Miami’s oldest neighbourhood, once a counterculture hang in the heady 1960s, is now a charming hub for shopping, food, and nightlife.

Storied and lively, Coconut Grove is one of Miami’s most distinctive regions. Established in 1925, "The Grove" is the oldest neighbourhood in the city and a hotspot for the arts and entertainment. Stroll down the historical Charles Avenue, stop in at high-end boutiques and cafés, and mingle with young locals in one of the area’s well-loved bars and clubs.

Coconut Grove spent the 1960s as a Florida hub for the counterculture movement. It was here that Jim Morrison, lead singer for The Doors, was arrested after his concert at Dinner Key in 1969. The Grove today is a little more straight-edged, especially on the popular CocoWalk, a high-end mall where you will find a range of shops and restaurants as well as a cinema. Still, the area boasts a happening nightlife, as students from nearby universities converge on its many bars and clubs.

Seek out the charming Charles Avenue for a walk back through history. Formed by Bahamian settlers in the late 1800s, this is one of Florida’s oldest streets. As you stroll its length, take your time to admire its narrow rectangular shotgun houses, along with its cemetery and its churches. If it begins to look familiar, that’s because Michael Jackson filmed the legendary Thriller music video here.

Stop at the Villa Vizcaya, an established museum that used to be a private home. Take a look around its lovely formal garden, designed in the Italian Renaissance style.

Coconut Grove is a fine place to stop for a meal at an open-air café or restaurant. Try to visit at the same time as one of the annual food and wine festivals, such as April’s Great Taste of the Grove and the Goombay Festival in June.

A diverse schedule of cultural events take place in the Grove every year. Come in February to see the three-day Coconut Grove Arts Festival, when hundreds of artists show off their work in a beautiful setting. The King Mango Strut, a satirical parade that takes places on the last Sunday in December, depicts and usually pokes fun at the major events of the year gone by.

Coconut Grove is located in between Coral Gables and Biscayne Bay, some 15 minutes south by car from the downtown of Miami. It is easily accessible by car or with the Miami Metrorail.