Top 15 Attractions in Coral Gables, Florida

Summary

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Venetian Pool
Coral Gables Museum
Old Cutler Trail
Miracle Mile
Coral Gables Art Cinema
Matheson Hammock Park
The Shops at Merrick Park
Coral Gables City Hall
Lowe Art Museum
Coral Gables Merrick House
Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
Books & Books
Biltmore Hotel
Deering Estate

A few miles west of downtown Miami, the affluent Coral Gables has been referred to as The City Beautiful. I concur, as this is one of the most stunning cities in America.

This can be attributed to the real estate developer George E. Merrick (1886-1942). During the 1920s, he meticulously designed Coral Gables from the ground up.

Almost every building showcases the Mediterranean Revival style of that era, constructed from light local limestone known as coral rock.

The thoroughfares are adorned with mature banyan trees and live oaks, complemented by numerous cultural and botanical attractions to engage visitors for days.

1. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

You can combine a visit to this enchanting botanical garden with the adjacent Matheson Hammock Park, which is discussed below.

The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden was established in 1938 by Robert H. Montgomery (1872–1953), a businessman and amateur plant collector. He named the garden in honor of his friend, the distinguished plant explorer David Fairchild (1869–1954).

Fairchild collected many of the thousands of specimens that are now showcased in the garden, including a remarkable African baobab tree.

This venue warrants hours of exploration. However, if your time is limited, I suggest visiting the two-acre stand of tropical rainforest and the exceptional butterfly house.

Known as Wings of the Tropics, this 25,000 square foot enclosure features butterflies from four different continents that fly freely and rest at designated feeding stations.

2. Venetian Pool

The most beautiful swimming pool in the world awaits in Coral Gables. Having admired the Venetian Pool firsthand, I find it hard to contest that statement.

This remarkable aquatic facility opened in 1924, occupying a former quarry that provided much of the coral rock for the development of Coral Gables.

The pool was designed by the city architect, Phineas Paist, and features Italian Renaissance architecture inspired by Venetian townhouses.

With a capacity of 820,000 gallons, this freshwater pool is replenished daily with spring water from an underground aquifer. Surrounding the pool are charming grottos and waterfalls.

3. Coral Gables Museum

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The local history museum of Coral Gables is located in the city’s former Police and Fire Station, built from coral rock.

This notable landmark was completed in 1936 and was designed by Phineas Paist, one of the city’s original architects.

Thus, it serves as a fitting venue to explore the narrative of this distinctive city. Exhibits encompass themes such as architecture, urban design, planning, and historic preservation.

I appreciated the detailed presentation of George Merrick’s vision, along with the art exhibition featuring Jesús Rafael Soto and Carlos Cruz-Diez.

Additionally, the museum offers guided bicycle and walking tours, illuminating the unique cityscape of Coral Gables.

4. Old Cutler Trail

Coral Gables is positioned at the northeastern end of an off-grid planned roadway meandering along the South Florida coastline, traversing some of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the Miami area.

The Old Cutler Road was mapped out in the late 19th century, with approximately 11 miles traversed by a paved multi-use trail.

This path connects several sites mentioned in this article, including Fairchild Tropical Garden and Matheson Hammock Park.

What I appreciated the most were the majestic banyan and ficus trees, some of which date back centuries, creating bumps in the path with their roots.

At its southern terminus, the Cutler Trail links to the popular Biscayne Trail, further extending its length by three miles.

5. Miracle Mile

This half-mile commercial avenue was the central component of Merrick’s vision for Coral Gables’ downtown area.

Indeed, during the 1920s, each commercial enterprise in the district was within a two-block radius of Miracle Mile.

More than a century later, this artery continues to serve as the hub for dining, commerce, leisure, and local governance in Coral Gables.

One notable building to explore is the Colonnade Building (1926) located at 133-169, which showcases a blend of Baroque and Spanish Colonial architecture.

In the 2010s, Miracle Mile underwent renovations, featuring expanded sidewalks and additional greenery with a central row of palm trees.

6. Coral Gables Art Cinema

Opposite Books & Books and the Coral Gables Museum, there exists a destination for true cinema aficionados.

The Coral Gables Art Cinema is a boutique theater, seating 141, that specializes in independent, international, and classic films.

This venue was inaugurated in 2010 and features a 28’x12’ screen, 4K digital projection, reel-to-reel 35mm, and 3D capabilities.

Notably, this is the only site in South Florida equipped with 70mm projectors, enabling regular screenings of significant Hollywood releases in this format. Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023) was featured during my visit.

7. Matheson Hammock Park

This unique bayside park has been a cherished destination for local families for generations. Matheson Hammock Park was established in 1930 and is renowned for its man-made atoll pool.

Bordered by a palm-lined sandy beach on its north side, this saltwater pool rises and falls with the tide on Biscayne Bay, providing a tranquil swimming environment devoid of waves.

The waters are safe and pleasantly warm, and there exists a restaurant and snack bar within a historic coral rock building constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

On breezier days, one can witness kite-boarders displaying their skills, while a sailing and boating school is also located in the park.

8. The Shops at Merrick Park

Featuring brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Boss, The Shops at Merrick Park serves as a premier destination for luxury shopping.

Inaugurated in 2002, this classic lifestyle center spans two levels and is enhanced by landscaping, water features, and ample shade.

For dining, one can choose from 11 sit-down restaurants, offering seafood, steak, pub fare, or French-style crepes.

Moreover, the Landmark at Merrick Park movie theater provides a luxurious experience, equipped with a full bar, cozy leather recliners, laser projection, oversized screens, and Dolby 7.1 sound.

9. Coral Gables City Hall

I have reserved an entry for a key aspect of Merrick’s blueprint for Coral Gables, located at the western end of Miracle Mile. Indeed, City Hall is among the most aesthetically pleasing civic buildings in the United States.

This three-story building continues to serve as the local administrative hub and was designed by Phineas Paist in the typical Mediterranean Revival style of the city.

The most distinguishing features include the three-stage clock tower and the imposing Corinthian colonnade encircling the second story on the northern side.

Should you have the opportunity to enter, be sure to view the mural by Denman Fink (1880-1956) depicting the four seasons.

10. Lowe Art Museum

The University of Miami’s art museum boasts significant collections, encompassing nearly 20,000 items.

This was the inaugural art museum in South Florida when it was established in 1952 and remains one of the largest and most frequented art destinations in the state.

The Lowe Art Museum’s collection spans 5,000 years and covers numerous artistic movements, showcasing Italian Baroque painting, 19th-century American Art, Greco-Roman Antiquities, and French Impressionism.

The temporary exhibitions typically feature contemporary art. On my recent visit, I encountered a captivating selection of works from the Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation’s collection, and I was particularly taken by Sandra Ramos’s kaleidoscopic Entropydoscopes.

11. Coral Gables Merrick House

At 907 Coral Way, you can explore the childhood residence of the planner and builder of Coral Gables.

George E. Merrick relocated to this address with his father, Solomon, in 1899. At that time, a simple wooden cottage was present, which was subsequently expanded in 1903 and again in 1910.

The Merrick House was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and has been restored to its appearance from the 1920s. During my recent visit, I was pleased by the intimate atmosphere.

The 14 rooms are adorned with art, furniture, and personal belongings belonging to the Merrick family, which provided me with valuable insights into George as an individual.

The grounds are equally delightful, featuring a heritage garden, a lily pond, and a stunning old grotto.

Guided tours are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic docents.

12. Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre

Among the many exquisite buildings along Miracle Mile is a Streamline Moderne theater that was inaugurated in 1948.

After closing as a cinema, the Miracle Theatre began its new chapter in 1995, transforming into the venue for the Actors’ Playhouse.

This nonprofit professional organization has produced hundreds of mainstage and children’s theater productions, garnering numerous Carbonell Awards for artistic excellence.

Each season, there are up to six mainstage performances, including a variety of Broadway musicals, comedies, and dramas.

I attended a recent one-woman show, Defending the Cavewoman, which was thoroughly entertaining.

13. Books & Books

At 265 Aragon Ave, one can discover an old-fashioned bookstore such as this and lose track of time for hours.

Founded in 1982, Books & Books ranks among the best independent bookstores in the nation.

This destination attracts those seeking a good beach read or simply wishing to browse its eclectic collection of classic and contemporary literature across various genres.

The store enjoys a stellar reputation for its impressive selection in fields such as architecture, art, and photography. Therefore, it is ideally suited to Coral Gables.

The store features an on-site café and frequently hosts community activities and programs, including guest speakers, poetry readings, book launches, and ‘meet the author’ events.

14. Biltmore Hotel

For those willing to indulge, it is recommended to stay at this luxurious hotel, designated as a National Historic Landmark.

The Biltmore Hotel was Florida’s tallest structure upon its opening in 1926. The centerpiece, soaring over Anastasia Ave, is the 315 ft tower, inspired by La Giralda in Seville.

During its prime, this was Florida’s premier destination, hosting fashion shows and aquatic galas in its vast pool, with illustrious guests including FDR, Judy Garland, and Al Capone.

Then came WWII, leading to 40 years of decline, until the resort finally reopened in its original glory in 1987.

You may have recognized this Jazz Age icon in films and television shows such as Bad Boys and Miami Vice. Among its amenities are an 18-hole Donald Ross golf course and the largest hotel pool on the Atlantic coast.

15. Deering Estate

My suggestion for a day of exploration is to visit the Florida residence of the Chicago industrialist Charles Deering (1852-1927), situated on over 400 acres along the Miami coast.

Deering was a pioneering environmentalist, conservationist, and art enthusiast, resulting in multiple attractions within the estate.

You can explore his Mediterranean Revival mansion, constructed in 1922, as well as the smaller Richmond Cottage (1900).

Moreover, the grounds are exquisite, containing the largest stand of old-growth tropical hardwood hammock on the continental United States.

The estate’s two residences are accessible for self-guided audio tours, while an expert naturalist provides a daily guided tour of the grounds.

A lasting memory for me was witnessing a group of manatees grazing on seagrass in the shallows.

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