Top Places to Visit In coral Gables, Fl

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden:

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours

Things to do: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an 83-acre botanic garden, home to a vast collection of tropical plants, including palms, cycads, flowering trees, and vines. You can explore the garden through guided tours, or at your own pace. There are also occasional events and educational programs.

Parking: There is ample free parking available on-site.

Other Info: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as there’s a lot of walking involved. Also, check the garden’s calendar for any special events or festivals.

Lowe Art Museum:

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours

Things to do: Located on the campus of the University of Miami, the Lowe Art Museum is the oldest art museum in South Florida. It has a diverse collection of artworks ranging from ancient to contemporary, including Greco-Roman antiquities, Renaissance and Baroque pieces, and modern art.

Parking: Parking is available on the University of Miami campus, and there are also metered spots and public parking garages nearby. Note that campus parking may have restrictions or require a permit, so check for signage.

Other Info: The museum is often less crowded during weekdays. Be sure to check the museum’s calendar for special exhibitions or events.

Caja Caliente:

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours

Things to do: Caja Caliente is a popular spot known for its Cuban and Latin-fusion cuisine. Enjoy a casual meal with a variety of options like Cuban tacos, lechón (slow-roasted pork), and croquetas. Don’t forget to try their famous Tacos de Lechón.

Parking: Street parking is usually available nearby, and there may also be private lots or garages in the area.

Other Info: It is a vibrant place, so expect it to be bustling, especially during lunch and dinner hours.

Miami Biltmore Hotel:

Duration: Varies; 1-2 hours for a tour or day visit, longer for an overnight stay.

Things to do: The Miami Biltmore Hotel is a historic luxury hotel that’s been a Coral Gables landmark since the 1920s. It’s known for its rich history, as it has served as a hospital during World War II, and has been frequented by celebrities and politicians. Visitors can stay overnight, dine at the upscale restaurants, play golf, swim in the famous pool, or take a historical tour.

Parking: The hotel has a valet parking service, and there is also street parking available nearby.

Other Info: Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth taking a tour to learn about the hotel’s rich history and architecture. Also, the Sunday brunch is highly regarded.

Famous Movies Shot in Coral Gables

Wild Things

“Wild Things” is a provocative crime thriller film released in 1998. The movie is primarily set in the fictional Blue Bay, Florida, but was filmed in a composite of various locations, including Coral Gables, Florida.

One notable location featured in the film is the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. The Biltmore Hotel is a renowned landmark known for its grand architecture and luxurious amenities. It serves as the backdrop for several scenes in “Wild Things,” including pivotal moments in the plot.

The Biltmore Hotel is depicted as a prestigious establishment where some characters reside, socialize, and become entangled in the film’s intricate web of deceit and manipulation. The elegant interior and exterior of the hotel add to the film’s visual appeal and help create an atmosphere of luxury and intrigue.

• The opening scene, where Suzie Toller (Denise Richards) is swimming in the hotel pool and is approached by Kelly Van Ryan (Neve Campbell).
• The opening scene was filmed in the hotel’s pool area. The pool is a 914,000-gallon saltwater lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation.
• The scene where Suzie and Kelly confront Max Cady (Bill Murray) in his hotel room.
• The scene where Suzie and Kelly confront Max in his hotel room was filmed in the hotel’s Presidential Suite. The suite is one of the largest and most luxurious suites in the hotel, and it features a private balcony, a wet bar, and a fireplace.
• The scene where Suzie and Kelly are interviewed by Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon) in the hotel lobby.
  • The scene where Suzie and Kelly are interviewed by Ray Duquette in the hotel lobby was filmed in the hotel’s Grand Lobby. The lobby is a grand and elegant space that features a soaring ceiling, marble floors, and a fountain.
• The scene where Suzie and Kelly are assaulted by Max in the hotel hallway.
  • The scene where Suzie and Kelly are assaulted by Max in the hotel hallway was filmed in the hotel’s hallways. The hallways are lined with elegant chandeliers and marble columns.

The Biltmore Hotel was also used for some of the film’s promotional materials, including the poster and the film’s trailer.

The Hours

The Hours (2002) This political thriller film stars Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer as a husband and wife who are caught up in a CIA scandal. Several scenes were filmed in Coral Gables, including the exterior of the University of Miami.

• The scene where Virginia Woolf is writing in her diary. This scene was filmed in the Biltmore Hotel, specifically in the hotel’s library.
• The opening scene, where Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) is walking through the streets of London. This scene was actually filmed in Coral Gables, specifically on Biltmore Way.
• The scene where Virginia Woolf is sitting in her garden and having tea with her sister, Vanessa Bell (Miranda Richardson). This scene was filmed at the Deering Estate, a historic mansion and gardens in Coral Gables.