Glenn: Coming to Miami but you don't want to spend all of your time at the beach?

Jorge: Get away from all of the hustle and bustle of South Beach in Coral Gables.

Glenn: Coral Gables in an oasis of beautiful tree-lined streets, historic homes, a historic hotel and three golf courses in the middle of a large metropolis.

Raúl: We always take visitors for a drive through Coral Gables. After the craziness of Bird Road, they are amazed at how peaceful this neighborhood is.

Glenn: The City of Coral Gables was created by developer George Merrick in 1925. His dream was to create a planned community with both residential and commercial areas.

Jorge: Believe it or not, Coral Gables actually sits on some of the highest ground in Miami. There are actually a few areas where you can almost imagine a hill!

Glenn: What attracts everyone to Coral Gables is the beautiful houses and the variety of architectural styles that went into their design. The Spanish style of architecture is the most common. However, Merrick also created Coral Gables Villages, which have various international themes.

Jorge: There is a French City Village, French Country Village, Normandy Village, Dutch South African Village, Italian Village, and so on. Check out the Chinese Village, 5100 block of Riviera Drive.

Glenn: Just look for the wall with the bamboo and the houses with the blue tile roofs.

Jorge: Coral Gables is known for the many formal entrances to the city. The Coral Way Entrance, Douglas Entrance, Granada entrance and so on. Each has distinctive architectural and landscaping features.

Glenn: Other highlights of your Coral Gables tour include the Alhambra Plaza, and the Alhambra Water Tower at the intersection of Alhambra Circle, Greenway Drive, DeSoto Blvd. and Anderson Road.

Raúl: One of my favorite areas is the Church of the Little Flower Historic District. It's between Valencia Avenue, Palermo Avenue, Palos Street, and Indian Mound Trail.

Jorge: Don't forget the Columbus Plaza -- Coral Way at Columbus Blvd. and Indian Mound Trail.

Glenn: The section of Coral Way (including the Coral Way Entrance) between LeJeune Road and Red Road is very pretty. You can find George Merrick's House at 907 Coral Way.

Raúl: There is so much to see, you should really pick up a guide book. Check out the Official Coral Gables website for complete details.

Glenn: In addition to the historic Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables features the Omni Colonnade Hotel and the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. These are world-class hotels, not for the budget traveler.

Jorge: Even if you don't stay there, make sure you stop for an informal tour of the Biltmore. The architecture here is stunning. The hotel's Giralda tower is a replica of the Giralda Tower in the Cathedral of Seville, Spain. And they also have the world's largest hotel pool and a great golf course.

Raúl: Don't miss the nearby Venetian Pool. Even if you don't want to swim, stop in and tour the facility. Very historic.

Jorge: Coral Gables has many high-class, formal restaurants. Even 3 Guys From Miami like to get dressed up now and then and really enjoy a gourmet dinner.

Glenn: Like to shop?

Jorge: And who doesn't?

Raúl: I don't. I'd rather be fishing!

Glenn: Well for you shoppers, there is the famous Miracle Mile shopping district, a beautiful tree-lined boulevard of shopping. Many small shops offer something for everyone in your group.

Jorge: There are also many nice restaurants along Miracle Mile and the side streets. You'll find many European-style outdoor cafes, always a great way to enjoy a warm Miami evening.

Raúl: Coral Gables is a good starting point for many side trips. From Coral Gables you are adjacent to Bird Road -- where you will find many of the restaurants and bakeries that we recommend.

Jorge: We have frequently recommended a run through Coral Gables to out of town visitors looking for a nice shady place to jog.

Glenn It's also a great place to walk -- very peaceful.

Jorge: If you get tired of looking at all of the great houses, Coral Gables also has a great 83-acre tropical garden.

Glenn: The Fairchild Tropical Gardens is a great place to enjoy native plants.

Raúl: You will see many plants that we had in Cuba.

Jorge: You can take a walk on trails that take you around eleven scenic lakes

Raúl: You'll see many plants, a rain forest, flowers, and fruits.

Jorge: They also have some beautiful orchids here.

Glenn: Finally, take advantage of the many cultural and entertainment venues that Coral Gables has to offer.

Liberty Park

Liberty Park is located on Ponce de Leon Boulevard,. An pretty little park, it includes a bust of Cuban war patriot José Martí.

Miracle Mile

The Miracle Mile is a beautiful tree-lined boulevard filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, and theatres. The entrance is at the corner of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Miracle Mile, and the shopping/restaurant area extends into the surrounding blocks that intersect Miracle Mile. During the day, the Miracle Mile is a popular spot for shopping. In the evenings, you can enjoy a vibrant theater and restaurant scene. Add to this numerous well-known art and collectibles gallery, and the Miracle Mile becomes a popular tourist destination.

Miracle Theatre

The Miracle Theater is a beautiful 1940's art deco movie house that has been transformed into a performing arts center with a 600-seat Mainstage auditorium, 300-seat Balcony Theatre, and 100-seat Black Box Theatre. The Actor's Playhouse has an agreement with the City of Coral Gables to stage Broadway caliber productions at the theater. The local talent showcased here is very good. Take in dinner at a nearby Miracle Mile restaurant and then take in a show at the Miracle.

A complete season of first class productions is presented each year. Performances generally Wednesday through Sunday. Follow the link for performances and showtimes.

A beautiful urban setting with tons of shops, restaurants. theaters, and galleries.