Coconut Grove, Miami guide

There’s a laid-back feel to this community just outside of Downtown Miami. Maybe it’s all the waterfront green space, pedestrian-friendly streets and independently owned shops and cafes. Or it could be the area’s rich cultural history, often delivered in a Bahamian accent. Whatever the case, the neighbourhood has an ambience all its own. Our guide to Coconut Grove steers you to the area’s best bayside parks, gardens, galleries and more.

Coconut Grove highlights

Natural wonders

Nature plays big in Coconut Grove. At The Kampong botanical garden, gawk at a 20-tonne baobab tree and other tropical beauties amassed by a former chief plant collector for the US Department of Agriculture. If you’re into birding, check out The Barnacle Historic State Park, the oldest standing house in the county. Migratory birds love its wooded grounds, so bring binoculars.

Colourful birds

Peacocks are everywhere in Coconut Grove, from the names of parks to storefront murals. There are even wild peacocks roaming the streets. A century ago, someone brought the colourful birds here as lawn decorations, and the population swelled. There are now an estimated 1,000 peacocks and peahens in the Grove’s flock. By coincidence, one of the Grove’s first settlers was named Jack Peacock.

Little Bahamas

People have been moving to Coconut Grove from the Bahamas for over 200 years, lending the area a distinctly Caribbean vibe. Take a selfie with the Nassau Daddy Peacock sculpture and visit the Mariah Brown House, built by one of the Grove’s first Black homeowners. Get a taste of Bahamian food and culture at the annual Goombay Festival, held in the first half of the year.

Things to do in Coconut Grove

Beaches

Coconut Grove is located just minutes from some of Miami’s nicest beaches. The closest is Crandon Park Beach, on nearby Key Biscayne, about 15 minutes away. It’s everything you want from a beach: three kilometres of white sand, calm water for swimming, picnic spots and concession stands. You’ll even find some palm-shaded cabanas to rent. The wind patterns make it perfect for kiteboarding too.

Museums and culture

When it comes to the best museums in Coconut Grove, look no further than Vizcaya. This sprawling Italian Renaissance–style villa was built for the industrialist James Deering in 1916. Today, more than 300,000 annual visitors come to marvel at the vintage Italian furnishings, elegant sculptures and manicured gardens that rival those of Versailles.

Restaurants

Some of the best restaurants in Coconut Grove are right on the water, serving postcard views alongside fresh, tropical fare. You’ll find so many different types of food here, from French to Peruvian to Hawaiian. But no matter the cuisine, fresh seafood is often the star. Don’t miss the Saturday morning open-air farmers market to load up on picnic supplies.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Coconut Grove ranges from dive bars packed with university students to raucous sports bars to upscale rooftop cocktail lounges. Start with sundowners at a bay-view bar where you can kick off your flip-flops and relax. Then move on to one of the many nightspots that feature live jazz, blues, salsa and more.

Shopping

CocoWalk is Coconut Grove’s main shopping destination. Located right in the centre of the neighbourhood, the outdoor mall has more than a dozen boutiques selling clothes, jewellery, makeup and skincare products. You can also explore the artisan shops of Commodore Plaza and stop by the beloved local independent bookshop chain Books & Books.

Events

February’s Coconut Grove Arts Festival is a family-friendly weekend celebrating more than 280 local artists working in everything from fibre art to photography. On the first Sunday of the new year, catch the King Mango Strut, dubbed the ‘weirdest parade in the universe’. Participants march through the streets in zany costumes and floats inspired by the previous year’s news headlines.

FAQs about Coconut Grove holidays

One of the Grove’s claims to fame is the Coconut Grove Playhouse. It hosted the world premiere of Tennesee Williams’ ‘Sweet Bird of Youth’ and the US premiere of Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’.
Late autumn to early spring is traditionally when holidaymakers from northern states flock to Coconut Grove in search of better weather. And they find it! With highs in the mid-20s and plenty of fun events going on, it’s a great time to visit.
Coconut Grove is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in Miami. It’s largely residential and not too rowdy after dark. You’ll also find plenty of public safety officers making regular patrols.

Plan your Coconut Grove stay