Favorite Places in Coral Gables

Coral Gables is often known as the “city beautiful.”  After one visit, it is easy to see why people love coming to this beautiful city.  The city is full of the best places to shop, dine and enjoy the arts and cultures for which this area is known.  From meandering along the Magnificent Mile to spending the day at Cocowalk in Coconut Grove, there is so much to do that the list can easily grow long.  In an effort to highlight some of the most popular and well known spots, following are some the community’s most favorite hot spots for visitors and newcomers to Coral Gables.

Miracle Mile

Coral Gables is known, first and foremost, for the Miracle Mile.  Situated in the center of the business district of Coral Gables, the Miracle Mile refers to a section of Coral Way between LeJeune Road and Douglas Road.  It is filled with local eateries, high-end shops, and art galleries that make walking a pleasure.  Many residents of Miami and other parts of Miami-Dade come to Coral Gables to eat and shop along this stretch. Some of the favorite stops are Red Koi Thai and Sushi Lounge, Hillstone, and Tarpon Bend Food and Tackle for dining, and MiArte and Actors Playhouse for arts and entertainment.  The businesses and property

owners who live and work along the Miracle Mile work hard to make it a destination with festivals, art exhibits and more throughout the year. 

In terms of Coral Gables real estate, there are several upscale, luxury condominiums located on Coral Way and within several blocks that are ideal for those who want to be near the Miracle Mile.  From boutique buildings like Gables on the Green and Gables Park Tower to exclusive condominiums like Segovia Tower to larger condominiums like Ten Aragon, there is property to fit many budgets with list prices starting in the upper-$200s and climbing into the multi-million dollar ranges.

Village of Merrick Park

The Village of Merrick Park is what developers like to call an upscale lifestyle center.  In essence, this gorgeous mall, built in 2002, is Coral Gables’ quintessential shopping center with all of the upscale national retailers like Nordstrom, Tiffany, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and more.  Here, residents and visitors spend tons of time shopping and dining at well-known national, regional and local restaurants like Villagio, Café Bistro at Nordstrom and others not to mention working out at world famous Equinox Fitness. 

For residents who want enjoy all that the Village of Merrick Park has to offer, there are several Coral Gables condominiums and neighborhoods within a short walk.  Two very popular communities are 55 Merrick and One Village Place each with list prices starting in the mid-$300s and offering all the amenities of a five-star resort.  Another building set to be completed in 2014 is Merrick Manor which is adjacent to the Villages of Merrick Park.  In this building, residence list prices will start in the upper-$100s and feature updated and elegant homes as well as amazing amenities for residents and guests.  As for single family homes, there are many homes on streets that surround this growing area of Coral Gables. 

Cocowalk, Coconut Grove

Cocowalk is a wonderful outdoor mall of sorts with all of the popular retailers seen at most any high-end shopping center.  As a destination by many who visit and live in the area, Cocowalk offers tons of activity in addition to shopping and dining to create a very relaxing and happy environment.  Afternoon concerts on the piazza are a regular occurrence as are other events tied to different holidays and activities.  While many of the businesses are regional and national companies, people love coming out to Cocowalk to relish the outdoor atmosphere while enjoying a cigar from Coco Cigar or a Venti Iced Latte from Starbucks. 

Because Cocowalk is situated in the center of the community, Coconut Grove real estate is plentiful for all types of buyers.  The Moorings and The Anchorage, exclusive gated communities; luxury condominiums like the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove and Grovenor House; and, secluded townhome communities like Cloisters on the Bay are all within a short drive or even walk from Cocowalk.   Investors see the draw to Coconut Grove and want to bring more residential development to the area with luxury projects like the Grove at Grand Bay.  Because Coconut Grove is a more exclusive area of Miami-Dade County, the area is in high-demand and offers many buyers the opportunity to buy with list prices starting in the upper-$200s and surpassing $10,000,000. 

A Great Place to Live

Coral Gables is a great place to live.  Residents and visitors from all over Miami-Dade County love to come to the Gables to enjoy all it has to offer.  For those who choose to call Coral Gables home, it is a city filled with so much.  Outside the most popular places to go, there are some hidden treasures to find which makes it obvious why Coral Gables is the City Beautiful.