Living in Coral Gables comes with a myriad of perks. Situated directly south of Miami, one of the biggest benefits of residing in this city is having the ability to spend time outdoors year-round. Known for its sunny, warm, and humid weather, getting out in nature is always an option.
It should come as no surprise, then, that Coral Gables has numerous outdoor attractions, parks, and recreation spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. If you are new to the city, discover the eight best outdoor activities found in and around Coral Gables.
Montgomery Botanical Center
One of the best things to do in Coral Gables is to visit the beautiful Montgomery Botanical Center. Spanning an expansive 120 acres, visitors can bask in the view of the garden’s massive collection of conifers, palms, and other native plants. The preserve sits at the edge of the R. Hardy Matheson County Preserve on Old Cutler Road.
Above and beyond its function as a natural attraction for locals and tourists, the Montgomery Botanical Center is a hub for research and conservation work. Since its opening in 1959, the staff has worked to educate the local community through special events and workshops and to conserve rare plant species. Visitors can request guided tours of the gardens for both groups and individuals.
Tropical Park Tennis Center
Searching for a new spot to play tennis upon relocating to Coral Gables? Situated just north of the city of Miami is the Tropical Park Tennis Center. Immaculately maintained and home to numerous courts, this is a great facility for people of all skill levels.
Reserve the courts for play, or register for one of their lessons. Tropical Park Tennis Center also offers classes and after-school programs for children as young as three years old.
Chapman Trail Dog Park
In need of a place to take your pup for their daily exercise? Chapman Trail Dog Park is a highly-rated off-leash park that is a favorite among Coral Gables residents. Visitors enjoy the ample room for dogs of all sizes to run and play. The park is clean, routinely maintained, and located near Shoal Point (which sits along the ocean).
Unlike traditional dog parks, this locale is forested and tucked away. For this reason, it is considered to be one of the hidden gems in Coral Gables.
Riviera Country Club
New Coral Gables residents who are searching for their new home country club will adore the many amenities found at the Riviera Country Club. This is a choice club for area locals, featuring pristine golfing greens, towering palm trees, and awe-inspiring vistas.
What can members of the exclusive Riviera Country Club expect when visiting? On top of its beautiful golf course, the property boasts a breathtaking clubhouse, pool, gym, restaurants, special events, and more.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Located several minutes down the road from the Montgomery Botanical Center is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Offering guided tram tours, special events (such as Garden After Hours, Sip & Stroll, and Dog Dates), an exotic butterfly exhibit, and children's programs, there’s much to see at this unique Coral Gables attraction.
Science, education, and horticulture are at the heart of everything done at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. On top of being able to visit the gardens throughout the week, the facility offers classes for adults, families, and kids, camps, internships, and school programs. Every year, dozens of couples choose to host their weddings at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
R. Hardy Matheson County Preserve
Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, the R. Hardy Matheson County Preserve is a marvelous place to soak in the sunny South Florida weather. It features a hiking trail that leads all the way to Biscayne Bay, boating, fishing, biking, and more. Visitors who make it to the water’s edge report seeing manatees and other ocean wildlife. Hands down, this is one of the best spots in all of Coral Gables for getting out in nature.
Matheson Hammock Park & Marina
Get out on your boat, go swimming, or simply take a walk around the always lovely Matheson Hammock Park & Marina. Located off of Old Cutler Road and Matheson Park Road, residents enjoy spending time here year-round. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and features a boat ramp. As a lesser-known park among the general public, this is a great place for locals to go to avoid the large crowds commonly found on Miami Beach. Visitors of the park also delight in incredible views of both Key Biscayne and downtown Miami from this locale.
Merrie Christmas Park
Just north of Coral Gables is the always stunning Merrie Christmas Park. Home to giant trees that are unlike anything found in the immediate area, this is a wonderful place for families to spend the day. On-site, enjoy walking paths, a playground, and the feeling of being secluded from the city.
Planning to move to Coral Gables (or the surrounding area) in the coming months? If so, having an experienced, trustworthy, and reliable realtor by your side is a must. Rated as the #1 team in all of Key Biscayne for 2021, Giulietta Ulloa and her team work tirelessly to connect their clients with their dream luxury homes.
Boasting over $166 million dollars in closed sales for 2021 alone and specializing in South Florida luxury properties, dozens of clients have put their trust in Giulietta and her team to ensure a smooth and exceptional experience. In addition to providing service in Coral Gables, she also serves other surrounding neighborhoods and cities, including Miami Beach, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, and Sunny Isles.
Ready to begin your relocation journey? Reach out today with all of your questions, and start the home-buying process in Coral Gables.
