Coconut Grove Guide

Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest neighborhood, known for its tropical setting and a bohemian spirit that sets it apart from the rest of the destination. With historic roots dating back to the 1870s, the Grove has evolved into a must-visit destination, home to acclaimed restaurants, chic boutiques, lush waterfront parks, a packed events calendar and even a few peacocks known to roam the tree-shaded streets. Discover the best of this laid-back neighborhood with our insider’s guide to Coconut Grove.

Step Into History at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

An afternoon at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, the Gilded Age winter retreat of industrialist James Deering, belongs on every Grove itinerary. The Italian Renaissance-style villa sits directly on Biscayne Bay and houses opulent rooms filled with original furnishings and art spanning over five centuries.

Tour the indoor estate, then head outside to the formal gardens, which resemble the layout of France’s Versailles. You’ll often find couples taking engagement photos – or getting engaged.

Eat and Drink Your Way Through The Grove

The destination's restaurant scene has never been more exciting, and the best Coconut Grove restaurants range from award-winning hot spots to low-key haunts locals swear by, with new openings giving regulars even more reason to return.

For brunch in Coconut Grove, consider an elaborate spread at Los Félix, which has earned a MICHELIN Star and a MICHELIN Green Star for sustainability. Start with the Day’s Catch Crudo before moving on to the Grilled Crab Arepa and Pork Cheek Carnitas. El Bagel is home to a delicious array of fresh, New York-style bagels and schmear. Order the Miami-centric King Guava at least once – it’s layered with guava marmalade, crunchy potato stix and a local fried egg. Make sure to plan at least one morning around the shareable cast-iron pancake, which is slow-cooked in clarified butter and drizzled with warm maple syrup at Cuban-American favorite, Chug’s Diner.

In the same corridor, a new trifecta has quickly become a local obsession: Chuggie’s, a nostalgic fast-casual burger joint with picnic table seating; Drinking Pig BBQ, an American-style smokehouse with vibrant Caribbean flavors; and Mae’s Room, an intimate cocktail den located in the courtyard behind the aforementioned Chug’s Diner, with one of the most talked-about dirty martinis in town.

Head to Omakai for an approachable omakase experience during happy hour, or stop by AVA MediterrAegean for an inventive Greek experience. The cozy, 24-seat eatery Si Papa 3190 features only house-made lasagna (Bolognese or vegetarian) along with an extensive list of Italian wines to please your palate.

Suite Stays Worth Booking

Mr. C Coconut Grove is a trendy boutique hotel in the heart of the Grove, known for its buzzy rooftop restaurant and bar, Bellini. Just a few blocks away sits the brand’s new Le Specialita Café and Market, inspired by the glamour of the Italian Riviera. Shop for gourmet products or savor a Milano-style cappuccino and brioche delivered by hand.

Escape to Miami’s secret garden inside Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, a Two MICHELIN Key hotel featuring historic architecture and lush spaces with overflowing plants and fountains. Its SipSip rooftop bar is a great perch for rum-forward cocktails and comfort food after a day of exploring.

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami brings the brand’s signature polish to the neighborhood, and it’s worth a stay for the spa alone. At The Ritz-Carlton Spa Coconut Grove, Miami, luxurious body and beauty treatments offer a distinctly bohemian touch. Out by the pool, UNA cabana package comes with a dedicated server, poolside food and drink service, flower-infused vodka cocktails and a chef’s choice 3-tiered tower – plenty to keep you poolside well into the afternoon.

How The Grove Unwinds

A centerpiece of Coconut Grove is CocoWalk, an open-air shopping place with an eclectic mix of independent boutiques and popular favorites. It’s a lively gathering spot, whether you’re looking to catch a new release at Cinépolis Coconut Grove, grab a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants, or squeeze in a Pilates-inspired BodyRok class.

Outdoor things to do in Coconut Grove are plentiful, starting with Peacock Park, a 9-acre green space with soccer fields, a basketball court and a multi-purpose field popular for recreational games. The Barnacle Historic State Park, the oldest residence in Miami, is worth a visit for its museum and serene grounds overlooking the water. It is ideal for a leisurely afternoon picnic.

Coconut Grove’s waterfront location on Biscayne Bay makes it a natural hub for sailing. The neighborhood takes full advantage, hosting the annual Miami Sailing Week and some of the region’s most competitive regattas, including the Bacardi Cup. Beginners and seasoned sailors alike can take lessons at Coconut Grove Sailing Club – or book a sunset cruise and let someone else do the work.

Experience Coconut Grove’s Events

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

February

Plan your visit around the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, which typically takes place over Presidents’ Day weekend in February. For more than six decades, this sprawling festival has drawn artists, art lovers and curious visitors alike to peruse and shop works by local and international artists, participate in demos, take in live music and enjoy food and drinks at the picturesque Regatta Park.

Coconut Grove Farmer’s Market

Saturdays

No matter the time of year, there’s always something new to discover at the Coconut Grove Farmer’s Market, held on Saturdays on the corner of Grand Avenue and Margaret Street. Enjoy a California-style breakfast with Adrian’s West Coast Burritos, visit “The Hummus Guy” for Mediterranean delights, take home seasonal blooms or stock up on fresh fruits and veggies from Glaser Organic Farms.

Vizcaya Village Farmers Market

Sundays

On Sundays, Vizcaya’s historic farm and village hosts the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market, featuring more than 30 local vendors. Note that while the market is free to attend, it does not include admission to the museum and gardens.