We plan to be in Miami for one day next week and have heard a lot about the Coconut Grove area. What can I expect there? We've heard this from people who love the Caribbean (as do we). Any restaurant recommendations for lunch or dinner (reservations necessary?). I assume casual dress (no jackets) is ok. Look forward to hearing from everyone.

Hi, I'm sorry but I need to be honest with you. The Grove has absolutely nothing in common with the caribbean. Coconut Grove is a region south of downtown Miami, parts of it are really unsafe (don't turn down the wrong street), but the famous touristy part is like one big outdoor plastic shopping mall with chain stores. It is loud and cheesy, and kids (sometimes a bad element) crowd the streets. Parking is a nightmare. There are some good restaurants, however I would not characterize the Grove as adult or sophisticated. Most Miamians like myself avoid it like the plague.

The above comment is a bit ironic coming from a person with the handle "SoBeGirl"- the problems she's associated with Coconut Grove are also associated with South Beach. And judging from the crowds (they are not all tourists) there are a considerable amount of Miamians who are not avoiding the place.

However, her comments about Coconut Grove being like the Caribbean I agree with. The only thing close is there is a section of the grove known as "Little Bahamas" because it was originally settled by Bahamians and there is a covey of wooden houses built in Caribbean style. This happens to be in one of the "bad" areas of the Grove, though, so certainly not worth visiting IMHO.

Bottom line, Lois, if your hotel is close to the Grove, by all means go there. If it is closer to Bayside go there. If it is closer to South Beach go there. From a tourist's perspective, they're all pretty much the same.

Larry, my handle "Sobegirl" is a conglomeration of "South Beach" and "girl." I am a female, hence "girl," and I live in the municipality of Miami Beach in the area between South Point and 20th Street known as "South Beach" or "Sobe" for short. My name or my comments in no way editorialized one way or the other about the relative merits of South Beach as compared with Coconut Grove. I fail to see any irony. In addition, yes, Coconut Grove is always crowded and therefore many people go there. However "most Miamians like myself" meaning adult, tired of the plastic, loud, drunken frat party scene, do not frequent the Grove. Additionally, your comment about the "Bahamian" area being "not worth visiting" is a politically correct disservice to the original poster. As opposed to not worth visiting, it is absolutely to be avoided, among the worst areas of Miami. As opposed to Coconut Grove, I would recommend Lincoln Road on Miami Beach for a more adult, European, calm atmosphere with plenty of decent dining.

Thanks for the info. We're driving down from West Palm for the day just to see the area. In West Palm we will have visited all of the expensive shopping areas including City Place.
After we arrive in the Miami area, what would be a good itinerary for one day. We are in our 50's, like sophisticated travel and enjoy elegance, but at an affordable price. We thought we might visit Viscaya, possibly get over to South Beach -- but would there be better things to see and experience? I'd appreciate any additional follow up - write me directly if you prefer. Thanks

(Sigh) I was pointing out the irony of someone from South Beach (as your name indicated) complaining about the crowds, unsafe areas, bad elements, and "plastic" nature of the Grove. That's exactly what many of us "Miamians" think of when we think of SoBe. But I guess there are those who are just desparate to at least appear "european" and trendy.

I'm sorry, I can't stop laughing about somebody characterizing SoBe as calm and adult.

We were in the Miami area last month visiting our daughter at the University. By all means go to Vizcaya, it is well worth seeing. I also really enjoyed the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables, a public pool constructed on the site of an old quarry that incorporates waterfalls, grottos, and other fanciful architectural elements. It is very pleasant, and on the afternoon we went, with temperatures in the mid 80s, there couldn't have been more than 20 people there--like swimming on the set of an old movie or something. You also might enjoy visiting the Biltmore, one of those huge grand old hotels in the Gables, if you can find it--only in somewhere like Coral Gables could something as big as the Biltmore be hard to find!

Coconut Grove has some interesting looking parts, but our impression agrees with the other posters: plastic shopping sections and some very unsavory looking sections as well.

We were underwhelmed by South Beach, though there is some interesting people watching there. I was surprised at all the places that add the gratuity to the check, often without making this fact very apparent unless you scrutinize the bill more closely than we usually do. Restaurants that do this to someone like me, who often tips 20%-25%, are just short-changing the waitstaff!

Larry, I'm glad I provided you with some humor. However you might be interested to learn that there is a diverse demographic in the South Beach area. There are many responsible, respectable, and yes, calm adults who live within the 33139 zip code. We dine on Lincoln Road, attend cultural events and visit art galleries. Strange as it may seem.
Lois, I agree with Marilyn that Viscaya is worth a visit. And the Gables may be of interest if you like architecture and have a good map or guide.
South Beach may not be for everyone, but Ocean Drive is definitely unique and on my list of must sees for every visitor who comes to town. I still love Lincoln Road, an oasis in South Beach. It's changing to an "everytown mall" atmosphere, but still retains character - outdoor cafes and restaurants, people watching, live (calm) musics on some evenings, and a pleasant atmosphere. (Sorry Larry, I'm not desperate to appear trendy, there is no need for that sort of insult.)

Just wanted to add, on certain Sunday afternoons, Lincoln Road has a sidewalk antique fair. Other Sundays have produce and flower markets. Nice for walking around and browsing.
Just wanted to help with my opinions and advice, perhaps got a little carried away in my self defense, but I dont particularly care for negative type posts, so I will bow out of this conversation and I wish Lois a great trip : )

Thanks for all of the tips. We're looking forward to our day there.