Coral Gables Holidays

This is the restored boyhood home of George E. Merrick, who founded the city of Coral Gables in the 1920s. Although the homestead was purchased by the family in 1899, it has been restored to the 1920s period and filled with the Merrick family’s art, furniture and personal treasures to serve as a tribute to the real estate developer who built one of the first planned communities in the country.

Step back in time at the Cauley Square Historic Village and get an authentic taste of Old Florida at its best. Stroll along the landscaped pathways, take a seat in the tea room and browse the antique shops and boutiques. Tucked away in the gardens, there’s also a 1920s bar for beer and wine with live music every Friday and Saturday.

The Coral Castle Museum in Homestead is the handiwork of a tiny Latvian immigrant who, despite only weighing 100 pounds, moved and sculpted more than 1,000 tonnes of coral rock for nearly 30 years as a tribute to his long-lost love.

What began as three small classrooms in 1950 soon became South Florida’s first official art museum. The Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami now features more than 17,000 objects, with Renaissance and Baroque pieces as well Native American and Asian art.

Producing both main-stage and children’s productions, the Actors’ Playhouse in the historic Miracle Theater offers a diverse range of year-round plays, with everything from drama to musical theatre and comedies.

Occupying 83 lush acres, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden features rare plants, Wings of the Tropics with exotic butterflies and various aquatic displays. You can explore the gardens on your own or by joining a guided walking or tram tour. There are special events, from art exhibitions to mango festivals, held throughout the year.