Arts & CultureFree
Cernuda Arte
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
The country's leading dealer in Cuban art, from colonial masters to living artists.
WeekdaysWeekendsAges 15-17
Living here
Things to do in South Florida
Where locals actually eat, shop, take the kids and spend a Saturday — from Miami-Dade to Martin County. Filter by who is coming with you, what day it is and what you feel like spending.
19 ideas
Arts & CultureFree
The Americas Collection
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
Latin American modern and contemporary art on Ponce de Leon Boulevard since 1991.
WeekdaysWeekendsAges 15-17
Arts & CultureFree
Virginia Miller Galleries
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
One of the oldest galleries in South Florida, showing international contemporary artists since 1974.
WeekdaysAges 15-17
Dining$$$
Caffe Abbracci
Miami · Miami-Dade
Long-standing Coral Gables Italian favorite known for veal chop and lobster ravioli.
EveningsAges 15-17
Dining$$
Fritz & Franz Bierhaus
Miami · Miami-Dade
German beer hall in Coral Gables with schnitzel, sausages and an extensive beer list.
EveningsAges 5-9Ages 10-14Ages 15-17
Dining$$
Frenchie's Diner
Miami · Miami-Dade
Casual French-American diner in Coral Gables serving croque monsieurs and burgers.
WeekdaysWeekendsEveningsAges 0-4Ages 5-9Ages 10-14Ages 15-17
Dining$$$
Christy's
Miami · Miami-Dade
Old-school clubby steakhouse with tableside Caesar salad, a longtime Coral Gables favorite (Aventura area diners too).
EveningsAges 15-17
Shopping$$$
The Village of Merrick Park
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
Open-air luxury center with Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and courtyard fountains near downtown Coral Gables.
WeekdaysWeekendsAges 15-17
Shopping$$
Miracle Mile
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
Bridal boutiques, jewelers and cafés lining a historic Coral Gables retail strip.
WeekdaysWeekendsAges 15-17
Shopping$$
Bird Road Antique Row
Miami · Miami-Dade
Cluster of antique dealers and vintage furniture shops along SW 40th Street west of Coral Gables.
WeekdaysWeekendsAges 15-17
Attractions$$
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
83 acres of rare palms, tropical flora, a rainforest and a butterfly conservatory.
WeekdaysWeekendsAges 0-4Ages 5-9Ages 10-14Ages 15-17
Attractions$$
Venetian Pool
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
Historic 1920s coral rock swimming pool fed by spring water with waterfalls and caves.
WeekdaysWeekendsSeasonalAges 5-9Ages 10-14Ages 15-17
AttractionsFree
Biltmore Hotel Historic Tour
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
Guided history tour of the landmark 1926 luxury hotel and its Mediterranean architecture.
WeekendsAges 10-14Ages 15-17
Arts & Culture$$
Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
Restored 1948 movie palace in downtown Coral Gables staging musicals, drama and family shows.
EveningsWeekendsAges 10-14Ages 15-17
Arts & Culture$
Lowe Art Museum
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
University of Miami's encyclopedic art museum with strong Latin American, Asian and Native American collections.
WeekdaysWeekendsRainy dayAges 10-14Ages 15-17
Arts & Culture$
Coral Gables Museum
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
Local history and design museum housed in the city's old police and fire station.
WeekdaysWeekendsRainy dayAges 10-14Ages 15-17
Arts & CultureFree
Coral Gables Gallery Night
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
Quarterly evening art walk through Coral Gables galleries and cultural spots, free and open late.
EveningsSeasonalAges 15-17
Outdoors & Beaches$
Matheson Hammock Park
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
Man-made atoll pool beach with calm shallow water, plus mangrove trails and a marina.
WeekdaysWeekendsAges 0-4Ages 5-9Ages 10-14
Sports & Events$$$
Biltmore Golf Course
Coral Gables · Miami-Dade
Historic 1925 Donald Ross course beside the Biltmore Hotel, open to the public.
WeekdaysWeekendsAges 10-14Ages 15-17
How a week usually looks here
Weekdays
Beaches and parks are nearly empty before noon, museums are quiet, and restaurants that need a month's notice on Saturday will seat you at 6pm on a Tuesday. Libraries run free story times for little ones, and breweries do trivia midweek.
Weekends
Green markets and art fairs on Saturday mornings, boats out by ten, dinner on Las Olas or Atlantic Avenue, and live music downtown. Book attractions online the night before — walk-up lines are the only real hassle.
Season (November–April)
Everything doubles: polo in Wellington, the Kravis and Broward Center seasons, street art fairs, the boat show in autumn and Art Basel in early December. Traffic and reservations get tighter, so plan ahead.
Summer & rainy afternoons
Storms usually pass in an hour. Keep an indoor backup on the list — a science museum, an indoor mall, a go-kart park — and swim in the morning, not at three in the afternoon.
Choosing between neighborhoods? Where you land decides how much of this you actually do on a weeknight. Compare the areas, look up schools or ask me what a normal week looks like in the area you're considering.
Hours, prices and seasonal dates change — check the venue before you drive. Tell me if a favorite spot is missing and I'll add it.