman Fink—who is also responsible for the entrances of Coral Gables, City Hall, and the Venetian Pool—exhibits grand theatrical elements.
This includes pairs of walkways beneath pergolas, majestic gateway arches, and a fountain alongside a reflecting pool.
The picturesque rows of live oaks here and the expansive view along Country Club Prado are particularly delightful.
8. Tropical Park
Another captivating urban park situated a few minutes from West Miami is the 275-acre Tropical Park. What captivates me about this site is the breadth of activities occurring throughout the year.
During my stay, there was a Christmas Wonderland—a sprawling carnival featuring rides, performances, enchanting light displays, and delicious fair food. However, if you visit Tropical Park on any given Friday, you can enjoy a remarkable food truck rally called Food Trucks Fridays Fiesta.
Among its permanent facilities, the standout is the Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center, hosting numerous events each year. Additionally, the park features amenities for baseball, tennis, soccer, basketball, and racquetball, along with bike rentals.
9. El Palacio de los Jugos
A recognized fixture in the Miami culinary scene, this chain of Cuban eateries has been in operation since 1977. The original establishment, located on Flagler, is merely a couple of minutes north along Red Road, with another branch southwest of the city on Coral Way.
El Palacio De los Jugos is unmistakable with its vibrant red and yellow striped awnings, specializing in traditional Cuban comfort food.
Menu highlights include chicharrones, ropa vieja, tamales, arroz congri, arroz moro, and a variety of substantial sandwiches. Consistent with the restaurant’s name, there is also a diverse selection of tropical juices available, ranging from pineapple to mango.
10. Aromas Del Perú
Source: 1000Photography / shutterstock
Another local chain reflecting modern Miami’s culinary landscape is Aromas Del Perú. Founded by the enterprising chef Marita Astete in 2003, this venue showcases Peruvian classics in a contemporary atmosphere.
Ceviche is prominently featured on the menu and is a dish that every newcomer should savor. Additionally, the selection of sushi maki rolls, signature seafood paella (Arroz con Marisco), and hearty churrasco with homemade chimichurri are highly recommended.
To accompany your meal, opting for the festive and fruity sangria is a must. The establishment operates daily from 11:30 until late and provides valet parking.
11. Church of the Little Flower
In harmony with Coral Gables’ Mediterranean Revival architecture, this remarkable Spanish Renaissance church dates back to 1951.
The Roman Catholic congregation has its roots in 1926, and the original church remains as Comber Hall (1928), situated adjacent to the current structure.
The Church of the Little Flower has garnered notable parishioners, including senator Marco Rubio, who married Jeanette Dousdebes here, while his 2016 presidential rival Jeb Bush is known to attend services regularly.
The church is distinguished by its stunning dome and vibrant stained glass windows crafted by artist William Haley. Additionally, there are beautiful statuary pieces, depicting Jesus and the patron St. Therese of Lisieux, among others.
12. City of West Miami Recreation Center
With a multitude of indoor and outdoor amenities, West Miami offers an active recreation facility that one might expect from a larger city.
Facilities include two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a baseball field, a racquetball court, and a batting cage, all equipped with lighting.
Moreover, there is a children’s playground, a one-wall court for tennis practice, and a weight training room containing eight stations alongside free weights. The main building provides options for games such as air hockey and foosball, as well as a large-screen TV.
The recreation center hosts a variety of seasonal public events; during my visit, the entire facility was adorned for a Halloween carnival.
13. Granada Golf Course
Source: Phillip Pessar / Flickr
As part of Coral Gables’ original design, this nearby municipal golf course has welcomed players since 1923. Situated on a slender plot of land that meanders through the city, this nine-hole par-36 was designed by the esteemed course architect, Donald Ross.
In my opinion, Granada Golf Course is the finest 9-hole course in the Miami area, particularly for beginners. The straightforward layout offers excellent conditions amid beautiful palms and banyan trees.
The only drawback is its proximity to neighboring residential streets, necessitating a conservative approach when playing near the course’s edges.
14. Alhambra Water Tower
Another symbol of the area’s rapid growth in the 1920s is this impressive water tower, constructed in 1923.
Resembling a Spanish Mudéjar lighthouse, the Alhambra Water Tower is attributed to Denman Fink, who was instrumental in defining Coral Gables’ distinctive landscape.
This structure served its original function until 1931, and despite plans to demolish it in the 1950s following public protests, it was preserved.
A fantastic photo opportunity, the tower is situated within gardens just east of Country Club Prado. A slight detour to find this exquisite landmark is recommended before resuming your journey along Red Road.
15. White Rose Coffee
Source: White Rose Coffee / Facebook
Further east on Tamiami Trail, a remarkable local coffee shop coexists with a tattoo studio.
In a relatively short time, it has garnered a devoted clientele. Alongside an extensive assortment of hot and cold coffee, they offer freshly baked goods delivered daily from local bakeries. Items such as cold brew, iced Americano, and Cuban-style espresso are particularly popular.
The shop’s subtle alternative aesthetics, art displays, comfortable atmosphere, reasonable pricing, and attentive staff are commendable. White Rose also provides complimentary Wi-Fi, making it a preferred location for students and remote workers.
