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- March 04, 2024
Cloaked in a lush, tropical surrounding and home to a bohemian spirit, Coconut Grove is a special place. Although it’s one of Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s oldest neighborhoods, there’s a new spirit rising, with a renaissance of fine restaurants, chic hotels, eclectic shopping and plenty of natural beauty. To truly immerse yourself, check out this insider’s guide to Coconut Grove.
With its prime location on beautiful Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove plays host to best-in-class sailing competitions and the annual Miami Sailing Week. It’s an ideal spot to experience the calm waters and mild winds of the bay, and locals and visitors can take sailing lessons at Coconut Grove Sailing School, located at Dinner Key Marina, or set off on a sunset cruise.
The lush neighborhood is beloved for its many green spaces, and David T. Kennedy Park is a sprawling waterfront park where families regularly gather at picnic tables and kids run free on the playground. Athletes and sports lovers come for friendly competition on the volleyball courts, to exercise on the biking/walking trails, and to work out at the park’s outdoor gym. There’s also a dog park where pups can romp and play.
More natural beauty and history can be found in the Renaissance-inspired gardens and bayfront grounds of Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. The Gilded Age winter retreat of industrialist James Deering is a must-visit Coconut Grove treasure where visitors can tour the opulent main house, filled with original furnishings and art, and then stroll the elaborate gardens. Vizcaya is the perfect backdrop for gorgeous photos, and you’ll often see couples snapping engagement or wedding photos. The Kampong is another garden glory worthy of a visit to experience its lush and diverse plantings, stunning spots for photos, and serene areas for relaxation, like the bright red bench that overlooks the bay.
Movie buffs can catch the newest flicks, including 3D movies, at Cinépolis Coconut Grove in CocoWalk. Along with a lounge area and full bar, expect a luxury movie experience thanks to reclining leather seats and waiters who cater to your every whim at the push of a button.
Whether you’re looking for name brands or eclectic boutiques that can’t be found anywhere else, Coconut Grove is a shopping hub. The centerpiece is CocoWalk, which is like its own village of fashion and restaurants where you can peruse stores such as Bluemercury, FP Movement, Edite Mode, Gas Bijoux and more. Stroll Main Street and its surrounding blocks to pop in and out of unique clothing boutiques, such as LoveShackFancy, bookstores and bridal boutiques.
Coconut Grove restaurants cater to every culinary whim and taste, with eateries that are reflective of Miami’s multicultural landscape. Boasting a MICHELIN star, Los Félix is highly regarded for its inventive Mexican cuisine, tortillas made from scratch and a top-notch list of natural wines. This intimate spot, decked out in bright and artsy décor, encourages a leisurely night hanging with friends as a record player pumps music through the air.
Come hungry to MICHELIN Bib Gourmand selection Chug’s Diner to devour mouthwatering Cuban American diner food. For breakfast, order the oversized cast-iron pancake dripping in maple syrup, and during lunch or dinner, you can’t miss the croquetas, frita patty melt, or Abuelas Plate.
Another MICHELIN-star restaurant worthy of a reservation is Ariete, where newcomers should spring for the tasting menu to fully experience the creative dishes infused with in-season ingredients, Cuban influences and French techniques.
Brunch is a big deal in Coconut Grove, and Sadelle’s Coconut Grove offers a lively brunch on its tropical outdoor patio or inside its beautiful dining room. Order the popular bagel tower, made-to-order omelets and the mile-high French toast.
For waterfront views and mingling with the neighborhood crowd, head to waterfront Regatta Grove, a hub of entertainment, food and drinks that sits along Biscayne Bay. The open-air gathering place is meant for sipping on tropical drinks during happy hour at one of the many bars, sampling a variety of cuisines created by some of the destination’s top chefs, and listening to live entertainment.
When it comes to Coconut Grove hotels, the reigning grand dame is Mayfair House Hotel & Garden. The recently renovated property embraces its historic architecture and lush spaces with overflowing plants and fountains meant for enjoying some quiet time and socializing. Guest rooms are packed with color and character and feature soaking tubs and even outdoor patios with showers. Head up to the rooftop bar, Sipsip, for rum-tinged cocktails and incredible views, especially at sunset.
Mr. C Coconut Grove is a trendy boutique hotel worthy of a stay, especially for its always-buzzing rooftop restaurant and bar, Bellini, where servers in pink jackets shake up the famous Bellini drink and deliver heaping plates of pasta.
With all the walking you’ll be doing, escape for a rejuvenating spa day at the The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Spa. With six treatment rooms, guests can indulge in massages, facials, body scrubs in the wet room and nail and hair services.
Every Saturday, locals-in-the-know flock to the Coconut Grove Saturday Organic Farmers Market, which is a sight to behold for those looking to up their health game. The expansive market is lined with tents filled with organic produce, exotic fruits and veggies, an array of salads, sushi and raw foods.
You’ll want to plan your trip around the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, which is held annually on Presidents Day weekend. The longtime festival, which started in 1963, has become one of the largest outdoor arts festivals in the nation and draws hundreds of artists from all over the country.