The Barnacle

Old-world hideaway on Biscayne Bay
Noteworthy for: Despite being in the middle of Coconut Grove, many people never question what's behind the grand double doors, making this perfect for a quiet escape from frantic Florida life.

Word to the wise: You can come here for a yoga class by the sea each Monday and Wednesday at 6pm.
Built in 1891, The Barnacle is the oldest house in Miami, and the centrepiece of the 40 acre Barnacle Historic State Park. Harking back to a Florida before hotels, high-rises and holiday-makers, this piece of natural history is one of the last remnants of the tropical hardwood hammock that was the original landscape of the state.

Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of the area's pioneers, built the two storey wooden structure from his own boats, and it has now been transformed into a museum stocked with Munroe's personal belongings like a 19th century time warp. After taking a guided tour of the grounds, roll up to the bar overlooking Biscayne Bay, and enjoy a cold one from one of the patio’s rocking chairs.