I spent four nights on Grove Isle this fall. I stayed in a friend’s condo in Tower 2. It’s a small, private island off Coconut Grove. Palm trees. Biscayne Bay on all sides. Peaceful, but not boring. I liked it, with a few quirks I’ll talk about.
If you’d like the play-by-play, you can skim my full Grove Isle travel diary for everything from packing lists to my exact walking loop.
For a bit of historical context on how this man-made island came to be (and what’s packed into its 20 waterfront acres), here’s a succinct overview of Grove Isle’s origins and amenities.
For a deeper dive into everything the city has to offer beyond this serene spot, I found Miami For Visitors to be a handy compass for restaurant picks, hidden beaches, and day-trip ideas. That’s actually where I discovered a hands-on bonsai workshop in Miami—a surprisingly zen detour after all the salt air.
First things first: the little bridge
You reach the island by a short bridge off Bayshore Drive. There’s a guard gate. They check your ID and then call upstairs. The guard joked about my New York license. I laughed, because I still had my beach bag on my shoulder.
Tip I learned the hard way: set your ride share pin to “Grove Isle Gate.” My UberEats driver couldn’t get in one night. I met him at the gate in flip-flops while holding a pizza box. Warm, but also windy. Lesson learned.
Morning routine that made me smile
I woke up at 6:20 a.m. each day. I walked the loop around the island. It’s almost a mile if you go around the edge. The bay was glassy. Pink sky. Pelicans dropped like stones for fish. One morning, I saw two manatees near the marina ladders. Slow, gentle, like big gray potatoes. I stood there too long and was late for a Zoom call. Worth it.
The air smelled like salt and fresh cut grass. Also a bit like seagrass after the rain. That’s Miami. You get used to it fast.
The vibe: old-school, cozy, and a little sleepy
Grove Isle has three condo towers from back in the day. The lobby felt friendly. The staff said hi when I walked in with tennis shoes and sand on my legs. The hallways are clean but a bit dated. The elevator was slow, and my phone lost signal inside. It didn’t bug me, but it’s a thing.
There’s a big pool by the water. Chairs were easy to find at 10 a.m. The gym is small, but I got in a solid 30-minute session with dumbbells and a rower. I played doubles on the tennis courts at sunset. Courts were in good shape. I got paired with a retired pilot named José who still has a wicked slice. We lost, but I learned a new serve toss.
Food, or lack of it, on the island
There’s no real restaurant on Grove Isle right now. So plan to eat in Coconut Grove. I grabbed coffee at a spot near CocoWalk and brought pastries back. One night I biked to Monty’s for stone crab and a beer. Ten minutes by bike, tops. Then I rode home slow over the bridge with a full belly and a silly grin.
If you like to cook, the Publix in the Grove has fresh mahi. I pan-seared it in my friend’s tiny kitchen and ate on the balcony while a charter boat drifted past. Simple meals taste better with a view. You know what? I’d pay just for that view.
The not-so-fun stuff
- Construction: On weekdays, I heard construction at the far end where the old hotel used to be. FYI, that activity is tied to the newly finished Vita at Grove Isle condominium project, a seven-story luxury build that was more than a decade in the making.
- Parking: Guest parking is tight. I got a paper pass, but spots near the entrance filled fast after 7 p.m.
- Bugs: Mosquitoes at dusk got me the first night. Bring spray or wear light sleeves.
- Tides and traffic: One morning during a king tide, Bayshore had some water on the edges. I drove slow and was fine, but be ready for puddles in wet season.
- Humidity quirks: Hallways had that “Miami AC” smell. Not gross, just… humid life by the bay.
Safety and little comforts
Security was solid. The gate team was alert but kind. It felt safe to walk at night. Lots of dog walkers. There are bag stations and shady spots under big banyans. I sat there to call my mom. She could hear the wind and asked if I was near the ocean. Close enough, Mom.
Getting around without losing your cool
Brickell took me about 15 minutes mid-morning, 35 in rush hour. Coconut Grove was a quick hop for dinner. I also rode a cheap folding bike everywhere. It beat looking for parking, and the breeze did the rest.
If you paddle, bring a board or ask your host. I borrowed my friend’s board and launched near the marina at slack tide. I saw a jellyfish like a tiny ghost and a blue heron stalking the rocks.
Who would love Grove Isle
- Folks who want calm bay views more than nightlife
- Remote workers who like a morning walk before Slack pings
- Retirees or young families who like friendly, low-key spaces
- Tennis nuts and lap swimmers
Whether you’re traveling solo or planning a “bae-cation,” the island’s mellow vibe practically begs you to share the sunsets with someone special. If the slang itself makes you pause—maybe you’ve always wondered where the term “bae” even came from—take two minutes to skim this fun origin story at JustBang’s guide to the word “bae” which unpacks its pop-culture roots and gives you a quick glossary boost before you drop the word into your next postcard home.
And if you happen to be single and find yourself in Northern California once the vacation glow fades, consider dipping a toe into the Bay Area dating scene at a lively Speed Dating Livermore event where a relaxed series of curated mini-dates lets you meet compatible people face-to-face—no endless app swiping required.
Maybe not for you if you want bars at your doorstep or hate any hint of construction. If loud music, flashing LEDs, and a rolling dance floor are more your speed, consider booking a seat on a neon-soaked party bus through the city instead.
Quick tips I wish I had on day one
- Pin rides to the gate and text your driver fast
- Bring bug spray and a light windbreaker for night walks
- Ask for a fob if you want gym or tennis access
- Plan breakfast and coffee runs off-island
- Walk the loop at sunrise; watch for manatees by the marina ladders
- If you’re noise-sensitive, check weekday construction hours with your host
My take, plain and simple
Grove Isle felt like a secret spot hiding in plain sight. It’s calm. It’s pretty. It’s a touch old-school, with some hiccups that come with waterfront living. But the bay does its magic. By day three, my shoulders dropped, my sleep got deep, and my phone stayed face down during sunsets.
Would I stay again? Yes. I’d pack bug spray and an extra patience card for parking, but I’d stay.
Score: 4.2 out of 5
If you want Miami energy with a soft voice, this island nails it.