Five Things to do When You Hop off the Bus in Coral Gables

 

Going on a Miami excursion? Choose to take one on the ever-fun hop-on-hop-off bus. This bus tour allows you the freedom of hopping off the bus to explore the sights of the city and then hopping back on when you're done. There are many amazing places that your bus tour will stop at such as the Art Deco District, Little Havana and Coral Gables to name a few. Coral Gables is a charming little Mediterranean-themed neighborhood and one of many attractions in Miami. Locals often refer to it as 'City Beautiful' due to the opulent mansions and luxurious villas that line the district. When your hop-on-hop-off bus tour stops at Coral Gables, here are the great sights to stop to visit:

Coral Gables Merrick House

Any Miami excursion will lead you to the Coral Gables Merrick House. Merrick House was the home of Reverend Solomon G. Merrick and his family. The reverend's oldest son was the one who founded the city of Coral Gables in the 20's. Today, the house is a museum and a monument to his achievements. Merrick House operates as a museum where tourists can see the Merrick family's personal belongings, artwork, family photographs, as well as furniture. Much of the house has been kept as it used to be back in the day so that tourists can sample the way of life from a time gone by. Merrick House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fairchild Tropical Gardens

Hop off your bus to head to the Fairchild Tropical Gardens on the border of Coral Gables. These gardens span 83 acres and host special seasonal events, tram tours and guided walking tours. You will be able to see many species of exotic flower, fruit and tropical plants along with oak trees, palms and flowering vines. There are hidden trails in the park which meander around orchids, rain forest displays, ferns, wild undergrowth, and 11 lakes.

Matheson Hammock Park

Your bus will then proceed to Matheson Hammock Park that spans over 600 acres of land and has many species of flora and fauna. The nature trail will take you through the park to see the native creatures like the Everglades foxes, squirrels, skunks, opossums and butterflies. There are many old hardwood trees like the West Indian cherry, Gumbo Limbo, Wild Coffee, Jamaica Dogwood, Live Oak, and Stoppers.

The Venetian Pool 

Built in 1923, the Venetian Pool is visited by many tourists every year. It is filled with 820,000 gallons of spring water that is derived from an underground aquifer. The opulent architecture of the Venetian Pool is characterized by its porticos, loggias, palm trees, and bridges.

Lowe Art Museum

Hop off your bus to visit the Low Art Museum with over 12,000 unique pieces of art on display. The museum's collection spans over 5000 years and is characteristic of contemporary and classical art from both non-Western and Western influences.

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