Coral Gables means tree-lined boulevards, ivy-covered mansions, and historical landmarks such as the world-famous Biltmore Hotel and the Venetian Pool,
You could easily spend days – or a life- in The City Beautiful but here are 6 things to do in Coral Gables.
Lowe Art Museum
The Lowe Art Museum -LAM- is located on the campus of the University of Miami and is Florida’s first fine arts museum. It exhibits a permanent collection of 10,000 pieces comprising Greco-Roman, Amerindian, Asian, African and Renaissance works, and paintings by masters such as Tintoretto, Stella, Gauguin and Picasso. You can also go there to admire masks and textiles from Kenya, Zaire and Mali. Count 4 – 5 hours for a complete visit of the museum.
Enjoy some Family time at Matheson Hammock Park
First, you will have to take the beautiful Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables, to get there. The highlight of Matheson Park is its beach. At the end of the road, you reach the seafront. The site includes a marina and a beach with way board, kayaking in the bay, kite surfing, etc… The beach is not a natural area of white sand but still, it is very pretty and appreciated by the locals. It is an artificial pond surrounded by pretty palm trees, and a magnificent view of the bay and the skyline of skyscrapers of Miami. Don’t miss a bite or a glass of wine at Red fish.
The Shops at Merrick Park
It is definitely one of the 6 best things to do in Coral Gables! Featuring exclusive international brands like Gucci, Burberry, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany & Co., The Shops at Merrick Park are an upscale outdoor shopping mall for those who want to treat themselves, or at the very least, do a little window shopping and dreaming.
The Venetian Pool
The famous pool is almost 100 years old, contains more than 800,000 gallons and made from a coral rock quarry used by George Merrick to build many of the early homes in Coral Gables. A variety of caves and grottos have been carved into the surrounding rock. It’s making it a unique swimming and exploration experience that you won’t find elsewhere.
The pool also features waterfalls, porticos, and plenty of seating areas shaded by towering palm trees. The Venetian Pool has undergone several renovations and historic restorations. The last one is currently undergoing and will end in March 2023, for its 100th birthday!
Actor’s playhouse
Featuring year-round productions appropriate for kids and adults, Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre is Coral Gable’s premier community performing arts venue and was founded in 1988. Since then, the art deco inspired theater has received a multi-million-dollar upgrade. Though it’s still a quaint and charming theater, it sports state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. From serious dramas to lighthearted children’s productions and even standup comedy, there should be something for everyone! Check out the calendar of events on their website to see what’ll be on-stage when you are in the area.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Situated on nearly 90 acres of picturesque land on Old Cutler Road, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has full of tropical plants, flowers, and trees, including extremely rare species like the petticoat palm. It’s also home to flora that can’t survive anywhere except for South Florida.
The garden’s amenities include a learning center, museum, and an onsite laboratory. They also host a few popular events throughout the year, like the International Chocolate Festival. A thorough tour of the Fairchild typically takes about 3 hours, but time-challenged visitors should opt for a 45-minute tram tour.