Sunsets, swan boats and spas are just the beginning — Romance is never far away in Florida
Whether it’s a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, your regularly scheduled date night, or a couples getaway — love is always trending in Florida. With easy-on-the-eyes backdrops from the sea to the sand, it’s easy to find romance. From Florida hotels that cater to couples with romance-encouraging amenities and special packages, to fantastical garden concerts under the stars, to swoon-worthy beach, boat or spa days, here’s how to find romance on any budget in Florida.
Romantic Check-Ins In Florida
Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach
Sunny Isles, Florida
One of the most romantic hotels in Florida is Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach in quiet Sunny Isles Beach, a 20-minute drive from Miami’s rowdier counterpart, South Beach. This luxe hotel feels like you’ve arrived at a seaside mansion on the Mediterranean, and the resort tailors its rooms and amenities to couples seeking ultimate romance. Think cloud-like beds, balconies that hover over the ocean, soaking tubs meant for two, and roomy showers with windows that overlook the ocean.
Retreat to the adults-only pool that sits beachside and is fitted with private cabanas, then indulge in a decadent treatment in the private Royal Spa Suite at Acqualina Spa. This stylish oasis is separated from the main spa and boasts an intimate relaxation lounge with Fendi furniture and a mother-of-pearl shower for two. Other romance-inducing perks for couples at Acqualina include beachfront dinners under the stars, and they’ll even pack a five-course picnic that can be enjoyed beachfront. Another perk: They also have a proposal concierge.
Inn On Fifth
Naples, Florida
Spend a romantic weekend in Naples and check in to the sophisticated boutique beauty Inn On Fifth, where, as its name implies, it touts a prime location on the shop-and-dine hub of swanky Fifth Avenue South. Spring for a roomy Club Level suite with a terrace that overlooks the buzzy street and spend happy hour on the club’s rooftop for an incredible sunset. You’ll also love their rooftop pool oasis with fire pits. The hotel spa is offering February specials that cater to romance, such as the “Couples Delight,” where duos are treated to a hot stone massage in an intimate couples suite.
The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hollywood, Florida
While Miami and Fort Lauderdale often steal all the thunder, Hollywood Beach offers so much to do for couples. Picture yourself strolling hand in hand on the palm-fringed Hollywood Beach Broadwalk that weaves along the beach. Sweep away your loved one for a romantic weekend at The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, where the seaside sanctuary is offering the “Romantic Retreat” package through mid-March.
Upon arrival, you’ll be treated to a bottle of sparkling wine and hand-crafted chocolates, and couples booking this package also receive perks like a complimentary room upgrade and late checkout until 2 p.m. Start your romantic getaway with pampering by booking a two-hour spa experience in the private oceanfront lounge, and make a Valentine’s Day reservation at on-property steakhouse Diplomat Prime. Enjoy morning walks on the semi-private beach and hide out in a posh cabana at the oceanfront pool.
Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa
Marathon, Florida
There’s nothing more romantic than the scenic drive to the Florida Keys. Put on a beachy playlist, open the sunroof or roll down the windows to let in the balmy breeze, and soak up the ever-changing views of the clear blue waters. If you’re looking for a romantic place to stay, Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa is conveniently situated in the Middle Keys, an easy two-hour drive from Miami. The sprawling waterfront resort offers some of the most luxe and modern rooms in the Keys, with five pools and a glorious waterfront setting with a beach and spectacular views of the Seven Mile Bridge.
Any time of year, you can catch a Keys sunset dip into the glimmering waters from your balcony. On Valentine’s Day, pair up for special events at the resort like a couples’ scavenger hunt, a sunset paint and sip, and bubbles and stargazing. Get up early the next morning for a guided sunrise bike tour across the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Still in the mood for love? Scroll through more romantic ways to stay and play in the Florida Keys.
Music to Your Ears
From a Valentine’s Day garden concert under the stars to sexy musical settings, some of Florida’s most beloved venues set the backdrop for swoon-worthy date nights. At Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s “Garden d’Amore” event on Feb. 14, start the evening with a tram ride through the garden at sunset, and then settle on the lawn to enjoy music from Cuban-Puerto Rican artist Victoria Blue and Lucia Nunez. Seating ranges from general admission, which means you bring your own blankets or chairs, to reserved seating and tables. Elevate the date night with wine, bubbly and cocktail flights, and there will be food baskets for purchase for the perfect garden picnic.
If you’re celebrating love in Orlando, impress your date with tickets to Judson’s Live, a dark and moody, cabaret-style music space in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts where you can see performers from solo acts to bands of all genres. The space is intimate, which means all the tables have good views (but we suggest booking one of the two-person tables closest to the stage so you can see the performer’s expressions). The shows are only 50 minutes, which leaves time for a romantic dinner before or after the performance.
Treat Your Loved One To A Blissful Spa Day
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not, a spa day is a red-hot gift. For a luxurious pampering session, make a spa date at fancy Florida spas like Spa Oceana at The Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach, where you can’t beat robe time together on the rooftop terrace that overlooks the Gulf.
For an out-of-the-box couples experience, reserve a private room with a two-person beer soaking tub at Beer Spa Orlando. You’ll sip on local craft beers while you soak in a thermal tub filled with a beer concoction that’s loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. There’s also the chance to sweat out toxins in the infrared sauna or relax on a comfy hay bed.
If you’re looking for a spa-cation, check out these top Florida hotel spas.
Sail Away Into The Horizon
There’s no shortage of scenic boat rides or private yacht charters in Florida. If you don’t have the cash flow for a private charter, there are romantic ways to see the waterways without breaking the bank. Have your “The Notebook” movie-inspired moment at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, where you can set off on a leisurely peddle boat ride in a swan-shaped boat.
Watch the real swans glide by as you gaze at the skyline views by the iconic fountain in the middle of the lake. In Fort Lauderdale, known as the “Venice of the America” thanks to its boating lifestyle, reserve a sunset ride with Riverboat Gondola Tours with dinner provided by Casa Sensei. This 90-minute private tour roams through Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, cruises past mansions and oozes romance at golden hour.
Catch An Epic Sunset Together
As Jennifer Lopez sang, love doesn’t have to cost a thing. One of our favorite islands for romance is Anna Maria Island, a barrier island near Bradenton that’s known for its crystal-clear water and soft, sugar-white sand. The island still exudes Old Florida charm, and Bean Point Beach reigns supreme when it comes to capturing an epic sunset. While you won’t be alone at this popular sunset spot, there’s plenty of room on the expansive beach to grab a solo spot with incredible views. Or you could choose to dine at one of the island’s toes-in-the-sand restaurants like Sandbar to watch a picture-worthy sunset.
Another Florida beach worthy of unfurling a towel before golden hour is famous Siesta Key Beach, one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches. When the sunset celebration is complete, stroll the beach and then have dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
Whether your budget is big or small (or even nonexistent), finding romance in Florida is possible for everyone.
