A Guide to the Best of Coral Gables, Florida

Everyone knows the Sunshine State of Florida and its stretch of coastline. But if you can look away from the sandy beaches towards the south of Miami, you’ll find Miami’s sophisticated neighbor—Coral Gables, a city in Miami-Dade County.

Picture this: Mediterranean-styled buildings, coral exteriors, and streets lined with oaks and trees dripping with lively greens. Yes, that’s the city of Coral Gables, a.k.a. The City Beautiful. However, there’s more to this place than the 20th-century aesthetics if you’re looking for what to do in Coral Gables, Florida.

Whether you’re a culture vulture craving a dose of art history, an unapologetic shopaholic, or a family on a mission for memory-making adventures, Coral Gables has something special for you.

So, buckle up for a guide to the best of Coral Gables.

Top-tier Info for the Budget Packers

The City Beautiful has earned the reputation for being a place of fancy yachts and champagne brunches. But for the budget-savvy traveler or potential residents, you may want to know if Coral Gables is a budget black hole and just how much dent living in this city can leave in your pocket.

Living in Coral Gables costs a tad more than your average spot — 18.9% higher than the national average and 15.3% higher than the state average. But fear not; the locals seem to be living their best lives, with their head-spinning median household income soaring at $118,203. Of course, it’s higher than the national average of $74,580 in 2022.

With about $1.1M as the median sale price, you can be a homeowner. Pretty pricey, yeah? With a little planning and resourcefulness, you can experience the magic of Coral Gables without burning your pockets.

You can even engage the professional services of a Coral Gables, FL, moving company to help you get around the best places for your buck.

• Average Rent: $2,890
• Median Home Value: $1.1 M
• Median Household Income: $118,203

Insta-Famous and Coral Gables Hot Spots

Coral Gables has many attraction sites. The city’s hot spots are true gems that spice up your list of what to do in Coral Gables, Florida.

Some of these insta-worthy attractions include:

Miracle Mile

First, ditch the filter. The street of Miracle Mile is a real-life fashion show with colorful murals that serve as the perfect backdrop for your photoshoot. Lined by sidewalks flanked by boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, it is a true stunner.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Experience tropical goodness at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. The cascading waterfalls, enchanting gardens, and orchids beckon nature lovers to soak up the energy of Mother Nature.

Venetian Pool

Only a few things can help you beat the Miami Heat in style than making a splash at this Venetian-inspired masterpiece. The turquoise water, grottoes, and caves deliver vibes that can never be boring.

Coral Gables and Lowe Art Museum

Hello, art lovers and historians; here’s one for you. Browse stunning art collections and channel your inner culture pulse into beating for the visual history of Coral Gables and contemporary art exhibitions.

Biltmore Hotel

Feeling presidential? Legend has it that the Biltmore Hotel can make one a president. Okay, that’s not true, but you get the gist.

The Biltmore Hotel has received presidents, including JFK, Roosevelt, Bush, and even Nelson Mandela. No visit to Coral Gables would be complete without a peek at the majestic Biltmore Hotel. The architectural marvel exudes old-world charm and modern glamor.

Fine Dining and Savory Nibbles

In case you’re wondering, “What is Coral Gables known for?” Fine dining is the answer. One of the merits of this city being the beehive of attractions is the culinary diversity of its food scene.

Imagine starting your day with the steaming aroma of French pastries wafting into your nostrils or sampling vegan options at L’artisane. In between breakfast, there’s brunch at Hillstone and Italian dining at Zucca.

With places like this, finding a great restaurant in Coral Gables is not a difficult task.

Other dining choices in Coral Gables include:

• Fontana restaurant
• Mesa Mar for all things seafood
• La Casita restaurant for Caribbean delicacies
• Bulla Gastrobar for Spanish delights

Fine dining establishments rub shoulders with casual cafes, all with mouthwatering menus. What about the outdoor dining scene? It is to die for. You can have lunch on a sweltering afternoon under the shade of a tree. That’s pure bliss!

The Economy of Coral Gables

It’s a given that Coral Gables, a Miami-Dade County, isn’t exactly a budget paradise, which means you need to up your money game and find gainful employment. The good news is that the job market here is sizzling hot in many industries.

Over 23,000 people have jobs in Coral Gables, with an income inequality index of 0.473, a value lower than the national average.

So, where is Coral Gables, Florida, job market booming? The employment sector ranges from educational services, healthcare, technical services, finance, and retail trading to retail trading.

Notable company presence includes Nordstrom, Dell, American Tower, and MasTec. With these, there’s a good chance you can find your niche and score a salary that’ll keep your fridge stocked for a long time.

Education and the Intellectual Playground

Think University of Miami, think Coral Gables. Coral Gables is home to many students, and locals refer to the city as a college town. Little wonder that over 70% of its population have university degrees, as against the 21.84% national average.

The popular University of Miami, renowned worldwide as a research institution, is where the exchange of ideas and innovation thrives. The stunning landscape and architectural splendor of the university campus testify that the university offers more than just education.

There’s an atmosphere enhancing intellectual curiosity and social life. But if you have a young family, many private and public school options exist.

They abound for elementary, middle, and high school educational levels, with Coral Gables Senior High School ranking #29 in Miami-Dade County Public Schools High Schools.

Charm or Crime Central of Coral Gables Neighborhoods

Coral Gables boasts some safe neighborhoods. In the neck of the city, the crime rate is 0.71, lower than the national median of 4.0. Meaning there are higher chances of the Floridan weather hitting a negative than you being a victim of violent crime.

However, the city is not immune to mischief, so your worry won’t just be which café to hit up for your morning Cuban coffee fix. The property crime rate is 21.28, greater than the national median of 20.

Now, you know the numbers to answer, “Is Coral Gables a good area in Miami?” But in which neighborhoods can you take a quiet walk, taking in the cocktail culture of the nightlife without the fear of getting mugged?

Here are a few:

• Gables Estate
• Granada Place
• Old Cutler Bay
• Coral Gables Country Club South

Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, you must have updated your list of what to do in Coral Gables, Florida.

So, call up that cool friend who’s always ready for adventure. Grab your camera, pack some sunscreen, and dust your credit card.

Ready to move and scale up financially? Coral Gables calls. Answer and create memories that are worth every penny.