There are many wonderful things to experience for you and your family’s entertainment when visiting Coconut Grove, such as Museums, Parks and Tours.
Viscaya Museum and Gardens is an Italian Renaissance style villa built by James Deering in 1916 as his winter home. Viscaya is now open to the public with its beautiful ten acres of formal gardens. Miami had a population of a mere 10,000 people and it took years to build. The art and furnishings range from the 1500s to the 1900s. The house and ornate gardens have mangrove swamps, stone boats, every known variety of tropical vegetation and hidden grottos. Viscaya has welcomed dignitaries such as President Ronald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain.
The Barnacle Historic State Park was home to Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of the most influential and charming pioneers of Coconut Grove. He was a seaman, naturalist, photographer and civic activist who cherished the natural world around him. The park passes through a tropical hardwood hammock and in the 1920s it represented the original landscape in the city of Miami, making it one of the last reminders of the once vast Miami Hammock. Guided tours for individuals and group tours are available.
Spend your day taking walking tour of Coconut Grove. Walking tours bring you through the streets of Coconut Grove as you experience the many shops, restaurants and parks. This tour will show you the natural beauty and history of Coconut Grove as you visit its top quality restaurants, clubs, bars and trendy boutiques. The tour is best during the daytime where you can see the natural wonders of Peacock Park, which is a large grassy field that leads to the bridge and bay. You will also see a playground for children and the New Grove Skate Park, which is very popular for teens on skateboards. The Bay View Inn built in 1882 was South Florida’s first hotel on this site. The Coconut Grove Sailing Club is right across the street from the park for boat lovers. Explore Coconut Grove on your own terms by participating in a walking tour.