Coconut Grove - Miami Hotels .com

In the southeastern portion of the city of Miami lies Coconut Grove, a once bohemian community that was full of character and inviting. Although the bohemian enclave no longer resides here, the Grove, as it is commonly referred to by the locals, is still charismatic and lively as ever.

Sidewalk cafes and open-air shopping are the norm here, while dining by the docks and smelling the salty air is this community's idea of relaxation. It's hard to believe only 4 miles north of here lays the hustle and bustle of Brickell and Downtown Miami.

The Grove is most notorious landmark is Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, the former winter estate for agriculture industrialist James Deering. The villa is done in a North Italian 16th century style and today is used frequently to hold expensive soirées and as the backdrop for many wedding and quinceanera photos.

Dinner Key Marina, a former base for the now defunct Pan Am World Airways, is a very popular 582-slip marina, the largest in Florida. The former Pan Am hangers are now used for boat storage, and the terminal building now houses Miami City Hall.

The dining in the Grove is exceptional. Try the locals favorite Green Street Café, 3468 Main Highway (305-444-0244), is known for its exceptional breakfast menu, which was the only thing served with it first opened back in the ‘80s. Now add to it a fabulous dinner menu and tantalizing cocktails and you've got a Miami institution. Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & LatAm Grill, 3067 Grand Ave. (305-444-0216), serves up mouthful portions of ceviche on ceramic spoons and features a tasty Pan-Latin menu.

If you are checking in at the Grove try The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove, a 5 star hotel near Biscayne Bay. If you are looking for seclusion, stay at The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, which sits on its own private 20-acre island. However, the most central hotel in the Grove is the Mayfair Hotel & Spa, across the street from Coco Walk.