By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Cyclists will take to the streets of Coral Gables on Sunday, July 20, for a guided bike tour led by Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, offering participants an up-close look at some of the city’s most treasured fountains, pools, and waterways. Presented by Bike Walk Coral Gables in partnership with the Coral Gables Museum, the tour begins at 10 a.m. and explores a curated route through The City Beautiful’s historic landscapes.

The event is part of the Gables Bike Tours series, a monthly initiative designed to educate residents and visitors about local history, cycling safety, and the benefits of active transportation.

Liquid landmarks on two wheels

The “Fountains and Waterways” tour showcases Coral Gables’ elegant public water features—many of which were part of George Merrick’s original city plan. Riders will visit the iconic Venetian Pool, a former rock quarry transformed into a Mediterranean-style public swimming facility in 1924, as well as the grand De Soto Fountain, completed in 1925 at the intersection of De Soto Boulevard and Granada.

Other stops along the route include scenic views of the city’s canal system, historic bridges, and lesser-known fountains tucked into residential neighborhoods. The route offers a unique opportunity to explore the interplay between Coral Gables’ architectural heritage and its lush, water-centric landscape.

Anderson is a longtime supporter of environmental stewardship, historic preservation, and multimodal transportation. She will lead the ride and share insights into the city’s history and the enduring role water plays in its design and livability.

Details, tickets, and requirements

The tour departs from the Coral Gables Museum at 285 Aragon Avenue and lasts approximately two hours. Participants should arrive by 9:45 a.m. with their own bicycle. Helmets are required for children under 16, and riders of all ages are encouraged to wear helmets and bring water.

Admission includes museum entry following the ride. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for Coral Gables Museum members and children under 12. Registration is available through the museum’s website.

The event is family-friendly, and the pace is relaxed to accommodate a variety of experience levels. Trained volunteers from Bike Walk Coral Gables will help guide and ensure a safe ride for all participants.

Supporting a culture of cycling and walking

Bike Walk Coral Gables, a nonprofit founded in 2011, organizes the Gables Bike Tours in collaboration with the Coral Gables Museum. The organization promotes cycling and walking as safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible modes of transportation and recreation. By hosting public events, safety programs, and educational initiatives, the group works to integrate walking and biking into the city’s daily life.

Its mission focuses on increasing access to safe streets and trails, coordinating resources for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and encouraging civic engagement through community rides and public education. Events like the Fountains and Waterways tour serve as both a celebration of Coral Gables’ natural and architectural beauty and an opportunity to promote sustainable mobility.

In addition to the monthly tours, Bike Walk Coral Gables organizes annual events such as Cycle Day, Bike to Work Day, and the popular Bike & BBQ ride to Matheson Hammock Park. These programs foster a sense of community while supporting citywide goals for environmental responsibility, historic preservation, and public health.

A ride through history and design

Coral Gables is known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, extensive tree canopy, and original city plan centered around aesthetics, water features, and livable streets. Sunday’s bike tour brings that legacy to life from the saddle of a bicycle, inviting riders to view familiar landmarks from a fresh perspective.

From the dramatic arches of the Venetian Pool to the flowing curves of residential fountains, the route reflects the city’s enduring connection to water as both a natural and design element. Participants will leave with a deeper appreciation for the city’s history, its infrastructure, and the power of thoughtful urban planning.

For more information or to register, visit coralgablesmuseum.org or bikewalkcoralgables.org. Riders are reminded to bring their own bike and check tire pressure and brakes in advance for a safe and enjoyable experience.