Coral Gables in Miami

A brief history of Coral Gables

Coral Gables was among the first planned communities in South Florida. Through the vision of real estate developer George Edgar Merrick, it was developed from an isolated wilderness at the tip of the Floridian peninsula during the land and construction boom of the Roaring Twenties.

Merrick’s success shines through the upscale, international city that it is known as today with its winding boulevards and lush canopy-lined streets and green urban spaces. The uniform architectural styling known as ‘Mediterranean Revival’ truly stands out, drawing elements from Spanish Renaissance to Beaux-Arts and even Venetian Gothic.

One of the best examples of the architecture that you can see throughout Coral Gables is the luxury hotel which now has a National Historic Landmark status, Miami Biltmore Hotel. The hotel opened in 1926. It once served as a hospital during WWII, eventually a campus for the University of Miami medical school through 1968, then reopened as a hotel in 1987.

What are other highlights and features of Coral Gables?

Coral Gables borders 2 of Miami’s other famous neighbourhoods, namely Little Havana to its northeast and Coconut Grove to its east. Though Coconut Grove enjoys most of the waterfront, Coral Gables has its own share of great spots overlooking Biscayne Bay. Matheson Hammock Park is one, with its sheltered beach and atoll pool that’s great for families.

For sightseeing and history, check out Coral Gables Merrick House, the historic home of the city’s founder. Pay a visit to Coral Gables Museum – it may be small, but it’s quite a trove of local history. Coral Gables’ Alhambra and Granada entrances are great examples of the city’s adopted architecture style, as is the Alhambra Water Tower. The fantasy-themed Venetian Pool, which was built out of a rock quarry and fed by aquifers, is hard to pass for a fun family day out.

Coral Gables’ gorgeous parks include Merrick Park on Biltmore Way and Ingraham Park on Ingraham Terrace that links to Cartagena Park, crossing over the Coral Gables Waterway. The leafy park has shaded benches to enjoy the view as well as a playground and pleasant pathways. For a closer connection with nature, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with its tram tours and beautiful lakes is a top option.

Where to eat and shop in Coral Gables?

Miracle Mile & Downtown Coral Gables is the main go-to for shopping and dining. The famed street and business district forms part of the historic Coral Way Corridor – it links Coral Gables and Miami, with a natural canopy of large oak and hardwood trees.

The Mile is home to modern boutiques as well as all sorts of speciality stores, and there are European-style outdoor cafes and over 120 international diners for whenever you’re feeling peckish. Another top shopping destination in Coral Gables is the Village of Merrick Park with its world-class brand stores and restaurants.

Good to know about Coral Gables

Coral Gables is about 14 minutes’ drive southwest of Downtown Miami via the US-1 N and I-95 N highways. You can hop on the Coral Gables Trolley which is free for rides through the city, primarily along Ponce de Leon Boulevard and the Miracle Mile.

Another great option for getting around Coral Gables is Freebee. This green, 6-seat electric car service offers free rides to popular destinations in the city. You simply download the Freebee app to your smartphone and hail a ride via the app. They’re available daily from 10 am to 10 pm.