Coral Gables, located in South Florida, is a picturesque city known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, tree-lined streets, and upscale shopping and dining options. Founded in the 1920s by developer George Merrick, Coral Gables was designed to be a "City Beautiful," with grandiose boulevards and lush green spaces.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Coral Gables is the Biltmore Hotel, a luxury resort that boasts a stunning swimming pool, a championship golf course, and elegant ballrooms. The hotel is a popular venue for weddings and special events, and its Spanish-style architecture is a must-see for visitors to the area.
Coral Gables is also home to the University of Miami, a prestigious private university known for its strong academics and successful sports programs. The university's campus is sprawling and beautiful, with palm trees and manicured lawns lining the walkways.
For those looking to shop, the Miracle Mile is a popular destination in Coral Gables. This bustling street is lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing and dining.
Overall, Coral Gables is a charming and affluent city that offers a mix of history, culture, and luxury. Whether you're strolling through the Coral Gables Museum, dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or simply enjoying the sunshine at one of the city's many parks, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant community.
What to explore:
1. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: A stunning 83-acre garden with a vast collection of rare and exotic plants, including palms, cycads, orchids, and flowering trees.
2. Venetian Pool: An historic public swimming pool that is fed by spring water and features beautiful Mediterranean-style architecture, waterfalls, and cave-like grottos.
3. Miracle Mile: A popular shopping and dining district known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
4. Coral Gables Museum: A cultural center that showcases the history and architecture of Coral Gables through exhibits, programs, and events.
5. Biltmore Hotel: A historic luxury hotel that was built in the 1920s and features stunning Mediterranean Revival architecture, a championship golf course, and a luxurious spa.
6. Matheson Hammock Park: A picturesque waterfront park with a man-made atoll pool, nature trails, picnic areas, and a marina.
7. Coral Gables Art Cinema: An independent movie theater that screens art house and foreign films, as well as classic movies and documentaries.
8. Deering Estate: A historic estate that offers guided tours of its restored buildings, gardens, and natural habitats, as well as educational programs and special events.
9. Shops at Merrick Park: An upscale shopping mall with high-end stores, restaurants, and a luxury cinema.
10. Coral Gables Farmers Market: A weekly farmers market that offers locally grown produce, artisanal foods, handmade crafts, and live music.