Coral Gables and South Miami

Coral Gables and nearby Miami's strategic location, multicultural and multilingual employee base and high quality of life make them preeminent residential and corporate sites. Today, global leaders in communications, computers, information, transportation, banking and hospitality, as well as manufacturers and exporters are all prominent parts of industry here.

The Downtown Coral Gables area is also noted for fine art galleries, which are a feature of Gables Gallery Night on the first Friday of each month. The events bring in thousands of people to view the works of local and international artists. Coral Gables gently winds down after-hours as a more mellow mood takes over. Energy is redirected to quieter pursuits - live music in an art caf? smooth jazz in a supper club or a film in one of the city's three art cinemas.

Check out any list of fine restaurants and you will see that Coral Gables has a selection of highly rated dining establishments. Coral Gables restaurants appear on the culinary map for a variety of cuisines: French, Spanish, Brazilian,Caribbean, Cuban, Italian and classic steak houses. Their elegant ambience and exacting service are taken for granted in a city dedicated to fine living.

The Biltmore Hotel is a signature building in the Coral Gables area, it is both a historic landmark and a popular site for international business conferences, presentations and University of Miami events.

Actors' Playhouse on Miracle Mile this theatre has received critical acclaim from the South Florida Critic's Association receiving numerous Carbonell Awards in recognition of creative excellence for main-stage productions. GableStage provides South Florida with classical and contemporary theatrical productions.

The Venetian Pool, Built in the early 20's, is listed as a Historic Place in the National Register and one of Coral Gables most beautiful sites.

Fairchild Tropical Garden is one of the world's premier botanic gardens, with extensive collections of rare tropical plants.

A few blocks from the university in South Miami, Sunset Place offers 502,000 sq. ft. of shopping space, featuring specialty shops, fine dining and entertainment set in an attractive open-air, three-level streetscape. Anchored by AMC 24 Theaters, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, GameWorks, IMAX Theater, Nike Town, Virgin Megastore and Z Gallerie. "Sunset," as it is called locally, offers over 60 specialty stores and restaurants catering to all ages. This retail/entertainment center is host to nightly laser-light shows and weekly musical entertainment. South Miami itself is home to many shops, restaurants, movie theatres and coffeehouses.

UM sponsors a shuttle from campus to Sunset Place on Saturday nights.