Recommendations

A few places we love, a few places worth wandering, and a few practical notes for making your way around Miami for the weekend.

Miami International Airport

MIA is the closest major airport for Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. For most guests, this will be the easiest arrival.

Fort Lauderdale Airport

FLL is also a reasonable option if flights are better; it is about a 45-minute drive to Coconut Grove, depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Miami is more fun when parking is someone else's problem. We recommend Google's Waymo for autonomous rides, and Barron can provide credits if you want to let the little robot car chauffeur you around.

Where to Stay

Hotels

  1. Mayfair House Hotel & Garden

    Our main room block in Coconut Grove; colorful, lush, and home to Sipsip. Use our Mayfair room block.

  2. Courtyard by Marriott Miami Coconut Grove

    Our Marriott room block nearby, with an easy Coconut Grove location. Use our Marriott room block.

  3. Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove

    Polished, breezy, and full of Biscayne Bay views if you like your mornings with a little sparkle.

  4. The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove

    A quiet classic for balconies, spa time, and pretending Miami is a little calmer than it is.

Where to Eat

Restaurants

  1. Nuna

    Nina and Barron's pick for a polished Peruvian (Nikkei) dinner in Miami. Sister restaurant to Mayta — Chef Jaime Pesaque's restaurant in Lima, which ranks 39th on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list. Make sure to get the Wagyu Nigiri, Arroz con Mariscos, and the Cacao for dessert.

  2. Ghee - Wynwood

    Nina calls it the Dishoom of Miami. Not the most traditional Indian food, but it will hit the spot. You must order the Dosas and the Yellowfin Tuna Bhel.

  3. Zak the Baker

    Nina's favourite brunch spot with regionally famous bread. Def go early or book a reso — it can be a bit of a wait, but it's worth it. Do not sleep on the Salmon Chorizo; it will change your life.

  4. Walrus Rodeo

    Unique contemporary wood-fired cuisine, old world wine, interesting cocktails, relaxed hospitality, and a good time for all.

  5. Carbone Vino

    Nina believes Carbone is worth the hype, so you're in luck because the iconic brand has a Coconut Grove location.

  6. El Bagel

    Nina's pick for bagels in Coconut Grove, legendary local joint conveniently across the Mayfair House. Choose this over hotel breakfast.

  7. Chug's Diner

    Cuban-American diner energy for cafecito, brunch, and a very good little reset. Nina loves the Guava Iced Coffee.

  8. Honourary Fort Lauderdale Mention: Larb Thai-Isan

    Worth the travel to experience the best Thai food in North America at none other than Larb Thai-Isan. Truly something you will dream about forever — expect a 1–2 hour wait with no reservations available.

Where to Wander

Things To Do

  1. Ride The Wind Airboat Tours

    Nina and Barron say this is a must-do: Captain Randy's private airboat ride to go meet the alligators.

  2. Stroll through MiMo Neighbourhood

    Check out Caracas Bakery, stop at Uptown 66 for lunch, and browse vintage shops like Fly Boutique and UmaLu Vintage.

  3. Wynwood

    Once a district of industrial warehouses, now, one of the world's largest open-air art installations and home to the Wynwood Walls. Check out Zak the Baker — go early — and Ghee Kitchen while you are there.

  4. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

    Historic house, formal gardens, and one of Miami's prettiest places to wander dramatically.

  5. South Beach & Ocean Drive

    This is what everyone outside of Miami thinks Miami is. Known for all of the hotels on the beach. Worth a neon little stroll if it is your first time in Miami, but do not eat here; the food is usually mediocre and overpriced.

  6. Sawgrass Mills Luxury Outlets

    A serious outlet-shopping field trip in Sunrise. Nina loves it, which is the review.

  7. Miami Design District

    Home to Art Basel. You will find high end shops, galleries, public art, and elite people-watching in the wild. Definitely worth walking around and be sure to stop by Kith Treats.

Please check hours, reservations, and availability directly before you go. Miami likes to keep everyone on their toes.