Residents can pedal through one of Coral Gables' most exclusive green spaces on Sunday, Aug. 16, when the Coral Gables Museum kicks off a new monthly bike tour series at the Montgomery Botanical Center, 11901 Old Cutler Road.

The ride starts at 10 a.m. and is described as an easy, family-friendly route along scenic paths through the 122-acre research garden, which is not generally open to the public without a reservation.

The August tour is the first in a five-month run of Gables Bike Tours scheduled for the third Sunday of every month through December. Each month visits a different destination. The Coral Gables Museum and nonprofit Bike Walk Coral Gables are co-organizing the series, according to the museum's event page.

Museum Director Elvis Fuentes, who led a one-time America250-themed bike tour on July 19, has also guided past outings including a University of Miami art walking tour in April.

Montgomery Botanical Center was established in 1959 by Nell Montgomery Jennings in memory of her husband, Robert Hiester Montgomery, co-founder of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The center holds the National Palm Collection and the National Cycad Collection, specializing in palms and cycads from around the world. It rarely opens its gates to the general public.

Full schedule

  • Sunday, Aug. 16 — Montgomery Botanical Center (11901 Old Cutler Road)
  • Sunday, Sept. 20 — Parks and Green Spaces, including the Underline
  • Sunday, Oct. 18 — Pinewood Cemetery (costumes encouraged)
  • Sunday, Nov. 15 — Coral Gables (Horse) Riding Trail, visiting the historic Gables Riding Academy across from the Coral Gables Museum
  • Sunday, Dec. 20 — Houses of Worship (holiday bike decorations encouraged)

All rides begin at 10 a.m.

The October stop at Pinewood Cemetery, the oldest cemetery south of the Miami River and the final resting place of many of Dade County's pioneer settlers, promises a fitting pre-Halloween outing. Located on Erwin Road south of Sunset Drive, the cemetery was originally known as Larkins Cemetery.

How to join

The museum's event page does not list a registration link or admission fee for the Aug. 16 ride. Residents interested in joining should check coralgablesmuseum.org/gables-bike-tours or contact the Coral Gables Museum at 285 Aragon Ave. for details.

Upcoming community events

  • Sunday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. — Gables Bike Tour: Montgomery Botanical Center, 11901 Old Cutler Road
  • Sunday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. — Gables Bike Tour: Parks and Green Spaces / the Underline
  • Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. — Gables Bike Tour: Pinewood Cemetery (costumes encouraged)