Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is composed of a unique blend of luxury homes, exuberant vegetation, bay front high rises, shopping villages and water front views.
The soul of Miami is never far from Coconut Grove—one of the city’s most active, diverse and historic communities.
In 1873, Dr. Horace P. Porter rented a home from Edmond D. Beasley’s widow, who homesteaded 160 acres bay front property. He lived there for only a year but during that time he established a post office which he named Coconut Grove. From the time the first Bahamian fishermen and wreckers clambered ashore in the 1800s, an eclectic mix of people has characterized Coconut Grove.
Coconut Grove is composed of a unique blend of luxury homes, exuberant vegetation, bay front high rises, shopping villages and water front views. One unparalleled characteristic is its many interesting attractions most of which are rich in history and within walking distance of each other. The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove founded in 1891 was listed in 1975 on the National Register of Historic Places. It continues to maintain monthly meetings and plays an important role in the area’s charity efforts.
Cocowalk, a major shooping and dining attraction, was once the Saunders/Peacock Store. From The Grove First, which fights the construction of a new Home Depot, to The Merchants Group, which helps small businesses, Grove groups work to protect the area’s character.One of the oldest associations in Miami-Dade does everything from mediating landlord-tenant disputes to easing pre-qualifying for home loans.Grove activists fight for trees, waterfront, and in some cases, their homes.
The Coconut Grove Library was founded in 1895 by the Pine Needles Club, a literary group. Adjacent to the library is the grave of Eva Amelia Munroe; dated 1882, it is the oldest marked grave in Miami-Dade County. Across the street is Peacock Park, which is the meeting place for family picnics, baseball leagues and it has become the heart of many community events. The Coconut Grove Playhouse in operation since 1927 is recognized as one of the finest regional theaters in the country. Charles Avenue was home to the first Black settlement comprised of mainly immigrant Bahamians. At the end of the avenue, at Douglas Road (SW 37 Ave) is one of the oldest cemeteries in Miami.
Another site worth taking a short drive to in Coconut Grove is the Plymouth Congregational Church. This Church showcases elaborately carved doors which are more than 300 years old. On the grounds of Plymouth Congregational Church is the first public school in Miami-Dade County originally built as a Sunday school back in 1887. The Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church at 3515 Douglas Avenue is the oldest Black congregation in the area. The Kampong at 4013 Douglas Road is a 7 acre botanical garden internationally known for its variety of flora.
Vizcaya, at 3251 South Miami Avenue, is the dream home of James Deering, who spent five years traveling throughout Europe with architect and interior designer Paul Chaflin selecting furniture, artwork and architectural elements. Coconut Grove’s shopping area is picturesque with rickshaws, push cart vendors, sidewalk cafes, night clubs and boutiques all mingling with the breathtaking backdrop of the Biscayne Bay.