Coral Gables / Coconut Grove

Question

We are about to embark on a South Florida trip planned around seeing the 3 national parks with extra time for Miami and the Keys. Have gotten a lot of good advice reading through this forum and have some final questions about our itinerary. All of these areas are new to us.

For our time in Miami area we are staying 3 nights in South Beach and looking forward to exploring around there. We have booked a guide for a Little Havana walking tour and are interested in seeing Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. We won’t have a car while in Miami. Looking at a map it seems like an afternoon exploring these neighborhoods on foot is doable but I can’t quite figure out a plan for a self-guided walking tour. We are not really interested in shopping but just want to get a feel for the area and see significant sights. Does anyone have suggestions about how best to do this? Or if we should just stick to one of these neighborhoods which one is better for rambling around? I am thinking we would have time to visit Viscaya House or Fairchild Tropical Gardens after picking up our rental car in the morning before heading out to the Everglades. Planning to do the Shark Valley tram tour in the afternoon (a weekday) and then a full day in the southern part of the Everglades doing the various trails on the way down to Flamingo. Staying in Homestead for the Everglades and Biscayne NP part of our trip.

Many thanks for any suggestions or advice on our plans. We are really looking forward to it.

Answer

Exploring Coral Gables and Coconut Grove without a car is doable, but you’ll need to plan carefully since these neighborhoods are somewhat spread out from South Beach. Both areas have unique charms, but for a self-guided walking experience focused on architecture, parks, and local history, Coral Gables may be slightly easier to navigate on foot, while Coconut Grove has a more eclectic, bohemian vibe and can involve a bit more walking between points of interest.

Here’s a suggested approach for each neighborhood:

Coral Gables: Focus on the historic and scenic highlights. Start at the Biltmore Hotel to admire its architecture and gardens, then walk along Miracle Mile to see the Mediterranean-style buildings. You can also visit the Coral Gables Venetian Pool, although this may require a short taxi or rideshare ride. End your walk at the Coral Gables Museum or a café along the way for a break.
Coconut Grove: Start at the waterfront at Peacock Park, then stroll along Grand Avenue and surrounding streets to see the historic homes and local art galleries. Stop at the Barnacle Historic State Park for a quick look at Miami’s oldest house, and perhaps check out local coffee shops or casual dining. This area feels more like wandering through a lively neighborhood, and you can take short detours to side streets for local charm.

If you only have an afternoon and no car, you might choose one neighborhood rather than trying to do both. Coral Gables offers a compact, scenic, and pedestrian-friendly experience, while Coconut Grove is more casual and spread out. Both are accessible via rideshare from South Beach.

Regarding your plan after picking up a rental car:

Viscaya Museum and Gardens is close to downtown Miami and should fit nicely before heading toward the Everglades. Allocate at least 1.5–2 hours to explore the house and gardens.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a bit further south near Coral Gables. It’s worth a visit if you enjoy lush tropical landscapes and a relaxed walking experience. Plan 1–2 hours here.
Shark Valley Tram Tour in the afternoon is ideal as you’ve planned. Weekdays are usually less crowded, and the tram allows you to see wildlife without extensive walking.

For your full day exploring the southern Everglades and Biscayne NP, your plan is realistic. Staying in Homestead gives you a convenient base for both areas. Make sure to account for travel times between parks, as some stretches can take longer than expected due to speed limits and scenic stops.

Overall, your itinerary balances guided experiences, self-guided exploration, and nature, giving a varied and enjoyable South Florida experience.