Communities of Miami: COCONUT GROVE

Waterfront parks, the scenic bay and year-round special events make Coconut Grove a picturesque place to cherish. Its vibrancy and down-to-earth charm will capture your attention -- and your imagination.

History

Originally, Coconut Grove was known for its artists and free-thinkers, who created a Bohemian-type village. In the late 19th century, the area was founded by Northerners and developed by West Indian craftsmen. These builders, straight from the Bahamas, left their cultural imprint in the Caribbean-style houses, tropical landscaping and local street names. Each summer, the Mardi Gras-type Miami-Bahamas Goombay Festival honors these Bahamian -- and Bohemian -- roots. Coconut Grove boasts a culturally mixed neighborhood, and it’s not unusual to see tourists and locals alike savoring "The Grove," which is said to be "the village with a rhythm all its own." In addition to its ethnic background, you'll find famous attractions such as the Barnacle, which is Miami’s pioneer Ralph Munroe’s historical home; and Miami City Hall, which is located in a 1930s-era seaplane hangar that was built by Pan American World Airways in an effort to bring people into Miami by seaplane.

Location

Coconut Grove is right on the Biscayne Bay, about 10 minutes south of Downtown Miami. It’s close to dozens of eateries, art galleries, antique shops and bookstores, as well as the Vizcaya Museum and the Gardens mansion.

Events

Coconut Grove offers many annual events, such as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, a popular arts festival; the King Mango Strut Parade, a fun-filled event that includes satirical impressions of local public people; and the Commodore Block Park, a festive evening of art, music and fine food. Speaking of cuisine ...

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

At the CocoWalk open-air enclave and the Streets of Mayfair shopping area, you’ll find restaurants, stores and entertainment activities. Feast your eyes and stomach on a variety of theme restaurants, from fine dining and sports bars to diners offering Mexican and Italian cuisine, as well as Spanish-style and seafood restaurants. Before or after dining, visit the specialty stores on the downtown streets. You’ll find well-known retail stores as well as privately owned shops offering antique books, jewelry and classic fashions. When you’ve shopped till you drop, you’ve got educational attractions such as the Miami Museum of Science and the Space Transit Planetarium. Sailing around Biscayne Bay and viewing the wildlife in the area will appeal to visual appetite. And if this isn’t enough, you can always stroll along the tree-lined streets and escape into Coconut Grove’s nightlife, offering hot spots and cool vibes.