· US

Coral Gables

Coral Gables, Florida, United States

Step into the "City Beautiful": Coral Gables, Florida Coral Gables, affectionately nicknamed the "City Beautiful," is a haven of Mediterranean Revival architecture, lush green spaces, and sophisticated charm just minutes…

#Upscale#Historic#Luxury#Mediterranean architecture#Cultural

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Coral Gables.

Top Hotels in Coral Gables

Top Flights to Coral Gables

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Coral Gables.

Tours

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

A large garden dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants.

Biltmore Hotel and Spa

A luxury hotel with a rich history and stunning architecture.

Coral Gables Museum

A museum celebrating the history and culture of Coral Gables.

Shopping

Miracle Mile

A premier shopping destination with a variety of high-end boutiques and restaurants.

Shops at Merrick Park

An outdoor mall with over 100 high-end stores and eateries.

Outdoor

Venetian Pool

An iconic public pool created from a coral rock quarry, featuring Mediterranean architecture.

Matheson Hammock Park

A popular park offering picnic areas, a man-made atoll pool, and excellent bird watching.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Coral Gables.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Coral Gables, Florida, United States is '49,000'.

Languages

English, Spanish

Average weather

Coral Gables

Jan

24°15°

Feb

25°16°

Mar

26°18°

Apr

28°20°

May

30°22°

Jun

32°24°

Jul

33°25°

Aug

33°25°

Sep

32°24°

Oct

30°22°

Nov

27°19°

Dec

25°16°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Coral Gables.

What people love

Coral Gables, located in Florida, United States, offers several advantages for travelers, including:

Beautiful architecture: Coral Gables is known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, with stunning buildings, charming streets, and lush landscapes. Visitors can enjoy walking tours to admire the unique architecture and historic sites in the area.
Coral Gables Museum: The Coral Gables Museum provides insight into the history and culture of the city, showcasing exhibits on art, architecture, and urban design. It offers a great way to learn more about the area's rich heritage.
Venetian Pool: One of the main attractions in Coral Gables is the Venetian Pool, a historic public swimming pool that features waterfalls, caves, and lush landscaping. It's a great spot to relax and cool off on a hot day.
Miracle Mile: Coral Gables is home to Miracle Mile, a bustling shopping and dining district lined with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can enjoy shopping for unique items and sampling diverse cuisines in this vibrant area.
Coral Gables Art Cinema: Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Coral Gables Art Cinema, which screens independent and foreign films in a cozy setting. It's a great place to catch a movie that you might not find in mainstream theaters.

Overall, traveling to Coral Gables offers a mix of cultural experiences, architectural beauty, and recreational opportunities that make it a unique and appealing destination for visitors.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Coral Gables, Florida, include:

Weather: Florida is known for its hot and humid weather, especially in the summer months. Travelers may find the high temperatures and humidity uncomfortable, particularly if they are not accustomed to such conditions.
Tourist Crowds: Coral Gables is a popular destination for tourists, so certain attractions and areas may be crowded, especially during peak travel seasons. This could lead to longer wait times and difficulty finding accommodations.
Traffic: Like many cities in Florida, traffic congestion can be a problem in Coral Gables, particularly during rush hours. Travelers may experience delays and frustration when trying to navigate the city by car.
Expensive: Coral Gables is known for its upscale neighborhoods, shopping, and dining options, which can make it a more expensive destination compared to other places in Florida. Travelers on a budget may find that costs for accommodations, dining, and activities are higher than expected.
Hurricane Risk: Florida is prone to hurricanes during certain times of the year, which could disrupt travel plans and potentially pose a safety risk to visitors. It's important for travelers to be aware of hurricane season and take necessary precautions.

These are some potential cons to consider when traveling to Coral Gables, Florida.

Coral Gables, Florida, is a city located in Miami-Dade County, known for its Mediterranean Revival style architecture, lush streets, and historic landmarks. It was one of the first planned communities in the United States and has a rich history linked to its founder, George E. Merrick.

Founding and Development

1920s: Coral Gables was founded by George E. Merrick in 1925. Merrick was a visionary real estate developer who aimed to create a well-planned community reminiscent of the Mediterranean region, incorporating elements of Spanish, Italian, and Moorish architecture. The city was one of the first to have a comprehensive zoning plan.
Design and Architecture: Merrick enlisted renowned architects like Phineas Paist and Denman Fink to design the city's layout and buildings. The architectural style is predominantly Mediterranean Revival, characterized by stucco walls, red tile roofs, and wrought-iron details.
University of Miami: In 1925, the University of Miami was founded in Coral Gables, largely through Merrick's efforts and land donation. The university has since become a major educational and cultural institution.

Economic Growth and Challenges

1920s Real Estate Boom: The city initially thrived during the Florida land boom of the 1920s, but the boom ended abruptly with the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926 and the subsequent Great Depression, which slowed development.
Post-War Development: After World War II, Coral Gables experienced renewed growth, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, as the area became more accessible and Miami expanded.

Significant Events and Historical Figures

George E. Merrick: As the founder of Coral Gables, Merrick's vision and planning were crucial to the city's development. He also played a key role in the establishment of the University of Miami.
Landmark Events: The city has hosted numerous cultural events and has been a center for arts and education in South Florida.

Important Landmarks

Biltmore Hotel: Opened in 1926, the Biltmore Hotel is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most iconic buildings in Coral Gables. It was designed by Schultze and Weaver, inspired by Spanish and Italian architecture.
Venetian Pool: Created in 1924 from a coral rock quarry, the Venetian Pool is a historic public swimming pool known for its beauty and Mediterranean influence. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Coral Gables City Hall: Built in 1928, this building is another example of the city's Mediterranean Revival architecture and serves as the seat of the city government.
Miracle Mile: A prominent shopping district in Coral Gables, Miracle Mile has been a significant commercial hub since its development, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.

Modern Developments

Today, Coral Gables is known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and vibrant cultural scene. It remains a sought-after residential area and a hub for international business due to its proximity to Miami. The city's commitment to preserving its historic architecture and green spaces continues to attract tourists and residents alike.

Coral Gables has maintained its historical charm while evolving into a modern city that balances tradition with innovation.