Things to do in Coconut Grove Miami

Florida is the southeasternmost US state, known for its perennial sunshine and clear blue skies. The Grove is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, well-recognized for its historical appeal and interesting and unique points of exploration. We recommend touring on foot since the area is known for its lush tropical greenery and wonderful architecture. With a laid-back village vibe, the area is easy to navigate and has a lot to offer for all types of travellers. Whether you’re looking to delve into the heritage of the city, indulge in some great food, or enjoy a fun shopping experience, you’re sure to love this charming historic district. Still not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve done a lot of the heavy lifting for you! If you’re planning to explore this free-spirited and eclectic district of Miami, have a read through our list of some of the best things to see and do in the area. Whatever you choose to do here, we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

Soak Up the Sun

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If you’re looking for a place to kick back and spend some time with the fam, look no further than Peacock Park. Established way back in 1934, this peaceful little oasis has been a longtime favorite for locals and visitors alike. Throughout the 1960s, the park became a notable hub for hippie counterculture, hosting concerts throughout the latter part of the decade. Today, this lush green space serves as a fun communal spot for recreation and relaxation. Clean and well-maintained, this place is perfect for soaking up the sun and taking in those fresh ocean views. We recommend grabbing a bite to eat and having yourself a picnic. Or, for those who like to keep active, there are hiking trails and basketball and tennis courts to choose from. In addition, there’s a playground and swings, so everybody's happy. The perfect scenic spot for relaxing, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a hot day in the Sunshine State.

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Miami is well-recognized for its lush tropical greenery, though perhaps no area is quite as visited for this as The Grove. For those looking to get in touch with nature, we highly recommend checking out The Kampong, a beautiful botanical garden brimming with exotic plants. Once home to David Fairchild, ‘’The Columbus of American Horticulture’’, this space is an enchanting encounter for anybody who takes an interest in the natural world. Though small, this peaceful reservation is popular with visitors to The Grove for all that it has to offer. There are six different facilities, all dedicated to different areas of botanical study. Visitors can expect to see everything from magnificent centuries-old oaks and trailing vines to exotic fruit plants and vibrant flowers of all kinds. A hidden gem of natural beauty, we love this spot because it provides a fantastic respite from the city.

Learn More About the Area

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Coconut Grove is home to many wonderful visitor attractions, though none quite as popular as Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Once home to businessman James Deering, this breathtaking villa and estate works to showcase how the wealthiest lived during the Progressive Era. The house itself is built in Mediterranean Revival style to reflect the strong Latino influences of the city. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy taking a self-guided tour to view Deering’s well-preserved collection of rare artwork, furniture and other oddities. A stunning formal garden surrounds the villa, with meticulously well-kempt hedges and fountains. In addition, lush native forestry with expansive lagoons, swamps and grazing fields go on for miles. A thoroughly unique educational experience, this place is well worth the visit.

Another one of our favorite spots in The Grove has got to be The Barnacle Historic State Park. Anchored onto the beautiful shoreline of Biscayne Bay, this unique attraction is recognized as the oldest house in Miami-Dade County. The spot was built way back in 1891 and served as home to one of Coconut Grove’s founders, Ralph Middleton Munroe. Today, the house is beautifully restored and open to all visitors for guided tours. Walking through this humble home, you’ll be able to get a true sense of Old Florida. In addition, this serene spot is a favorite for birdwatching enthusiasts – so keep your eyes peeled for doves, woodpeckers, herons and pelicans as you explore. A small though fascinating piece of Miami history, this place is truly one of Miami’s best-hidden gems.

Relax!

If strolling down aisles of artisan cheeses, raw. honey and speciality pantry products just like your jam, you won’t want to skip out on the next item on our list. Running all throughout the day each and every Saturday, the Organic Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to be for those who consider food their religion Whilst this place is well-known for its extensive array of fresh produce, its main draw has got to be its fantastic food vendors, serving up some of the best that the city has to offer. Enjoy a raw vegan sushi roll as you browse. Cool off from the Miami heat with some speciality ice cream. And then wash it all down with a nice cold one. The perfect stop for all foodies, this stop has everything we could ever ask for, and more.

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Coconut Grove has long been drawing visitors in with its unique history and undeniable natural beauty. The streets are flanked by chic stores and sidewalk cafes, which make for perfect scenic strolls. Still, if you’re looking to get some serious shopping done, we recommend heading over to Cocowalk Mall. Reflecting the neighborhood’s increasingly upscale vibe, the mall has a great mix of independent boutiques and popular favorites to offer. This place is also a great entertainment destination, with a fantastic movie theater to be enjoyed. For those who aren’t looking to shop, you can grab a bite to eat and take in the beautiful views of Biscayne Bay. Whether you're a total shopaholic or a casual browser, this place provides a sophisticated experience like no other.

Coconut Grove is one of the interesting areas of Miami to explore. From world-class shopping and dining to historic landmarks and hidden treasures, there’s so much to see here. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Visiting Miami on a Budget - A Simple Way to Save on Your Vacation

When it comes to a South Florida vacation, there’s one destination you can’t beat! Miami is a top destination for families from all over. Whether you have young children or teenagers, you’ll be able to find fun activities and attractions your whole family will love. Miami can be a great choice for budget-minded travelers, especially when you use a Go Miami Card, which makes visiting Miami on a budget a breeze. Save on Admission to Tourist Attractions Admission to many of these Miami tourist attractions and are included on the Go Miami Card. Go Miami Cards give you the flexibility to choose as you go from dozens of top attractions to create a vacation tailored to your family's interests. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. A few of the attractions include: Miami Seaquarium Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Key West Day Trip from Miami Duck Tours South Beach and more! Top Attractions to Visit for a Budget Friendly Trip Miami Seaquarium If you have kids, you absolutely have to go to Miami Seaquarium. Regardless of age, everyone loves Miami Seaquarium. As soon as you walk in your kids will begin learning about fishes, sea mammals, and other sea animals. You and your family can enjoy the fun and educational shows! But beware! If you’re sitting in the front 3 rows, you’re bound to get wet! Luckily, your kids will LOVE THAT! Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Forget about sitting on a tour just “looking” at all of the Miami, instead, EXPERIENCE Miami! Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour will drive to and tell you about some of the most exciting places in Miami. The bus also stops and gives you, your family, and all tour guests to get down and enjoy sightseeing. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Miami Bus Tour tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. Key West Day Trip If you haven’t been to the Keys yet, you’ve been missing out! Key West Day Trip will take you and your family from Miami out to Key West and you’ll get to spend most of the day sightseeing and experiencing everything Key West has to offer. Along with the trip ticket, you can upgrade and go on a glass-bottom boat, go snorkeling, or go parasailing! Getting In: Key West Day Trip from Miami tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise If you’ve had an adventure-filled vacation and want a little time to relax and enjoy the sights (without having to walk around the city), Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise is the perfect attraction for you! You’ll get to tour around the beautiful Biscayne Bay and the Venetian Islands all while enjoying some refreshments and delicious food. Along with seeing the beautiful sights of Miami, you’ll also get to see some celebrity homes! Getting In: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. Duck Tours South Beach Duck Tours South Beach is unlike any tour you’ve ever been on! You and your family will get to see the sights of South Beach on land AND on water! The Duck Tours vehicle has 4 wheels to drive on land and is also a boat, which makes these tours double the fun. You and your family will be blown away, especially your kids. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are included on the Go Miami Card. These attractions are all a must-see, so don’t let your family miss out! Fun Options to Visit During Your Trip: There are delicious restaurants, historic sites, and museums, and the weather is almost always perfect for a day out! Here are a few other family-fun ideas you can enjoy with your family: Everglades National Park - If you and your family love nature, Everglades National Park is a perfect place for all of you! This national park has hiking paths, biking paths, picnic areas, fishing areas, and so much more. Your family will get to enjoy the beautiful scenery; they’ll get to see a wide variety of birds as well as other wildlife. Lion Country Safari - Lion Country Safari is the only drive-through safari in all of Florida. You and your family can have close encounters with over 900 animals of various species! It’s the type of experience your kids will always remember. There’s even a petting zoo that younger kids LOVE! Along with the petting zoo and drive-through safari, Lion Country Safari has a walk-through amusement park that the whole family can enjoy! Free Activities for a Budget Friendly Vacation The Beaches - If you’re visiting Miami on a budget, you can’t forget to take advantage of the free activities! There are beaches you can go to and soak up the Florida sun. Biscayne National Park - You could also head to Biscayne National Park and take a boat out to the offshore barrier reefs. Big Night in Little Haiti - If you’re in Miami during the 3rd Friday of any month, head to Big Night in Little Haiti and enjoy a family-friendly environment with food, art, music, and culture! If your family loves art, head over to Wynwood and enjoy their public art. Enjoy the Downtown Public Art - If you go to Wynwood during the second Saturday of any month you’ll get to experience Art Walk and see artists creating art live for free. Please keep in mind some Wynwood art may not all be family-friendly. South Pointe Park - South Point Park is also a great place to enjoy for free. Located in the Southernmost part of Miami Beach, South Point Park features a beautiful family-friendly beach, a small interactive kid’s water area, and has walking paths. No matter what activities or attractions you decide to experience, just remember the most important thing, have fun with your family! How to Save Money When Visiting Miami on a Budget Going on a family vacation can get costly quick, but it doesn’t have to. Here are a few tips that will help you save money next time you are visiting Miami on a budget: Plan Ahead - If you’re visiting Miami on a budget, make sure you plan ahead. That will allow you to make the most out of your time and vacation budget. Determine how many days you’ll be there, then give yourself a budget for each day based on your vacationing budget. *Side note: Always leave a little money for emergencies. Make a List – Put together a list of all of the attractions and activities your family wants to explore. Use this list to determine where you have time to visit and coordinate so that you can go to more than one place per day. Use a Go Miami Card – A Go Miami Card allows you to visit dozens of popular attractions all for one low price, so you know you won't be going over your budget. Pack Your Own Lunches – If your family is on a tight vacation budget you may want to consider packing your own lunches instead of eating at restaurants. Sandwiches can stay in a lunchbox for most of the day without going bad and you can even freeze a bunch of juice pouches to keep them cold all day long, and use them to keep other food in your cooler cold. By following these tips you can spend money time enjoying your vacation, instead of worrying about how much money you have left in your bank account. Let's Recap on Visiting Miami on a Budget There you go - a few great recommendations for things to do when visiting Miami on a budget. Remember, many of these great budget friendly attraction options and more are included on the Go Miami Card, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. So when you are planning your trip, consider including some of these options to your Miami vacation itinerary.
Go City Expert
perez art museum Miami
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Things to Do in Miami When it Rains

Miami is a fabulous city all year round, with warm tropical temperatures and sunny days. Of course, that doesn’t mean there’s no chance of rain here and there, especially on humid days. If you run into a rainy day in Miami and are looking for ways to fill up your time, check out our best suggestions for top things to do in Miami when it rains. A few of our favorite rainy day activities include... Pérez Art Museum Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Miami Children’s Museum Big Bus Miami Tours And more! Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Miami If you want to tour the city on wheels without the hassle of driving, then a Hop On Hop Off Big Bus tour is an excellent option. An enclosed double-decker bus keeps you dry, and the narration will guide you around the city's sights. Choose from the Beach Loop or the City Loop and pass by popular landmarks and attractions like Biscayne Bay, Jungle Island, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, and the Wynwood District. This is a hop-on hop-off option, so if the weather clears up (or if you’re feeling adventurous), feel free to disembark and explore at your leisure. Big Bus Miami: Night Tour See Miami come alive in the nighttime with a 90-minute Big Bus Miami Night Tour past the most popular Miami landmarks. Your tour will start on iconic Ocean Drive in South Beach. You'll pass by all the most popular clubs and restaurants as the night is just heating up - all the neon lights will be on and flashing! Your guide will teach you all about the city's history and culture as you zip by the Art Deco District and beyond. It's the perfect way to get to know the Magic City after dark. Miami Children’s Museum The hardest part about a rainy family vacation is occupying the kids. Solve that problem with a visit to the Miami Children’s Museum. It’s one of our favorite kid-centric institutions, offering dozens of interactive (and bilingual!) exhibits for children of all ages. You'll find everything from interactive bank and supermarket exhibits to rock-climbing walls and a massive model cruise ship. The kids will love climbing through the Castle of Dreams, a two-story sandcastle, and learning about how to care for animals at the Pet Clinic. It's the perfect way to make the best of a dreary day. Orlando Attractions If you have access to a car and want to make the trip up to Orlando, then there are plenty of additional attraction options to enjoy indoors, from the iconic Kennedy Space Center to kid-favorite WonderWorks. There's even a Ripley's Believe it or Not! in Orlando. Pick up a Go Orlando pass and make the most of a trip to this city of theme parks and wonder! WonderWorks This bizarre arena of oddities is another great place to visit if you're spending the day in Orlando. Everything inside WonderWorks will make you feel like your world has been flipped upside down. With over 100 interactive exhibits that will have you questioning everything, it's like an amusement park for the mind. At one exhibit, you'll be blown away by 71 MPH winds in a hurricane simulator, in another you'll experience an earthquake of massive proportions, and in another you can put yourself inside a bubble and elevate. There's nowhere else like it! Ripley's Believe it or Not! Orlando The Ripley's Believe it or Not! Orlando building is quite literally slanted, so you know you're in for an unbelievable visit from the start. Enter the sinking building and feast your eyes on hundreds of quirky exhibits. Within the walls of the 16 unique galleries, you'll find shrunken heads, dinosaur bones, a micro-sculpture room, a tribute to Robert Wadlow (the World's Tallest Man) and plenty more. You can't find this kind of stuff anywhere else. Theatrical Performances Culture buffs will love the opportunity to take advantage of Miami’s diverse theater scene. You’ll find everything from classic opera or ballet to indie performances. There are many well-regarded venues in the city, like the Adrienne Arscht Center for the Performing Arts, the Olympia Theater, and the Tower Theater. Several of these venues are historical, too, so it's a chance to view beautiful architectural styles as well. Rainy Day Recap Looking for some fun things to do indoors? Admission to many of the below rainy day activities are available on the Go Miami pass. Choose as you go from a number of fun attractions and save on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices. We hope you'll add a few of these rainy day attractions and landmarks to your Miami to-do list. We promise these attractions will make even the dreariest of vacation days much better. To save money and make your planning easier, consider picking up an all-inclusive Go Miami pass. It includes admission to many of the attractions on this rainy day list.
Katie Sagal
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Miami in May

These days, visitors are downright spoiled with things to do in Miami. As one of the most popular tourist hotspots in America, the city continues to surprise us with new attractions and events cropping up each day. Spring is a great time to visit, since the weather should be warm enough to enjoy all of the area’s fantastic outdoor attractions without being too hot to function. Enjoy the natural beauty of the area at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Have a blast at Zoo Miami. Or simply explore the boardwalk at South Beach. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something to suit your style. If you‘re not quite sure where to start, we’re here to help! Use our guide as a starting point to plan your perfect vacation. No matter how you choose to enjoy the Magic City, we’re sure it’ll be great. See the Sites With lots of sunshine and little rainfall, May is great for spending time outdoors. Those looking to learn more about the background of the city might enjoy Coral Castle for its unique history. Built single-handedly over the course of 28 years, this mysterious sculpture garden is perhaps best known for the questions that it brings up. Constructed out of 1, 100 tons of oolite limestone in a time when no modern construction advances were available, the piece is somewhat of an anomaly. Walking around the site, there’s no doubt you’ll be mind-blown by the intricately hand-carved pieces telling the story of artist Edward Leedskalnin’s heartbreak. A mysterious mindbender and true testament to the artist's innovation, Coral Castle is an attraction quite like no other. Undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, this place is a total must-see for any first-time visitor to the Miami area. Looking to discover a different side of the city? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Standing out as the oldest building in Miami by a long shot, the Ancient Spanish Monastery is a total treat for architecture buffs and history aficionados alike. Parts of the structure date as far back as 1133 AD, long before America was even established. Apparently, the monastery was originally built in northern Spain around this time, but later bought, shipped to New York, and dismantled stone by stone. In 1953, two entrepreneurs bought the stones to build a tourist attraction – and the Ancient Spanish Monastery was born! As such, Time Magazine characterized the building as ‘’the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history’’. Today, the structure stands as a fine example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The interiors are incredibly preserved, showcasing a number of captivating architectural and religious details. Walking around the space, you’ll notice impressive hand-carved columns, sweeping arches and beautiful shrines from the original structure. Rich in history and most certainly unique, this place should rank right at the top of your itinerary. Get in Touch with Nature No doubt, Miami is the perfect haven for all nature lovers. Standing out for its unusual and expansive display of exotic flora, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is a fantastic place to spend a sunny spring afternoon in the area. Established way back in 1936, this historical attraction works to showcase the unique collection of avid botanist David Fairchild, which was brought back from his travels. Thousands of varieties thrive here, including many rare species you’d never expect to find in the United States. Bursting with color, scents and spectacular views, the gardens are an absolute joy to wander. Walking through the park, you’ll be able to see the birds, fish, lizards, and crocodiles which call the site home. Don’t miss the butterfly emporium, with too many species to count. We suggest setting a few hours aside for this, since it can take a while to get around the entire place. Remember to bring lots of sunscreen and wear your comfiest walking shoes! A total treat for the senses and educational, too, this place is not to be missed. If you’re anything like us, a visit to the zoo would be right down your alley. Luckily for you, Miami is home to some fantastic nature reserves to bring out that sense of childlike wonder. Combining the natural beauty of the area with incredible exotic wildlife, one of the most popular tourist attractions for animal lovers has got to be Zoo Miami. In fact, this place is recognized as the only tropical zoo in the United States. Featuring over 3, 000 animals and around 100 exhibits to be enjoyed, there’s a little something for everybody here. Expect jaguars, warthogs, spotted hyenas, hippos and much, much more. You’ll need a whole day at the zoo to make the best of it - we suggest heading off pretty early so you can fit as much in as possible! A fantastic educational opportunity, we love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Try Something Different Though the city is perhaps best known for its palm-fringed beaches and exotic greenery, there’s plenty to see here for those looking for art and culture. Open to the public and free of charge, Wynwood Walls is a trendy outdoor street art museum shining a spotlight on some of the world’s best urban artists. Carefully curated and periodically transformative, the exhibit works to showcase a wide variety of styles; at Wynwood Walls, you’ll be able to enjoy the work of old school graffiti artists and the newest innovators in the game all in one space. For those who are interested in learning more about the creatives, different styles, and history of the art form, we recommend booking a guided tour. Aside from the museum itself, the surrounding area is great to explore, with lots of cool shops and eateries to check out. The perfect stop for all creative types, this place provides the perfect taste of the city’s art scene. Few places are as exciting and energetic as the Floridian hotspot of Miami. May is great time to visit, since the temperatures are warmer but it's not as busy as the summer months. Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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