Lainek

Your Guide to the World

Coral Terrace, FL

Coral Terrace is an unincorporated suburb of Miami, Florida, with a dense Hispanic community, known for its central location, mid-century homes, and easy access to parks and expressways.

About the city

Official status and administrative affiliation

Coral Terrace is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States . It is an integral part of the Miami metropolitan area, situated approximately 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown Miami . While it has no municipal government of its own, it is a distinct and recognized community within the county.

Historical names and nicknames

Coral Terrace does not have widely known historical names or nicknames. It developed as a suburban residential area in the mid-20th century, with most of its homes built between 1940 and 1990 .

Date of foundation and age

Coral Terrace was developed in the post-World War II era as Miami expanded westward. While not formally "founded" like a city, its population has been tracked by the U.S. Census since at least 1980, when it had over 22,000 residents . The median year that its homes were built is 1953, pointing to its period of significant growth .

Geographic location and coordinates

Coral Terrace is located at the geographic coordinates 25°44′48″N 80°18′16″W (25.746778, -80.304551) . The community sits on the Atlantic Coastal Plain at a very low elevation of just 7 feet (2 meters) above sea level . It is bordered by the city of Miami to the north, West Miami to the northeast, Coral Gables to the east, South Miami to the south, and the unincorporated communities of Glenvar Heights, Olympia Heights, Westchester, and Fontainebleau to the south, southwest, west, and northwest, respectively . Major roadways like the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826), U.S. 41 (SW 8th Street), and SR 959 (Red Road) form its borders .

City type and economic specialization

Coral Terrace is primarily a residential suburb and a bedroom community for the Miami metropolitan area . Its economy is not defined by large local industries but by its proximity to employment centers like Miami, Coral Gables, and South Miami. Its role is to provide housing for the region's workforce, and its local businesses are mainly small-scale retail, restaurants, and services catering to daily needs . Real estate professionals highlight its "perfect central location" as a key asset .

Population and demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Coral Terrace was 23,142 . This places it in the category of a medium-sized suburban community. A defining demographic feature is its population's ethnic composition: 88.87% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino . Spanish is the first language for a vast majority (85.18%) of its residents . The median age is 46, which is above the national average, and the community has a higher-than-average percentage of residents over 65 .

"Visiting card" of the city

Coral Terrace offers a quiet, family-oriented suburban base for experiencing all of South Florida. Its prime location puts residents and visitors minutes away from the dining and business of Coral Gables, the cultural heart of Little Havana, and the attractions of downtown Miami, while providing a peaceful retreat with local parks and a strong sense of community .

Landmarks and attractions

A.D. "Doug" Barnes Park

The primary recreational hub within Coral Terrace is the 65-acre A.D. "Doug" Barnes Park . This expansive green space features a lake for fishing, a canal border, walking trails, covered pavilions, and an outdoor exercise gym. Notably, the park includes 15 acres of protected Pine Rockland, a unique and fire-dependent ecosystem found only in South Florida . It is a common spot for community gatherings, birthday parties, and enjoying nature.

Brothers to the Rescue Park

This park is a significant local landmark and memorial. It features four full-sized lighted baseball diamonds and serves as a tribute to four pilots of the Brothers to the Rescue organization who were shot down in 1996 . The site holds historical and emotional importance for the Cuban-American community that is so prevalent in the area.

Local Dining Scene

Coral Terrace is noted by locals for its authentic culinary offerings. El Rinconcito is a family-run Cuban restaurant praised for its generous portions and classic flavors like the media noche sandwich . Disco Fish on Southwest 67th Avenue offers a casual and quirky atmosphere, serving some of the best fresh seafood and ceviche in town .

Nearby attractions: The Biltmore Hotel

Just 3 miles away in neighboring Coral Gables, the historic Biltmore Hotel stands as a national historic landmark . Opened in 1926, its spectacular Mediterranean architecture is a must-see. The hotel features an 18-hole championship golf course and what was once the largest hotel pool on the East Coast, making it a popular spot for a luxurious lunch or a visit .

Nearby attractions: Little Havana and the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame

A short drive northeast of Coral Terrace (about 8 km) lies the world-famous neighborhood of Little Havana . The main thoroughfare, Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street), is the cultural heart of Miami's Cuban community. Here, visitors can experience authentic Cuban cuisine, hear live music, and see the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame, which honors famous Latin artists with stars embedded in the sidewalk .

Nearby attractions: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Approximately 9.5 km east of Coral Terrace, on the shore of Biscayne Bay, is the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens . This stunning National Historic Landmark is the former estate of industrialist James Deering, built in the early 20th century. It features an Italian Renaissance-style villa filled with antique art and surrounded by 10 acres of formal European gardens, offering a beautiful and peaceful escape from the city .

Climate and weather

Climate type and general characteristics

Coral Terrace has a tropical monsoon climate, typical of South Florida. It is characterized by two main seasons: a long, hot, and very humid wet season from May through October, and a shorter, warm, and relatively drier dry season from November through April. The weather is heavily influenced by its coastal location and proximity to the Tropic of Cancer .

Average monthly temperatures

The climate is warm year-round, with average temperatures showing little variation between seasons .

Precipitation and humidity

Rainfall patterns are distinctly seasonal .

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Coral Terrace for pleasant weather is during the dry season, specifically from early November to late April . During this period, temperatures are comfortably warm (highs in the 70s and low 80s °F), humidity is lower, and there are more sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring nearby attractions.

Sunshine and UV Index

Coral Terrace enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year. The sunniest and clearest skies are typically found in the winter and early spring months, particularly February . Due to its low latitude, the UV index is high year-round, and it reaches extreme levels during the summer months, making sun protection essential.

Specific weather phenomena

The main weather phenomenon is the afternoon thunderstorm during the wet season (June-September). These storms can be intense but are usually brief, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. The area is also located in a region vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms during the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 - November 30).

Transport

Major airports

While Coral Terrace has no airport of its own, it is centrally located between two of South Florida's major international airports.

Major highways and roads

Coral Terrace is exceptionally well-connected by major roadways .

Public transportation

Coral Terrace has access to the Miami-Dade County public transportation network, though it is somewhat limited within the immediate area .

Commuting patterns

The vast majority of Coral Terrace residents (over 80%) commute to work by driving alone, reflecting its suburban nature . The average one-way commute time is about 28.9 minutes, slightly longer than the national average . The community is considered "Somewhat Walkable" (Walk Score 62) and "Somewhat Bikeable," meaning that some errands can be accomplished on foot or by bike, but a car is necessary for most trips .

Universities and Educational Institutions

While Coral Terrace itself is a primarily residential area, it is situated in close proximity to one of Florida's most prestigious research universities, making world-class education a cornerstone of the region.

University of Miami

The University of Miami (UM) is a private research university located in the adjacent city of Coral Gables, just minutes from Coral Terrace. Founded in 1925, UM's 239-acre main campus is home to two colleges and seven schools, offering over 180 academic programs . The university is highly regarded, with about half of its undergraduate classes having 17 or fewer students, fostering an intimate learning environment .

UM is composed of 12 schools and colleges, including the highly acclaimed Miami Herbert Business School, which focuses on developing principled leaders for global business, and the Frost School of Music, one of the most innovative music schools in the United States . The Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, located on a waterfront campus on Virginia Key, is one of the world's leading academic oceanographic research institutions . The university's medical campus is a major hub for healthcare, housing the Miller School of Medicine and the UHealth – University of Miami Health System .

As the main campus of one of the largest private research universities in the U.S., the University of Miami is not only an educational pillar but also a significant cultural and economic force for the entire South Florida region, directly benefiting nearby communities like Coral Terrace .

Medical Institutions and Healthcare

Residents of Coral Terrace have access to a growing network of healthcare facilities, anchored by a newly established general hospital within its own borders, with the full resources of the University of Miami medical system also nearby.

Coral Terrace Hospital LLC

Coral Terrace is home to its own general medical and surgical hospital, Coral Terrace Hospital LLC. Located at 2500 SW 75th Ave in nearby Miami, this facility is licensed as a General Acute Care Hospital, ensuring that residents have access to essential medical services close to home . Its establishment marks a significant development in local healthcare infrastructure.

UHealth – University of Miami Health System

For specialized and advanced medical care, residents have direct access to the renowned UHealth – University of Miami Health System. This academic medical system is a key component of the University of Miami's Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and is located within the UM/Jackson Memorial Medical Center complex, a short distance from Coral Terrace .

This world-class medical complex includes several University-owned hospitals:

The presence of these institutions provides Coral Terrace residents with unparalleled access to cutting-edge medical treatments and specialists.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Coral Terrace is a true gateway to the diverse culinary landscape of South Florida. While it is a residential neighborhood, its location provides easy access to the area's unique agricultural heritage and famous Latin-inspired dishes.

Tropical Fruit and Local Produce from the Redland

The culinary identity of the region is deeply rooted in the Redland agricultural area, located just south of Miami. This rural enclave is renowned for its red soil and the exotic fruits grown there, which are a staple of local cuisine . A visit to Robert Is Here Fruit Stand, a beloved Florida institution operating since 1959, is a quintessential South Florida food experience. Here, you can find and taste rare tropical fruits like mamey sapote, black sapote, jackfruit, and sugar apples . The stand is also famous for its fresh-fruit milkshakes, with flavors ranging from key lime to the more exotic canistel-mango .

For a deeper dive into the region's agricultural bounty, the Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead offers a unique experience. Visitors can wander through 37 acres of orchards featuring over 500 varieties of fruits, spices, and nuts from around the world, with the unique rule that anything that has fallen on the ground is free to taste .

Tropical Fruit Wines and Craft Beverages

The region's abundance of fruit has given rise to a distinctive local beverage scene. Schnebly Redland's Winery and Brewery, Miami-Dade's first commercial winery, crafts award-winning wines not from grapes, but from tropical fruits like lychee, mango, guava, avocado, and passion fruit . The AvoVino, an avocado wine, is a particularly unique example, described as "highly aromatic" with an off-dry taste . The winery also produces well-regarded craft beers, such as the Big Rod Coconut Ale, and its tropical landscaped grounds with waterfalls and live music make it a popular spot for relaxation .

Cuban and Latin Flavors

Given its location within the Miami metropolitan area, the influence of Cuban and Latin American cuisine is pervasive. A short drive away, the historic Cauley Square Village offers The Latin Corner, a colorful hut serving authentic Cuban coffee, sandwiches, and juices under a canopy of tropical trees, providing a taste of local, rustic charm .

Museums

While Coral Terrace itself does not have major museums, it is perfectly positioned for day trips to a wide array of cultural institutions in Miami and beyond. The surrounding area offers everything from niche historical sites to world-class art collections.

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

A short drive east via the Rickenbacker Causeway, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is more than just a beach; it is a museum of civil rights history. During the era of segregation, this was one of the only beaches in South Florida legally designated for Black residents following a historic "wade-in" protest in 1945 . Today, the park is on the National Registry of Historic Places and features restored 1940s buildings, a vintage carousel, and nature trails, preserving an important chapter of American history .

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

About 45 minutes north in Fort Lauderdale, the Bonnet House offers a different kind of historical and artistic experience. This stunning, 35-acre estate is a quiet sanctuary that includes a historic home filled with art and artifacts, as well as lush grounds complete with a butterfly garden. It provides a glimpse into the life of its creators, artists Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett, and stands as a testament to early 20th-century Florida living .

Coral Castle Museum

For a truly unique and enigmatic experience, the Coral Castle Museum in Homestead is a must-see. This bizarre and fascinating structure was single-handedly carved from oolitic limestone by a Latvian immigrant named Edward Leedskalnin, who worked in secret at night. The massive stone creations, including a nine-ton swinging gate that moves with the touch of a finger, have fueled endless speculation about ancient engineering secrets and make for a genuinely strange and memorable visit .

Sport and Sports Legends

Coral Terrace is ideally located near major sporting venues and destinations, providing easy access to professional teams, world-class golf, and motorsports.

Golf in Nearby Palm Beach County

For golf enthusiasts, the area north of Miami, particularly Jupiter in Palm Beach County, is a premier destination. The region's natural beauty and exclusive clubs have made it a hub for professional golf. It is now home to some of the biggest names in the sport, including Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, who reside and play in the area . Nearby, the Grand Palms Spa & Golf Resort in Pembroke Pines offers a 27-hole course for those looking to play .

Professional Sports and Major Events

The greater Miami area is home to several major professional sports teams. Coral Terrace residents and visitors can easily access venues in Miami and its suburbs to watch:

Furthermore, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood is a major entertainment and sports hub, featuring a large casino, numerous restaurants, and a venue for live entertainment and combat sports events .

Motorsports

Speed enthusiasts can visit the famous Homestead-Miami Speedway, located about 35 miles south, which hosts major NASCAR and IndyCar series events. Additionally, the Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale offers high-octane indoor fun with go-karts, laser tag, and escape rooms .

Discover new destinations