Best Miami neighborhood: Coconut Grove
View from the Courtyard Coconut Grove
At least once per winter I come here for a two day, one night getaway. It’s convenient to the Miami airport, it’s walkable, it offers great dining, shopping, and sightseeing (by bike, foot, or boat), and it has a quiet, neighborhood feel as an alternative to faster-paced, more popular areas nearby.
Places to stay
Bellini at Bellini in Mr. C Hotel
For a trendy-charming boutique hotel, try Mr. C. Miami Coconut Grove. The accommodations and decor are smart and stylish and the rooftop bar, restaurant, and pool have not only good drinks and dishes, but also great views.
If you want to splurge on luxury, the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove is near the water and has an excellent spa. The ground floor restaurant, Isabelle’s, has a lovely outdoor patio, great salads and steak.
This is hard to believe, but just a block from the Ritz Carlton is a steal of a place - the Courtyard Coconut Grove. The reviews here are mixed because many who came while the building next door was under construction were very validly upset by the noise… and elevators here can be slow. But for the price, and incredibly low Marriott Bonvoy points redemption, we have to recommend this place. Each of the pictures below show rooms upgraded to water and sunset-facing suites and the hotel is located walking distance to the marina, bike trails, Coco Walk shopping, and the spa at the Ritz Carlton, where we visit to get a taste of luxury while staying in a place that saves the budget.
Where to eat
For a foodie meal, try Michelin one-star restaurant Ariete. Both the tasting menu and a la carte options are fabulous and the setting is romantic with great service.
Go to the rooftop of Mr. C hotel for Bellini’s and other well-crafted drinks. Sit at the attractive bar or outside on the patio overlooking the pool and sunset view.
On the waterfront, the Bayshore Club is a large restaurant with varied outdoor seating and quality seafood.
Ahi tuna mini tacos and prosecco at Bayshore
If you want to be healthy and are on a budget try getting a grab and go meal at The Fresh Market grocery store across from the Courtyard. A salad from there with grilled salmon and mini Prosecco set us back less than $20 per person and were great to enjoy by the Courtyard pool.
Bike trails in Coconut Grove near the marina
Things to do
Take a bike ride along the water. There are many bike trails including the Commodore Trail or the shorter loop just off it, the Kennedy Park Safety Trail, with options for kids.
Shop the Cocowalk, a great area with boutique clothing stores, casual and fine dining, and a movie theater. From here you are close to the restaurant Arielle, though there are many healthy and fast-casual places in this area as well.
Take a sail to see celebrity homes - we used Viator to book a two hour sunset cruise which was a memorable, unique, and not unreasonably expensive outing.
Relax at the Spa at the Ritz Carlton - massages here are great and you can have a drink at the poolside bar when your treatment is over.