Miami shows all its facets to anyone who decides to explore it out of interest and curiosity. Today we will talk about Coconut Grove, a lovely neighborhood overlooking the bay and facing the island of Key Biscayne. What is the greenest area of the city is also the first city settlement, founded by many Bahamians almost two hundred years ago.
Coconut Grove is considered an elegant but also extravagant district, being inhabited mainly by a wealthy class and some famous people, such as NBA star James LeBron.
Coconut Grove in a nutshell is a delightful neighborhood near downtown Miami and Coral Gables, where you can appreciate without a doubt the view of Biscayne Bay, the quiet corners, and lush nature without neglecting its artistic vein and its lively non-conformist face.
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How to reach the neighborhood
To get to the Coconut Grove neighborhood from Miami airport (2100 NW 42nd Ave.) takes approximately 20 minutes, while Miami Downtown is almost around the corner, 10 minutes away.
If you don’t like to use a car you can get around with the city Metrorail service (2780 SW 27th Ave.), which is accessible in the western part of Coconut Grove: the station of the same name is located at 2880 SW 28th Lane, while the one in the north is called Vizcaya (3201 SW 1st Avenue).
If you want some more advice on how to get around the city you can refer to our article on how to get around in Miami.
What to see in Coconut Grove
Looking like a tropical oasis in the heart of Miami, Coconut Grove is a residential neighborhood with a relaxed atmosphere where many artists have chosen to live and opened their art galleries.
The area, of about 5.8 square miles, is bounded to the south by N. Prospect Dr., to the northwest by S. Le Jeune Road, to the northeast by S. Dixie Hwy. (US1) and by the Rickenbacker Causeway. To the east we find instead Biscayne Bay where there are villas of considerable visual impact.
The heart of Coconut Grove is located in the area where the Main Hwy and Grand Avenue cross, but we recommend a walk in the neighboring streets and towards the port to understand the atmosphere that is breathed in the neighborhood.
Villa Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
The biggest attraction of Coconut Grove – “The Grove”, as the neighborhood is nicknamed – is actually located a bit off the beaten path, in the area called Northeast Coconut Grove: we are talking about the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (3251 S. Miami Ave.) also known as Villa Vizcaya, an incredible historic home built according to the dictates of the American Renaissance in the Venetian Renaissance style between 1914 and 1922.
This mansion was designed and used as a winter residence by James Deering (1859-1925), a wealthy American industrialist with a passion for antiques. The villa, with 34 finely decorated rooms, represents one of the most significant collections of European furnishings in the United States. According to Deering’s dream, the mansion was to give the impression of having been regularly inhabited in previous centuries.
The beauty of the interior as a whole is not everything, because the exterior of the property is also a must-see: labyrinths, staircases, flowered rotundas, architecturally sophisticated fountains, sculptures, artistically shaped hedges, a very special overlook of the mangrove canal, and above all 440,000 square feet of European-inspired gardens, particularly Italian and French 17th and 18th-century ones.
Plus orchid gardens, palms, oaks, and Australian pines that complete an impeccable picture that also includes a swimming pool north of the main house. One of the most interesting sculptural elements is the barge, a caravel-shaped aquatic rock sculpture that sits in front of the mansion, serving as a breakwater.
In front of the David A. Klein Orchidarium, you will also find a cafeteria that offers dishes with flavors of South Florida and good wine. For a souvenir of the visit, you can buy some memorabilia at the gift shop.
Admission to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens with hotel pickup
The Barnacle Historic State Park
And here we are at our first destination, the most interesting in Central Coconut Grove from a historical and scenic point of view. After parking on one of the surrounding streets (e.g. Commodore Plaza, where you don’t pay for parking until 10 a.m.), we reach The Barnacle Historic State Park (3485 Main Hwy.), a property built in 1891 where you’ll find the beautiful mansion of Ralph M. Munroe (1851-1933), boat designer, sailor, photographer and commodore of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club.
Inside the Old Florida style home – one of the oldest in all of Miami – many of the furnishings are still original and you can breathe in the life of those days. The house’s spacious porch is used as a meeting place, and rocking chairs provide a notable touch.
Above all, Mr. Munroe was a naturalist, a man who knew how to appreciate the beauty of creation. In fact, the estate is immersed in lush nature: while the access path to the park winds through tropical vegetation, in front of the house there is a beautiful park where you can walk freely along a paved path, up to the small pier on the sea.
Under the central pavilion of the park, we find strategic picnic tables and there is nothing nicer than to have lunch here in such an inviting natural setting. The park is also a habitat for rabbits, woodpeckers, herons, doves, pelicans, cormorants, and birds of prey.
The Kampong – National Tropical Botanical Garden
Also in the natural realm, The Kampong – National Tropical Botanical Garden (4013 S. Douglas Rd.), a botanical garden that means “village” or “group of houses” in the Malay language, is worthy of note. The property was home to Dr. David Fairchild (1869-1954), a botanical explorer who traveled through Southeast Asia and other tropical regions, collected exotic plants, and introduced some 30,000 of them to the United States, many of which are found here.
Other plants include avocados, mangoes, citrus, palms, figs, bamboo, and ylang-ylang in their garish yellow. A botanical garden in Coral Gables is also named after Fairchild.
Information and a map of the park can be found at the complex’s main building.
Dinner Key Marina
Not far from downtown Coconut Grove, along S.Bayshore Drive, you’ll find signs for Dinner Key Marina (3400 Pan American Dr.) which overlooks the waters of Biscayne Bay just a short distance from the heart of Coconut Grove. It is a well-organized marina that houses nearly 600 boats and has 24-hour security and staff as well as laundry facilities. It is also a docking area for fishing boats and is a photographically scenic spot for these reasons.
Other architecture in the neighborhood
If we move westward, towards Charles Avenue, the Mediterranean style gives way to a more Caribbean style in keeping with the early settlers and their descendants. Another interesting architectural example is the Plymouth Congregational Church, at 3400 Devon Rd, built in the style of the Spanish missions: even just the sturdy coral rock facade is worth a visit.
Shopping in Coconut Grove
A little shopping is certainly not to be missed. The CocoWalk (3015 Grand Ave.) is an inviting four-story outdoor mall in the heart of Coconut Grove. Opened in 1990, it alternates between stores, restaurants, cafes, movie theaters, and live entertainment Thursday through Sunday.
In the Mediterranean-style complex, part of the businesses faces a paved courtyard that creates a pleasant “plaza effect.” The shopping center is currently under renovation and will reopen only in 2020. In the immediate vicinity, we point out the pedestrian area of Mayfair Mall (2911 Grand Ave.) in the Mayfair in the Grove complex that houses a luxury hotel, stores, boutiques, and entertainment.
For non-classic shopping or just a stroll, we recommend the Midori Gallery Asian Antique (3168 Commodore Plaza): this is a long-standing oriental antique emporium spread over two floors. It’s not just a bunch of cheap stuff like you often find: the store has a strong personality and a nice collection of paintings, porcelain, ceramics, sculptures, furniture, textiles, and much more. If you pass by there and have a moment, it can be pleasant to visit it regardless of your interest in the type of items as there is a relaxing atmosphere inside.
A really interesting proposal is the one created by local historian Frank Schena, a bike enthusiast, who offers free bike tours in this lush and charming neighborhood, the oldest in the city of Miami. “All in the saddle” every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at 9.30 am and return at noon, but to find out about all the initiatives is advisable to send an email to [email protected]
Coconut Grove Events
Attractions, shopping, and walks are already taking up our time but there is still another way to appreciate the visit more: combine it with a local event. In February, it’s time for the Coconut Grove Festival at various outdoor venues where you can appreciate visual arts (Biscayne Bay), visit the food pavilion (2900 S. Bayshore Dr.), enjoy musical performances (Peacock Park-2820 McFarlane Rd.) and take part in activities for the whole family (Regatta Park-2699 SW 27th Ave.). Admission to the event costs $15 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and under.
At Barnacle Historic State Park (3485 Main Hwy.) Cars and Cigars take place in June. It features a display of classic and antique cars complete with voting and final standings. Those who are old enough to do so can enjoy handmade cigars while appreciating handcrafted products also created by children and the presence of live music. During the event, you can purchase food at the booths in the park or you can bring your own from home. Participation in the event is included in the cost of admission to the park.
Every first Saturday night of the month musicians and artists exhibit their works in boutiques, restaurants, salons, and art galleries: all this is the Fashion Art & Music Night, a recurring and very popular event. Another very interesting initiative are the free yoga classes at Peacock Park (2820 McFarlane Rd.) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 pm, but keep in mind also the summer concerts along the streets of Coconut Grove.
Best Restaurants in Coconut Grove
Lulu in the Grove (3105 Commodore Plaza) serves seasonal dishes with fresh produce and local ingredients in a sophisticated atmosphere where you can have an indoor or outdoor table. Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is brunch time while the happy hour is from 3 to 5 p.m.
In a beautiful garden or inside a room painted in light colors you can appreciate the appetizers and the dishes of the Peacock Garden Cafe (2889 McFarlane Rd.). The restaurant offers cheeseburgers, seafood risotto, caesar salad, grilled asparagus, crab cake, grilled tuna, filet mignon, and Key Lime Pie, the typical Florida pie. The restaurant hosts happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and weekend brunch from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
At Peacock Park, you can refresh yourself at Glass and Vine (2820 McFarlane Rd.) with a magnificent view of the lush vegetation. Tables are set up both inside and outside the restaurant. Dishes are inspired by Spanish, Italian, and Florida cuisine combining different flavors and using local ingredients. Brunch is offered on weekends.
Great local food and a varied menu at Greenstreet Cafe (3468 Main Ave.) where we would gladly return to enjoy the pancakes.
Love exotic flavors? For authentic Indian cuisine, we recommend Bombay Darbar (2901 Florida Ave.) with pakora, samosas, chicken wings, or tandoori shrimp served by an efficient and courteous staff. The restaurant also does take-out and home delivery.
Where to Stay in Coconut Grove
In the Miami area, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to overnight accommodations (as you can check out by reading our article on where to stay in Miami), but if you want to stay in the neighborhood, the field narrows considerably with prices that don’t come down much. The Courtyard by Marriott Coconut Grove (2649 S. Bayshore Dr.) is a hotel with ocean view rooms and suites and free wi-fi. The hotel has a restaurant, business center, fitness center, outdoor heated pool, and valet parking ($30 per day).
Surrounded by the Biscayne Bay skyline, the Arya BW Premier Collection Hotel (2889 McFarlane Rd.) has modern rooms and suites with city or bay views and free Wi-Fi. On the eighth floor, we find a lounge, a pool, and a rooftop restaurant with Latin American cuisine. The hotel has concierge service, a fitness center, a business center, and valet parking at a cost of $30 per day. Keep in mind that in the same complex, there are interesting studios, small apartments with private bathrooms, equipped kitchen, dishwasher, traditional oven, microwave, and coffee machine, all at an affordable price.
The Mutiny Luxury Suites Hotel (2951 S. Bayshore Dr.) is a very nice boutique hotel overlooking the Biscayne Bay harbor, from where there are sea views. All modern suites have one or two bedrooms. The hotel has a restaurant, sauna, fitness center, business center, laundry facilities, outdoor heated pool, free wi-fi in the lobby and paid in-room.
The Residence Inn Miami Coconut Grove (2835 Tigertail Ave.) features spacious suites with full kitchens, balconies, and wi-fi. The hotel provides its guests with, a complimentary breakfast buffet, a fitness center, business services, laundry facilities, and two outdoor pools.
At an affordable cost, The Hampton Inn (2800 SW 28th Terrace) is conveniently located and is recommended for the Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Miami areas, being 15 minutes from South Beach and 10 from Virginia Key Beach Park. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, free breakfast and wi-fi, a pool, gym, and computer area are some of the aspects that make this hotel a great choice.
