Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Coconut Grove, Miami

  • Published 2022/06/02

Coconut Grove is a relaxing artistic neighborhood in Miami where people live on island time.

This community’s warm temperature and palm-lined shoreline demand a laid-back lifestyle, whether you’re sipping a frozen drink in the shade, enjoying free park yoga, or sailing.

Coconut Grove’s primary shopping, eating, and outdoor activities are very accessible.

Whether you’re coming for the first time or consider yourself a local, there’s plenty to do in Coconut Grove, if you look in the right places.

Its beautiful waterfront environment means outdoor activities dominate any list of the best things to do in Coconut Grove.

Wander the Barnacle Historic State Park

Welcome sign of Barnacle Historic State Park

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

Built in 1891, he Barnacle Historic State Park provides a peek into frontier life during the Bay Era when you can only travel to Miami by sea.

Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove’s most prominent pioneers, lived on the property on the shores of Biscayne Bay.

Munroe kept his land’s forest intact, cutting only a meandering buggy track through the hammock barely big enough for a single vehicle.

Exterior of Coconut Grove's oldest house at Barnacle Historic State Park

Johnny Michael / Shutterstock.com

As a result, you can see several enormous old trees in the area.

The Barnacle is a terrific spot to relax and enjoy simple pleasures.

You can watch an outdoor concert, picnic on the grass, walk along a tree-lined road, or sit in a chair on the big front porch while watching the sailboats slip away.

Scenic landscape of Barnacle Historic State Park

Johnny Michael / Shutterstock.com

Grab a Bite at the Famous Restaurant Lulu

Coconut Grove is known for its excellent restaurant meals and unique cocktails.

Lulu is on top of the game in ways you haven’t seen before.

In a lively neighborhood setting with a refined feel, Lulu is one of the most sumptuous eateries in Coconut Grove, serving a broad selection of culturally influenced seasonal foods and beverages.

Lulu has become a Grove icon for the past 11 years, devoted to providing their customers a safe and pleasant eating experience.

Customers are the essential element of Lulu’s company.

Having them come back for breakfast, lunch, or supper is all part of the food journey.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at Lulu.

Dine in the Fresh Air at Monty’s Raw Bar

Monty’s Raw Bar, which first opened its doors in 1969, has become one of Miami’s most well-known eateries.

This eatery has appeared in movies, music videos, and TV shows like Marley & Me, Miami Vice, and Burn Notice.

The waterfront tiki hut arrangement lets escape life for a little while, as you enjoy a fantastic lunch with friends and family in the open beach air.

Their indoor environment is ideal for meals and parties.

You can arrive by boat, hold a private party, fishing competition, or a waterfront wedding reception on their docks.

Rent a Fishing Boat in Regatta Park

Lush trees at Regatta Park

TrueHorizons / Shutterstock.com

Regatta Park is at Dinner Key Marina beside Biscayne Bay.

You can find it inside the historic Coconut Grove.

The park gets its name from the beautiful sailing regattas that frequent the coastline.

Anyone who appreciates a seaside atmosphere where the turquoise bay sparkles in the distance will enjoy the breezy waterfront park.

Even though there are picnic tables with paths for outdoor leisure, the park’s waterfront vistas and boat ramp entrance to the bay are the main attractions.

With roughly 600 berths, it’s Miami’s biggest marina, making it a great place to rent a fishing boat or perhaps a sunset sail.

Take a stroll down the marina’s piers and look at the sailboats and yachts anchored offshore.

Enjoy a Meal with a View at the Peacock Garden Resto Bar + Grill

Peacock Garden is a popular restaurant that has become a hidden treasure and go-to dining choice in the Grove over the last ten years.

You can find it in the historic area of Coconut Grove, minutes away from Cocowalk.

The Garden includes an indoor/outdoor dining space suited for al fresco dining, based on the restaurant’s unique “secret garden” setting.

You can find Seafood & Raw Lounge, Customer Favorites, nice fresh fish, steaks, vegetables, pasta, and a Daily Roast area with changing specials on the menu.

Likewise, the bar mixes traditional and modern mixology to create cocktails influenced by the garden setting.

Peacock Garden has a 180-seat dining room and garden that has been restored and enlarged.

Three floor-to-ceiling extendable garage doors are open from the dining room toward the garden, perfectly blending the two spaces into a single indoor/outdoor environment.

Appreciate Nature in CocoWalk

Exterior of CocoWalk

Studio Barcelona / Shutterstock.com

Cocowalk is a one-of-a-kind urban hamlet in the heart of green Coconut Grove; it’s home to modern retail, leisure, and business.

They have culture and trade, but they also have breathtaking nature.

The shops at CocoWalk

Johnny Michael / Shutterstock.com

Cocowalk is a chic attraction for a modern community, reimagined for the twenty-first century.

Cocowalk offers discovery, exploration, tropical gardens, and lush environment.

Relax in one of Miami’s most active and imaginative neighborhoods, with a crazy mix of independent shops, popular faves, and more than 100,000 square feet of unique office space.

People eating at a CocoWalk restaurant

Johnny Michael / Shutterstock.com

See a Movie at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas is perfect for those days when you want to relax.

The completely remodeled cinema offers completely reclining leather chairs, in-theater eating at the touch of a button, a sumptuous menu, a complete bar, a beautiful lobby space, state-of-the-art projection, and deluxe sound quality.

There’s no better way to finish a day of window shopping than dinner and a movie in the center of CocoWalk!

Spicy chicken wings, chicken fingers, nachos, mozzarella sticks, and sandwiches are among the comfort foods.

You’ve got yourself a tremendous pre-movie experience with a drink and soft leather seats.

Grab a Milkshake at Vicky’s House

Prepare for a sugar high like no other.

Vicky’s House is a quirky milkshake bar with an ’80s motif providing delicious pop-culture-inspired milkshakes, ice cream floats, beer, and wine.

In the back, there’s an entire living room built to appear like owner Matt Kuscher’s childhood house, equipped with vintage video gaming systems.

Stop by to sample local handmade foods and beverages.

The place has a milkshake tasting bar with 12 seats and space right out of the 1980s.

You might not want to leave after trying a milkshake. Catch the Big Game at Barracuda Taphouse & Grill

In Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood, you can find the famous Barracuda Taphouse & Grill.

Barracuda Taphouse & Grill takes pleasure in avoiding the monotony of franchise eateries.

The inside features reclaimed shrimp boat wood for a new aesthetic.

Try their famed mahi sandwich and fresh snapper on crunchy garlic bread, among other local favorites.

The pub has an extensive range of craft beers, wine, champagne, and amazing happy hour deals.

Join their karaoke nights or watch the big game on the bar TVs!

Participate in Outdoor and Indoor Activities at the Peacock Park

Welcome sign of Peacock Park

Fotoluminate LLC / Shutterstock.com

Peacock Park is a favorite meeting location in Coconut Grove.

It has an open view of Biscayne Bay, many recreational opportunities, and an excellent canopy of trees to rest and play beneath.

Peacock Park, whose history dates back to 1883, is on the grounds of the area’s oldest hotel, Bay View Inn.

It spans over nine acres and offers many family-friendly indoor and outdoor leisure activities.

A basketball court, softball and soccer fields, playground, and a big open multi-purpose field are among the outdoor amenities.

You may also play ping-pong or foosball in the recreation facility for indoor fun.

There are five computer workstations as well as free WiFi.

Grab Fresh Produce at Glaser Organic Farms

Glaser Organic Farms, founded in 1980, specializes in tropical fruits, including bananas, mango, lychees, papaya, avocados, unique tropicals, seasonal vegetables, and herbal products.

Their organic farming approach yields superior harvests, using only nutritional components on their trees, gardens, and soils.

They have long-standing ties with several local organic growers, ensuring that customers can buy the tropical fruits and veggies, depending on seasonal availability.

They also do constant research to discover the highest quality components.

Because of their commitment to working and living in harmony with nature, they can provide such quality food to their clients.

Explore the Kampong, National Tropical Botanical Garden

Entrance gate of The Kampong

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Kampong is a remarkable collection of tropical fruit varieties and floral trees found on Biscayne Bay at Coconut Grove, Florida.

You can find candle, peanut butter, egg fruits, and over 50 species of mango in Kampong Planting Heritage.

Scientists from all over the world study these various palm, cycad, and flowering tree species.

The Kampong is a popular place for plant enthusiasts of all ages.

Trees framing a paved trail at Kampong

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It serves as the mainland campus for the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s (NTBG) teaching programs.

Likewise, it’s a living classroom for botany and horticulture lessons at colleges and universities.

Enjoy the enticing scents of flowering plants coveted in the perfume industry.

Explore the tropics’ exotic fruits and floral trees.

Fruits of a bignay tree at Kampong

Asit K. Ghosh Thaumaturgist, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Green Street Cafe

Sylvano Bignon created GreenStreet Cafe Lounge and Eatery, Coconut Grove’s finest “seen and be seen” restaurant, 30 years ago.

His European upbringing has encouraged him all through the years to transform the establishment into a “Lifestyle,” comprising a welcoming ambiance and a busy meeting place morning through evening.

Athletes, local officials, artisans, and residents can all enjoy life at GreenStreet.

Breakfast is essential, as are lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks; GreenStreet’s mission is to consistently deliver excellent food.

Explore the David T. Kennedy Park

David T. Kennedy Park, which spans more than 20 acres of bayfront green area, is where locals go for fitness and recreation.

This park is a peaceful getaway with beautiful trees, maritime panoramas, and open lawn spaces.

The David T. Kennedy Park offers a sanctuary of rich greenery, ranging from coastal mangrove hammocks to grassland glades of trees.

On the green lawn, throw frisbees, play soccer, or enjoy a family picnic.

The park has low-impact rubber asphalt running tracks, numerous calisthenic training stations, and a big outdoor resistance-based gym area for fitness-minded guests.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Drop by Books & Books

Books & Books is a fantastic independent bookstore with a diverse selection of bestsellers and smaller publishers.

One area features antique rarities, while another contains children’s books.

The café consistently provides superb sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and tea.

Rather than an algorithm, Books & Books’ educated personnel will assist you in choosing your next page-turner.

On exhibit are meticulously chosen staff choices; they also host frequent discussion sessions and author readings.

You’ll find this bookstore at Coral Gables, Florida, 13 minutes away from Coconut Grove.

Final Thoughts

Coconut Grove has acres of greenery, seclusion, and beautiful sea views, making it a superb spot to unwind.

The area’s covered shorelines and broad pathways also provide stunning Miami brunches and a few of Miami’s most scenic waterfront eateries.

With the magnificent shoreline and natural surroundings, you’ll never run out of indoor and outdoor activities here at Coconut Grove.

Don’t skip out on this fantastic tourist spot.

Start planning your trip right now!

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