Coral Gables Architectural Gallery

Coral Gables is impossibly quaint. Seemingly stuck in amber, in the best possible way, it still very much reflects the vision of its founder George Merrick, and the City Beautiful Movement itself. Dating to the early 1920s, South Florida’s first planned suburb consisted of several Mediterranean influenced residential areas connected by wide landscaped boulevards, a compact city center, and ample green space. With the help of renowned landscape architect Frank Button, and strict zoning laws, an oasis emerged, an aesthetic island where even utilitarian features were artistically designed.

Today, the city still retains these ideals, as well as many original architectural features, such as the intricate entrance gates and grand fountains. A quiet area, worlds apart from nearby Miami, it’s a fabulous trip to the past, and to the Mediterranean.