Welcome to Coral Gables
This prestigious waterfront neighborhood lined with trees and lush vegetation was one of the first planned communities in South Florida.
Coral Gables is an exclusive waterfront alcove renowned for decadence, affluence, and Spanish-inspired architecture. As one of South Florida’s first planned communities, parts of the city invoke turn-of-the-century Venice and the Mediterranean revival. It is South Florida’s crown jewel, and its creators envisioned it as a Garden City, which is how Coral Gables came to be known as “The City Beautiful.”
What to Love
- Prestigious waterfront neighborhood
- Acclaimed culinary scene
- Lush vegetation and natural beauty
- Exclusive gated communities
- Several excellent parks and country clubs
- Golf courses galore
- Recreation opportunities
People and Lifestyle
Inspired by the tropical gardens and natural Miami landscape, Coral Gables is a garden city where towering trees and lush vegetation weave through the residential streets and central business district. As an affluent and luxurious place to live, Coral Gables has some of the most coveted estates in South Florida.
Many residents live in the numerous gated communities or the luxe condominiums and townhomes. Even though Coral Gables is known for its residential appeal, it also contains a vibrant commercial district where locals can do their shopping, visit museums, attend an arthouse cinema and dine at some of Miami’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
Fiola is one of the best Italian restaurants in Coral Gables, and Fabio Trabocchi's first location outside of D.C. Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli at Luca Osteria curates an extensive menu of Italian classics. Portosole is another elegant Italian establishment in Coral Gables owned by Venice-born Lucio Zanon. Amore is also top-rated.
A classic Miami staple for more than two decades, the menu at Perricone's features many Italian favorites. Perricone's also entices guests with a gourmet market and a garden. Speaking of gourmet markets, Salumeria 104 sets itself apart from other Italian restaurants in the area by fusing a trattoria with a cured meat shop.
Mamey is an authentic farm-to-table experience inspired by Chef Patel's travels throughout Polynesia, Asia and the Caribbean. Enjoy a traditional Argentine meal at Graziano's while soaking in a breathtaking view from the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Bar is a casual neighborhood spot for beer and burgers. Copper 29 is a little more sophisticated but similar in that the leather couches and cozy interior are ideal for private conversation and a stiff bourbon on the rocks. Hillstones is a casual chain eatery that has been in business for almost 15 years and makes incredible handcrafted sushi.
Try something bold and unique at Gramercy, an American brasserie serving food with a global influence. Bay 13 is an Australian-style brewpub with a great atmosphere. The upscale restaurant Mariposa, located inside the Coral Gables Neiman Marcus, is a great place to refuel between shopping trips!
Other neighborhood hotspots popular with locals and visitors alike include Doc B's, Caffe Abbracci, Morton's Steakhouse, Perry's, and Cebada Rooftop.
Things to Do
Matheson Hammock Park is one of the most beloved parks in the entire Miami-Dade area. Overlooking Biscayne Bay, the Matheson Hammock Park has a thoughtful layout encompassing 630 acres of open space, winding nature trails, hardwood forests, and mangroves. Those who love being in the water will appreciate the atoll pools naturally filled with tides from the bay and surrounded by limestone. The park also features a full-service marina and Coral Gables' only waterfront restaurant, Redfish.
Being a smaller and lesser-known park in South Miami doesn't make Dante Fascell Park any less pleasant. There are plenty of recreational options at Dante Fascell Park, including tennis and volleyball courts and several exercise trails. Riviera Park is another large, lush green space ideal for families. Golfers will want to invest in a membership to the Riviera Country Club, one of the most prestigious private clubs in Coral Gables. The club boasts a private 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course.
Despite having the word "park" in the name, the Shops at Merrick Park is an extravagant and luxurious outdoor shopping destination. As Coral Gables' premier shopping mall, Merrick Park hosts a broad range of retail options from independent boutiques to designer faves. You can tour the best of these upscale brands by walking through beautifully designed streetscapes.
For a unique way to spend an afternoon, consider visiting the Fairchild Tropical Gardens. An 83-acre botanic garden with several distinct ecosystems, Fairchild is the best way to see rare collections of tropical plants, cycads, vines, and flowering trees.
Schools
The private University of Miami is located in Coral Gables. School-aged students in this neighborhood attend public schools in the Miami-Dade School District. There are several prestigious private schools in the area, such as Gulliver Academy, St. Theresa Catholic School, St. Philip's Episcopal School, French-American School of Miami, and St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School.
