A Brief History Of Miamis Coconut Grove

Known as the oldest neighborhood in Miami, Coconut Grove’s access to Biscayne Bay and its bohemian subtropical setting has lured sea-loving migrants for over a century. And with the establishment of the Cape Florida Lighthouse in Key Biscayne in 1825, the area saw an influx of settlers, namely Americans from the Northeastern U.S., along with British and Bahamian immigrants. Most were a mix of sailors, naturalists, and artists.

Back then, South Florida was an unpopulated forested area, and Coconut Grove witnessed the first South Florida hotel, built in 1882 by English immigrants Isabella and Charles Peacock in what is presently Peacock Park. The oldest house in the area is The Barnacle Historic State Park, built in 1891 by the founder of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, Ralph Middleton Munroe. And while Coconut Grove enjoyed some time as an independent city, it was eventually annexed by Miami in the 1900s.

But the influence of the first settlers’ relaxed live-and-let-live lifestyle has persevered throughout the ages. Albeit dotted with modern condominiums, a busy shopping thoroughfare, and its share of luxurious hotels, the neighborhood’s lush tropical vegetation and friendly inhabitants have managed to keep the village-like authenticity despite the current threat of over-development.

Locals and tourists in the know go to Coconut Grove to spend a laid-back Saturday perusing the quirky boutiques, galleries, and restaurants on a stroll through CocoWalk—the open-air shopping mall in the heart of the neighborhood. Another popular activity is visiting historic sites such as the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens—a cultural gem boasting classic European gardens and architecture and once the home of business magnate James Deering. There are also regular art festivals and events to attend in the community.

But aside from its cultural and historical importance, the Grove is beloved for its natural beauty. Flanked by banyan trees and vegetation, the roads and the parks boast a lush suburban escape. Views from the pristine waters of the Biscayne Bay add to the natural aesthetic—and the proximity of the sea makes this jungle-like village a peaceful paradise that continues to withstand the test of time and the temptation from foreign investors, at least for now.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.