Coral Gables – a Dream Hotel and Dreamy Streets
Coral Gables is different – planned, well-maintained, and full of charm. Florido takes you through shady avenues, past historic villas and magnificent arcades. Whether it’s a dip in the Venetian Pool, a stroll along the Miracle Mile, or a visit to the Biltmore Hotel – everything feels a bit more elegant here. If you like Spanish flair and tropical greenery, you’re in the right place!
Coral Gables – the most Important at a Glance
- Planned city with Mediterranean flair – founded in 1925, known for strict building regulations and elegant Spanish-style architecture.
- Best travel time – November to April with pleasant temperatures and little rain
- Attractions – The Biltmore Hotel, the historic Merrick House, and the famous shopping street Miracle Mile
- Botanical beauty – The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the USA
- Culinary Lifestyle – Exclusive restaurants, upscale boutiques, and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere
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| Size | 12.9 mi² |
| Population | 48,353 (as of 2023) |
| County | Miami Dade County |
| Coordinates | 25° 43 “42 ‘80° 16’ 16” W |
| Area code | +1 305, +1 789 |
| Tourist Info | Visitor Center at the Coral Gables Museum |
The Perfect Day in Coral Gables
The best way to start a day in Coral Gables is with a walk through the historic district around Miracle Mile. The shady streets, lined with Mediterranean architecture and elegant cafes, invite you to stroll leisurely, perhaps buy a souvenir, or simply enjoy your morning coffee under palm trees. Those interested in culture can visit the Coral Gables Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the city’s history and development.
Around noon, head to the Venetian Pool, one of the most unusual swimming pools in the USA – fed by an underground spring, surrounded by waterfalls, grottoes, and coral rock. A refreshing swim here is a must! Alternatively, a trip to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is worthwhile, where you can simply breathe and relax among exotic plants and butterflies.
In the afternoon, we drift through the elegant residential areas – past Mediterranean-style villas, well-maintained avenues, and quiet parks. A short stop at the Biltmore Hotel, a landmark of the city, is almost a must. If you like, you can book a tour here or enjoy a cool drink on the terrace.
As the sun slowly sets, we’re drawn to a restaurant with Latin American or Caribbean flair – the culinary scene in Coral Gables is diverse and high-quality. Especially along Giralda Plaza, you’ll find stylish venues with outdoor seating where you can relax and unwind in the evening.
And for those still looking for some nightlife: The Gables Art Cinema shows selected films in a special atmosphere – perfect for ending the day in style.
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Mediterranean Flair in the Greater Miami Area
Coral Gables is the stylish oasis of calm amidst the dynamics of Miami. The city feels almost like a Mediterranean haven – with wide boulevards lined with banyan trees, magnificent villas, and a well-thought-out cityscape that focuses on aesthetics and quality of life. When driving through Coral Gables, you quickly realize: Nothing here was left to chance.
The uniform architecture in the Mediterranean Revival Style is particularly striking – inspired by Spanish, Italian, and Moorish influences. It’s no wonder that the city is often described as one of the most beautiful in all of Florida. At the same time, Coral Gables is one of the wealthiest areas in the greater Miami area – with well-maintained parks like the Matheson Hammock Park, luxurious residential areas, and a vibrant but relaxed downtown area around Miracle Mile.
The city is home to numerous art galleries, boutiques, and upscale restaurants, as well as important institutions like the University of Miami, which shapes the intellectual and cultural life. Despite its proximity to Downtown Miami and the beaches of Key Biscayne or Miami Beach, Coral Gables feels pleasantly relaxed. Here, one lives stylishly, quietly – and yet right in the heart of vibrant South Florida.
Another highlight: the high quality of life, which is evident not only in the architecture but also in the well-planned urban greenery, excellent schools, and low crime rate. Coral Gables is not just a beautiful place to visit – but a place where one likes to stay.
Coconut Grove and Little Havana in the Neighborhood
Those visiting Coral Gables should definitely plan a detour to neighboring Coconut Grove – one of Miami’s oldest and most charming districts. Here, tropical flair mixes with a creative bohemian atmosphere. Amidst lush vegetation and historic houses, locals and visitors alike discover special experiences, such as a walk along the marina, a visit to the Vizcaya Museum, or relaxing hours in Peacock Park.
Coconut Grove is not only considered an insider tip in our travel guide but also offers numerous accommodations for every taste – from boutique hotels to quiet Airbnb oases. Those looking for top attractions off the beaten tourist path ideally combine their travel day with a trip to Little Havana or a stroll through the Coco Walk shopping center, which exudes genuine Florida feeling with cafes, shops, and live music.
The History of Coral Gables
The history of Coral Gables begins in the early 20th century – significantly later than many other cities in Florida. The region southwest of Miami was originally covered by dense subtropical forest, and the land was considered largely undeveloped. Everything changed when the young visionary George Merrick pursued the idea of creating an idealized garden city in Mediterranean style – with plenty of greenery, wide boulevards, and thoughtful urban planning.
Merrick, son of a successful citrus farmer couple, grew up exactly where Coral Gables would later be established. In 1921, he began developing his dream city – with a clear plan in which architecture, culture, and nature would harmoniously intertwine. Coral Gables was officially founded in 1925. Within a few years, notable landmarks such as the magnificent Biltmore Hotel, the Venetian Pool, or the historic City Hall were built – all in the so-called Mediterranean Revival Style, which gave the city its unique face.
Coral Gables was one of the first planned cities in the USA with its own zoning code – a detailed development plan. This was intended to preserve the aesthetic overall image in the long term. This early focus on design and quality of life was unusual for the time and soon made Coral Gables a popular residential area for wealthy families.
The great economic crisis at the end of the 1920s initially stopped growth abruptly. Many construction projects had to be abandoned, and Merrick himself lost his fortune. But the basic structure was laid. After World War II, Coral Gables grew again – primarily as an upscale residential area for Miami. The University of Miami, founded in 1925, also played an important role in the city’s development.
Today, Coral Gables is an architectural jewel with over 1,000 listed buildings. The city has largely preserved its original character and is considered one of the most beautiful residential areas in South Florida – a successful example of visionary urban planning.