Are you in for an adventure in the most historical places in South Florida? Then, Coral Gables is an excellent option. Coral Gables is one of the most explorable and historical places to visit in Miami Dade county, in the country of South Florida.
Coral Gables is endowed with many fun attractions which draw in individuals from different parts of the world. This city is known for its beautiful mansions, tree-lined lakes, tropical rainforest, and exciting views from centuries ago.
Coral Gables offers incredible restaurant options, waterfront views, lush greenery, expensive hotels, and urban and suburban options. It has a beautiful butterfly display, coffee shops, museums, parks, sidewalk cafes, Florida oaks, treasures in artistic style, and a lot more.
It is one of the best places you won’t want to leave because it is naturally and creatively beautified.
Here are the 17 Best Things to do in Coral Gables, Florida
There are so many exciting things to do in Coral Gables and beautiful places in this city. Luckily, we’ve written all you need to know about the top places to visit when you make a trip here and the thrilling activities you can do here.
1. Visit the Coral Gables Merrick House
Coral Gables Merrick house, also known as Merrick Manor, is historic. It is one of the oldest places in South Florida, and it has been listed on the National Register of Historic places since 13th April 1973.
Merrick house is widely known for the family’s legacy and historical landmarks. It was constructed in 1906 by Althea Fink Merrick and served as a residence for the family of the Merricks. However, George Merrick founded and reconstructed the city of Coral Gables in 1925, giving it worldwide recognition.
A visit to the Merrick house is an exciting one! The Merrick house has many historic antique paintings, art, books, photographs, handicrafts, and much more. It receives visitors from different locations only twice a week to behold its beauty and creativity. Dedicated and able docents lead these tours.
Address: 907 Coral Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States.
2. Explore the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Fairchild Tropical botanic garden is one of the fantastic places to visit in Coral Gables. It has lovely flowering trees, tropical fruits, species, vibes, aroids, and many more! The botanic garden has the most extensive Palm collection in the United States, with over 600 species, and it’s officially recognized as the U.S. National palm collection.
It has natural communities such as Keys coastal habitat, Pine Rocklands, and Bahama collection. The most important part of the garden is the center for plant conservation, working with consortium botanical gardens, conserving and preserving plants.
Moreover, the garden has Museums, a laboratory on-site, and a study site. Most times, the staff in the garden organizes moral and educational exercises. These exercises aim to teach and expose children to nature and its intent. They teach topics like ecology, botany, and the essence of plant preservation.
It has a lot of incredible things to offer. You can also stroll into this beautiful garden to feel its beauty. Exploring this beautiful garden should make it to your list of things to do in Coral Gables.
Address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156, United States.
3. Spend the Night at Biltmore Hotel
Biltmore hotel is one of the most luxurious and classic hotels in Coral Gables, Florida. It was developed and renamed “Graduate Providence” on April 2, 2019, as part of the AJ capital boutique chain “Graduate Hotels” across the U.S. Yet; its Biltmore sign is still in use.
The Biltmore Hotel has welcomed many visitors, including celebrities, politicians, mobsters, and bootleggers. And they spend most of their time in restaurants and bars. Biltmore Hotel is neatly furnished with antiquities and hand-painted ceilings, with one of the biggest swimming pools. It is recorded as one of the tallest buildings in Florida.
Suppose you are a golf fan or you love playing golf; Biltmore Hotel offers opportunities for golf playing. They organize classes and coach golf players to be professionals. If you attend Jim McLean Golf School at Biltmore Hotel, they will coach you on being the best player.
Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States.
4. Watch a Show on the GableStage
GableStage is one of the most long-running and distinguished theaters in South Florida; it is the best of its kind and is located in Anastasia Eve. This stage is known for its display of thrilling and exciting shows. For so many years, GableStage has been producing quality shows that are relevant to the community of South Africa.
They also received an award as the prestigious South African theater with over 200 nominations in the South African theatre scene. They reach a larger audience in South Florida by producing provoking and intriguing shows that solve contemporary problems.
Moreover, Gablestage works with Miami Dade public school’s cultural passport program to give access to cultural/educational outreach to children and teachers. At the outreach, the teacher and students often engage in a talkback session about what they experienced.
The exciting news about all these programs is that they are for free-of-charge. So, visiting the GableStage is one of the worthwhile things to do in Coral Gables.
Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave #230, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States.
5. Shop at Shops at Merrick Park
Shops at Merrick park are located in the heart of Coral Gables. They sell products and feature luxurious brands such as Burberry, Gucci, Tiffany, and many more. There are exciting and classic shopping, entertainment, fine dining, fitness, offices, and residences for individuals who love beauty and fantasy.
One of the best things to do in Coral Gables is to explore the Shops at Merrick Park.
Like other communities, Coral Gables features individuals who seek to live a high standard of living by providing high-quality and expensive brands of clothes and other accessories. They also offer lots of fitness equipment and varieties of food shops.
So, take your time and buy high-quality and classic wear at the Coral Gables shops. You will love it.
Address: 358 San Lorenzo Ave #2140, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States.
6. Have a Tour of the Historic Villages
Visiting the historic Villages is one of the fantastic things to do in Coral Gables. George Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables, builds about seven villages. These villages were inspired by Mediterranean-style architecture. George Merrick built these villages to attract more homebuyers to the area.
These seven villages include a Chinese town, a French country village, a French city village, a Dutch South African village, an Italian village, a French provincial village, and the Florida pioneer village. If you tour the villages, you’ll notice that the buildings are townhouses constructed in a firmly knit square -showing the English and French towns in that region.
Also, the towns are always filled with fun attractions and historical places. Additionally, the hall is built with hollow tile and poured concrete with a flat, shingled roof. Taking a stroll in the historic village is adventurous.
Address: Coral Gables, Florida.
7. Take a Tour of the Cape Florida Lighthouse
Cape Florida Lighthouse has one of the most exciting views in South Florida. The lighthouse is located in Miami-Dade County on the island of Key Biscayne. It is a beautiful historical place previously destroyed by hurricanes, Indian attacks, civil war battles, etc., and its treasures still withstood its beauty and hardness.
In this sense, this decades-old lighthouse has been destroyed and built repeatedly since its existence.
However, Cape Florida Lighthouse, situated at a landmark in Bill Braggs Cape Florida State parks, still maintains its oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Although, it has been restored and rebuilt repeatedly since its existence in 1825.
You can go on a tour inside the Cape Florida Lighthouse, but these tours are only limited to some specific days. On time, the tour guides tell incredible stories about its existence. But, the most fantastic part of the tour is what you’ll see after climbing the 109 stairs in the building, which is the “world’s most beautiful views.”
Address: Cape Florida Lighthouse, 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, United States.
8. See Amazing Exhibits at the Coral Gables Museum
Coral Gables museum is the most impressive and creative art Museum in Florida. It is situated in the former police and fire station areas. This museum is explorable and filled with unique designs, architecture, historic landscapes, etc. The museum was once the city’s first court and went through several roles before it finally became a Museum. It is well-furnished with architectural gems, ornate coral rocks, and many fascinating rocks.
Coral Gables Museum is dedicated to preserving the country’s history, culture, and architecture. They feature exhibitions on various topics, such as art, history, and culture, and their collection displays the community’s rich history and cultural heritage. In addition, the museum also offers educational programs, events, and public lectures. You can visit the Coral Gables Museum for an intriguing experience.
Address: 285 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States.
9. Buy Fresh Produce at Coral Gables Farmer’s Market
Coral Gables Farmer’s Market has a lot of vendors selling fresh products, baked goods, and other locally sourced food items. In addition, visitors can also enjoy live music and delicious meals from local vendors. Shopping for fresh farm produce at this market is one of the best things to do in Coral Gables.
Coral Gables Farmer’s Market has a lot to offer, and you won’t want to miss out on any. This farmer’s market is held between January and March in Gables Youth center, open to all. The market is excellent for purchasing high-quality products and assisting small business owners and local agricultural produce.
Address: 405 Biltmore Way. Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States.
10. Swim in the Venetian Pool
Venetian Pool is a public swimming pool in Coral Gables, Florida. It was built in 1942 and has become one of the city’s most popular and historical places. The collection is located at the heart of Coral Gables and is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping.
Venetian Pool features a series of pools connected by waterfalls, caves, caverns, diving areas, and children’s pools. It has extinguishing characteristics, which are its natural beauty and lovely atmosphere. Thousands of individuals have loved and enjoyed it since 1923, with over 820,000 gallons of water.
Venetian Pool is open to all and has various amenities, including lifeguards, poolside cabanas, and a snack bar. Moreover, it has been drained and regained numerous times for specific purposes. In 1981, It was listed as the only National Register of historic pools in the city.
Address: 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States.
11. Get a Book from Books & Books
Books & Books is a bookstore established in 1982 in South Florida. It is located at a popular destination for book lovers in the area. It offers various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and much more. In addition, the store also sells a wide range of gifts and other products, such as stationary gifts and toys.
Books & Books is known for its author event, where authors come to the store to talk about their work and meet with readers. The store also hosts various other occasions, such as book clubs, workshops, and reading. Grabbing a book from this store should be on your list of things to do in Coral Gables.
Address: 265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States.
12. Relax at the Matheson Hammock Park
Matheson Hammock Park is a lovely park with scenic views located south of Coral Gables in Florida. It is a 630-acre urban park in Miami. The park is close to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Visiting Matheson Hammock Park is one of the best things to do in Coral Gables.
It is one of the essential county parks. The park has a snack bar, restaurant, picnic pavilions, and nature trails where visitors visit to have a refreshing time and enjoy a lovely prepared meal.
Address: 9610 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33156, United States.
13. Check out the Buildings on Miracle Mile
Miracle Mile is a road that consists of shopping and dining destination in Coral Gables, Florida. It is a popular place for tourists and locals, offering a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Some notable retailers and restaurants on Miracle Mile include the cheesecake factory, books & books, and crate barrels.
Miracle Mile organizes many events throughout the year, including art fairs, festivals, and live music performances. If you’re visiting Coral Gables, Miracle Mile is a fascinating location you’ll love to explore.
Address: Coral Way between LeJeune Road and Douglas Road in Coral Gables, Florida.
14. Watch Excellent Performances at the Miracle Theatre
Miracle Theatre is a performing arts venue in Coral Gables, Florida. The theatre is known for its scenic setting, excellent acoustics, and seating capacity of approximately 500. It is home to various live performances, including music, theatre, and dance.
Miracle Theatre is operated by the city of coral Gables and hosts multiple events throughout the year. Being a part of the audience at this fascinating theatre is one of the best things to do in Coral Gables.
Address: 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States.
15. Enjoy Quality Beers at Titanic Brewery & Restaurant
Titanic Brewery & Restaurant is a favorite place for lunch and dinner in Coral Gables. It offers an excellent beer selection, karaoke & jazz & blues jams, and food options. It is near the University of Miami on Ponce De Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables.
Moreover, it has been a favorite bar for visitors and locals since it opened because people prefer its local and tasty brews. In addition, it is a perfect place to vibe and have fun with families and friends. Drinks here are constantly good, and the prices are also affordable.
Address: 5813 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States.
16. Watch Basketball Games at Watsco Center
Suppose you like watching basketball games; Watsco Center offers the opportunity to watch live basketball games. The arena has a seating capacity of over 7,000 basketball games.
The Watsco Center is located on the University of Miami campus in Coral Gables, Florida. It is a residence of Miami’s hurricane men’s and women’s basketball teams. It also serves as an avenue for concerts, family shows, trade exhibitions, academic and athletic events, and other activities.
Address: 1245 Dauer Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33146, United States.
17. See Lovely Exhibitions at Lowe Art Museum
Lowe Art Museum is located near Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. It is home to over 17,000 works of art, with a focus on art from the Americans, including Latin America and the Caribbean. The collection spans a range of art forms and periods, including paintings, sculptures, and prints.
Lowe Art Museum has lots of fun and educational activities. The museum hosts educational programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and tours. Exploring the halls of this museum is one of the best things to do in Coral Gables.
Address: 1301 Stanford Dr, Miami, FL 33146, United States.
Plan Your Next Trip to Coral Gables, Florida
Coral Gables has many attractions, creative activities, educational programs, and more, which you shouldn’t miss out on because a trip to Coral Gables will surely be worthwhile.
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You can also check out Leesburg, Clermont, Wesley Chapel, and Brooksville for other fantastic centers and attractions in Florida. Have fun on your trip!
