If you’re planning a trip to South Florida, you’ll what to make a stop in the Coconut Grove, Miami neighborhood. What locals refer to as “The Grove” attracts visitors for its historic appeal, shopping, luxury hotels, art galleries, marina, restaurants, and outdoor events.
Ready to get to know Coconut Grove, Miami? Stop wondering exactly what to do in Coconut Grove and discover for yourself first-hand when you follow our quick and easy guide to this iconic Miami neighborhood.
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Coconut Grove, Miami History
Coconut Grove, the oldest inhabited Miami neighborhood, was first settled in 1825, and formally established in 1925. The area first attracted sailors, artists, and early Bahamian settlers who came to the area to farm the land or for work opportunities.
In more modern history, Coconut Grove was a bohemian, counterculture haven in the 1960s, hosting love-ins, concerts, and other related events.
Now, you can see a little bit of Coconut Grove’s history on nearly every corner of this iconic neighborhood, making this a must-visit spot for history buffs.
Where is Coconut Grove, Miami?
Coconut Grove stretches along the Biscayne Bay waterfront from the William M. Powell Bridge to Sunrise Harbour and the Coral Gables Waterway.
How to Get to and Around Coconut Grove
If you’re headed to Coconut Grove from downtown Miami or South Beach, you can easily get there via car in as little as 15 to 30 minutes and then park at one of the available parking garages (for a fee). Here are your other options for getting to and around Coconut Grove, Miami.
- If you opt for public transportation, you can get between downtown Miami and Coconut Grove via the Miami Metrorail.
- Bus service is available from Miami Beach to Coconut Grove; however, the journey will include transfers and take about an hour and a half each way, as there is no direct bus from Miami Beach to Coconut Grove.
- One of the simplest options is to rely on your favorite rideshare apps, like Lyft and Uber, to get you between your destinations.
- While you can get around some areas of Coconut Grove on foot, you can also hop aboard the free Coconut Grove Trolley or grab a CitiBike (at an hourly rate) for easy cycling around the entire neighborhood.
Where to Stay in Coconut Grove, Miami
As mentioned, Coconut Grove is home to many luxury hotels; as you plan out what to do in Coconut Grove, rest assured that you’ll have no trouble finding a perfectly comfortable spot to set up a base camp for all of your explorations.
The Mutiny Hotel
If you plan on staying far more than just 24 hours in Miami and need an extended-stay hotel in Coconut Grove, look no further than The Mutiny.
This all-suite property gives you plenty of space to spread out with the family while enjoying pristine views of Biscayne Bay.
Choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or penthouse suite. Even if you’re not staying a long time in Coconut Grove, many families enjoy these all-suite options for the ample space they provide.
👉 Check it out for yourself, read customer reviews, and check rates and availability here!
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove is an excellent option for those who want a little slice of paradise and a calm oasis in the midst of all of Miami’s hustle and bustle.
When you stay here, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped out of the Miami neighborhood and into the Caribbean. Spanish tile work, hand-carved wooden accents, and a picturesque pool — it all creates an aesthetic that you won’t want to leave behind when it’s time to head home.
👉 Check current rates and availability here!
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Miami
If you want to stay with a tried-and-true luxury brand during your Coconut Grove vacation, you can’t go wrong with The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Miami.
This ultra-luxe property combines the standard of excellence you’ve likely come to know and expect from the Ritz-Carlton brand with the history and culture of The Grove.
Enjoy a great location between Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami, in-room water views, and a 5-star spa.
👉 Check current rates and availability here!
Vacation Rentals in Coconut Grove, Miami
Especially during post-pandemic travel, many families (and even individual travelers) look to vacation rentals for luxury accommodations that allow for more privacy.
Coconut Grove’s Airbnb options are varied, so if this is an accommodations option that appeals to you, you’ll have no trouble finding something to suit your needs. Choose from large apartments within luxury high rises, cottages, villas, and more.
What to Do in Coconut Grove, Miami
Once you have a spot to stay, it’s time to decide what to do in Coconut Grove. There’s so much to pack into a Coconut Grove itinerary!
From exploring Miami’s Black History to dining out at all the cool Coconut Grove restaurants to checking out Coconut Grove’s historic sites, the list of Coconut Grove things to do is nearly endless.
Here are some of our best recommendations for what to do in Coconut Grove.
Can’t-Miss Coconut Grove Things to Do
Firstly, whatever you do in Coconut Grove, keep your eyes peeled for this Miami neighborhood’s most special residents: the flock of 60 to 80 peacocks that roam freely.
These gorgeous birds strut their stuff through the tropical foliage and even sometimes stop traffic, but that’s just part of the charm.
Alice Wainwright Park
The best views, however, can be found at Alice Wainwright Park, which sits on nearly 30 acres on the water. The park is also a nature preserve, with a closed canopy forest, upland plants, and a limestone outcrop part of the Miami Rock Ridge.
It’s one of our favorite Miami parks for some quiet time within the city. Bring the dog and kids along and grab a seat on the water for impeccable views and a lovely spot to relax.
Coconut Grove Sailing Club
For more views, try the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. While this historic spot with its near-century-long history on Biscayne Bay is a haven for sailors, it’s also just a terrific spot for taking a few Instagram pics.
Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden
Lastly, the Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden is another gorgeous Coconut Grove spot. One of only five National Tropical Botanical Gardens, this one with an emphasis on exotic fruits.
The Kampong is located on a botanical explorer’s breathtakingly beautiful former estate. Reservations are required.
Coconut Grove Historic Sites
Of course, we’ve mentioned Coconut Grove’s history so much that we’d be remiss if we didn’t tell you what to do in Coconut Grove in order to experience some of that history for yourself.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
If you only make one stop in Coconut Grove, make this Miami bucket list attraction the one. Art lovers, architecture buffs, history fans, garden lovers — just about everyone can find something to enjoy at the Vizcaya Museum and Garden.
A former villa, the 20th-century estate includes Italian Renaissance gardens, natural woodlands, and even a historic village.
Stroll the estate and the gardens and take all the original furnishings in, from rotary dial telephones to notable artwork. The villa even includes a museum featuring antique furnishings, most from the 1400s to 1800s.
You could easily spend an entire day here with your date and still not see all the Vizcaya Museum and Garden has to offer.
👉 Buy your Vizcaya Museum and Garden tickets online here.
The Barnacle Historic State Park
For a bit of outdoor history, try The Barnacle Historic State Park, where the main attraction is “The Barnacle,” a home built in 1891 and left much as it stood then. In addition to this historic structure, you’ll also get to glimpse two 19th-century replica sailboats.
Plus, since this sprawling park is a bit of a hidden gem, you won’t need to worry about tourist crowds! Yet, another oasis in the middle of the city.
Historic Charles Avenue
To better explore and understand Black history in Miami, visit Historic Charles Avenue. It’s where Coconut Grove’s first Black community, primarily Bahamians, settled in the late 19th century when they came to farm the land or work at the area’s first hotel, the Peacock Inn.
Along the tree-lined street, you will find conch-style homes, many churches, the now-closed Coconut Grove Playhouse, and the Coconut Grove Cemetery.
Coconut Grove Cemetery
Lastly, for a bit of spooky history, stop by Coconut Grove Cemetery, adjacent to the Charlotte Jane Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery, purchased for $140 in 1913, was initially for Bahamian settlers, making it an essential piece of Miami’s Black history.
Another interesting fact? The cemetery is home to 12 “head and shoulder stones,” which you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the country.
Family-Friendly Activities and Things to Do in Coconut Grove
If you’re in the Grove with the family, there are a few extra fun things you’ll want to add to your Coconut Grove, Miami itinerary.
David T. Kennedy Park
First, take everyone to David T. Kennedy Park, a waterfront park where your dog can wander off-leash and where everyone can enjoy a bit of sand volleyball.
Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat from local icon A.C.’s Icees, where the frozen lemonade is something to rave about.
Peacock Park
Another Coconut Grove family-friendly park is Peacock Park. The nine-acre park offers tons of indoor and outdoor sports, from soccer to softball, foosball to ping pong.
The park also features a boardwalk bridge with expansive views of Biscayne Bay and is the site of regular events, such as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, held every February.
Shopping in Coconut Grove
CocoWalk
Luxury shopping is a must in Coconut Grove, and one of the best spots to get your shopping done is CocoWalk. But CocoWalk is much more than a shopping center.
The low-key, yet upscale, environment blends outdoors and indoors seamlessly for an experience truly unique to Coconut Grove. Beyond the shopping, you’ll find some of Miami’s best restaurants, live music on the regular, and even a movie theatre.
Coconut Grove Organic Market
For shopping of a different variety, try the Coconut Grove Farmer’s Market. This Saturday-only, open-air farmers market features a range of fresh organic produce, raw vegan foods, and even some exotic options, like jaboticaba and durian.
Grab fresh ingredients for a meal to whip up back at your Airbnb, or pick up some ready-made eats for lunch on the go.
Restaurants and Where to Eat in Coconut Grove
After all that exploring, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite. So, where should you go for some of the best eats in Coconut Grove, regardless of what you’re in the mood for?
Lulu Neighborfood
Another eatery, Lulu combines a menu with Eastern and Western European influences, with everyone’s favorite finger foods: tapas. Grab a seat on the sidewalk or by the bar and take in the artsy, hip feel as you people-watch in one of the friendliest Miami neighborhoods. Pro tip: If you’re parsing for a drink, you can’t go wrong with the white sangria.
Shore-to-Door Fish Market
Of course, if you want something a little more local, you’ll want to opt for fresh seafood. Shore to Door Fish Market can help with that. The locally-owned and operated fish market serves cook-to-order food on the weekends, from noon to 6 pm. Outdoor patio, local seafood, cold beer, and live music – it doesn’t get any better than this!
El Carajo International Tapas & Wines
If you prefer wine to whiskey, try El Carajo International Tapas & Wines, where you can both buy wine to take with you but also stick around for traditional Spanish tapas. Don’t let the behind a gas station location throw you off, that only makes it more of a local food gem.
Coral Bagels
When breakfast calls after a long evening of Miami’s nightlife scene, and you’re craving a good, greasy, diner-style breakfast food, hit up Coral Bagels. The low-key New York-style diner and neighborhood favorite offers bagels and all your traditional diner eats. Be forewarned: weekends are particularly crowded; you’ll fare better on a weekday.
Harry’s Pizzeria
And what could go better with a New York-style bagel breakfast than a New York-style pizza lunch? At Harry’s Pizzeria, you can find wood-fired baked pizza alongside regional craft brews.
Coconut Grove Bars and Nightlife
When it’s time to kick back with a drink, Miami is undoubtedly the destination to deliver. When you’re in Coconut Grove, though, here are some of our favorite watering holes you’ll want to hit up.
The Taurus
For all you whiskey lovers out there, try Taurus, one of the longest-standing nightlife spots in Coconut Grove. Taurus has made a name for itself with the neighborhood’s locals for serving beer, whiskey, American-style eats, and a fun range of events, from karaoke nights to comedy sets. Grab a seat indoors or outdoors and chow down on burgers and other delicious eats. For an alcoholic drink that’ll beat the heat, try the 32 oz moose juice for under $15 during happy hour!
Monty’s Raw Bar
Monty’s Raw Bar is, obviously, a raw bar, but beyond that, this casual Bayshore locale offers live music and really affordable weeknight happy hour drinks.
Barracuda Taphouse & Grill
Another raw bar to consider is Barracuda Taphouse & Grill, where the nautical-themed, low-key bar focuses more on beers than your fav cocktails.
Coconut Grove Travel Safety Tips
Coconut Grove is one of the safest Miami neighborhoods, with a low crime rate. Because of this, you won’t hear many of your typical safety-related travel tips when it comes to Coconut Grove.
Instead, just take your time planning your Coconut Grove itinerary and plotting your Miami packing list so that you can see as much of this amazing destination as possible, whether you have 24 hours in Miami or a week.
Ready to Discover What There is to Do in Coconut Grove?
Don’t rely on us to tell you all the great things to do in Coconut Grove, Miami. Get out there and see for yourself!
Our guide to Coconut Grove is a good place to start as you discover what very well might become your favorite Miami neighborhood.
Save this map on your phone to plan your Coconut Groove itinerary
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