Douglas - Coral Gables, FL Area Guide

George Merrick began designing the Coral Gables area as a Mediterranean revival style neighborhood that would house both commercial and residential communities. The area has historically strict zoning standards, which help to maintain its look and feel. The Mediterranean architecture has become a staple for all development in the area, including the Douglas Road area. The landscape here was designed to incorporate some aspects of New York's Central Park design with a cityscape among the natural beauty of the landscape.

Before its founder fell into severe debt, Coral Gables became home to the University of Miami in 1925, along with gaining its incorporation.

The area holds the Coral Gables Museum, which hosts several annual art events. Douglas is a short drive from Art Basel, which annually is one of the largest art events in the country.

South Florida has become home to numerous eclectic eateries serving both domestic and international cuisine.

The Seven Dials serves unique dishes that you may have never seen before. The roasted bone marrow, for example, features sesame toast, kaffir lime, and soy. If adventure does not intrigue you, the fish and chips will surely satisfy your hunger. Beer battered with a side of peas, this dish takes you on a trip to New England. Charcuterie options include foie gras, duck jerky, and goat gouda.

Eating House offers customers a new twist of old and new flavors together. The beef sweetbreads and pork cheeks are among local favorites, along with a dessert option called the dirt cup, which incorporates whipped Nutella, cookie crumbs and pretzel. You won't leave here disappointed regardless of what you order.

The Douglas neighborhood sits near the heart of the bar district. With so many options you can try a new spot each night and experience a different atmosphere every time. Simply called The Bar, locals hang out here for happy hour and sit outside among the enticing South Florida evening weather. If you prefer a more upscale experience, Uvaggio Wine Bar and Restaurant has just the right amount of class and sophistication.

The city of Coral Gables and Miami-Dade County provide residents with several transportation options for getting in and out of the Douglas area. Residents can frequent local restaurants, shops and bars via the Gables Trolley. For trips that require travel to more distant areas of Miami, locals use the Metrorail or Metrobus. A one-way fare will cost you $2.25 to travel anywhere the Metrobus or rail travels.

Taxis and Uber ride-share services are available, and the abundance of drivers makes catching a ride on Douglas Road relatively simple. Public parking can be found at metered spots along the streets and within parking garages servicing local shops and businesses. Local parking rates range from $2 to $5 per hour.

The heavy traffic and limited sidewalk space make biking difficult within the Douglas area. The frequent stops at intersections to wait for traffic also make this a difficult place to enjoy outdoor recreation. You can traverse the streets walking or biking, but locals without vehicles prefer to use public transportation, which is abundant and easily accessible in the area.

The Douglas area sits along several major arteries within Coral Gables, and residents have several routes to access Interstate 95 via US-1, as well as the Palmetto and Dolphin Expressways. The congestion during rush hour makes these roads less desirable to commuters.

Douglas is known as a recreational-friendly area. Residents enjoy several parks that allow biking, exercising, and more all within a few miles of the Douglas area.

Phillips Park has tennis courts, a ball field, a basketball court, and a children's playground among other amenities The park does not charge a fee and hosts several recreational leagues after hours on weeknights.

Residents have access to larger parks in the southern area of Coral Gables, which features a dog-friendly area within Matheson Park.

An abundance of annual outdoor activities are available near the Douglas area. For example, nearby Coconut Grove hosts several outdoor art shows annually. Additionally, Art Basel floods Miami Beach each December with international art aficionados who desire to be seen.

The cost of living in the Douglas area of Coral Gables sits approximately 57 percent above the national average and 56 percent above the Florida average. The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $935 per month, while the public transportation system can get you to downtown Miami for $2.25 per trip.

The typical cost of a beer in the Douglas area is slightly less than the overall Miami area, costing approximately $6, with some specialty bars and restaurants charging higher prices. Gas here typically costs about 9 percent more than the national average.

Douglas rests just a short walk down Ponce de Leon Blvd from the Village at Merrick Park. This is the largest retail center nearby, and national retailers Neiman Marcus and Nordstroms anchor the mall. Locals have several small boutique shops at their disposal as well for grabbing those fashions that cannot be found in a large box retail store.

Isa Boutique enhances your looks by offering both casual and classy fashions for any event. The owner, Isa, accommodates all customers and makes your experience personal.

Ohm Boutique provides locals with accessories and clothing as eclectic as the South Florida lifestyle. The fashion is chic, and the experience is upscale but not pretentious. You will find unique wearable items here that just can't be found anywhere else.

The Coral Gables Farmers Market is held just two short blocks west of the Douglas area. The market provides residents with farm-to-table options as well as fresh flowers and other handmade items. Publix, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods Market provide residents with everyday grocery items.