Things to do & places to visit in Coral Gables, Florida, United States

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.

Coral Gables city in Florida, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 0:22.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Church of the Little Flower (92 reviews)
- Cute Church in terrific setting
Sunday: Churches & Cathedrals

The Little flower Church stands opposite the main entrance and facade of the iconic Biltmore hotel in Coral Gables. The scenery you see attracts you to walk to it and visit. It's set at the end of a terrific garden lined with two rows of palm trees - great photo op. The Church itself is pretty small, yet very beuatiful with a Spanish style facade, reminding me on San Antonio missions. The interior is also nice with several small side stained glass windows. See more..
5.0 John G. Gifford Arboretum (8 reviews)
- An Oasis In The Middle of Busy Coral Gables
Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

The John G. Gifford Arboretum is tucked away at the northwest corner of the University of Miami (UM) Campus in Coral Gables. We needed to "kill" some time before going to a UM talk, and this was the perfect place to do it, and, at the same time discover a rare "find." Their website is excellent, providing a history of the garden, directions, a map, and checklists for the birds, butterflies, and dragonflies that are found there. The Arboretum is divided into 14 sections, broad divisions of the plant kingdom. There are numerous examples of trees for each section. The signage is excellent, far better than most public or private gardens that I have been to (I have been to many). I believe that every tree had an identification tag on in! If you live in south Florida, this place is worth a visit three or four times a year. In that way, sooner or later, you will get to see all the trees in bloom. See more..
5.0 Wyllys Professional Travel (6 reviews)
- Trip to Prague and Budapest
Sunday: Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Wylly's Professional Travel, providing 70 years of excellence, with professionally trained agents, whose knowledge of worldwide destinations has expertly served the needs of our clients since 1939. See more..
5.0 Paseos (1 review)
- Imperdivel
Shopping Malls
Um dos bairros mais ricos dos Estados Unidos, é na verdade uma cidade a parte dentro da Grande Miami, e é chamada de Cidade Linda, e faz jus a esse título, foi uma das primeiras cidades planejadas do país, casas charmosas sucedem-se em avenidas arborizadas com carvalhos e figueiras. Passe também pelas Merrick Villages (Italian, French, Chinese, etc) Um passeio de carro por essa região vai te encantar. See more..
5.0 Florida Philharmonic Orchestra (1 review)
- Great place
Symphonies
This is a great place to visit. You will need to book tickets in advance as demand is so great. Parking is a problem so if you are in a local hotel take a cab or limo. See more..
4.5 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (1.694 reviews)
- Fairchild Tropical Gardens Crocodiles / By Gregg L. Friedman MD
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

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. See more..
4.5 Village of Merrick Park (383 reviews)
- enjoyable relaxed open air shopping
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Shopping Malls

great food and shopping location. had a great lunch at SAWA - nice fusion food mix outside before shopping at agent provocateur for some treats See more..
4.5 Books & Books (170 reviews)
- A Miami institution
Speciality & Gift Shops

This place is a Miami institution. It has thrived due to the owner’s passion for books and authors and commitment to the community. It hosts outstanding, thought-provoking authors on a near-daily basis. Granted, most travelers to South Florida are visiting for the sun and fun and superficial ostentatiousness, but if you possess more than two brain cells and happen to find yourself in Miami, Books and Books is worth a visit. I have always found the bookstore staff to be very helpful and knowledgeable about the store’s selection. The restaurant side can sometimes get a bit overwhelmed. The store hosts local musicians as well as excellent author talks. Sometimes I will buy a book and then go to Macondo, a nearby coffee shop, to read as it is less crowded. See more..
4.5 Shops at Merrick Park (111 reviews)
- Beautiful open mall
Shopping Malls

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. See more..
4.5 Lowe Art Museum (102 reviews)
- Great place to kill time waiting for your MIA flight to depart.
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Art Museums

Impressive collection for a facility of this size! A Chihuly installation greets you in the lobby. I enjoyed the glass exhibit and the European pieces. The White exhibit is powerful! Clean bathrooms. Free admission, but they will start charging admission soon. Nearby parking spots, but you have to download an app or call a phone number and pay over the phone. Ridiculous…even for a college campus. Outdoor patio umbrella tables and trash cans. One frustration… much of the lovely European artwork is covered with glass. that is not non-reflective. Impossible to take pictures of, even though they are allowed. See more..
4.5 Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre (64 reviews)
- Beautiful Historic Theatre/Outstanding Production
Theaters

This beautifully restored art deco theater is simply wonderful. You have to admire the care with which this place has been brought back to life by a group of concerned citizens (See photos). The theater is as comfortable as it is beautiful. The seats are roomy and provide plenty of legroom between you and the next row. The stage is high and wide and deep (photos). We were fortunate to see the Broadway musical, "On Your Feet," based on the life and music of Gloria Estafan and the Miami Sound Machine. Talented cast in a wonderful production. Highly Recommended! See more..
4.5 Avant Garde Salon & Spa (33 reviews)
- Amazing color correction and job!
Sunday: Spent 2-3 hours Spas

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 See more..
4.5 Old Cutler Trail (30 reviews)
- Beautiful ride, walk, or run
Biking Trails

I live off this trail and never tire of walking it. The houses, the vegetation and the delicious air make it a paradise. The trail gives access to Matheson Hammock, a delightful beach plus restaurant, as well as the world-class Fairchild Gardens. This is Miami's best. See more..
4.5 The Watsco Center (28 reviews)
- My neighbor WATSCO CENTER!!!
Spent More than 3 hours Convention Centers

I have been to the center multiple times over the years for music concerts, UM games, and graduations and the place offers a pleasant atmosphere with easy in and out because of the parking next door...Inside the seating is excellent and you get a good view of the basketball games from any seat...the concert seating and view depends on how much you pay for the ticket. The location is the best in Coral Gables, the city beautiful, my city. See more..
4.5 Ingraham Park (12 reviews)
- Interesting Park
Spent < 1 hour Parks

Ingraham Park is one of the newest parks in the Miami area. What makes this park unique is that it is located at the very top of high limestone cliffs (a rarity in Miami) with a waterway down below. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, The park also includes a sculpture garden, fountain, Stonehenge-like pillars, exercise machines, and walking/biking paths. There is a high bridge that you can cross from the parking area which spans between 2 limestone cliffs over the waterway. Unfortunately fishing is not permitted off the bridge. Free Parking is in the middle of the largest roundabout I'm aware of in the Miami area (Cocoplum Circle). See more..
4.5 Jim McLean Golf School (11 reviews)
- Golf School and lessons
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Sports Camps & Clinics

Improve your game with a world-renowned, #1 ranked golf school program at The Biltmore Hotel In Coral Gables, FL. For the past 27 years, our program has been committed to our students and their successes, and we look forward to continuing the same tradition of golf instructional excellence in our new landmark location. See more..
4.5 St. Raymond Catholic Church (10 reviews)
- Quaint Church in the Gables
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals
This is a lovely little church in Coral Gables. If you want Spanish mass then this place is for you. It also has mass in English but check their schedule. See more..
4.5 Giralda Plaza (4 reviews)
- Revamped and ready to party
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

They closed this part of Giralda street off and made a plaza. Its been open for a few years now. The brick walkway is lined with stores and tables. Lots of killer people watching. Overhead is usually an art installation. Umbrella Sky kicked it off and this Plaza became the IG destination of Miami. On many Fridays and weekends, they will have live music and movies. Check the calendar. See more..
4.0 Venetian Pool (903 reviews)
- Relax ⛱
Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes

Once a limestone quarry, this stunning Mediterranean-inspired swimming pool and complex is now a public oasis complete with waterfalls and grottoes. The pool is fed by fresh spring water and is surrounded by terracotta roof buildings with wrought iron balconies, giving it an old-world charm. It's a great spot to cool off on a hot summer's day—you can swim in the pools (there's a children's pool for kids), sunbathe on the small sandy area, or rent a lounge chair. Just don't forget to bring towels and sunscreen. You can consider visiting the pool along a sightseeing tour of Miami. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.0 Miracle Mile (766 reviews)
- Usual chains
Speciality & Gift Shops • Neighborhoods

Streets are lined with jewelry stores and bridal shops among the usual chains: Morton’s, Benihana, Anthony’s pizza, California pizza, Starbucks,Häagen-Dazs, Seasons 52 ... The Spanish architecture was charming as was the fountains and Old City Hall. We found a municipal parking lot charging $2 an hour and we were set for a while. See more..
4.0 Coral Gables City Hall (111 reviews)
- A sentinel...
Sunday: Architectural Buildings

We didn't explore this building, but drove by it a couple times. Wish we could have toured it. Just a beautiful old building with striking architecture! Lovely grounds. Love the columns and portico. Very impressive. See more..
4.0 Coral Gables Museum (78 reviews)
- The always changing Museum
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Thoroughly enjoyed this little gem of a museum. They bring rotating shows to the community of Coral Gables. Currently there is a beautiful and timely show titled "Painting In Excess" KYIV'S ArtRevival 1985-1993, up through 12-4-22. They also just installed a large outdoor Sculpture in front of the Portico and two large chandeliers hanging in the Portico. First Fridays they are open till 10pm with music and cash bar. See more..
4.0 Coral Gables Merrick House and Gardens (63 reviews)
- The House That Built Coral Gables
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

Wonderful docent led tour on a Sunday! Unlike many other historic homes this one has about 60% of the families original possessions. A talented family, headlined by George Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables. Impressive paintings, historic family photographs and the knowledge of the docents makes for a memorable hour. Also visiting the nearby Venetian Pool and Biltmore along with the well preserved neighborhood in Coral Gables add to this experience. See more..
4.0 Alhambra Water Tower (51 reviews)
- A piece of Coral Gables history
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Sits on a piece of property on beautiful Alhambra Ave supplied water for the residents of Coral Gables. See more..
4.0 Trail Theater (5 reviews)
- Very funny!!! Officialnente gay
Sunday: 6:00 PM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Theater featuring a variety of live Spanish-language performances in an intimate venue. See more..
3.5 Philips Park (10 reviews)
- Interesting Addition to Phillips Park
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Playgrounds

I knew Coral Gables' Tree Succession project was planting over 3,000 trees and palms in residential areas throughout the City, but was not expecting a tree to be growing out of the roof of the pavilion at Phillips Park when I visited the park again. The pavilion is used by many for birthday parties as there is a children's playground next to it Hope the park maintenance staff takes care of this wayward tree before it damages the pavilion roof. See more..
3.0 Ponce de Leon Fountain (9 reviews)
- Could be a show stopper
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains

This centralized Coral Gables monument has a wonderful feel that with a little bit of TLC could be a land mark in the City Beautiful. See more..
Night Garden (0 review)
Exhibitions
See more..
Chi breath (0 review)
Sports Camps & Clinics

Release-Renew-Create with Chi Breathwork I have a passion for Breathwork and the many benefits it has. I discovered this practice 9 years ago and began to teach it in 2019. The transformation and shifts I have experience are far and many. See more..
Canale Diaz Art Center (0 review)
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries
Directed by Marco Canale and Manuel Diaz, this cultural space is primarily focused on Latin American Contemporary Fine Art in three main streams: New Abstractions, Neo-Pop and Conceptual Figuration. Apart from visual arts, the center fuses other forms of artistic expressions, such as performing arts, literature and also education, in their activities and events. See more..