Coral Gables, Florida
If you arrive in Coral Gables you might think you entered a time-machine and landed on the Mediterranean Coast of the 1920s. The city’s main entrances are graced by coral rock arches of that era. It is a city of plazas, esplanades, and fountains, with Mediterranean Revival architectural style homes and public buildings from the 1920s. It is like a studio set, built on a large scale with minute attention to ensure a blend of color, design, and style.
The timeless grace and grandeur of this charming and prestigious city have been lovingly restored and preserved to rightfully earn the epithet – A City Beautiful. The streets complete the picture of harmony with the environment with their stately trees forming canopies of banyan, oak, tropical palms, and Royal Poinciana trees.
About the Community
George Merrick, the founder, had inherited one hundred and sixty acres of undeveloped land which he operated as a plantation, producing avocados, oranges, and grapefruit. Over the years he amassed 3,000 acres of land with the idea of creating a beautifully planned city. Development started in 1921, with the help of other visionaries who wanted to showcase South Florida, with its wonderful climate and natural beauty, to the world. He named it Coral Gables after his native rock childhood home. It was incorporated in 1925 and many of the structures of that era, like the Biltmore Hotel and Venetian Pool, are today national historic landmarks. The luxury hotel features a championship golf course, spa, and the largest hotel pool in the country.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
Vicinity of Coral Gables
Additional Details
Today Coral Gables is home to approximately 50 thousand people. Good schools, excellent civic amenities, and prosperous lifestyles add to the prestige of living in this jewel of a city. Health needs are looked after at the Coral Gables Hospital and Doctors Hospital. Art and technology are equally appreciated in Coral Gables. The city will play host to a spectacular sculpture exhibition, including 10 monumental bronzes by Salvador Dali. Outdoor sculptures will be displayed on a lush, green setting in the heart of the city while inside the gallery, a selection of works will complement the outdoor pieces. Technology is put to practical use in the city by offering the facility to pay for parking through cell phones. The prestigious University of Miami is located in Coral Gables and is the largest private research university in the Southeastern United States. It offers sports, the Lowe Art Museum, theater, music, and cultural events.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden designed in 1938, is an 83-acre natural preserve offering guided tours and seasonal events. World-renowned Botanist, Dr. David Fairchild retired in 1935 and inspired his friend Col Montgomery to start the botanic garden. It includes plants from all over the world, many planted by Dr. Fairchild himself. Matheson Hammock Park is another 600 acres of paradise for both nature lovers and boaters. There are over 15 species of native hardwood trees, nature trails, and a man-made island pool. The pride of Coral Gables is the Venetian Pool, a historic site, located in one of the residential neighborhoods. Hidden behind pastel stucco walls and wrought iron gates it is perhaps the only swimming pool to be included in the National Register of Historic Places. Its vine-covered loggias, shady porticos, Spanish fountain, and cascading waterfalls that spill into a lagoon with coral rock caves and a palm-fringed island make it unique. A major historical restoration was completed in 1989.
Coral Gables is home to many fine restaurants, from casual eateries to celebrated restaurants. You have an array of international options to satisfy every taste and occasion. Miracle Mile has fabulous restaurants with European style outdoor dining, designer boutiques, and theaters. Avail of free trolley transport throughout downtown. More shopping awaits you at Village of Merrick Park with 115 world-class shops and restaurants in an outdoor village setting, featuring fountains, tropical foliage, and gardens.
