City Guide / Miami

Miami Neighborhood Guide: Coconut Grove

By Angela Caraway-Carlton | Sep 7, 2021
Scene of Coconut Grove in Miami

If you’re planning on moving to Miami, you’re likely trying to figure out the best neighborhoods in Miami, and which one would be the right fit for you. 

Favored by locals for its tropical beauty, walkable blocks, and laid-back lifestyle, Coconut Grove has the charming feel and intimacy of the suburbs, yet it’s packed with plenty of things to do and places to dine. As Miami’s oldest neighborhood, this bayside community offers an eclectic mix of old and new, with historic landmarks, chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, and marinas. It’s also a dog lover’s paradise, with plenty of parks and many establishments that welcome pooches at their sidewalk tables. And, don’t be surprised if you see colorful peacocks roaming the streets!

“The Grove,” as it’s called by locals, is a prime choice for families, thanks to its plentiful parks and green spaces, and its proximity to the University of Miami makes it a top choice for college students. While seemingly tucked away in its own world, Coconut Grove is just a quick 25-minute drive to glitzy South Beach

If you’re thinking about moving to Coconut Grove, here’s our guide to the best restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, outdoor attractions, gyms, nightlife, and transportation in the area:

Best restaurants in the area

Coconut Grove is dotted with culinary gems for every budget and taste, and it’s a haven for those who love to gather at sidewalk cafes with their friends and family. Locals flock to al fresco restaurants like GreenStreet Cafe, which is a longtime, popular spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. 

One of the prettiest dining locations in town is Glass and Vine, an indoor-outdoor restaurant nestled in Peacock Park, where you can sip beautiful cocktails and enjoy shareable plates made with fresh ingredients while overlooking the park. 

If you want an upscale meal with fantastic views of Biscayne Bay, make reservations at rooftop restaurant Bellini at Mr. C Hotel, owned by the Cipriani family. Pair their famous Bellini cocktail with a hearty plate of Italian food, and you’ll get the perfect night out! 

You can also spend a low-key night at Lokal to throw back a beer and a burger with other Grove residents, and then head next door to Vicky’s House for an over-the-top milkshake.  

You can’t live in Coconut Grove without frequenting Monty’s Raw Bar, a local institution situated on a marina. Sit under a tiki hut, sample tropical cocktails, and dine on seafood as you soak up the bay breezes. Don’t miss the area’s multi-cultural culinary jewels, such as Bombay Darbar, an authentic Indian restaurant, and intimate French bistro Le Bouchon du Grove, where you’ll be greeted with free prosecco and mouth-watering plates, like buttery escargot and a warm pot of chicken fricassée.

Where to get groceries

For staples and specialty items, fill up the fridge at grocery store chain The Fresh Market on Bayshore Drive, or shop local by making a grocery run to Milam’s Market, a family-owned, full-service grocery store stocked with fresh produce and seafood (especially when stone crabs are in season) and a standout deli.

Locals in the know keep Saturdays free to browse Glaser Organic Farms Saturday Farmer’s Market, a sprawling outdoor market boasting fresh organic produce, exotic fruits, and cases packed with raw vegan foods. 

Where to get coffee

It’s easy to find a place to caffeinate in the Grove, whether you want a mainstream place like Starbucks, or a locally owned joint such as Panther Coffee. Grab an al fresco table at longtime staples like Greenstreet Cafe or Lulu in the Grove to drink coffee while people-watching, or pair your coffee with delicious bread or baked goods at Le Pain Quotidien, an adorable Belgian bakery. 

For a more upscale atmosphere, grab a table at The Bazaar Project’s swanky cafe, where their gorgeous presentation is everything. You’ll want to wrap your coffee or tea break by shopping the tightly curated boutique with unique items sourced from all over the world. 

Outdoor attractions

From playing in parks to leisurely strolls along Biscayne Bay to sailing the calm waters, outdoor activities abound in Coconut Grove. 

The Grove is home to the iconic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, the lavish estate of industrialist John Deering. Roam Vizcaya’s 10-acres of Italian-inspired gardens, and of course, you’ll have access to the main house filled with eye-popping art and antiques.

Another local gem rich in history is The Barnacle Historic State Park, a bayfront park that is home to scenic paths and Miami-Dade’s oldest home. Or, explore The Kampong, a serene botanical garden that’s the former estate of famed botanical explorer Dr. David Fairchild. You can spend a day discovering fascinating fruits and flowering trees in this tucked-away sanctuary! 

At nine-acre Peacock Park, college students and 20-somethings gather to play kickball or other recreational sports like softball and soccer. There’s also a playground for the little ones to run wild. 

Coconut Grove is ideally located on Biscayne Bay, which means you can explore the area’s waterways by taking sailing lessons from Coral Gables Sailing Club, or spend a day on the water with Shake-A-Leg Miami.  

Local gyms and workout spots

Outside of the green spaces that can be used for personal workouts, there are numerous gyms designed for all fitness levels. 

If you like personal attention, choose from boutique fitness spots like Anatomy Fitness, The Workout Spot, Z-Form Fitness, and Body & Soul Miami, where they offer more than 55 group fitness classes weekly. Cross-fitters can find their hardcore vibes at Train8Nine. There are also studios focused on yoga, Pilates, and movement, like Pilates in the Grove and OM Movement.

Nightlife

Coconut Grove comes alive at night, with college students meeting up with their buds to hang at bars, and young professionals chatting and clinking cocktails at sidewalk cafes during happy hour. While you won’t find typical nightclubs (that’s not the neighborhood’s style), there are favorite haunts. 

Locals gather at Sandbar Sports Grill to catch big games on one of the many TVs and consume cheap beer and fish tacos. The Taurus, which has been around forever in Miami, is a dimly lit drinking den with an extensive beer and spirits menu. 

Happy hour fanatics gravitate to Monty’s Raw Bar for their legendary frozen drinks, and if you love wine, stop in Happy Wine on Bird Avenue for an expansive wine selection and tapas.  

Other things to do and see

The heart of Coconut Grove is a shopper’s dream, and it’s easy to go on an all-day shopping spree by foot between newly revamped CocoWalk and Commodore Plaza. You’ll discover a mix of mainstream retailers and locally owned boutiques that sell everything from trendy clothing to home accessories and the odd thing you never knew you needed.

The Grove is also home to many artists and plays host to the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, a three-day outdoor festival that draws artists from all over the world. 

Public transportation, parking, and driving information

Coconut Grove is prime for walking or biking, and if you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one at CitiBike Miami’s five stations in the area. There’s also the Coconut Grove Trolley, which makes stops along Grand Avenue, South Bayshore Drive, Peacock Park, and the Grove MetroRail Stations. The MetroRail will also take you from Coconut Grove to Downtown Miami and Brickell. If you’re driving to the Grove, there are numerous parking garages and paid street parking available. 

Land in a great apartment in Coconut Grove

If you like the idea of moving to Coconut Grove, Landing offers fully furnished apartments with flexible lease terms, concierge services, seamless transfers, and all the amenities you need. Browse our available apartments in Coconut Grove, or contact us to learn more about how a Landing membership works.

Still looking for the right Miami neighborhood for you? Browse our other Miami neighborhood guides.

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Angela Caraway-Carlton