Coral Gables Guide

Known as the City Beautiful, Coral Gables is filled with charming boulevards shaded by Banyan trees, home to galleries, theaters, historic sites, gardens, shopping and more. The neighborhood was master planned by visionary developer George Merrick in the 1920s, and today it’s home to stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture, landscaped plazas and public spaces inspired by Spain. Here’s a guide to some not-to-be-missed highlights.

The Biltmore

A beacon of Mediterranean Revival decadence thanks to Merrick, The Biltmore is a historic hotel dating back to the city’s founding. With a fascinating history that tracks the 20th century, it’s a lavish resort complete with a golf course, luxury spa, fine dining restaurants and one of the largest swimming pools in the world at 600,000 refreshing gallons. Embark on a free tour of this beautiful historic property led by the Dade Heritage Trust every Sunday.

Venetian Pool

The Venetian Pool might be the most unique pool you’ll ever dip your toes in. Built out of a coral rock quarry in the heart of Coral Gables, the 820,000-gallon pool is fed by natural spring water from an underground aquifer and is filled and drained daily. Splash around through its grottoes and waterfalls and catch some sun on its sandy beach. There’s even a Venetian-style bridge that will truly transport you to another world.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Make your way to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to commune with nature in this luscious, beautifully landscaped 83-acre garden. Filled with tropical plants and trees, the garden’s trails meander to the butterfly garden, rainforest and sunken garden. You’ll experience a wide variety of ecosystems and learn about plants and wildlife native to Miami and from around the world.

Books & Books

Founded by Mitchell Kaplan in 1982, Books & Books is Miami’s literary beacon. It occupies a lovely Mediterranean Revival building in Coral Gables with a central courtyard and café with wood-paneled, book-lined rooms perfect for getting lost in. The store hosts over 60 free author events every month. Browse the shelves, enjoy a glass of wine in the courtyard and stick around for a reading.

Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli

A Food Network “Chopped” champion, Giorgio Rapicavoli’s Eating House is a local favorite. Its creative seasonal menu includes large and small plates. Although the menu is constantly changing, you’ll find mainstays like the black truffle pasta carbonara with Applewood bacon and the Cap’n Crunch pancake with condensed milk syrup at brunch.

Rapicavoli is also behind Coral Gables’ hotspot Luca Osteria, an Italian restaurant dishing up sumptuous homemade pasta, from pasta al limone to short rib bolognese, that’s always buzzing.

Caffe Abbracci

Caffe Abbracci is a Coral Gables institution. Opened in 1989 on Aragon Avenue by Italy native Nino Pernetti, dining here can feel like a journey back in time. The intimate, low-ceilinged dining room is lit by opulent crystal chandeliers, and tables are adorned with white tablecloths. Frequented by regulars and staffed by career waiters, the place has a clubby feel. The menu consists of traditional Italian comfort food with familiar dishes like beef carpaccio, fettuccine bolognese and branzino “Belvedere” in a prosecco-saffron sauce.

Miracle Mile Shops

Coral Gables’ main street, Miracle Mile, is the city’s shopping destination. Running along Coral Way between LeJeune and Douglas roads, Miracle Mile offers sidewalk cafes, boutiques – including many bridal shops – and historic landmarks like the Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre. Palm trees and Mediterranean architecture contribute to the tropical vibe.

Matheson Hammock Park

With a lovely manmade atoll beach, Matheson Hammock Park makes for a great place to soak up the sun. The 630-acre urban park is set on Biscayne Bay and boasts an onsite sailing school, marina and hiking trails through the preserved hardwood hammock. It’s also a popular spot for kiteboarding, kayaking and standup paddleboarding.

Coral Gables Museum

Located on Aragon Avenue near Miracle Mile, the Coral Gables Museum takes visitors on a journey through the neighborhood's architectural history. Housed inside a historic coral stone building, the museum showcases architecture, urban design and planning, all with an eye toward sustainability. It also hosts community events, from monthly bike rides to morning walking tours.

Coral Gables Art Cinema

The Coral Gables Art Cinema is an indie movie theater and neighborhood treasure located across the street from Books & Books in the heart of downtown Coral Gables. It screens art house movies, documentaries, foreign films and cult classics. Take in a show with popcorn and a soda or a glass of wine from the gourmet snack bar.

The Bar

Established 1946, The Bar is a Coral Gables staple. This neighborhood spot has the understated charm of a dive bar paired with a crave-worthy menu of pub grub and music that keep regulars and newbies coming back. The Bar runs specials all week, so whether you’re winding down with a craft beer or joining friends for happy hour, this spot’s got you covered.