Top 5 Instagrammable Places Near Gables by the Sea

1) Pinecrest Gardens 

11000 SW 57th Ave, Pinecrest, FL 33156

Sprinkle some of South Florida's tropical charm on your snaps with a day of flora and fauna at Pinecrest's most famous tourist destination, Pinecrest Gardens, a collection of lush gardens and natural beauty just a 4-minute drive from Gables by the Sea.  

Encompassing around 14 acres of lush botanical gardens and family-friendly attractions, Pinecrest Gardens showcases South Florida's natural beauty, boasting gardens and forested areas of native cypress sloughs, tropical hardwood hammocks, and riverine landscapes.

Think rows of various specialty gardens (including a desert garden), more than 1,000 varieties of both native and non-native tropical flora, and many notable natural features, including remnants of the Snapper Creek streambed, a 30,000-year-old solution hole, a piece of cypress hammock once connected to Big Cypress National Preserve, a 100-year-old Cocoplum, and various other mature landmark trees.

Pinecrest Gardens also features tranquil paths that wind through the botanical garden, a meadowed lake viewing area (Swan Lake) with resident wildlife, and fish-populated waterways.

And if the kids are tagging along, don't forget to visit Pinecrest Garden's Splash N' Play water playground, petting zoo, giant outdoor chess/checkers games, or its large playground area!

With all that plus a vast Sensory Garden educational area, where you'll see a butterfly garden, raised vegetable/herb garden, watering cans, drop-in garden programs, and an Investigation Station that invites exploration, you can mix gorgeous snaps with pleasure inside this one-of-a-kind nature escape that transcends your imagination!

2) R Hardy Matheson County Preserve 

11100 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156 

Tired of posting the usual content?

Make that account stand out with endless frames of South Florida's lush coastal beauty at R. Hardy Matheson County Preserve, a hidden gem offering a serene retreat from the city's buzz, a 4-minute drive from Gables by the Sea.

Boasting hundreds of acres encompassing mangroves, wetlands, and upland forest areas, R. Hardy Matheson County Preserve is a prime spot for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and photography fiends, thanks to its ecologically rich location and collection of migratory birds and native species.

Do you want to bird-watch? Feel free to whip out your binoculars and watch these majestic feathered beings fly by. 

Roaring for an adventure? R. Hardy Matheson County Preserve is home to trails boasting an immersive experience through shaded mangrove tunnels and elevated boardwalks offering breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay!

Feel like filling up your socials with Mother Nature's allure? With its untouched landscapes and diverse ecosystems, R. Hardy Matheson is a dream for photographers aiming to capture the world beyond Miami's trendsetting scene!

And if you're lucky enough to capture those golden-hour shots, believe us, they'll be the "talk of the town" — and the highlight of your Instagram!

Need we say more?

3) Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 

10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156

For more of Miami's most famous natural backdrops, look to Coral Gables' Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, a paradise of sun-kissed elegance 6 minutes from Gables by the Sea.

Founded in 1938 by famed plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's collection includes more than 3,400 species, including tropical fruit, orchids, butterflies, and native and exotic plants throughout its Uplands and Lowlands ecosystems and exhibits.

We're talking fresh air, natural beauty, and picture-perfect shots for your socials amidst 83 sprawling acres of lush, colorful tropical gardens, rainforests, and coastal habitat, where every corner bursts with unparalleled Instaworthy goodness!

The Allée, the Overlook, the Water Gardens, the Aquatic Exhibits, the Arboretum, the Geiger Tropical Flower Garden, the Butterfly Garden, and the Children's Garden — think of all the places you can visit and photos you can take at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden!

Needless to say, this is one perfect outdoor adventure for families, a romantic date, or a sublime oasis for anyone who enjoys the beauty of the natural world.

4) Brewing Buddha Cafe & Arthouse 

8219 SW 124th St, Miami, FL 33156

If you're craving an afternoon cup of Joe, visit Brewing Buddha Cafe & Arthouse and pair your favorite drink with aesthetic snaps of colorful artworks and a cozy ambiance — it's just an 8-minute drive from Gables by the Sea!

Welcome to Brewing Buddha Cafe & Arthouse, a local coffee shop serving the finest hand-crafted coffee, tea, sandwiches, and waffles!

Before you get the wrong idea, Brewing Buddha Cafe & Arthouse is far from your ordinary coffee spot, and you'll find it to be true as soon as you step inside this iconic joint!

Think cozy couches, black, modern chairs, wooden interiors with lush artificial greens, and artworks and photographs hanging on the walls.

Mind you, all these works of art are by the shop owners themselves!

It's like a mini-art gallery, but an even better version because there's COFFEE!

5) Platea Prime Steakhouse & Ceviche Bar 

12175 S Dixie Hwy, Pinecrest, FL 33156

Romantic, dreamy, and the perfect spot for an unforgettable steak night with a dash of Instagrammable beauty — this sums up Platea Prime Steakhouse & Ceviche Bar, the first-ever Peruvian-inspired Prime Steak House in the world, just an 8-minute drive from Gables by the Sea!

Promising a unique dining experience that stands out from your everyday steakhouses and fine-dining restaurants, Platea Prime Steakhouse & Ceviche Bar creates delicious dishes brimming with passion and bold flavors to provide an unforgettable dinner spread of hearty bites and meaty delights!

Slide into Platea Prime Steakhouse & Ceviche Bar's leather booths and enjoy favorites like handcrafted ceviches, USDA Prime steaks, and signature desserts amidst a warm and cozy ambiance that adds a touch of romance!

It's a top-notch Peruvian + Steakhouse moment that deserves a slot on your social media account!