Coconut Groove
Coconut Grove is the perfect example of the ultimate walking neighborhood.
Coconut Grove is part of the City of Miami, known to locals as "The Grove" which is one of the hippest and most energetic corners of South Florida.
If your flight lands at Miami International Airport, take the MIA Move to Miami Intermodal Center (the main transport hub of the county located near the airport). You can either rent a car from the center or ride the Metrorail Orange Line, which will take you to the Coconut Grove stations.
Coconut Grove is the perfect example of the ultimate walking neighborhood. Stroll down the Bayshore Drive coastline and experience a series of lushly landscaped, family-friendly parks. The northernmost zone is David T. Kenney Park, where you'll find shady walking tracks, outdoor gyms, canine playgrounds, and sand volleyball courts.
Wind through the main streets in the heart of Coconut Grove and you'll find plenty of stores, restaurants, and shops. In the middle of a total renovation and primed for a comeback, CocoWalk will be reunited with a fresh contemporary look, featuring a glassy five-story office block, a shaded public square, and a new collection of restaurants and boutiques.
As more and more excellent restaurants open in Coconut Grove, some of the classic restaurants continue to attract crowds. There is an explanation of why Greenstreet Café appears to still be filled with brunch purists. Day or night, find a seat in one of their red velvet sofas and take one of their signature drinks in hand in the shaded streets.
the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a local gem offering a variety of photo opportunities. Founded in the early 1900s by the industrial mogul James Deering and influenced by Italian Renaissance architecture. It was converted into a museum and is a true glimpse at the early opulence of Miami, from the ornate designs of the villa to the 10 acres of finely manicured gardens.
Almost as wide as Vizcaya's backyard, the Kampong is 9 acres of tropical botanical gardens inspired by Spain and Southeast Asia. The grounds once belonged to the horticulturist David Fairchild (the man responsible for the cherry blossoms of D.C.) and now serve as a national landmark and educational center.
Thanks to its proximity to the University of Miami and the high visibility of its actual Coral Gables address, the funkier Coconut Grove is a de facto college town for students and even professors living on campus. So you'll find lots of places to play with coeds, including Mr. Moe's (who won the 2009 Playboy Party School of the Year) and Sandbar Barbecue. Monty's Raw Bar is a favorite for a bit more mature happy hour cocktails and shellfish priced by a slice or a pound, and for true throwbacks, there's Tavern in the Grove.
You have also recognized that the Grove is packed with water and has no lack of bayside views, but both residents and tourists swear by the Coconut Grove Sailing Club's position on the waterfront. The exclusive club is simply a more limited alternative to Monty's.