The Underrated Miami Neighborhood With European Flair And World-Class Art

A vibrant cultural melting pot brimming with Latin flavor, crystal-clear waters, and endless sunshine, nowhere does it quite like Miami. From the neon-lit streets of South Beach to the vibrant Insta-worthy walls of Wynwood, the city pulses with a unique kind of energy that draws in millions of people looking for warm weather, good fun, and that distinctive Miami flair.

That said, just 8 miles southwest of downtown's sleek skyscrapers and roughly a 20-minute drive from Miami International Airport, a different side of the typically fast-paced city beckons travelers hoping to escape the crowds: Coral Gables. A historic neighborhood that feels worlds away from Miami's bustling party scene, the area is easily accessible by car or on the Metrorail — which makes it a convenient choice for locals and tourists alike.

Praised as one of Florida's most walkable destinations, Coral Gables was originally developed in the 1920s, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean to South Florida. The neighborhood's mastermind, George Merrick, drew inspiration directly from the architecture of Spain and Italy — creating wide boulevards lined with rock buildings and terracotta roofs that feel plucked out of a Tuscan landscape. Today, the neighborhood has managed to maintain its European character while also housing some of Miami's finest cultural institutions, from the historic Biltmore Hotel to the Lowe Art Museum's impressive collections.

The best place to start your Coral Gables exploration at the iconic Biltmore Hotel. A 1926 Mediterranean Revival masterpiece with a distinctive tower visible across the neighborhood, the property has hosted everyone from Hollywood legends like Judy Garland to world leaders and even notorious figures like Al Capone. Today, the 273-room resort still maintains its glamorous reputation with its award-winning restaurants, championship golf course, and luxury spa. From there, you can make your way to Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue (either a 30-minute walk or five-minute drive away), where local boutiques and sidewalk cafes line the streets for a perfect afternoon of shopping and people-watching.

One of the hottest attractions to add to your Miami itinerary is Coral Gables' historic Venetian Pool — an 820,000-gallon swimming paradise carved from a coral rock quarry in 1923. Complete with grottos, waterfalls, and stone bridges, this spring-water-fed pool is still the only swimming pool listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Alternatively, for more natural beauty, enjoy a walk down Old Cutler Road, where ancient banyan trees create a canopy over sprawling mansions; or visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden — one of the best botanical gardens in the country, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — where you can explore 83 acres of tropical plants and butterfly gardens.

Once hunger starts to creep in, Coral Gable's dining scene rivals the architecture in its European influence. Depending on your mood and budget, you can enjoy everything from upscale Italian restaurants and French bistros to Spanish tapas bars — particularly around Giralda Avenue, nicknamed "Restaurant Row." For waterfront dining, head over to Matheson Hammock Park and Marina, where fresh seafood restaurants pair well with views of Biscayne Bay.

Coral Gables has also built its own impressive arts scene. Home to the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami, the space houses an impressive collection that covers everything from pre-Columbian artifacts to Renaissance art, and contemporary works. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the museum offers free admission and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Beyond that, Coral Gables hosts a wealth of cultural offerings across several venues. On one hand, the historic Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theater brings both popular classics and original productions to life. Meanwhile, the Coral Gables Museum — tucked away in a historic 1939 building — features rotating exhibits that tell the story of the city's architectural heritage. As for music lovers, audiophiles can enjoy regular performances at the University of Miami's Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, where student musicians and visiting artists perform throughout the year.

For gallery enthusiasts, the neighborhood's select group of prestigious art spaces include venues like Cernuda Arte, The Americas Collection, and ArtSpace Virginia Miller Galleries. Known for their curated collections and impressive exhibitions, these galleries represent top artists from across the Americas and Europe — bringing world-class fine art to the community.