Coral Gables is one of the major cities in the vast Miami metropolitan area, with more than six million residents.
With a moderate population of about 50,000 and a charming atmosphere, Coral Gables ranks high compared to Miami.
Despite its population size, it’s one of the most elite and expensive communities in a region saturated with them.
With its location being Southwest of Downtown Miami, it also allows tourists to also explore some top Florida attractions in downtown Miami.
It’s bordered by incredible beaches, world-class shopping, and natural, cultural, and artistic treasures, so you’ll never be bored, no matter your budget or hobbies.
Here are the best things to do in Coral Gables, Florida.
Fun Things to Do in Coral Gables
1. Learn About Local History at Coral Gables Museum
The Coral Gables Museum was built downtown and included thousands of square feet of indoor and outdoor space.
The museum’s galleries feature many historical displays of artifacts and modern works of art created in various genres, and the outdoor public spaces are breathtaking.
Its fields are vast, and those looking to burn off a few calories and gain a valuable perspective that land-based visitors would miss out on can take guided tours on foot, bike, or even paddle.
2. Watch a Game at Watsco Center
Maybe you miss watching a live exciting basketball game, right?
The Watsco Center is an 8,000-seat multipurpose arena on the Miami campus.
The facility hosts concerts, family exhibits, trade shows, lecture series, academic events, and athletic events, including the University of Miami men’s and women’s basketball games.
Ticket prices vary, but you can visit the Watsco Center website for prices and the latest game schedules!
3. Try Your Golf Skills at Jim Mclean Golf School at the Biltmore Hotel
Located on Anastasia Ave, the Biltmore Hotel Miami, the Jim McLean Golf School is one of the most popular golf schools in Coral Gables.
Most of the reviews from former students showed that the course was practical and applicable in actual games.
You can start learning golf without complicating it; how amazing is that?
The golf school is run by McLean, together with professional instructors.
Things to Do in Coral Gables at Night
1. Grab a Beer at the Titanic Brewing Company
Just a 12-minute drive from Matheson Hammock Park, you can enjoy a variety of high-quality beers.
This brewing company is located near the University of Miami campus on Ponce De Leon Boulevard in Coral Gables.
It’s a popular hangout for people who prefer a solid, vibrant local craft beer to a washed-out and generally tasteless glass of suds from a national mega-brewery.
In addition to brewpubs, they are also home to live entertainment and full-service restaurants.
From IPAs and bitters to stouts and wheat, there’s sure to be something on the menu to appeal to most palates.
Always make sure you never drink and drive and drink responsibly!
2. Have Dinner at Doc B’s Restaurant and Bar
This bar is named after Craig Bernstein’s father, the creator.
The main base of this restaurant and bar is Chicago, but it has locations across the country, including Texas, Florida, Illinois, and Coral Gables.
Located in Coral Gables, this one recently opened to the public in 2018. This restaurant and bar features natural lighting in the dining room and serves casual appetizers.
The dining room has a 700-degree pizza oven and a 900-degree Steak broiler.
The oven and broiler prepare delicious dishes such as center-cut filet mignon, Danish-style barbecue ribs, Palm Beach skirt steak, etc.
The restaurant has a different selection of pizzas, from the regular Pepperoni and Italian Sausage to unique types like Avocado with Tortilla Cheese and Pickled Jalapeños.
3. Relax for the Night at Bulla Gastrobar
This popular Spanish tapas restaurant opened in various Miami areas, including Coral Gables, which opened in 2013.
The restaurant is Mediterranean in style and was created by Carlos Centurion, known for his work at Por Fin, another popular dining spot.
Bulla Gastrobar serves a selection of tapas throughout the day, including veal albondigas and chorizo-stuffed dates.
Catalan-style cannelloni with Mahón cheese and oil, cod fritters, and oxtail flatbreads.
They also serve cheese plates, cured meats, grilled pork, paella, and churrasco.
Bulla Gastrobar also offers a variety of beverages, such as imported draft beer, Spanish wines and cocktails, and Artisanal Sangrias.
Things to Do in Coral Gables For Couples
1. Visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
This state park covers nearly one-third of Key Biscayne Island in Florida.
The Cape Florida Lighthouse is Greater Miami’s oldest standing structure and is located in the park.
The park offers fun activities such as barbecuing with friends and family in the pavilion, sunbathing on the beaches, and fishing.
Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon named Cape Florida in 1513 during the first Spanish expedition to Florida.
From Thursday to Monday, they offer tours of the Cape Florida Lighthouse and the Lighthouse Keeper’s cabins twice a day.
A knowledgeable and helpful guide always accompanies tours.
The Lighthouse rents bicycles, umbrellas, and beach chairs for convenience and adventure.
The state park also offers beautiful views like the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay.
2. Go on a Tour of Deering Estate
The estate is located along the South Dade coast and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is known as a historical place and cultural wealth.
The estate is a unique modern museum open to visitors to learn and preserve history and enjoy programs and signature events.
Daily tours are offered to visitors who take them through historic homes, natural areas, fossils, and prehistoric tools.
This estate also doubles as a botanical garden and is a beautiful place to spend time and create fun and unforgettable memories.
3. Visit Lowe Art Museum
The Lowe Art Museum is the first art museum in South Florida.
This museum has over 19,000 exhibits, which started with a gift from generous philanthropists Emily and Joe Lowe, who became its founders.
It is located along Stanford Drive in Coral Gables and is managed and operated by the University of Miami.
Some of its famous exhibitions include Giampaolo Seguso: My Page is Glass, Hand & Earth; Studio Glass from the Florence Collection; Six Views of Japanese Contemporary Ceramics; and Robert Werner and Yousuf Karsh: American Portraits.
The museum is open year-round for visitors who want to see beautiful, unique exhibits.
Things to Do in Coral Gables For Kids
1. Take Them to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Located on more than 90 acres of gorgeous grounds on Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables, the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is one of the city’s most popular spots for more than just its stunning gardens and beautiful atmosphere.
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden offers so much more than just the relaxing scenery!
The garden’s largely volunteer staff offers a range of educational and instructional activities aimed at children and covering topics such as botany, ecology, and the value of protecting the natural environment.
Garden features include a study center, a museum, and a local laboratory.
They also organize several important events throughout the year, such as the International Chocolate Festival.
2. Let Them Play at Venetian Pool
As mentioned earlier, there are endless ways to enjoy the complex attractions in Coral Gables!
The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables was a luxury resort for most of its life.
Although no longer as elite as it once was, it is still a beloved local landmark with remarkable properties that are a fascinating blend of the natural and man-made worlds.
The pool is filled with cold water from artesian wells and can hold over 800,000 gallons when fully stocked.
Several caves and grottoes have been carved into the surrounding rock, providing a unique experience of swimming and exploring.
By the pool, you will find waterfalls, entrances, and plenty of lounging spots shaded by tall palm trees.
Don’t miss the pool in one of the most visited destinations in the city!
3. Visit the Miami Seaquarium
Located on the beautiful Virginia Key Island, the Seaquarium is a 38-acre Oceanarium.
Miami Seaquarium was established in 1955 and has many unique and beautiful exhibits such as penguins, stingrays, manatees, sea turtles, etc.
The Seaquarium also has mammals like sea lions and dolphins in this oceanarium.
Visitors are also taught about marine animal care and wildlife rescue.
The main and most popular attraction of the Seaquarium is the Dolphin Harbour.
At Dolphin Harbor, visitors have a fun and exciting opportunity to swim with dolphins.
For fun, add a visit to the Miami Seaquarium to your checklist of things to do in Coral Gables.
Indoor Activities to Do in Coral Gables For Adults
1. Don’t Miss a Performance at GableStage
Located in Anastasia Ave, GableStage has always provided exciting and powerful theater performances.
GableStage argues that theater’s success depends on developing young audiences and creativity; a core element of its purpose is an annual educational program and numerous venues to promote potential new playgroups, playwrights, and theater artists.
GableStage faced a multicultural audience in Florida with its unique productions that tackle contemporary issues and entertain at the same time.
Their theater is, therefore, exciting and entertaining and makes the youth aware of the general problems of the contemporary world.
These shows would be perfect for watching with family and friends; why not try them?
2. Experience a Show of Arts in Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
Inaugurated in 1988, Acting Theater at the Miracle Theater is Coral Gables’ primary community arts facility with year-round performances suitable for various guests.
The Art Deco-inspired venue has now undergone a multi-million dollar renovation.
While it remains a beautiful and elegant theatre, it also has state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment.
Everyone should have something, from gritty games to lighter children’s shows and stand-up comedy.
So don’t miss the schedule of events, and browse their website for updates!
3. Relax While Seeing a Show at Coral Gables Art Cinema
Watching a theater show with your friends and family is extremely exciting!
If you are looking for this, you better visit the Coral Gables Arts Cinema.
Coral Gables Art Cinema is a boutique movie theater that focuses on independent, foreign, and vintage films. Unlike the national theaters in every mega-mall, it plays the same first-rate films as everyone else.
It’s one of the hippest establishments in town, especially for people who’d rather see a stylish French movie from the 1960s than eat popcorn and fake butter and watch Sylvester Stallone save the world.
Romantic Things to Do in Coral Gables
1. Visit the Curtiss Mansion
The Curtiss Mansion is also known to some as the Miami Springs Villas.
Funds were contributed by Curtiss Mansion Inc. Corporation and the City of Miami Springs to renovate and manage the Curtiss Mansion in 1998.
City and Curtiss Mansion Inc. The Corporation continued fundraising for the upkeep and operation of the headquarters in 2011.
The castle can currently be booked for special activities such as engagements, weddings, celebrations, historical tours, special moments, and corporate events.
The castle also hosts exhibitions, courses, films, art presentations, lectures, and other entertaining events.
2. Go Shopping at Merrick Park
Coral Gables has a reputation as a haven for people who want to indulge in a higher standard of living, albeit at a hefty premium.
The Shops at Merrick Park are for people who want to treat themselves to something special or at least shop and fantasize a little.
They represent international luxury brands such as Gucci, Burberry, and Tiffany & Co.
The stores have a fitness center and various dining options, making them more than just shopping therapy.
You won’t regret buying top brands of clothing and other accessories at this store!
3. Relax at Matheson Hammock Park
Matheson Hammock Park is just a 4-minute drive away.
Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables is big in every way, but it’s also an inner city paradise ideally located near many of the city’s top attractions.
The park is located near the landmark Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, making it a convenient side trip for people with already busy schedules.
Hotel attractions include a full-service restaurant and a built-in tidal pool that rises and falls with Biscayne Bay.
Popular activities at Matheson Hammock Park include hiking, fishing, and photography.
Free Things to Do in Coral Gables
1. Worship at the Church of the Little Flower
Join the holy mass celebration along with your friends and family at the iconic church in the city.
On December 8, 1952, Archbishop Joseph P. Hurley of Saint Augustine, Florida, inaugurated the church.
The Church of the Little Flower is now a tourist attraction in Coral Gables.
In June of this year, Fr. Manny Alvarez was elected the 9th pastor of Little Flower Church and St. Teresa School.
Without a doubt, it is always a wonderful feeling to spend time together with your loved ones to praise and glorify your Creator.
2. Experience Trolley’s Free Ride
Coral Gables Trolley is an accessible transportation facility in the City of Coral Gables with the help of the Miami-Dade County Half Penny Transportation Surcharge, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Since its inception in November 2003, this service has proven to be a fast, inclusive, cheap, and environmentally friendly transport alternative for the residents, commuters, and tourists of Krásné.
The Trolley Program was established to alleviate local traffic congestion, minimize parking demand, and connect downtown Coral Gables and neighboring regions.
The Coral Gables Trolley is a successful system that does all of the above as cities look for ways to reduce pollution, provide open access, and reduce dependence on foreign oil and vehicle travel.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the iconic free ride that has become an excellent means of solving one of the city’s prevailing problems!
3. Visit the Tropical Audubon Society
The Tropical Audubon Society focuses on ecosystem and wildlife conservation. Its mission is primarily to protect and restore Florida’s ecosystem, birds, and other wildlife.
The Tropical Audubon Society protects the environment, native plants, and native and unique species by promoting intelligent resource management.
They allow a visit to the Doc Thomas House and the Steinberg Nature Center.
The Dr. Thomas House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Audubon Society has a 2.2-acre site consisting of a hammock and Pine Rockland.
Cheap Things to Do in Coral Gables
1. Stop by the Historical Coral Gables Merrick House
While at the Shops at Merrick Park, why not visit this iconic historic home in Coral Gables?
The iconic mansion known as the Coral Gables Merrick House is named after its architect and founder, the city of Coral Gables as well, both of whom were members of the Merrick family.
It has been a general historical monument since the early 1970s.
It is filled with antique paintings, antiques, and handicrafts that give visitors a glimpse into the past.
Site tours are offered bi-weekly and are led by qualified and passionate docents.
It’s an ideal way for history and culture buffs to spend an average of two hours learning about the history of South Florida.
2. Read a Book or Two at Books & Books
While many avid readers choose to read on their smartphones and e-books, most readers still prefer plain, old-fashioned print books.
Books & Books is a popular stop for people looking for a great beach read or its diverse assortment of classics and favorites across various subjects.
The store includes a cafe and hosts various social events and programs such as guest lecturers, poetry readings, book launches, and author meet-ups.
You can also have a cup of coffee while reading inside!
3. Visit Cape Florida lighthouse
It is a historic Florida building located on Key Biscayne Island, Florida.
The lighthouse is located inside Bills Baggs Cape Florida State Park and has been around for about two hundred years.
The lighthouse was built in 1825 and had about 109 steps that tourists climb up to the guard room, where there is a beautiful view.
It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since its establishment. It was recently destroyed in 1992 when it was severely damaged by a hurricane (Hurricane Andrew).
You can see this historic building at Bills Baggs Cape Florida State Park Monday through Thursday. They give tours of this facility twice a day.
It’s a great place to see and explore.
Cool Places to Visit in Coral Gables
1. Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden
Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden is a beautiful 9-acre garden, and this garden is a non-profit organization.
The Kampong garden is one of five that make up the popular non-profit organization, the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
This garden contains a variety of unique fruits and flowering trees that are of interest to visitors.
There are more than 50 unique exotic fruits, such as eggs and mango.
Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden also has varieties of flowering trees, palms, and cycads that attract scientists.
It also offers guided and self-guided garden tours at any time of the year.
2. Coco Bella Gift and Home shop
This is a beautiful gift shop near the Coral Gables Museum in Florida. The store has diverse and unique home decor items and gifts.
More popular products at Coco Bella Gift and Home are beautiful coffee mugs, family picture frames, 10-ounce cookie glasses, bistro creamer sets, wine glass sets, bridal sequins, custom stainless steel bottles, and cheese board serving sets.
If you want to get a gift or souvenir for a friend or yourself, then you should add a visit to Coco Bella Gift and Home to your list of things to do in Coral Gables.
3. Tropical Park
Tropical Park is a large city park in Florida with about 275 acres of land.
The current park grounds were once a horse racetrack in 1979, and the park has smoothly paved paths for outdoor recreation.
The most popular outdoor recreational activities on the park’s trails are walking, running, and biking.
The park also has fantastic visitor activities, including Tropical Park Boxing, the Optimist Club of Westchester, Baseball Camp at Tropical Park, and Jazzercise at Tropical Park.
Conclusion
Coral Gables’ unlimited and expansive attractions are fun and involve the development of knowledge, skills, and discovery.
Start planning your trip already, pin this guide of things to do in Carol Gables, and have yourself a memorable vacation.
