coral gables

Coral Gables’ banyan-lined streets, bubbling fountains, and Mediterranean piazzas make you forget you are in the middle of Florida's largest city. Instead, you might imagine some faraway European city, as developer George Merrick wanted.

Known as The City Beautiful, Coral Gables, FL took its name from the native rock where Merrick grew up in Massachusetts. It was a planned city in 1925 with areas designated for business, leisure, and residential purposes.

You'll find boutiques and restaurants on its tree-lined streets that are on par with those in Miami's Downtown. Whether you're on the University of Miami campus or shopping on Miracle Mile, Coral Gables is sure to delight.

If that doesn’t entice you enough, here are other things you’ll surely love about Coral Gables.

4 Things To Love About Coral Gables, FL

1. Lifestyle and Culture

Residents of Coral Gables enjoy spending time outdoors and taking in the city's beauty. Green space makes up around 30 percent of the city, and there are plenty of small and larger parks.

The city's waterfront is home to impressive yachts that are frequently anchored, making it a favorite spot for water sports and sailing. If they're not on the water, many locals hit the links instead. Golf is very popular here, and there are two great public courses and a few exclusive private clubs.

Culture and art are thriving in Coral Gables, FL and residents are passionate about supporting their local artists and shows. You can find galleries scattered throughout the city that offer everything from contemporary art to fine art and sculpture.

Locals in Coral Gables, FL also treasure the opportunity to get together and meet their neighbors, and they never miss an opportunity to do so. Art, music, and food are enjoyed by the whole city during the spring festival, Carnaval on the Mile. Festivalgoers always have a great time, and the vibe is friendly, inclusive, and fun.

2. Shopping and Restaurants

This city in Florida offers lots of excellent shopping opportunities, both indoors and outdoors. Among the most popular venues is Miracle Mile. In Coral Gables, FL, you will find pretty much everything there—from hair salons to jewelry shops to art studios to some of the best restaurants in town.

You will also find the pedestrian-only zone on Giralda Street right around the corner. It is not only filled with great restaurants, but the street is always beautifully decorated during the holiday season.

Lastly, the Shops at Merrick Park are perfect for those looking for high-end shopping. Many cute kids' clothing shops make this a great spot for moms. There is also a great farmer's market every Sunday with local and homemade produce.

3. Things to Do

Coral Gables doesn’t disappoint with a lot of things to do. Enjoy the smell of aromatic succulents at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and marvel at its 700ft long vine pergola. Join your kids for a family picnic in the Children's Garden, or take your dog for a walk. You may also want to take a walk through the Wings of the Tropics to see hundreds of butterfly species.

If you’re up for a swim, visit the largest freshwater pool in Florida—the Venetian Pool! You can soak under the artificial waterfalls and swim through the grottoes before relaxing by the pool on a lounge chair.

The Lowe Art Museum is a great destination for history buffs. Travel from 2,500 BC to the present day or step into the modern age at the Palley Pavilion, where stunning contemporary glass masterpieces dance in the sunlight.

4. Real Estate

From large mansions on incredible estates to small Spanish villas, Coral Gables, FL offers a wide variety of real estate choices.

Private gated communities dominate Coral Gables' waterfront, offering residents privacy and seclusion. On the outskirts of the bay, you'll find ranch-style houses from the 1950s and 1960s, older Spanish-style houses, and modest Spanish bungalows. Coral Gables, FL is also home to a growing collection of condos, with many high-rises sprouting throughout the city.