It’s reasonable to say that Coconut Grove is one of the safest neighbourhoods in the whole Miami region boasting one of Miami’s lowest crime rates and is under constant police surveillance.
The Grove itself has a good number of (waterfront) gated communities for families who want the most protection for themselves and their loved ones, so it’s safe to assume that YES, Coconut Grove is a good place to live.
Miami’s Coconut Grove
When you think of Miami, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the beaches but this isn’t just a beach destination, it also houses one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in all of South Florida.
HISTORY: Coconut Grove is a historic Miami neighborhood known for its unique blend of cultures and also home to the Coconut Grove Museum, which tells the story of how Indians made their way to Florida as part of the colonial population.
This is one of the best ways to experience Coconut Grove as the neighborhood is full of interesting architecture and has some of the most beautiful and unique gardens in Miami.
Some of the more visitor-friendly attractions include the Coconut Grove Art District, where you can browse through galleries, purchase some amazing art and take in a light show.
The neighborhood is filled with beautiful homes that are part of a collection called “The Grove” referring to the area’s commercial center, home to many of the city’s top dining and drinking establishments.
Coconut Grove will take you back in time to when this was a vibrant Indian neighborhood known for its bazaars, puja pandals and stalls selling traditional Indian goods. Today, this hippie haven has become a trendy destination for Miami’s well-heeled residents and tourists who want to experience local culture at its finest.
Where Is Coconut Grove In Miami
Coconut Grove is located south of central Miami in Miami-Dade County and close to Coral Gables to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Everglades to the south.
The neighborhood is recognized as an enclave of culture and history and is home to some of Miami-Dade’s most fascinating eating establishments, unique and historic architecture and beautiful gardens.
There are two versions of how Coconut Grove got its name, one by researchers who discovered the coconut palm in South Florida and one by locals who claim that the area was once called ‘Coconut Grove.'”
The neighborhood was once home to an estimated 5,000 Indians.
During the decades that saw the rapid growth of South Beach, Coconut Grove remained largely unchanged thanks to the protective cover of the Everglades. This is likely why the neighborhood still contains many of the same Indian artifacts as when it was inhabited by its original inhabitants.
You can still find people living in Coconut Grove who speak more than a dozen different Indian languages and there are many others who will be surprised by other Indian words and phrases that are part of everyday life in Coconut Grove today.
One of the best ways to experience Coconut Grove is on foot and there are a number of beautiful walkways and trails to explore.
A short walk from the art district and amidst some of the most stunning gardens in South Florida, Coconut Grove has some of the most rewarding hiking and walking paths in all of Miami-Dade County.
Things To Do In Coconut Grove Miami
Explore The Coconut Grove Flea Market
One of the best ways to experience Coconut Grove is to visit the flea market that happens every May in the neighborhood’s wonderful gardens.
The market is also the location where you’ll find some of the most unique and original goods in all of South Florida from handmade goods, artwork and unique crafts in all sorts of shades and styles.
The Coconut Grove Art District Is A Beautifully Illuminated Place To Eat Or Stroll
The Coconut Grove Art District is a place to experience Miami’s throwback culture, just east of Coconut Grove ITSELF and home to some of Miami’s most original and artistic eateries.
The area is full of beautiful gardens, plazas, and public art and you can stroll around this district on some of the neighborhood’s most beautiful streets, with gardens and plazas dotting the landscape.
The Art District is home to a number of museums, including the Miami Museum of Art and the Contemporary Art Museum and offers a nice collection of places to sit and enjoy great food and drink.
Nightlife And Great Food In Coconut Grove
If you love bars and clubs and have been craving a good dance, you’ve come to the right place. Miami has some of the best nightclubs in the world and you can find some of them in and around the Art District.
Muscle Beach, a strip of sand that is always packed with tourists and locals alike is just across the water where you’ll find live music on weekends and delicious ethnic food at many of the Miami Beach restaurants.
Coconut Groves Restaurants
One of the most impressive features of Coconut Grove is the array of restaurants that call the neighborhood home which includes many iconic and celebrated Miami-area restaurants, as well as a few that are worth a trip even if you’re outside of South Florida.
Dos Caminos Taqueria, La Calle Leste and Salsitos Jimmuño, cultural destinations as well as the buzzing marketplaces, the great American diner and there’s always the club and bar scene.
The most recognizable of these is Dos Caminos Taqueria, which is located at the end of a quaint, tree-lined street. The restaurant is known for its incredibly authentic Mexican food, including salsas, enchiladas, chorizo and more, as well as its beautiful garden where you can enjoy a drink and a nice rest.
It’s also home to some of the city’s most popular spots, including Govinda, Mango Habanero and Smoke Shop which all have something for everyone and many of them offer fine dining as well as light and casual fare.
At the center of it all is the ambitious, yet quietly successful, Red Star Diner, which is located in what was once a pancake house. The Red Star Diner has a long history in Miami, dating back to the 1940s and is still family owned and operated and you’ll find everything from comfort food to traditional European dishes at this family-friendly eatery.
If you’re looking for a spot where you can indulge in some South American culture and enjoy some of the city’s best food, take a look at the menu at Bocadillo or Cilantro which are both Colombian and offer a bit of everything, delicious chips and salsa, tasty sandwiches and hearty soups.