The most underappreciated town in the state is undoubtedly Florida’s small slice of Italy, which boasts several breathtaking landmarks, Mediterranean charm, and excellent Italian restaurants.
You might assume that this quaint neighborhood is well known, yet many people choose to visit larger towns like Orlando and Miami instead of this one while they are in the area.
Although Miami is only twenty minutes away, the atmosphere, fashion, and general cultural experience are more akin to a thriving European village than a busy Florida coastal resort.
Coral Gables: Florida’s “Mini Italy” Town
If you’ve always wanted to travel to Italy, you should check out Coral Gables, one of America’s lesser-known travel destinations with an Italian flair. It brings the essence of Italy to the Sunshine State without breaking the bank on airfare.
A short distance from downtown Miami, this small village has a charming Italian feel and offers palm-lined avenues, cobblestone streets, and great boutique shopping.
Why Coral Gables Is Known As America’s “Mini Italy”?
George Merrick had the concept for this beautiful neighborhood in the 1920s. He wanted to create a site that would take residents and tourists to a Mediterranean paradise, and that is exactly what it does.
The Venetian pool at Coral Gables, which is only 20 minutes from busy Miami and has some of America’s hippest districts, is a veritable gold mine for capturing the splendor of Italy. Coral Gables is a Mediterranean heaven unto itself.
You are in for a treat if you haven’t heard of Coral Gables yet, particularly if you enjoy Renaissance artwork, Roman sculpture, and Mediterranean architecture.
As gorgeous as Italy is, this heavily underappreciated and frequently ignored neighborhood of Miami will make you question whether you have just landed in Italy on a private plane.
Those who have not yet visited Coral Gables can anticipate charming avenues dotted with well designed Mediterranean renaissance buildings, stucco facades, and terracotta roofing.
Must-See Attractions in Coral Gables
‘The Mini Italy of America’ offers a plethora of fascinating and thrilling sights and activities, as one could anticipate.
Inspired by the Venetian villas of the 18th century, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is undoubtedly one of the neighborhood’s main attractions.
Visitors can pause as they go through the well designed grounds to picture themselves exploring a house on Lake Como and admiring the stunning Florida coastline.
Also worth a visit is the Coral Gables Museum, which explores the fields of environmental design, visual arts, urban planning, and civic arts of architecture.
Here, you may discover more about George Merrick, the man who founded Coral Gables, and take in a range of fascinating exhibitions based on your interests.
Built in 1924 and originally a public swimming pool, the magnificent Venetian Pool is undoubtedly one of the major architectural landmarks. This isn’t your typical pool, though.
Here, you’ll be reminded that this is a miniature version of Italy by the waterfalls, grottoes, and Venetian bridges scattered across the coral-carved pool.
Another excellent spot to visit is the Gables Art Gallery, which frequently exhibits works by Italian painters, further cementing the link to Italy’s heritage and culture.
The Biltmore Hotel, a lavish and impressive landmark that also makes a statement in the neighborhood, opened its doors in 1926.
With its Mediterranean revival architecture and numerous business and leisure guests over the years, the luxury hotel has solidified its standing as one of Coral Gables’ most opulent lodging options.
Coral Gables, Florida’s Italian Food and Culinary Influence
No ‘Mini Italy’ would be complete without great food, as you would have figured, and this quaint area with an Italian flair is sure to provide.
Coral Gables has several great options for foodies, whether they want a scrumptious pasta dish, a nice cup of Italian coffee, or a limoncello to wash it all down.
- Café Abbracci
- Bellini
- Café Italia
- 450 Gradi Miami
- Piccola Italia
These eateries are great choices to enhance your Coral Gables experience with a touch of Italian culture, serving anything from wood-fired pizzas to fresh seafood dishes.
