Location: Coral Gables
Top Things to do in Coral Gables
Top 10 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. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,629 reviews
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is among the world's best tropical botanic gardens. Here you will find internationally renowned collections of cycads, flowering trees, tropical fruits, vines, aroids and endangered species, which provide a living laboratory for scientists, and the opportunity of discovery for everyone. In addition, Fairchild has the largest palm collection in the U.S. and is also the keeper of the National Palm Collection as designated by the American Public Gardens Associations. With its beautiful paths, vistas and outstanding horticultural displays, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden provides every visitor with an unforgettable experience.
Reviewed By I5101IEjayd - Bloomsburg, United States
Look for the night garden fairy app before you go, it was well laid out with plenty of guides to help you along, the talking tree was especially funny. Have you ever been to Avatar Land in animal kingdom, it is similar to that style of glowing gardens...
2. 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.
3. Lowe Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By Ref1040
Wide variety to please everyone in our group. I recommend the glass gallery for its overall setting and content. Wish it had a museum catalog for sale
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. Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By MDaniel333
The story of Johnny Cash. If you like country music youll love this production. Actors playhouse never dissapoints!
6. 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.
7. Venetian Pool
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 888 reviews
The most glamorous municipal pool in the world. Must be 38" tall or 36 months old to enter. Admission prices $3-9.
Reviewed By GrandTour434171 - Marietta, United States
This was our first trip to the Venetian Pool and it did not disappoint! The pool is refilled with fresh spring water daily so it’s very clean and refreshing, the water stays cool even in 90+ degree weather. The facilities were great and the pool has some man-made caves and waterfalls that are super fun for kids. It was great, definitely recommend!
8. Miracle Mile
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 742 reviews
Reviewed By Prunellanj - Warren, United States
Great downtown to walk around and visit some of the many great restaurants and beautiful architecture.
9. Coral Gables City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By raya595 - Blue Ridge, United States
I grew up in Miami, and know this building well. It's one of the architectural highlights of Coral Gables, the Miami suburb which is famous for its elegant homes, the fantastic Biltmore Hotel, and this City Hall. The City of Coral Gables was one man's dream, and he developed it in the roaring twenties, which were really roaring in Miami. Everything in Coral Gables today is Spanish in style, including the names of all the streets, etc., which feature fountains and plazas at all major intersections. (The City Hall is directly on LeJeune Road and Coral Way, so it's easy to find.) Most all the vintage houses in Coral Gables are also in the elegant Mediterranean style, with beautiful ornaments, fountains,and courtyards. It's all because that style was all the rage in the 1920's--at the same time the early movie stars in Hollywood were building similar-styled mansions. One of the most fascinating things about the City Hall is that the oolitic limestone (which we always called "Coral Rock") was quarried from a place in the city nearby. And then the quarry was turned into another Coral Gables landmark, magnificent Venetian Pool, a huge municipal swimming pool built in Venetian style architecture, with an island, restaurant, and tall palm trees. Don't know if you can tour the City Hall these days, but don't miss Venetian Pool!
10. Coral Gables Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By phelpsusa - Orlando, United States
Great Museum, great walking tour, great price, great location, great people. I learned more than I thought I would.
