Location: Coral Gables
Top Things to do in Coral Gables
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Coral Gables, Florida (FL)
Boasting almost exclusively Mediterranean Revivalist buildings and urban planning following the City Beautiful movement, Coral Gables is an elegantly laid out, pedestrian-friendly city boasting tropical foliage, charming boutiques and architectural grandeur. Historic landmarks such as the Biltmore Hotel and Merrick House provide a document of the history of the City Beautiful, while the crystalline Venetian Pool provides relaxation in a setting of exquisite beauty.
Restaurants in Coral Gables
1. Church of the Little Flower
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Arielfl - Coconut Creek, United States
The Church of the Little Flower was established in 1926 by a small group of Catholics in the newly established town of Coral Gables. The new parish was named in honor of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, known as "The Little Flower" and a temporary church was built in 1928. A boarding school was established by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1925. They had plans to expand it but the crash of the Florida land boom spurned on by two hurricanes and the Great Depression cancelled their plans. The sisters signed the deed to the the school over to the church. The school was renamed the St. Theresa School and it became a parochial school for the parish. Father Thomas Comber, a missionary priest from Ireland, was charged with building the church. He envisioned something grand for the new church building but the lack of funds necessitated something more simple. The first church building was a parish center and auditorium that seated 800 and which was dedicated in 1928. It wasn't until 1951 that the present church got the ornate exterior that Father Comber desired. With the prosperity after WWII, Father Comber asked the Barry and Jay Company of Architects to build the church as he first envisioned it. The original 1920 plans were consulted and the church was built with stained glass windows designed by William Haley with the building in the ornate Spanish Renaissance style, to blend with the Mediterranean Revival architecture used by George Merrick when designing Coral Gables. The church was dedicated by Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley of Saint Augustine, Florida on December 8, 1952. It is still in use today. The church was renovated in 1987 and Comber Hall was renamed in honor of Rev. Msgr. Thomas P. Comber, Little Flower's first pastor. Also in 1987, a new rectory was built across the street. Today the Church of the Little Flower is a landmark in Coral Gables. In June 2019, Fr. Manny Alvarez was named the 9th Pastor of Church of the Little Flower and Saint Theresa School. The church has been associated with two presidential candidates, Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush.
2. Divers Direct Miami
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Divers Direct is the number one dive center in Miami for unforgettable water sport fun! If it's shipwrecks you're looking for, Miami is home to some of the best diving sites south Florida has to offer! Known as the "Wreckreational Dive Capital of the World," the waters here are warm enough for diving and snorkeling year round. Divers Direct has everything you need to plan a dive to see the M60 Army tanks off Miami beach, or explore the underwater archaeological preserve of the Half Moon wreck. We have the best selection of SCUBA and snorkeling gear for you to see the incredible amount of life on the only tropical coral reefs offshore a major U.S. City. Our friendly experts can help you find all the best equipment whether you are snorkeling, freediving, spearfishing, SCUBA diving, or paddle boarding and more! We also have a large selection of beachwear for just hanging out at Miami Beach. If you'd like to learn to SCUBA dive in Miami, our training program will give you all the knowledge you need to plan dives comfortably on your own! Divers Direct Miami will get you started on a fun-filled adventure with water sports!
3. Trolley Coral Gable
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By lotus2s - Salt Lake City, United States
Took the Coral Gable trolley from the Port of Miami (after a cruise). Just walked across the street and waited a few minutes and the trolley took us to the Government Center for the Metromover to Miami Airport. Easy and not as stressful as waiting at the port for a Lyft or Taxi.
4. Village of Merrick Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 379 reviews
Reviewed By 824gilbertoo - Miami, United States
Everything you want in an outdoor shopping center. Movie theaters, great restaurants, outdoor cafes, Sunday organic market, lots of stores and ample walking space. Most relaxing environment. Don't miss it!
5. Books & Books
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By hippiekit - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Great veggie and vegan choices. You can't beat this place for originality and a yummy and unique menu. I had the mahi ceviche and tofu couscous stir fry....both mouth watering!! Plus you have this amazing library and book store, inside and outside seating and fresh baked goods!! We live a good hour away, just stopped in as we had an appointment next door but would gladly make the drive for this place.
6. Old Cutler Trail
7. Titanic Brewery & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Titanic Brewery & Restaurant is a petite craft brewery along with a restaurant and live music venue.
Reviewed By franko934 - Hialeah, United States
Tuesday is Burger night . Great specials and constant new craft beers. The wings, mussells and salads are excellent.
8. Avant Garde Salon and Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Avant-Garde prides itself on being the best salon for hair and Spa services in Miami. Beauty services, Hair Salon & boutique Spa in Coral Gables, Florida. Rated a Top 10 Hair Salon in Miami. Salon offers haircuts, hair styling, coloring & hair extensions; Spa offers mani and pedi's, facials and beauty services. Platinum Great Lengths Salon providing the best Hair Extensions in Miami. Color correction and hair color services for: highlights, ombre highlights, balayage ombre, partial/ full balayage, Foilyage & custom colors like funky hair colors: Unicorn and Mermaid hair. Salon bridal packages for brides and bridesmaids. Professional updos and hair braids; makeup application by makeup artists, false eyelashes / lash extensions. Also available permanent makeup, Microblading, eyebrow shaping, tweezing and lash enhancement. We are also glad to work in close collaboration with the high end hotels like the Biltmore , the Hyatt , the Westin and are grateful for their referral and the trust
Reviewed By 513anthonys - Coral Gables, United States
I was looking for a great hair salon to get my mom an early Christmas gift. So i researched on google what is mami top salon’s and the first one to pop up is Avant-garde salon and spa and let me tell you it is!!!! My mom hair turned out 100% on point and her stylist very knowledgeable and professional a soon as you walk you are warmly Greeted my the Receptionist and very important given hand sanitizer and checked my temperature everyone wearing masks and keeping a safe distance.
9. Ingraham Park
10. Shops at Merrick Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Home to Miami's first Nordstrom, the Shops at Merrick Park is a gorgeous, palm tree-lined square with retailers ranging from Neiman Marcus to first-of-their-kind boutiques like ViX Paula Hermanny.
Reviewed By YourHelpfulWendy - Miami, United States
This fashionable shopping center with sophisticated stores and amazing restaurants is located in Coral Gables. This mall is mostly an outdoor one, but it has a roof that could be great for rainy and sunny days. Gucci, Tiffany, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Sawa are among their fine stores and restaurants you can find in here. It's a great place for the whole family, we love this mall.
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