When he developed Coral Gables, Merrick was inspired by the turn-of-the-century City Beautiful movement (hence the nickname). He was big on Mediterranean architecture, which explains many of the area’s decorative buildings and facades. The neighborhood also has many eye-catching landmarks, including the Biltmore Hotel and Venetian Pool.
The Gables is a beautiful city offering quiet living and restorative leisure. Whether you’re looking to spend a day or an afternoon here, these are the ten best things to do in Coral Gables.
Walk Up (And Down) Miracle Mile
Miracle Mile, Coral Gablescoralgables.com
Miracle Mile is to Coral Gables what Rodeo Drive is to Beverly Hills...sort of. Coral Gables' main thoroughfare comprises only half a mile of shops, dining, and entertainment between 42nd and 37th Avenues. There are about a half-dozen bridal stores on this main artery, sprinkled in between ice cream shops, jewelry stores, restaurants (like Gables institution John Martin’s Irish Pub), and even a neighborhood theater. Visitors will find plenty of picture-perfect moments, like a "Greetings from Coral Gables" mural or thought bubbles on street poles.
Visit Books & Books
265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables305-442-4408
booksandbooks.com
Books & Books is an independent bookstore with several Miami locations, but the Gables shop has been a local staple since booklover Mitchell Kaplan opened it in 1982. In addition to selling books, the store has an indoor-outdoor café that also serves wine and beer. The cozy, wooden-floored bookshop hosts community events throughout the year, including author readings and workshops.
Relax at the Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables855-969-3080
biltmorehotel.com
It’s every Cuban girl’s dream to have their quinceañera or wedding reception inside one of the Biltmore Hotel's ballrooms. The property's main tower stands out among the tall trees of the area's Country Club section, and the hotel, which celebrates its centennial in 2026, is known for its golf courses, restaurants, spa, and crystal-blue pool. The ideal day at the Biltmore can consist of a spa treatment, a poolside brunch, or a full day on the green. Cap off the night with a show at the GableStage theater attached to the west side of the hotel.
See a Play at the Actors’ Playhouse
280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables305-444-9293
actorsplayhouse.org
On Coral Gables’ famous Miracle Mile, the Actors’ Playhouse is your quintessential local stage theater with an old-school marquee that has commanded the attention of passersby since it opened in 1995. The theater has put on nearly 200 main-stage shows and supports both local productions and Broadway musicals. Actors’ Playhouse is perhaps best known for its children’s theater programs and workshops, which have shaped the lives of many young performers in the Miami area. Catch a show inside the venue's 600-seat Mainstage, 300-seat balcony theater, or 100-seat black-box space.
The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables has been inviting people to take a dip since 1923.
Photo courtesy of the GMCVB
Take a Dip at Venetian Pool
2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables305-460-5306
coralgables.com
Despite competition from Miami's stunning beaches, Venetian Pool has offered a welcome respite from South Florida's brutal summers for more than 100 years. Its spring waters are synonymous with summertime, and its grottos, made of coral rock, are the perfect not-so-secret spot for a make-out session with that cute boy from school (or Hinge). The pool is closed for renovations but is slated to reopen in the summer of 2025.
Visit the Merrick House Museum
907 Coral Wy., Coral Gables305-460-5093
coralgables.com
The childhood home of Coral Gables founder George Merrick blends in so beautifully with all the other striking homes along Coral Way that it can be easy to miss as you drive down that slice of road with oaks hanging overhead. Now a museum, the Merrick House has been restored to its 1920s glory and is open for guided tours on the weekend. Admission is cash-only and costs $5 for adults. Children under 6 get in free.
See Green at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables305-667-1651
fairchildgarden.org
Miami isn't exactly known for its greenery, but an 83-acre oasis in the middle of Coral Gables attempts to make up for the area's urban sprawl. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden gets its name from its founder, Dr. David Fairchild, who worked to create a one-of-a-kind garden for the public. The site first opened in 1938, and nearly a century later, its public garden and butterfly conservatory draw visitors daily. Home to the only tropical rainforest in the continental United States, Fairchild is also part of the Center for Plant Conservation and works to preserve endangered U.S. flora. The site also hosts a bevy of events like nighttime strolls, bird walks, and light shows, making it a unique option for date nights or family outings.
Watch a Movie at Coral Gables Art Cinema
260 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables786-472-2249
gablescinema.com
Cinephiles love to watch films at this nonprofit arthouse theater across the street from Books & Books (and conveniently attached to a public parking garage). Coral Gables Art Cinema screens both new and classic flicks. While its auditorium contains an intimate 141 seats, the indie theater is equipped with 4K digital projection, 3D capabilities, and dedicated 35mm and 70mm projectors. There’s a reason they’ve been chosen as Miami New Times' Best Arthouse Cinema multiple times over.
See a Show at Sanctuary of the Arts
410 Andalusia Ave., Coral Gables786-362-5132
sanctuaryofthearts.org
While its exterior appears church-like, behind the clean white doors of Sanctuary of the Arts is a venue outfitted for performances. Its founders, Mike Eidson and his wife, Dr. Margaret Eidson, are both art lovers and history buffs. From ballets to plays to orchestras, this former church offers a robust program year-round, but the organization’s top priority is nurturing talent. The space also houses classrooms and offices used to rehearse and mentor young and emerging artists.
Go Shopping at the Shops at Merrick Park
358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables305-529-1215
shopsatmerrickpark.com
At Merrick Park, spending a day at the mall also counts as getting outdoors. The al fresco mall caters to a range of stores (and price points), from Madewell to Nordstrom to Neiman Marcus. In addition to shopping, there’s also a Landmark movie theater, a courtyard area that hosts family-friendly events, and a farmers’ market every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
