What is the best way to see Coral Gables architecture?

The best way is a neighborhood stroll starting at the City Hall and heading toward the Biltmore Hotel. This route passes through the most iconic examples of Mediterranean Revival style, including the Venetian Pool and the historic plazas designed by George Merrick.

Is the Venetian Pool worth visiting?

Yes, it is considered one of the most beautiful public pools in the world. Even if you don't swim, the architecture and history of the 1924 quarry-turned-lagoon are a major highlight of any walking tour Miami exploration.

Can I enter the Biltmore Hotel for free?

Visitors are generally welcome to walk through the public lobby and common areas of the Biltmore Hotel to admire the architecture and hand-painted ceilings. However, access to the pool area and guest floors is reserved for hotel guests.

Is Coral Gables a walkable neighborhood?

Yes, Coral Gables is one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas in Miami. It features wide, shaded sidewalks, a free trolley system to bridge longer distances, and a layout designed specifically to be aesthetically pleasing for those on foot.

When is the best time of day for this walk?

Morning or late afternoon is best to avoid the midday Florida heat. Late afternoon also provides 'golden hour' lighting, which is perfect for photographing the coral stone buildings and the Biltmore tower.

What is the City Beautiful movement?

The City Beautiful movement was an urban planning philosophy that emphasized beauty and monumental grandeur to inspire civic virtue. Coral Gables is one of the most famous examples of this movement in the United States, characterized by its plazas, fountains, and cohesive architectural style.

Is there a dress code for the Biltmore Hotel?

While there is no strict dress code for the public lobby, the hotel maintains a sophisticated atmosphere. 'Resort casual' attire is recommended if you plan to stop at the hotel's bars or restaurants during your walk.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a world where Mediterranean charm meets Florida’s lush landscapes on this self-guided walk through Coral Gables. Known as 'The City Beautiful,' this neighborhood was one of the United States' first fully planned communities, the brainchild of visionary George Merrick in the 1920s. Unlike the neon-soaked streets of South Beach, this walking route offers a sophisticated journey through coral-rock plazas, arched gateways, and grand boulevards that feel more like a European village than a modern metropolis. As you explore independently, you will encounter some of the most striking architecture in the region, characterized by red-tiled roofs, ornate balconies, and the signature oolitic limestone that gives the city its unique texture. This neighborhood stroll begins in the heart of the historic district, where former civic buildings have been transformed into cultural hubs. You will discover how a humble rock quarry became one of the world's most beautiful swimming holes and how a grand hotel served as a wartime hospital before returning to its status as a pinnacle of luxury. The route highlights the intersection of literary culture, local government, and high-end shopping, providing a comprehensive view of what makes 'The Gables' so prestigious. This is a perfect way to experience a walking tour Miami style, focusing on the preservation of history and the elegance of the Mediterranean Revival style. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this self-guided adventure allows you to uncover hidden details at your own pace. You will see the grand City Hall, the bustling Miracle Mile, and the legendary Biltmore Hotel, each telling a piece of the story of how a grapefruit plantation was transformed into a masterpiece of urban planning. Prepare to be transported back to the Florida land boom of the 1920s as you walk beneath the canopy of ancient banyan trees and past the fountains that define this iconic Miami neighborhood.

Highlights

The stunning Mediterranean Revival facade of Coral Gables City Hall

The historic Venetian Pool, a 1924 aquatic masterpiece carved from a rock quarry

The legendary Biltmore Hotel and its 93-foot tower inspired by Seville’s Giralda

Miracle Mile's upscale boutiques and vibrant street life

The cultural hub of Books & Books, a local literary landmark

The Coral Gables Museum, housed in a historic 1939 police and fire station

Tour Stops (6)

Coral Gables Museum

Start exploring with Zigway at the Coral Gables Museum. This building is a history lesson in itself, originally constructed in 1939 as the city’s police and fire station. Notice the distinctive 'Coral Rock' or oolitic limestone, which was quarried locally. The architecture reflects the Works Progress Administration era, blending civic duty with the city's signature Mediterranean style. Today, the museum celebrates the 'City Beautiful' movement and urban design. Look for the original courtroom and jail cells that have been preserved within the galleries, offering a glimpse into the early civic life of this planned community.

Books & Books

Just a short walk away is Books & Books, an independent literary institution housed in a 1920s building with a beautiful interior courtyard. This isn't just a bookstore; it is the cultural heart of Coral Gables. The building features classic Mediterranean Revival elements like arched doorways and dark wood beams. It has been a gathering place for writers and thinkers for decades. Take a moment to appreciate the atmosphere of the courtyard, where the rustle of pages competes with the soft hum of local conversation, embodying the sophisticated, community-focused spirit that George Merrick envisioned for his city.

Coral Gables City Hall

As you reach the intersection of Biltmore Way and LeJeune Road, the impressive Coral Gables City Hall comes into view. Completed in 1928, this building is a masterpiece of Neoclassical and Mediterranean Revival design. The three-tier clock tower is a local landmark, and the semi-circular facade is adorned with Corinthian columns. If you look closely at the ceiling of the colonnade, you might see murals by Denman Fink, George Merrick's uncle and the city's artistic director. This building serves as the anchor for the city's planned layout, standing as a testament to the grand ambitions of the 1920s Florida land boom.

Miracle Mile & Coral Way

Continue your walking route along Miracle Mile, the city’s premier shopping and dining destination. Originally designed to be the 'Main Street' of Coral Gables, this stretch of Coral Way was revitalized to emphasize pedestrian comfort with wide sidewalks and lush landscaping. As you stroll, you'll pass high-end boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. This area showcases the modern side of 'The Gables' while maintaining its historic charm. It is the perfect place to observe the local lifestyle—refined, leisurely, and deeply connected to the surrounding architecture. The palm-lined street provides plenty of shade as you head toward the more residential wonders of the city.

Venetian Pool

Prepare to see one of the most unique swimming holes in the world. The Venetian Pool was created in 1924 from a four-acre coral rock quarry. George Merrick didn't want a jagged hole left in the middle of his beautiful city, so he transformed it into a Mediterranean lagoon complete with waterfalls, cave-like grottos, and stone bridges. It is the only swimming pool on the National Register of Historic Places. The pool is fed by cool artesian wells, and in the early days, it was even drained to host grand orchestral performances on the pool floor. It remains a pinnacle of creative urban planning and luxury leisure.

Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables

Your self-guided adventure concludes at the legendary Biltmore Hotel. When it opened in 1926, it was the center of high society, hosting royalty, movie stars, and even notorious figures like Al Capone. Its 93-foot copper-topped tower is modeled after the Giralda bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville in Spain. The hotel has a storied past, serving as a military hospital during World War II and a medical school before being restored to its former glory. Wander through the lobby to see the hand-painted ceilings and grand birdcages, or look out over the massive swimming pool—once the largest in the world—where synchronized swimmers and diving shows once dazzled the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

A thorough self-guided walk of the main historic sites typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The distance between the Coral Gables Museum and the Biltmore Hotel is approximately 1.5 miles, but you should allow extra time to admire the architecture and stop for photos.