Planning Your Trip

Discovered by artists and intellectuals in the 19th century, Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest neighborhood. Its bohemian spirit (think sidewalk cafés and charming boutiques reminiscent of a European village) remains, even with the influx of upscale condos. Here’s what to pack to explore this colorful neighborhood and its diverse environs.

Weekend Getaway

To make the most of the sprawling metropolis of Miami in just a few days, you’ll want to pack the essentials, plus a few versatile and easy-to-transition pieces.

Bring a swimsuit for the famous beaches or for chartered boat rides from the Grove’s marina.
Warm weather year-round means an abundance of fabulous golf courses. Pack a course-appropriate outfit or two, and don’t forget sun protection.
Flowy maxi dresses and linen shirts will get you from a daytime tour of the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens to dinner at a celebrity chef-helmed restaurant in the Design District.

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Dubbed “Wall Street South,” Miami is the second most popular financial hub in the country after New York. Business is considered a formal affair.

Suits are expected of men. Lightweight versions in gray or navy paired with white collared shirts are a popular combination.

For women, neutral-tone pencil skirts or wide-legged trousers and blazers are appropriate.
For more casual events, men should pack chinos and button-downs, while women can opt for simple sheath dresses or blouses.

Exploring the City

Every pocket of Miami has its own unique flavor, from the extraordinary public art in the Design District to authentic Cuban food in Little Havana to South Beach.

Neighborhoods are best explored on foot. Pack flat sandals and sleek sneakers for wandering around museums and shopping areas.

For a night out, “dress to impress” — that means dresses, heels and bold jewelry for women, crisp button-downs and blazers for men.

Miami’s climate is tropical. It’s hot and humid, and rain is common, so bring an umbrella, along with lightweight clothing for all seasons.

Day Trips

From the eclectic storefronts of the Grove to the glitzy flagships of the Design District, Miami is a shopaholic’s paradise. You’re sure to go home with something new, so bring a foldable carry-on tote.

Coconut Grove and the rest of Miami are bursting with a new energy and a stellar lineup of cultural, dining and outdoor activities. Below are some suggestions to put on your itinerary.

Dining Reservations

The Grove’s European vibe and diverse demographics are recipes for a formidable food scene. You’ll find Miami’s best Indian food at Bombay Darbar, classic homemade pastas at Strada in the Grove, great brunch with even better people-watching at GreenStreet Café, and Mediterranean fare at Boho. For a fresh sea-to-table meal, book a (secret) private dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton’s Bizcaya, where Chef Ramesh Kaduru creates custom menus based on the fish and produce he’s sourced. Then head over to the hotel’s majestic Lazuli Lounge for a well-deserved nightcap.

Spa Appointments

All the walking you’ll do will best be rewarded with a foot massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Coconut Grove, where specialists use elements of Chinese therapy to concentrate on the reflex zones of your feet. Then go for the full body treatment, first with Honey Dream, a massage that incorporates a masque and thermal pad infused with organic honey from beehives in the Florida Keys. End your spa day with essential vitamins with the Organic Vichy Shower Wrap, which includes a salt scrub, mango detox mask and raindrop therapy.

Outdoor Excursions

The Grove is uniquely blessed with an abundance of lush greenery and parks. Take a stroll through picturesque Peacock Park (yes, real peacocks roam the grounds), perhaps stopping for a free yoga session (6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays). Its ideal waterfront perch will give you lovely views of the marina to watch the sailboats bob along the harbor. Or, charter one for yourself for a private sunset cruise around Biscayne Bay. Prefer to DIY? Sign up for a sailing class at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. For a little history, don’t miss the stunning Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a grand villa built by Gilded Age industrialist James Deering.

Special Events

Miami is a hotbed of activity year-round. In winter, Art Basel Miami Beach attracts a high-profile mix of celebrities, fashion people and collectors while the Food Network South Beach Food & Wine Festival brings star chefs like Nigella Lawson, Alain Ducasse and Bobby Flay. In spring, Little Havana hosts the largest block party in the world (called Calle Ocho) to celebrate Latin American culture. Summer’s highlight is Miami Swim Week, while the fall calendar includes Festival Miami, five weeks of world premieres, symphonic concerts and lectures by Grammy-winning artists.

Gorgeous green spaces, mangrove forests and bayside beachfront galore make the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami an idyllic getaway in the middle of one of Florida’s largest cities. And, because it’s Miami’s oldest community, history and culture combine to offer visitors an authentic piece of the Cuban heritage that pervades the region. Of course, Biscayne Bay is an important part of the Coconut Grove experience, as well, offering water sports, sun and sand to visitors year-round.

12 Hours in Coconut Grove

One of Miami’s original neighborhoods, Coconut Grove borders the tropical waters of Biscayne Bay. And while its natural setting is inspirational all on its own, “The Grove,” as it’s known, offers visitors a taste of South Florida’s world-renowned culture, history, cuisine and shopping. Short on time? Spend your day exploring the best the city has to offer or indulging in a day of relaxation.

Discover More

A Culinary Tour

When you think of South Florida, it’s easy to think of fusion — culture, music and, of course, food. Given the stunning location, easy inspiration and availability of fresh, local ingredients from fish to fruit, it’s no wonder so many chefs flock to Miami. The Coconut Grove neighborhood is no exception. In fact, it’s a paradise for foodies with a passion for global fare.