By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Each winter, some of Coral Gables’ most elegant private homes quietly open their doors to the public for one of the city’s most anticipated lifestyle events. This year, the Tour of Kitchens & Tropical Living returns for its 17th edition on Saturday, February 7, inviting guests on a self-guided journey through a curated collection of stunning residences, showpiece kitchens, and tropical living spaces — all paired with bites and sips from top local restaurants and premium spirits brands.

Presented by Mosaicist and benefiting the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the tour has grown into a signature Coral Gables experience, drawing more than 1,000 design enthusiasts, food lovers, and supporters each year. It blends the pleasures of culinary discovery with the beauty of inspired living, offering rare access to homes that are typically seen only from behind garden gates.

The day begins at 9 a.m. with an opening event and check-in at the courtyard of The Plaza Coral Gables, located at 3011 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. From there, guests can explore the featured homes in any order from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., before gathering again for a festive closing party at Maison & Co. from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

A rare look inside curated homes and kitchens

What sets the Tour of Kitchens & Tropical Living apart is its intimate glimpse into beautifully designed private residences across Coral Gables. Each stop showcases thoughtfully curated interiors, standout kitchens, and indoor-outdoor living spaces that reflect the city’s architectural charm and tropical lifestyle.

Along the route, guests enjoy tastings from featured local restaurants and select vendors, turning the tour into a roaming culinary experience as much as a design showcase. From elegant countertops and custom cabinetry to lush patios and airy entertaining spaces, each home offers fresh inspiration for both cooking and living.

The flexibility of the self-guided format allows participants to linger at favorite stops, move at their own pace, and create a personalized route throughout the city.

Over the years, the tour has become a favorite not only for homeowners and design aficionados, but also for those who simply enjoy discovering the beauty and creativity woven into Coral Gables’ residential neighborhoods.

Supporting students and the wider community

Beyond its visual and culinary appeal, the Tour of Kitchens & Tropical Living serves a meaningful purpose.

Proceeds benefit the Coral Gables Community Foundation and the Culinary Arts Program at Coral Gables Senior High School, helping provide scholarships for students pursuing culinary school, funding for an on-campus organic vegetable garden, and support for industrial kitchen equipment and facilities.

Additional funds also contribute to the foundation’s broader mission, including annual college scholarships and community grantmaking efforts.

The event’s continued success reflects strong community support, with backing from the City of Coral Gables and extensive local media coverage that reaches tens of thousands of readers each year.

How the day unfolds

The tour experience is designed to be seamless and enjoyable.

Guests begin by checking in at the opening event at The Plaza Coral Gables courtyard, where they receive a wristband and program booklet. From there, touring runs from 10 a.m. through mid-afternoon, with the freedom to visit homes in any sequence.

The day concludes with a closing celebration at Maison & Co, offering a relaxed atmosphere to unwind, socialize, and reflect on the homes and flavors encountered along the way.

Tickets function as charitable donations, underscoring the event’s philanthropic mission.

What guests should know before attending

Organizers note several important guidelines:

• The tour is self-guided, and guests provide their own transportation
• Children, pets, smoking, strollers, and wheelchairs cannot be accommodated at tour stops
• Wristbands must be worn throughout the day for entry
• Cyclists are welcome but must bring their own bicycles

Parking is available in the garage and surrounding streets near The Plaza Coral Gables for the opening event.

A celebration of living well in Coral Gables

Now in its 17th year, the Tour of Kitchens & Tropical Living has evolved into more than a home showcase. It has become a celebration of craftsmanship, hospitality, community spirit, and the joy of gathering around food and beautiful spaces.

For longtime residents, it offers a fresh look at the city’s ever-evolving design landscape. For newcomers, it provides a window into the architectural elegance and lifestyle that define Coral Gables.

And for all who attend, it delivers a memorable day that blends indulgence with purpose.

Tour of Kitchens & Tropical Living

When: Saturday, February 7: Opening event and check-in: 9–10 a.m., Home tour: 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and Closing party: 1:30–4 p.m.
Opening event location: The Plaza Coral Gables courtyard, 3011 Ponce de Leon Blvd.