If you’re looking for fun things to do in Coconut Grove, Miami, then I’ve checked out most of them for you. When I explored the neighbourhood, I tried and tested some of the top-rated activities. So you can skip the duds and spend time on the must-do sights and activities instead.
In this guide, discover 15 of the best things to do in Coconut Grove (including visits to iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and a self-guided walking tour).
I visited Coconut Grove as part of my Miami trip. It’s a favourite with diplomats and expats, thanks to its relaxed yet upscale vibe. So, I got a few insider tips (included below) from colleagues who lived there and knew the area well.
Best Things To Do In Coconut Grove, Miami
Coconut Grove is a lovely neighbourhood that blends natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. It’s a very different vibe from bustling Downtown, Little Havana, and South Beach. I like it a lot.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a history buff, outdoorsy type (this is us), or foodie, you’ll find something you enjoy here. Based on my visit, pre-trip research, and recommendations from locals, the top things to do in Coconut Grove include…
- David Kennedy Park
- Coconut Grove Trail
- Monty’s Raw Bar
- CocoWalk
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
- Coconut Grove Playhouse
- Peacock Park
- The Kampong
- Sailing or Kayaking
- Coconut Grove Arts Festival
- Bike Ride through the Neighborhood
- Coconut Grove Self-Guided Walking Tour
- The Underline
- Matheson Hammock Park
- Alice Wainwright Park
If you’ve got a day or two in Coconut Grove, then these should be on your hit list. Here’s a bit more info on each of them so you can decide which ones might be of interest for your trip…
David Kennedy Park
If you like a bit of tranquility, then David Kennedy Park is for you. It’s a waterfront oasis with stunning views, picnic spots, walking paths, and a marina.
You can take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a jog along the water’s edge, surrounded by its natural beauty. If you’re looking for a low-key alternative to the Miami Beach boardwalk, then David Kennedy Park is ideal.
Coconut Grove Trail
The Coconut Grove Trail weaves through the heart of the neighbourhood and is a brilliant way to explore the sites in this list. It’s a 2.7-mile (4.4km) pathway that allows you to take in parks, residential areas, and charming streets. Exploring an area on foot is our favourite way to get a feel for the place and this trail ticks all the boxes (you can also run or cycle it too).
Monty’s Raw Bar
Monty’s Raw Bar came highly recommended by several colleagues who know Miami well. It’s a waterfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood, laid-back atmosphere, and panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. For foodie travellers, it’s a perfect spot to savour delicious dishes while enjoying the ocean breeze.
CocoWalk
Don’t be fooled by the name like I was – should have researched this one more closely before turning up. CocoWalk isn’t a walking trail; it’s an open-air shopping centre.
So if you want a bit of retail therapy, explore a few different restaurants, or catch a movie at the theatre, this is the place to come. You can also just have a wander around and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Despite being open-air, CocoWalk is actually one of the best places to visit in Coconut Grove in the rain, since there are plenty of indoor spots to choose from. It was absolutely hammering down for part of the day I was there, so I can attest to this first-hand!
Fascinating Fact – The top-rated boutique hotel in Miami, Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, is located in Coconut Grove, right opposite CocoWalk.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of the top-rated things to do in all of Miami, so it’s a must-do if you’re in Coconut Grove. You can explore the European-inspired villa and its meticulously landscaped gardens. It’s a glimpse into Miami’s history and old-school architectural grandeur.
The Vizcaya complex is situated at the outer edge of Coconut Grove, so take the metro unless you’re up for the long walk (speaking from experience!).
Coconut Grove Playhouse
Fancy a cultural activity? Catch a live performance at the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse. Since the 1920s, this theatre has been entertaining audiences with Broadway shows and plays. Check their schedule and see if there’s a show during your visit.
Peacock Park
Take a leisurely walk through Peacock Park and enjoy its picturesque surroundings. It’s got scenic views of the bay, walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, so is the perfect spot to unwind and explore. Or just play on the swings. You’re never too old!
The Kampong
The Kampong is a hidden gem in Coconut Grove. It boasts an extraordinary collection of tropical plants and trees. Something not a lot of people know (even our friends) is that we’re both suckers for botanical gardens. So if there’s ever one in a city we’re visiting, we’re pretty much guaranteed to check it out.
You can join a guided tour of The Kampong to learn about the flora’s unique characteristics and the fascinating history. Or just wander around at your own pace and enjoy the peacefulness.
Sailing or Kayaking
Coconut Grove’s waterfront location makes it an ideal destination for water activities. Rent a sailboat or kayak and embark on your own mini adventure. It’s a great way to explore the bay at your own pace and see a different perspective from that on land.
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
If you’re visiting in February, don’t miss the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. This annual event showcases the incredible works of talented artists from around the world. It’s a fun atmosphere and there’s plenty of creativity on display.
Bike Ride through the Neighbourhood
Rent a bike and explore Coconut Grove’s sights and side streets. Cycling means you can cover a lot in one day – you might even be able to pack in all 15 things on this list! Admire the unique architecture and lush greenery as you pedal your way through this picturesque neighbourhood.
Coconut Grove Self-Guided Walking Tour
It might not be an ‘official’ activity, but we’ve put together this self-guided walking tour of Coconut Grove. It takes in several of the top spots mentioned previously so you can get the most out of your day…
- Start your walking tour at Coconut Grove Metro station and towards CocoWalk. Walk along South Bayshore Drive, enjoying the views of the bay as you make your way to this vibrant open-air shopping centre.
- After exploring CocoWalk, continue walking north on South Bayshore Drive until you reach David Kennedy Park. Take a break and enjoy the waterfront views and green spaces this park has to offer.
- From David Kennedy Park, head west on Main Highway until you reach The Kampong. Take a guided tour of this hidden gem and immerse yourself in the tropical beauty of the botanical gardens.
- After The Kampong, you can choose to either walk or bike to Alice Wainwright Park. Follow Main Highway north until you reach this waterfront park. Take a leisurely walk along the pathway and appreciate the scenic views.
- If time allows, you can continue your walk to Peacock Park. Head east on Main Highway, and you’ll reach this picturesque park, offering more waterfront views, walking trails, and picnic spots.
- Finally, if you’re up for it, you can conclude your walking tour with a stroll along the Coconut Grove Trail. Head south on Main Highway until you reach the trail entrance. Enjoy the charm of the neighbourhood as you walk the trail, passing by parks and residential areas.
The Underline (Coming Soon)
Keep an eye out for the upcoming urban trail and park known as The Underline. Once completed, this 10-mile stretch beneath the Metrorail tracks will provide an excellent route for walking, running, and biking through Coconut Grove (along with other Miami neighbourhoods like nearby Brickell). It was under construction while I was there but looks like it’ll be ready soon.
Matheson Hammock Park
Head south of Coconut Grove and you’ll find yourself in Matheson Hammock Park. It’s another scenic space with picturesque trails that wind through a coastal hammock forest. It’s the perfect setting for a peaceful walk or an invigorating run.
Alice Wainwright Park
Our final recommendation is Alice Wainwright Park. You can enjoy breathtaking waterfront views as you walk or jog along the pathways. Located on the edge of Biscayne Bay, the park offers a refreshing escape from the city (who doesn’t love an opportunity to reconnect with nature).
So, now you know exactly what to do in Coconut Grove, Miami, from outdoorsy stuff to cultural sights. With maybe a slight bias for walks and running routes, but that is what our blog is mainly about! There are plenty of parks, museums, restaurants, and shopping opportunities to keep you entertained for a day or two.
