When planning a trip to Miami, it’s easy to be drawn to the buzz of South Beach, the sounds and flavors of Little Havana, and the hip vibes of Wynwood. For a different experience, opt instead for Coconut Grove on Biscayne Bay.
Considered Miami’s original neighborhood, The Grove, as it’s known by the locals, was founded in 1873 by a mix of pioneers, artists, intellectuals, and adventures; more than 150 years later, it’s still an alluring destination with bohemian vibes. Here, 11 of the best things to do in Coconut Grove.
Get Outside
Whatever time of year you’re visiting, it’s always good to get outside and enjoy the sunshine in South Florida.
Learn to Sail
Coconut Grove is considered the sailing capital of Miami and is a terrific place to let the winds guide your way. Sailors have been harnessing the wind here for nearly 200 years, so why not give it a go yourself? Spend a weekend taking sailing lessons, and learn how to hoist a sail, tie some knots, and guide a boat across the water. Or if you’d rather take it easy, you can do that, too—Coconut Grove Sailing Club hosts races nearly every weekend, easily seen from the shoreline, or you can hop aboard for half- or full-day captained sails. A relaxing sunset cruise is the perfect way to cap off a day in Coconut Grove.
cgsc.org, 2990 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; 305-444-4571
Park It
Find plenty of green space in the parks that dot Coconut Grove, like Peacock Park, which dates back to 1883. The neighborhood’s first hotel, Bay View Inn, once sat on the park’s grounds, but today visitors will find plenty of opportunities for recreation across its nine acres, and a boardwalk that overlooks Biscayne Bay. Or, check out the serenity found throughout the 20 acres of David T. Kennedy Park, with open lawns, shady trees, mangrove hammocks, running paths, and a dog park, also on the bay.
Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
David T. Kennedy Park, 2200 S Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Plant It
Wander through a horticulturist’s dream come true at The Kampong, the former estate of famed botanist Dr. David Fairchild. During his career, he traveled to more than 50 countries collecting plants to bring back to the U.S., many of which can be seen on a self-guided tour. From tropical fruits, including 23 cultivars of avocado and 65 varieties of mango, to flowering plants, trees, and more, you’ll be inspired to rework your garden at home.
ntbg.org/gardens/kampong, 4013 S Douglas Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; 305-442-7169
Enjoy the Arts and CultureVizcaya Museum and Gardens
Courtesy of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Photo by Robin Hill
Built between 1914 and 1922 on Biscayne Bay, James Deering moved into Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, his eighteenth-century Italian villa-inspired South Florida home on Christmas Day 1916. The lavish gardens to the south of the house were designed after those found in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Italy and France, and are considered among the most elaborate in the U.S. to this day. Step out onto the terrace overlooking the bay, and you can imagine Deering’s guests arriving by boat.
vizcaya.org, 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129; 305-250-9133
Little Bahamas
One of Miami’s historic black communities is found within Coconut Grove, dating back to the 1870s. Named Little Bahamas for its Bahamian roots, the neighborhood-within-a-neighborhood has plenty of art and culture to explore, including the Mariah Brown House, built in 1890 and named for its first owners who were two of the earliest Black Bahamians that helped establish the neighborhood. Stop for a selfie with Nassau Daddy Peacock, a colorful statue that serves as the unofficial welcoming committee of Little Bahamas.
The Barnacle Historic State Park
A repurposed buggy trail winds through a mature hammock of large trees to the home of Ralph Munroe, one of Coconut Grove’s most influential pioneers. Built in 1891 and whimsically named The Barnacle because of its shape, the house is the oldest home in Miami-Dade County still standing on its original site on the bay. A guided tour of the home provides insight into life in South Florida in the late 19th century, as well as into the life of the man who is credited with broaching the topic of sea turtle conservation in 1898.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/barnacle-historic-state-park; 3485 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; 305-442-6866
Where To ShopShop Local
Independent, fun and funky boutiques dot Coconut Grove, filled with plenty of items to tempt you to open your wallet. Pop into Ramona LaRue by Arianne, featuring hand-painted-inspired silk pieces by Arianne Brown; find the latest titles by local, regional, national, and international authors at Books & Books; or stock up on clean living supplies at Living with Ivey.
An open-air destination in the heart of Coconut Grove, Cocowalk has plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options from which to choose. One spot to check out is Gas Bijoux, an atelier that creates exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Montce is the spot to go for bikinis and swimwear, and Sportive for the top names in sportswear.
cocowalk.com, McFarlane and Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Where To EatChug’s Diner
Courtesy of Chug’s
Chug’s Slam
Start your day with breakfast at Chug’s Diner, a Cuban diner where the local friends and family gather for café con leches and dishes like Lechón Hash with lechón (pork) asado, mojo onions and eggs; Arroz con Leche Blintz; and Chug’s Slam with bacon, tomatillo salsa verde, eggs, hash browns and queso frito. Chug’s is also open for lunch and dinner.
chugsdiner.com, 3444 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; 786-353-2940
Courtesy of Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove
Make reservations at Bellini, a fine Italian restaurant perched on the rooftop of Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove, and get a side of stunning views of Biscayne Bay on the house. Known for its pastas and pizzas, Bellini’s brunch, lunch, and dinner menus are filled dishes inspired by the restaurateurs’ travels throughout Italy and locally sourced fresh, seasonal ingredients.
bellinirestaurant.com/coconut-grove, 2988 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; 305-800-7672
One bite into any of the baked goods or simple yet exquisitely prepared French boulangerie fare at Le Pain Quotidien will have you saying ooh la la. Open for breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner, Le Pain’s menu ranges from hearty salads and quiches to tartines and savory omelettes, with plenty more enticing dishes in between.
lepainquotidien.com, 3425 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; 786-805-4743
Where To StayMr. C Miami – Coconut Grove
Courtesy of Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove
Step inside Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove and you’ll feel instantly transported to the Adriatic Sea, thanks to the hotel’s Italian yacht-themed décor. Cool off with a dip in the rooftop pool, or, if the beach is calling, take advantage of the hotel’s exclusive access on nearby Miami Beach. Oh, and your four-legged friend is welcome at Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove, too.
mrccoconutgrove.com, 2988 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Courtesy of Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, Photo by Will Pryce
An icon since it opened in Coconut Grove in 1985, Mayfair House Hotel & Garden underwent extensive renovations, reopening in 2022 and reclaiming its iconic status. No two rooms within the hotel are alike, each decorated with unique artwork and so comfortable you’ll never want to leave.
mayfairhousemiami.com, 3000 Florida Ave, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; 305-441-0000
Step out onto your balcony overlooking sparkling Biscayne Bay at Arya Hotel & Suites and you may never want to leave your guest room or suite. If you do, it may just be to the pool, also overlooking the bay. But then, all of Coconut Grove is on your doorstep, beckoning you to explore.
aryahotel.us, 2889 McFarlane Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133; 305-529-2828
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