1. Biltmore Hotel
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 445-1926
Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave.
Description: This Miami landmark was built in 1924 and frequented by celebs including Ginger Rogers and Al Capone. Admire the hotel itself, swimming pool, and golf course even if you can’t afford the overnight rate. Free tours are given on Sunday afternoons at 1:30, 2:20, and 3:30 p.m. Professional storytellers will recount the hotel’s heyday and its history.
2. Merrick House And Gardens
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 460-5361
Address: 907 Coral Way
Description: Developer George Merrick completed this historic landmark in 1906, which was originally sketched by his wife. The house is now used for planned events such as lectures, meetings, and receptions and was among the first buildings of Coral Gables, which is known as one of the first planned communities in the city. Guided tours are available and the gardens are also available to view.
3. Venetian Pool
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 460-5306
Address: 2701 de Soto Blvd.
Description: This is a favorite heat reprieve for visitors and locals alike. The 820,000-gallon pool’s underground spring water aquifer is filled and drained daily. Created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry, it’s also a historic site, which can be enjoyed by children and adults. Residents should keep in mind that discounted rates are available (i.e., adult admission is $5 for residents and $7.35 and $11 for nonresidents in the winter and summer, respectively).
4. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 667-1651
Address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd.
Insider Pick:
Description: Fairchild combines its prime outdoor real estate with its arts connections and capitalizes on this hybrid platform, featuring artists such as Dale Chihuly, Roy Lichtenstein, and various well-known artists. Many of the exhibits are developed and created around the Fairchild space, which frequently hosts events throughout the year. The first Wednesday of each month is pay-what-you-wish and regular admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and over, $10 for children ages 6 to 17, and free to children under 6 and Fairchild members. Keep in mind that special events typically have a distinct fee and are sometimes cash-only. Print the $5 coupon on the website to apply to regular admission. Check the website for special events throughout the year. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
5. Biltmore Hotel
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 445-1926
Address: 1200 Anastasia Ave.
Insider Pick:
Description: Still a functioning hotel, this historic site offers free tours on Sunday afternoons at 1:30, 2:20, and 3:30 p.m. Guests spend 55 minutes strolling the hotel’s gorgeous grounds while learning about its rich and surprisingly interesting history. Call (305) 443-9793 to arrange a tour.
6. Lowe Art Museum
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 284-3603
Address: 1301 Stanford Dr.
Description: The Lowe Art Museum is owned and managed by the University of Miami and houses a wide and varied collection of pieces from around the world. Come to see Greco-Roman antiquities, Renaissance and Baroque art, 19th-century American paintings, and historic artifacts from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, for example. It is always free for university affiliates with ID and children under 12. Educational groups from kindergarten through college with groups over 10 get in for $3 each. Check the website for scheduled lectures and events throughout the year. Open Tues through Sat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun from noon to 4 p.m.; closed on Mon and university holidays.
7. Merrick House
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 460-5361
Address: 907 Coral Way
Description: Visit the childhood home of George Merrick in order to learn about the man who founded and developed the City of Coral Gables. Built at the end of the 19th century and currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this house maintains a 1920s appearance and preserves the history of Merrick’s life within. Visit the museum by taking one of the scheduled tours, which are approximately 45 minutes (including a 10 minute video presentation), and occur Wed and Sun at 1, 2, and 3 p.m.
8. Abrakadoodle
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 234-0006
Address: 815 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Description: This international program offers art classes for local kids at four locations in South Florida including Doral, West Kendall, and South Dade. Programs include classes and camps for all ages. Check the website for class schedules and registration information.
9. Actors’ Playhouse At The Miracle Theatre
City: Coral Gables, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 444-9293
Address: 280 Miracle Mile
Description: The children’s theater at this prestigious playhouse also puts on shows that cater to young audiences throughout the year. Past years have included A Christmas Carol, Emperor’s New Clothes, and Madeline and the Gypsies. Theater classes are also offered for children, teens, and adults. Check the website for camps, programs, and other lessons.