Things to Do
As Jenny's hometown neighborhood and Miami's oldest neighborhood, history and heritage echo through Coconut Grove. The combination of chef-driven restaurants, charming sidewalk cafes, chic boutiques, lush parks (The Kampong, Kennedy Park, Peacock Park, The Barnacle), and a glittering shoreline decorated by sailboats make it a destination brimming with scenic serenity and natural splendor. It also happens to be the Coconut Grove Arts Festival during our wedding weekend!
Coconut Grove is a great place to run as there are miles of beautiful tree-lined streets and water views. Run along the Bayshore Beauty Route, connecting Peacock and Kennedy Parks. Another route is The Old Cuter running trail. It is a scenic paved running route that follows the historic road through neighborhoods like Coral Gables and South Miami to Matheson Hammock Park and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Keep an eye out for drivers and look both ways!
A local favorite and one of Jenny and Zachary’s go-to spots in Coral Gables. Everything here is delicious, from freshly baked breads to sandwiches and pastries. Don’t leave without trying the chocolate chip cookies (trust us).
A true Miami classic, this family-run spot has been scooping happiness for over 40 years, serving both creamy soft-serve and classic, homemade flavors.
Zachary’s signature dessert move? Sandwiching Whip ‘n Dip ice cream between two Madruga chocolate chip cookies.
Vizcaya is the former villa and estate of James Deering in Coconut Grove. The early 20th century estate captures jaw-dropping European extravagance in an enchanting American context and includes extensive Italian Renaissance gardens, native woodland landscape and a historic village outbuildings compound.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park occupies the southern end of Key Biscayne, near our wedding venue, The Ritz-Carlton. This park includes the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in Miami. The park has more than a mile of beachfront, where snorkeling and swimming is possible. Besides the beach and tours of the lighthouse and keeper's quarters, activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bicycling, hiking and wildlife viewing.
Brickell City Centre is rounded out with a mix of premium and contemporary shops filled with beauty, home decor, jewelry, apparel and much more and is the perfect destination in case you forgot anything! You can also enjoy restaurants, an Italian market, a scenic rooftop bar, a simulated putting experience.