As locals, we're often asked about the best things to do in Coconut Grove, including where to stay, dine, shop, and experience its culture and nature. Since this historic neighborhood serves as the headquarters of ONE Sotheby's International Realty, we especially know our way around its extensive waterfront, leafy streets, and vibrant commercial district. Founded in the 19th century, Coconut Grove harkens back to Miami's maritime roots and claims many of the city's oldest structures. Bordered approximately by Biscayne Bay and U.S. 1, and the Rickenbacker Causeway and SW 42nd Avenue, the area spans less than six square miles. Beyond its natural beauty and walkable, work/live/play lifestyle, residents appreciate its proximity to Brickell, referred to as "Wall Street South"; Miami International Airport; Interstate 95, and barrier islands such as Miami Beach and Key Biscayne. The newly renovated Coconut Grove Metrorail Station and the Underline, a 10-mile, multi-use linear park that runs below Miami Metrorail, further connect locals and visitors. Famous architects have left their mark throughout the centuries, from those of yesteryear like Walter De Garmo and Alfred Browning Parker, to today's Arquitectonica, OMA, and Bjarke Ingels Group. The balance between the old and the new feels rare and special in fast-paced Florida. Much of Miami's timeline remains on view: the Barnacle Historic State Park, home of Coconut Grove pioneer Ralph Middleton Munroe; Plymouth Congregational Church, whose Spanish Mission architecture and native limestone invites selfie moments, and the Art Deco-style Miami City Hall in the former Pan American Airlines Seaplane Base and Terminal Building, to name a few. People are also captivated by its Old Florida charm, where wild peacocks roam and sailors dock after sunset. Synonymous with premier educational institutions since early settlers arrived, Coconut Grove attracts families to private schools, including Ransom-Everglades School (grades 6 to 12), Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart (grades Montessori-3 to 12), and St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School (grades pre-K to 5).
Coconut Grove Hotels
Mr. C, as in Italy's famous Cipriani family, imbues with "la dolce vita." A maritime motif courses throughout the boutique hotel, from cruise ship-inspired architecture to the rooftop's view of sailboats bobbing in the bay. The rooftop features a pool deck and Bellini restaurant named after the cocktail invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, proprietor of Harry's Bar in Venice. Other dishes include fritto misto and bucatini cacio e pepe, while a second eatery located on the ground level, Il Giardino, serves homemade bombolini and sweet and savory crepes. Guests are further pampered with rooms' Dyson Supersonic hair dryers and amenities like BēAtala Wellness Spa and complimentary bikes. Each of The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami's 115 rooms and suites boasts a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows. After lounging poolside in VIP cabanas, guests can head to on-site establishments honoring early Grovites. Isabelle's makes breakfast (fluffy pancakes, garden frittata), lunch (lobster roll, short rib and brisket burger) and dinner (big eye tuna crudo, mushroom agnolotti) in a secret garden setting. Order a round of Munroe mojitos at the Commodore, a popular stop for happy hour and after-dinner drinks. The newly renovated, 6,000-square-foot Boutique Spa & Salon is designed like a villa with a butterfly garden; its holistic approach focuses on natural ingredients (organic honey from the Florida Keys) and services beyond traditional facials and massages (Ritz-Carlton Meaningful Wellness Journeys). Reminiscent of the work of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, the Eighties-era Mayfair House Hotel & Garden reopened after a $50-million makeover by New York-based studio Goodrich in 2022. The ornate façade, lush hanging gardens, and unique rooms are just the start. More creative touches come from site-specific artworks (Lee Clarke, Shauna Lan La, Ryan Humphrey) and Mayfair Grill chef Giorgio Rapicavoli's cuisine (black truffle and potato croquetas, Florida snapper in key lime garlic butter). The rooftop pool's Sipsip rum bar celebrates the neighborhood's Caribbean heritage, which guests can explore by renting the house Moke.
Coconut Grove Restaurants
It's hard not to stop for a bite when strolling Coconut Grove's restaurant-lined streets. From outdoor cafés to 2025 Michelin-approved dining (one-starred Ariete and Los Félix, Bib Gourmand-awarded Chug's Diner's, green-starred Krüs Kitchen, and Los Félix). Authentic international cuisine runs deep as well. KoKo by Bakan recreates the real flavors of Mexico amid its terrarium-like wonderland, while the Portuguese chef-owner of Lisbon's two Michelin-starred Alma expanded here with Sereia. Locals' haunt Strada in the Grove serves frozen Negronis and saffron-infused Milanese risotto, with other Italian options being Harry's Pizzeria by Miami chef restaurateur Michael Schwartz; Major Food Group's Carbone Vino, and Cotoletta, which specializes in a single, prix-fixe menu highlighting its namesake entrée. A Toronto hospitality group applies its glam formula through Lebanese cuisine-themed Amal and rooftop lounge Level 6 for Spanish nibbles and water views. Located directly on the water, Bayshore Club (seafood, steaks) and al fresco food hall Regatta Grove, manned by some of Miami's top chefs, also catch crowds for live music and events. Miami-born healthy fare chain Pura Vida's flagship introduces gluten-free gelato with flavors like panna cotta pistachio and Welcome to Miami (banana/mango/passion fruit). More local chains with branches here are El Bagel, Mister 01 pizzeria, Panther Coffee, Salty Donut, Sushi Garage, and Midorie (Japanese), whereas vegan-angled Planta Queen and ice cream-scooping Salt & Straw hail from Canada and Oregon, respectively. Home cooks run errands at neighborhood grocery stores (The Fresh Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Milam's Market), Vinoteca for wine, spirits, and beer, and the Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Coconut Grove Cultural Attractions
Coconut Grove's bohemian spirit flourishes through its distinct cultural attractions and annual events. The bayfront Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark inspired by an 18th-century Italian palazzo, tops Miami's tourist attractions. Antiquities, shell-encrusted grottoes, and reassembled interiors once belonging to centuries-old European estates delight visitors at every turn, with main fundraisers being the Vizcaya Ball and Preservation "Hat" Luncheon. Undergoing a restoration, its historic Vizcaya Village hosts tours and a Sunday farmer's market. The Kampong was commissioned by plant explorer Dr. David Fairchild decades before the nearby Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden debuted. Today, the National Tropical Botanical Garden owns and manages the bayfront property with its Far East-inspired residence and vast international collection of exotic trees and palms. Originating as a cinema and shuttered for years, the reimagined Coconut Grove Playhouse reopens on its centennial in 2027. Having previously presented star-studded productions of works by Samuel Beckett and Tennessee Williams, among other playwrights, the soon-modernized gem is sure to shine again. Launched in 2025 with a focus on regional talent, the inaugural Coconut Grove Theatre Festival at the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove further revitalizes the theater scene. The playhouse's publicity stunt in 1963 begat the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, an annual winter tradition that's grown into one of the nation's largest of its kind. More "only-in-the-Grove" experiences are The King Mango Strut, a social and political satire parade, and the Goombay Festival, celebrating Coconut Grove's Bahamian people and culture. Once brimming with counterculture musicians like Joni Mitchell and David Crosby, local venues and music festivals carry the torch. Bluegrass to Baroque music pops up regularly at the Barnacle Historic State Park, St. Hugh Catholic Church, and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. At the same time, the Montreux Jazz Festival Miami at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour sells out. Formerly used by the U.S. Navy and Pan Am Airways, the historic hangar hosts various events (Pinta Miami art fair, VeritageMiami culinary festival).
Coconut Grove Outdoors & Wellness
Founded when Miami pioneers traveled by boat, Coconut Grove is still steeped in maritime pursuits. The region's sailing capital is the winter home of the U.S. Olympic sailing team. It counts numerous yacht clubs (Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Coral Reef Yacht Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club), marinas (Dinner Key Marina, Regatta Harbour Marina, Grove Harbour Marina), and events (Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta, Columbus Day Regatta, Miami Sailing Week). Mangrove-forested coastlines and barrier islands are popular destinations for kayaking and paddle boarding. Coveted for its mature tree canopy, the Grove shades cyclists, runners, and walkers. The five-mile Commodore Trail began as a foot path and is being upgraded and linked to The Underline for safe, seamless commutes and workouts. Miami-born luxury fitness chain Anatomy's 15,000-square-foot location offers classes, gym equipment, and wellness/spa amenities and services. Yoga and Pilates are also available through studios (Mimi Yoga, Om Movement, Pilates in the Grove, Align Pilates) and outdoor classes hosted at the Barnacle and the Kampong. With the rise of racket sports, there's a demand for court time at the Kirk Munroe Tennis Center and the Coconut Grove Tennis Center. A racket sports facility with pickleball, padel, and tennis courts pops up at Grand Avenue and Douglas Road in early 2026. Vizcaya's formal gardens are just one of many green spaces. Several waterfront parks include Alice C. Wainwright Park with vestiges of Miami's original tropical hardwood hammock; Peacock Park designed for recreational sports and large crowds, and David T. Kennedy Park, which caters to fitness fanatics, nature and dog lovers, and thirsty customers with frozen lemonade truck A.C.'s Icees.
Coconut Grove Shopping & Beauty Services
Coconut Grove has long drawn shoppers for its eclectic boutiques, forming a small village vibe. Aside from a few branded stores (LoveShackFancy, Bluemercury, Aesop), most retail focuses on local designers and exclusive labels. The Showroom carries myriad lifestyle categories (women's clothing by Ronny Kobo, Parentezi, Citizens of Humanity, and Éterne; EF Collection jewelry; Kai fragrances, and Tina Frey resin housewares). The Wardrobe & More, a lifestyle concept with a Cali sensibility, stocks weekend wear, tablescapes, books, and posh pantry staples. For over 20 years, weddings begin with visits to H&H Jewels, known for engagement rings, custom pieces and estate jewelry; and Ever After for bridal gowns by Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and Zuhair Murad. James de Givenchy, fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy's nephew and a former creative director for Sotheby's Diamonds, operates an atelier for his fine gem collection Taffin. A sustainable/green ethos is behind Living with Ivey for brands like Flamingo Estate, Koala Eco, and RMS Beauty; fashion line Guadalupe Design with natural fibers and craftsmanship, and Agua Bendita's swimsuits and coverups embroidered by Colombian artisans. Celebrity-endorsed Montce Swimwear expanded to CocoWalk, an open-air shopping center with tenants like Sportive (sneakers), Edward Beiner (eyewear), Coco Cigars, 3D Brows, Skinceuticals Skinlab Miami By Barba Skin Clinic, The Spot Barbershop, and Detlev A Davines Salon.
The full-service district also means one doesn't have to drive far for Books & Books' bestsellers and author talks, The Griffin's designer shoes, and The Blonde Tulip's flower arrangements and bistro. Ziggurat, a mixed-use development exclusively represented by ONE Sotheby's International Realty, will add 40,000 square feet of retail space in the heart of Coconut Grove. Complementing this, The Lincoln—a boutique, Green Certified condominium also represented by ONE Sotheby's International Realty—offers 48 luxury residences with resort-style amenities, further enriching the neighborhood's residential landscape.
