DK Travel : Miami : Coral Gables and Coconut Grove

Coral Gables and Coconut Grove, taken together, constitute one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Greater Miami. The former is actually a separate city, while the latter is a district of Miami, its oldest, and the site of the Miami City Hall. Coral Gables was one of the nation’s first “planned” cities and is consistently posh from end to end. Coconut Grove is a more variegated mosaic, historically the focus of Miami’s intellectual, bohemian community but also incorporating the blighted “Black Grove”, where the descendants of Bahamian workers often live in real squalor.

For more about George Merrick’s fabulous buildings in Coral Gables See Merrick’s Coral Gables Fantasies

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Dinner Key

The name derives from the early days when settlers had picnics here. In the 1930s, Pan American Airways transformed Dinner Key into the busiest seaplane base in the US. It was also the departure point for Amelia Earhart’s doomed roundthe-world flight in 1937. The airline’s sleek Streamline Moderne terminal houses the Miami City Hall, and the hangars are now mostly boatyards, though one is the famous Monty’s Stone Crab Seafood House and Raw Bar. The marina here is now the most prestigious in Miami, so walk along and enjoy inspecting the yachts berthed here.
Expertees Golf Shop

With all the very latest lines of clubs and putters, and accessories, this shop also offers a state-of-the-art computerized swing analysis, shaft lab, club fitting center, and lessons for beginners and low handicappers.
Festival of Haitian Arts

This celebration of Haitian art takes place at the Grove Expo Center. See sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and hand-beaded Voodoo flags.
Giralda Café

The 1,000-year-old traditions of Peruvian cookery – e.g. fried yucca with huancaina sauce, fish and shrimp cevíche, and beef stew in cilantro (coriander) sauce.
Green Street Café

Almost always crowded, this corner venue is another prime people-watching spot in the Grove. Sit and sip a drink or order up a full meal.
Hibiscus Hill

A unique gift shop with a captivating range of handmade objects: elaborate jewelry, handblown glass, and imported objets , all with a distinctly fabulous air. Fabulous prices, too, for the most part.
International Villages

Merrick’s architectural flights of fancy still add a special grace note to beautiful, upscale Coral Gables. All are private homes, but you can drive by and take in their unique charms (see Merrick’s Coral Gables Fantasies).
Johnny Rockets

This 1950s-style diner opposite CocoWalk is always jumping. Order a burger and fries and watch the whole of the Grove go by sooner or later.
King Mango Strut

An outrageous local tradition that sends up the year’s events and celebrities, harking back to the days when the Grove was a haven for intellectuals and eccentrics. The party climaxes with a concert and dance in Peacock Park.
Lowe Art Museum

Greater Miami’s finest art museum boasts solid collections of ancient and modern world art.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $20
- $20–$40
- $40–$55
- $55–$80
- over $80