Coral Gables
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Place to Shop,
Popular with Locals,
Neighborhood
All across America are wealthy suburbs, where the houses are big and new and designed to resemble European abodes. But Coral Gables, called the City Beautiful, was the first. For in the posh neighborhood, you’ll see Italianate villas, Mediterranean mansion, mini-Alhambras, and cookie-cutter Cordobas, shaded and lovely under lving walls of banyan grove and ficus copse.
After you’ve spent some time driving around looking at all the beautiful homes, head up Granada Boulevard to Anastasia Avenue to marvel at the palatial landmark Biltmore Hotel. Then zip up the diagonal Desoto Boulevard, past the gurgling stone fountain of DeSoto Plaza to the perfectly sculpted landscaping, waterfalls, palm groves, and shaded pavilions of Venetian Pool. For a little respite, head east past wedding-cake houses and an organic pavilion of banyan branches to Miracle Mile, a sparkling stretch of the Gables’ finest shopping outlets.
To the south is the University of Miami, where the gorgeous grounds and its student body inject a nice dose of punky youth into this aristocratic neighborhood. Art lovers should stop at the Lowe Art Museum to see the stunning collection of pre-Columbia and Mesoamerican art. The museum also has a lovely collection of Renaissance and Baroque art.
Latest Reviews
Review by Eniko G, April 2013
Doing what: Miami City Tour including Bayside and Biscayne Bay Cruise
the guide was very professional one. a very nice lady! she had a good sense of humor too.
one comment: the tour was not starting in time, one hour delay:(
Review by Maria R, April 2013
Doing what: Miami City Tour including Bayside and Biscayne Bay Cruise
We had such a great time in Miami and this tour was a Huge part of it. The best part was the tour guide John, he was the absolute BEST!!! It was three girls, and it was only our second day in Miami. We were the first ones to be picked up and we were out there early so he took us to get cafe cubano and empanadas at a nearby cafe. He was very generous and payed for us. He gave us a brief overview of the tour and how it was going to work. The bus was full and he made sure to attend to everyones needs. The majority of the people on the bus were brazilians, so he was doing an excellent job of saying things in all languages. The tour itself is very interesting and it takes you all over the city, it was great because we were staying in south beach and if we didn't do this tour we probably wouldnt of gotten to see the beautiful city of Miami. We were on a tight schedule so we were unable to grab something to eat or drink in between the bus and the boat. However the boat has a bar so we drank something there. I would advice to eat beforehand or pack a snack! Overall we loved Miami and this tour!
Review by Walpole, March 2013
Doing what: Miami City Tour including Bayside and Biscayne Bay Cruise
Great tour guide
Practical Info
Coral Gables is located southwest of downtown Miami and borders Coconut Grove and Little Havana. The City Beautiful is packed with dining establishments and gourmet shops, along many international retailers.
You can easily spend an entire day here sightseeing, shopping, and eating. Though you can get here by public transportation, you’ll get the most of your visit by car, as you can easily see more sites.
