The Barnacle Historic State Park

Beautiful park and a fascinating, important piece of Miami history. Tour of grounds and house takes about 45 minutes. A nice excursion after brunching in the Grove.

Came here while we were waiting for a table a cross the street. What a nice find this was. Not a lot of places like this in Miami. You can go in for free but there is a $ 2 entrance fee if you want to go in further. Would suggest stopping by if you’re in the area.

The Barnacle leaves a lasting impression as one Miami’s and South Florida most iconic glimpse into its past. It’s amazing that the Munroes actually lived there until the 1970’s. The property is mostly as it was over 90 years ago. The architecture is simply stunning and worth noting as it is quintessential example of pioneer homes in the south florida area.

Charming little historical park by awesome bars restaurants and shops in the grove. Park says it’s the real Miami, lots of cute historical references of native flora. It’s nice to pop in here on a hot summer day as the pathways are cool and shaded. It opens up into large lawn for picnics or perfect if you have a dog to let him/​her run here. It ends up at an old marina. So in one tiny park you have history, shaded walks, open fields and water. When you leave you can head over to green street for drinks and a bite, it’s right across the street.
We just stumbled in here looking for a place to walk our dog while we waited for a table and we were pleasantly surprised.
Highly recommend this as a after meal stroll or to pass time while waiting for a table.

Miss the opportunity to step back in time and you miss South Florida as it was before the interstate and masses of snowbirds.
It’s a special place well worth an hour of your time.
Catch the house tour and you can feel like a railroad baron at the sea’s edge.

This park is easily becoming one of my favorites because of its prime location and events! It’s located right in Coconut Grove with a view of the bay — it’s a hidden gem.
They have a $ 2 dollar donation entrance fee per person. Sometimes there’s just a box but the last times there’s been an actual ranger. I think it’s worth it to just relax and enjoy the view of the weather is nice.
It’s across the street from Greenstreet Café (park in the same lot) so it’s perfect to walk off the cinnamon roll pancakes! There is plenty of walking between the entrance and the actual park — but it’s beautiful with gorgeous plant life all around.
I’m always checking what’s going on at the park now! Their jazz nights are wonderful and recently they hosted Shakespeare in the Park. Great venue for events and weddings, it’s gorgeous.

Free drum circle 1^st Saturdays right in front. Starts 8pm-​ish & goes until whenever. All types of instruments there for all to play (it doesn’t matter if you don’t know– the energy is so positive & welcoming you’ll just wing-​it). Probably enough instruments there for triple the amount of ppl there (and there was a lot of ppl) — love their preparedness. Also, most of the time there’s ppl dancing/​performing in and around the circle too– and there’s things to use for that available– hula hoops, ribbons, bellydance belts, glowing swingy ball things, etc. All ages & pets welcome– you could just feel the love all around and everyone was so kind & helpful. I’d say it was at least a ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ blend of regulars and new ppl that were walking by and got sucked into the awesomeness (me). So you won’t be a weirdo or stick out like a sore thumb if you just show up next week. Ppl also watched from a super distance and that was cool too– so you could play it off like a pedestrian and see everything from the sidewalk & keep it moving to your usual grove spots if it’s not your thing (unlikely– but I know some ppl get nervous going new places). Most likely you’ll end up like me: I went to the farmers market to get vegetables, ended up walking past this thing, stopped, was curiously watching, some friendly person smiled and suggested I play the drums so I did, then some performer saw I liked the beat and waved me over into the dance circle and the next thing I know I was in there performing for like an hr. Good times, it’ll happen to u too. ;-P Btw supposedly they have a fb page Coconut Grove Drum Circle & it’s been going on for years.

Love this place. Very well kept. A hidden gem in the grove. Perfect for picnics and families.

I love this place… Great for photography. You can really get a feel of what it was like to live here more then a century ago.

Miami’s oldest originally placed standing home. A great place to see what Miami looked like before all the Chicos and Chongas took over. Some nights they open up for jazz nights and cock fights (one of those is a lie)
Pro tip — when it starts to cool down, the large open front yard facing the bay is ideal for a picnic.

If you’re a history buff or just like exploring the natural wonders of Miami, the Barnacle is definitely worth a visit. Built in 1891 and located on Biscayne Bay, the Barnacle, a waterfront property, was the home of Ralph Middleton Munroe, one of Coconut Grove’s pioneers. Because Commodore Munroe loved designing yachts, there is a boathouse (built in 1887 and actually his initial home, before building the large bungalow that one now associates with The Barnacle), where you can see the materials used in building boats, and even a small boat inside. There is also a marine railway on the grounds (aka a boat launch) where the property touches Biscayne Bay.
The Barnacle, one of the oldest houses in Miami-​Dade County, sits on about 40 acres, and survived the disastrous 1926 hurricane and Hurricane Andrew in 1992 with only minimal damage. This may be because it was built at 18 feet above sea level, which prevented wood rot, thanks to the pilings that lifted the house, allowing air to circulate. Two-​story porches shielded the home’s walls from the sun’s direct rays. Much of the interior was built with the much-​coveted Dade County Pine. The family lived at The Barnacle until 1973 when it became a state park. Many people come here after strolling through the grove to meditate, sit around and chat, have picnics, or just walk the grounds, while enjoying the bay views and breezes.
The road into this historic site from busy Main Highway passes through a forest of tropical hardwood hammock. In the 1920’s it was an example of the original landscape within the limits of Miami. Today, it is one of the last remnants of the once vast «Miami Hammock.» It remains very much untouched since Commodore Munroe’s era.
Admission to this park consists of the honor system: there is an envelope in which you put in $ 2 and drop it into a small box with a slot. You can tour the inside of the home as well, though self-​guided tours of the inside are not permitted. Guided tours of The Barnacle are available Friday to Monday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. The park is closed on Tuesdays. The tour fee is $ 3.00 for adults; $ 1.00 for children ages 6 – 12; free for 5 years and under. Tickets may be purchased at the park office.
In addition to being a historic attraction, it is home to many events, such as movie nights for kids during the school year, and moonlight concerts for families or adults (
). They also hold Yoga by the Sea on certain weekday evenings, which is $ 15 per class — a great way for locals to stay in shape. Their events calendar, for those interested, can be found on this link:
. Volunteering opportunities are always available as well.

Beautiful but boring.
This is a nice place to take a stroll and take in the sights. It’s very beautiful and calm.
With that said, it didn’t take more than 30 minutes (walking leisurely) to finish with the park.
If you are hoping to see a lot, like I had been misled, this isn’t the place to do it. If you are looking for some peace and quiet in the middle of the city then this is your place.

This is a very special place. Anyone with a knowledge of yachting history would recognize Ralph Monroe, known more affectionately as «The Commodore» whose theories of the shallow draft sharpies are still widely discussed.
Many years ago, there were no highways to get here and the ocean was the primary route. Monroe was one of the early settlers of old Dade county. Anyone interested in the history and settlement of this area, I highly recommend the book «The Commodore’s Story». Monroe was a very worldly man with an engineer’s mind. The boathouse he built after the great hurricane was re-​built using great engineering principles and was designed to let the front and back walls blow out during a storm but leave the structure standing. Monroe never lived to see that design work, but it did work, in recent times.
One of Florida’s most important historical sites, in my opinion.

After a Sunday brunch at Greenstreet, I couldn’t help but notice that I’ve passed by this park nearly a gazilion times but had never gone in.
Putting jokes aside, I feel like The Barnacle is Miami’s own Narnia. True, there are no talking animals or battles but this park is magical!
Whenever you want to get away, this is the place to go and get a glimpse of Old Florida. Time is not of the essence when you visit here. Come and enjoy the breeze, bring your camera for some beautiful photos and embrace the history that I will not entertain you with.
It might just be one of my favorite spots. :)

While walking near the bustling Cocowalk in Miami, I stumbled across this wonderful Florida State Park. It has a short trail through the original coastal habitat called a Hammock. Once you enter into the open space of the park, you will come across several buildings that have maintained their standing despite several massive hurricanes hitting them.
The story of the original Coconut Grove/​Miami settlers, the way they lived and the engineering they used to survive is a tale not often told in the history books. Let this park open your eyes to it and then enjoy the relaxing, lapping waters of the bay, which is just steps away from you.
As an aside, you will also find several wonderful festivals that take place here, and outdoor yoga classes too.

Came here for the Mad Hatter Festival, not really what I expected because it was on a rainy weekend. Still had a blast. Very beautiful. The path going towards the back was amazing. The water view was great.
Played jumbo chess on the grass. Tried my first hungarian cinnamon roll. Saw one of the babe old friends. Took a whole lot of pictures. Saw a lady draw on the sidewalk path. Laughed at the jokes. All in all I had fun.
Sadly, we didn’t do the tour because it was close.

My husband and I found this place after having brunch on Sunday. We were walking around the Grove window shopping and such and we happened to see the entrance so we wondered inside to check it out.
I’m really happy we did. It is a smaller park but once you follow the path to the back its so beautiful. It ends right on the water and you can see the beautiful sailboats float on by. Its a great spot to pack a picnic and just chill out watching the afternoon pass you by.
There is an old house from the 1890’s there also. Everything was closed when we got there but from what we read on the information booklets there is a tour available and there are several events that take place here as well.
I took an events calendar and will likely come back, if not for an event, then definitely with my husband, our bikes, and a packed picnic.
Its absolutely lovely.

Happened upon this little jewel after eating breakfast at the GreenStreet café across the street. Quiet and quaint state park right on the water! Its a a beautiful place for an afternoon picnic!
There weren’t any rangers the morning we were there, but it seemed they have lots of local events throughout the year and tours of the old house.

The park is small but nice, a truly historic & architectonic jewel in the area of Coconut Grove, I had a lot of expectations about the gardens, maybe was expecting for more Flowers or tropical plants. Staff is very nice

Park Ranger Dee Barry truly made our experience at the Barnacle great. We arrived too late for the last tour but she took it upon herself to lead an impromptu tour through the boat house and main house of Commodore Munroe, one of the founding fathers of Coconut Grove.
We learned the boat house was made from the wood of one of his ships, the Ingrid. And the second floor of the house was originally the first floor. He expanded to accommodate various relatives who came to stay with him. These facts and other fascinating details were told to us by Ms. Barry with flair.
When you first stroll in, you are greeted by a collection box requesting at least a couple of bucks. For $ 2, you get a great view of the bay and so much local history? How cool!
It was somewhat sad though to see the developments on both sides of the Barnacle but at least these last 5 acres are preserved as a state park.