Explore Coconut Grove's Historic Little Bahamas Neighborhood

nt cultural fabric of Greater Miami and Miami Beach intertwines the stories and histories of so many diverse communities, each contributing its own unique elements. One of the oldest and most influential is Historic Little Bahamas in Coconut Grove with a fascinating past and distinct culture that predates the City of Miami itself.

History of Coconut Grove’s Little Bahamas

Beginning in the 1870s, immigrants from the Bahamas were among the earliest settlers to the area as they sought new lives and brighter futures. Perhaps drawn to the earliest non-agricultural work available, at the Peacock Inn (the first hotel on Biscayne Bay, formerly located in today’s Peacock Park), many Bahamians worked as the hotel’s gardeners and cooks.

When Henry Flagler’s railroad reached the area (a complete developmental game-changer) Black workers, largely from Little Bahamas, were integral in signing the city’s 1896 charter. Requiring 300 registered voters, 162 were Black men. As a result, Coconut Grove Village helped lay the foundation for Miami to become the international, cosmopolitan destination that it is today.

As the people of Coconut Grove settled, they continued to positively impact the neighborhood. They built many of the area’s landmark destinations, including Coconut Grove’s famous Vizcaya estate.

In Little Bahamas, they created a sustainable culture, thriving businesses and, most notably, constructed sturdy homes made from coral rock and Dade County Pine, designed to stand up to the region’s formidable weather. Many of these historic homes still remain today.

Historic Sites to Visit in Little Bahamas

With more than 150 years of history, it’s no surprise that Little Bahamas is home to countless notable places: 

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church

Established as the first Baptist church in Miami, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church is the oldest house of worship and was constructed in 1895.

Coconut Grove Bahamian Cemetery

This community cemetery dates back to the early 1900s, when a handful of Bahamian immigrant families purchased the land. First founded by the Coconut Grove Colored Cemetery Association, the Charlotte Jane Memorial Park (formerly known as the Coconut Grove Bahamian Cemetery) is perhaps best known for its unique “head and shoulders” grave markers, which reflect Bahamian and African American heritage and aren’t found anywhere else in the area.

Colored Library (Odd Fellows Hall)

Built in the late 1890s, this historic structure became the first Black library in the area. The Colored Library (Odd Fellows Hall) hosted literary and fraternal societies and important community events, including mysterious Odd Fellows lodge meetings.

The Mariah Brown House

One of the oldest residences, the Mariah Brown House is named for its first homeowners, Mariah and Ernest Brown. The couple was among the earliest Black Bahamians to establish the community, and their home remains nearly unchanged since its 1890 construction.

Cultural Experiences and Events in Little Bahamas

Goombay Festival

June

Enjoy Bahamian culture and community pride at the annual Miami Bahamas Goombay Festival, a family-friendly affair that has been a staple in the neighborhood for 48 years and counting. Named after the goatskin percussion instrument used to play Calypso-style Bahamian music, goombay symbolizes the music and dance of the culture. 

Come hungry to enjoy rich, tasty Bahamian foods, like conch and other delectable seafood dishes, plus barbecue with soulful sides. Elaborately adorned costumes, drumming and dancing are all part of the Junkanoo street parade experience.

Named one of the “Ten Best Cultural Festivals in 2025” by USA Today, the Goombay Festival is a can't-miss annual event.

ARRAE Gallery

Located on Grand Avenue in the Little Bahamas Business District (LBBD), ARRAE Gallery offers patrons the opportunity to purchase original art. The shop’s name refers to its Latin translation, meaning “a promise,” and “array” in English, hinting at the assortment of mediums and voices.

Multidisciplinary Miami artist Anai Fonte opened the gallery to highlight the many offerings of local artists, like ceramics, paintings, abstract and realism artworks. Visit the gallery from Wednesday to Saturday, or by appointment on Tuesdays.

Take a selfie with the “Nassau Daddy Peacock”

Created by sculptor Rosie Brown, this unique peacock statue serves as a welcoming committee to visitors in Little Bahamas. The Nassau Daddy Peacock's bold colors reflect the community’s Bahamian roots while providing a memorable photo op.

Restaurants in Little Bahamas

Little Bahamas has become a popular international foodie destination, with a diverse selection of top-rated restaurants.

Ariete

Visit Ariete for an elevated dining experience and contemporary cuisine that pairs Cuban influences with French technique. A fixture for nearly a decade, this MICHELIN-awarded restaurant sets a dark, sultry scene to highlight each creative plate.

Chef-owner Michael Beltran, a proud Miamian, prepares seasonal and signature fare, like amberjack crudo in a sour orange dressing and the canard à la presse for 2 – a showstopper of a table-side presentation featuring 14-day dry-aged duck breast served in a variety of formats.

Fookem’s Fabulous Key Lime Pies

If you want creamy, tart and sweet all at once, Fookem’s Fabulous Key Lime Pies is a must-try. Decorated to capture the bohemian feel of the Grove, Fookem’s dazzles with a variety of pie flavors. Tune your taste buds for 7 flavors, including guava, coconut and mojito (with a touch of rum), all set upon a sea salt graham cracker crust.

Owner Joshua Abril’s lifelong friends told him, “It’s easy to make a good key lime pie. It’s hard to make a great one.” Since then, Abril has accomplished the latter with a great recipe and even better customer service.

The Taste of Coco Bahamas

Founded by Little Bahamas native and cultural advocate Anthony Witherspoon, The Taste of Coco-Bahamas was created to “preserve the heritage of the Grove.” It encompasses community events, catering and The Foodie Park, where guests can enjoy international cuisines and traditional Bahamian dishes. 

Visit Monday to Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m. for a cultural gathering of 7 chef-centered food trailers. Among the offerings are Spoon’s BBQ & Bahamian Cuisine, Oh My Wok! for East and South Asian foods and Annisa Nomada for creative takes on sliders, loaded fries and more.

Shopping in Little Bahamas

Explore everything from clothing and crafts to gourmet artisan goods and fresh local catch on your next shopping adventure in Little Bahamas.

Maya Hatcha

The eclectic boutique Maya Hatcha has offered a collection of international goods since opening in Center Grover in 1968. The colorful, intricately patterned clothing from owner Vivian Jordan’s native Guatemala made this shop a fixture for 51 years. Over time, Jordan diversified her offerings to include fashions from India, Indonesia and Africa.

Since 2024, Maya Hatcha has shared a storefront with Fookem’s Fabulous, where international jewelry, clothing and handcrafts are still available, and many of the Grand Avenue vendors share a family-like atmosphere.

Shore to Door Fish Market

No need to leave the area for fresh catch. Shore to Door Fish Market provides a weekend menu of tasty fare sourced from local waters. Whether you’re picking up something to cook at home or stopping by for hot fried snapper and cool conch salad, you’ll likely catch some funky grooves in the comfortable back patio. Come for the fish, stay for the salty fun at one of the best seafood markets in the destination.

Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market

Little compares to getting out in the fresh Florida sunshine and venturing to the nearby farmers market. Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market is the pinnacle of that leisurely Saturday pastime in Miami.

Located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Margaret Street, the market runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday. Try fruits and vegetables sourced directly from local farms, including unique products you might not find in your local grocery. If your appetite is more immediate, you can try a rainbow of international prepared foods. Browse handcrafts, plants and much more while you’re there.