Ranked No. 2 on Amazon's list of the 20 most romantic cities in the U.S. for eight years in a row, Miami is no longer just a place for bar-hopping and clubbing. The area has evolved into an arts and culture, foodie and leisure destination. With the many offerings, there are plenty of indulgences for a romantic rendezvous.

Take advantage of the turquoise, pristine waters and miles of white sand and pack a picnic and head to South Beach, catch the sunset, go boating or paddleboard. Surprise your special someone with a sunset cruise along Biscayne Bay or get dressed up for a fancy night out on the town at Red Fish Grill or La Mar, one of the most scenic restaurants offering magnificent bay and ocean views with fresh seafood to spark romance.

Get lost in the tropical oasis of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens or Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, both popular venues for weddings and special occassions. Go ahead and impress your sweetheart with these romantic, memorable date ideas.

With year-round sunshine, sunbathing should be considered a sport in Miami. Surrounded by warm, blue waters leading into ocean breezes, the beaches have long been Miami’s top attraction. Yet there are those that would rather cool off and go for a dip at some of the swankiest pools that can only be found on South Beach. 

Many of these coveted destinations allow people who are not hotel guests and locals the opportunity to experience their tropical retreats combined with limited promotions, pool parties, spa treatments, day passes or dining at their signature eateries. 

Let us help you uncover the tricks and tips to experience the most sought-after swimming pools and get ready to work on your tan all summer.

Mondrian South Beach

Surrounded by plush daybeds and ivy-covered cabanas, vibrant gardens and hammocks hung from palm trees, guests at Mondrian South Beach can take advantage of one of Miami’s most coveted poolside spots.

The main swimming pool, designed by Marcel Wanders, offers unbeatable views of the bay and city skyline. The pool area and chairs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with hotel guests receiving first priority. Nonguests can enjoy the pool and day beds daily for a minimum food and beverage purchase of $50 per person. Spa treatments, cocktails and a special menu by chef Dustin Atoigue are also amenities available poolside.

On the weekends, the Mondrian South Beach opens its doors to the public and holds lounge-style pool parties with a relaxed reggae vibe and renowned South Beach DJs.

The Standard Spa, Miami Beach

The Standard Spa, a bit off-the-beaten-path on Miami Beach's Belle Isle, is a dreamy spot on the water with views of Downtown Miami and the neighboring islands. 

This boutique spa hotel boasts an infinity pool with underwater sound system so even when you are underwater you can hear the music. Book a spa treatment of at least $150 or purchase a day pass (Mo-Th $75; Fr-Su $150) for access to the pool, garden, steam room or hammam areas.

Nautilus South Beach

Designed by famed architect Morris Lapidus in the 1950s, Nautilus South Beach, with its beach-house design, offers an unpretentious atmosphere.

Among the boutique hotel’s main draws is the heated saltwater pool and teak deck steps from the beach open from sunrise to sunset. Similar to The Standard, the pool features underwater sound speakers to keep the music thumping. Lounge in style by reserving one of the eight private cabanas priced at $250-$350.

Another way to enjoy this glorious pool is by visiting on Saturdays from 4 to 9 pm for the hotel’s “Hello Sailor” pool party. Chill poolside with guest DJs, frozen cocktail specials, light bites, and sun and fun.

The Villa, Casa Casuarina

Perhaps the most extravagant and stunning pool belongs to The Villa, Casa Casuarina.

During Gianni Versace’s $33 million renovation in 1992, he built the amazing 54-foot-long Million Mosaic Pool, lined with thousands of glittering 24k gold tiles. This literal crown jewel is adorned with mosaics inspired by Versace’s “Marine Vanitas” collection and features ornate nautical patterns and mythological motifs including two-tailed mermaids and Poseidon, god of the sea.

If you are not lucky enough to be staying here, catch a glimpse of this work of art by dining poolside at the Villa’s top-notch restaurant, Gianni’s. With a mouthwatering menu of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, your meal will shine as brightly as the gold tiles of the Million Mosaic Pool.

Delano South Beach

This 14-story hotel was transformed into a destination resort by design superstar Philippe Starck in the 1990s. And its centerpiece was the pool. Considered the Delano's outdoor lobby, the pool’s most iconic and photogenic element is the wrought-iron table and chair found in the shallow end.

For the ultimate seaside retreat, you’ll want to book a poolside bungalow, accented with custom furnishings, a private patio, rainfall showers and the best part—the pool is just steps away.

If staying at Delano is not in the travel plans, join them for “Privileged Sundays,” a weekly pool party from 2 pm to sundown. Locals and travelers alike can revel in Delano South Beach’s luxurious pool, plush daybeds and private cabanas while indulging in poolside spa services by and tunes by artist Nate Ryan and special guests.

No matter the season travelers can stay fit, healthy and beach-ready any time of the year while in the South Florida sunshine. With average temperatures in the 80s, it's always bikini season and time for exercise and wholesome food.

Cold-pressed juices, organic smoothies, gluten-free baked goods and kale—formerly associated with alternative hippie-types—these salubrious snacks have become mainstream staples. Here are South Florida's top restaurants serving healthy, on-trend fare. 

Della Test Kitchen

Located amid the artsy Wynwood neighborhood at the food and events hub, The Wynwood Yard, Della Test Kitchen offers a selection of nutrient-dense vegetarian bowls.

Create your own customizable meal in combinations like local favorite, the Mediterranean with brown rice and chickpeas, sweet potatoes, kale, crunchy raw roots and hummus, topped with the kitchen’s own sweet citrus tahini sauce (a.k.a. orange sauce). Top it off with raw roots and herbs straight from their garden. There are also desserts, smoothies and breakfast bowls on the menu. 56 NW 29th St., Miami.

DIRT

This Miami Beach quick-serve concept is where clean eating, flavor and style coalesce. With indoor and outdoor seating and cool architectural design, this chic dining spot offers nutritious fare for any dietary requirement.

DIRT's varied menu provides many options for vegans, vegetarians, paleo and gluten-free diners at price points anyone can afford. Classic sandwiches on fresh bread or collard wraps include quinoa-crusted crispy fish po’ boy and harissa-spiked hummus with shaved cucumber, tomatoes, haricot vert, pickled carrots and extra virgin olive oil. 232 5th St., Miami Beach, 305.239.3000

Green Bar & Kitchen

This vegan and GMO-friendly café aims to bring wholesome eating to another level. The menu at Green Bar & Kitchen features several creative, vegetarian dishes including the GBK burger with brown rice, quinoa, chickpeas, roasted vegetables on a burger bun, cool dairy-free desserts and a healthy dose of raw mac and cheese and fries. Open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. 1075 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, 954.533.7507.

Grown

This health-oriented fast-food eatery by former Miami Heat player Ray Allen and his wife, Shannon (creator/executive producer of “The Pre-Game Meal” television cooking show), provides “real food, cooked slow, for fast people.”

In a nature-filled space, Grown serves a wide selection of locally sourced, organic dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with cold-pressed juices, smoothies and fair trade coffee and teas. Anticipate egg dishes and gluten-free blueberry pancakes in the morning, followed by sandwiches and bowls including customizable picks such as free-range chicken, grass-fed brisket, Mexican corn and roasted garlic Brussels sprouts. 8211 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami, 305.663.GROW

Market 17

Travelers recommend Market 17 as a place for a good meal without the hustle-and-bustle of other establishments. Find them just off 17th Street prior to going over the bridge (if you are heading east) and right next to the Convention Center.  

It's a classy place with a unique farm-to-table organic menu that is ever-changing to highlight what is in season and the unique flavors that Fort Lauderdale has to offer (expect a lot of seafood variety). The fish and seafood are caught by fisherman, the meat and poultry produced by ranchers, and the produce provided by farmers. All dishes are prepared from scratch daily, using traditional French techniques. In addition to the food, the restaurant has one of the most outstanding wine lists with over 350 international wines and counting. 1850 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, 954.835.5507.

Myapapaya Juicery + Kitchen

There are gems hiding in Fort Lauderdale as is the case of Myapapaya, the city's first cold pressed juicery and fresh kitchen. This health-minded cafe with housemade juices offers deliciously all-natural cuisine. The creative and ambitious "eat happy" menu includes a combination of robust organic breakfast dishes (breakfast bowls, omelettes and one-skillet plates) served from 8 am to 10:30 am to sandwiches, salads and small-batch soups for lunch. 1040 Bayview Drive, Fort Lauderdale, 954.338.5651. 

Plant Food + Wine

Following in the footsteps of his ground-breaking Venice, California raw restaurant, vegan virtuoso Matthew Kenney branched out to Miami for the second outpost of Plant Food + Wine. The airy restaurant—set in the wellness emporium the Sacred Space—offers globally inspired takes on plant-based fare like kelp noodle cacio e pepe, beet and avocado tartare, and a tasty flora artisanal cheese board. Vegan weekend classes are available at the onsite institute. 105 NE 24th St., Miami, 305.814.5365.

Zest

Chef and restaurateur Cindy Hutson and partner Delius Shirley, from the famed Coral Gables restaurant Ortanique on the Mile, have expanded north for their latest concept. Zest located in Downtown Miami builds on Chef Hutson's famous global flavors in an inventive menu that features curried octopus with golden rise pilau and root beer braised heritage pork belly. Pick up a quick healthy meal on the go from Zest MRKT, open weekdays for breakfast and lunch. 200 S. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305.374.9378.

In a letter to Abigail Adams (July 3, 1776), second President and Founding Father John Adams wrote that Independence Day "...ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games ... bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of [the] continent to the other ..." 

And Miami definitely lives up to those expectations, with spectacular fireworks displays—big and small—lighting up the night sky, delicious barbecues that bring the heat, concerts from rock to pop and even Latin music, and lots of red, white and blue. Here are some of our favorite places throughout the Miami area, to welcome summertime and celebrate America's Independence. 

Adults-Only Parties (21+)

America's Birthday Bash: The city of Miami's official party includes live music, food and drinks, children's activities and one of the largest fireworks displays in the city overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay. Budweiser sponsors the fête and serves up draft beer at six different locations throughout Bayfront Park. Remember to get to arrive early for great parking and easier access. Most activities start at 2pm. Free admission. 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305.358.7550.

Pool Party at Conrad Miami: Enjoy a rooftop pool party, two complimentary glasses of beer, wine or sparkling Chandon Brut/Rose, BBQ fare and beats by DJ Bryan Peroni. 12-5 pm. $45. Discounted $10 valet parking. RSVP on Eventbrite. 1395 Brickell Ave., Miami, Florida. 305.503.6500.

Celebration BBQ and Pool Party: Celebrate the nation's independence at the chic Nautilus South Beach, where the flags will be waving and the sparks flying for a day of fun by the pool. 1-9 pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through Eventbrite. 1825 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida. 305.503.6700. 

July 4th with 103.5 The Beat: The Majestic Group and the radio personalities from 103.5 The Beat come together to host an all-out July 4th party at Wynwood's Brick House. 4 pm-12 am. $10 tickets. 187 NW 28th St., Miami, Florida. 786.970.7403.

IndepenDANCE July 4th Beach Party: Miami's true homegrown celebration of red, white and cool, returns to the sands of the world-famous Nikki Beach for what will be an amazing day and evening featuring the best DJ talent from around the world. Noon-5 am. One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida. 305.538.1111.

Dinner Cruises

4th of July Yacht Party: Party aboard a yacht on a three-hour cruise in downtown Miami hosted by Luxe Yacht Charters, because there is no better place to be in Miami than on the water. Enjoy a delicious barbecue buffet, hot dogs, assorted desserts and the Miami sounds from Latin to EDM. $30-$65 tickets. 1635 N. Bayshore Drive, Miami, 305.619.2555.

Island Queen Cruises July 4th Dinner Cruise: Hop aboard the Biscayne Lady luxury yacht for the 10th annual Fourth of July dinner cruise with unlimited buffet, full open bar and an amazing fireworks display by the City of Miami. 7-10 pm. $125. Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida. 305.379.5119.

Family-Friendly Events

Coca-Cola Presents Miami Beach Fire on the Fourth: This free, all-day festival steps from the white-sandy beaches features food trucks, music, yoga on the beach and ends with fireworks lighting up the sky. 9 am-9 pm. Free shuttles available from 11 am to 10 pm from the North Shore Bandshell Park and 42 St./Sheridan Ave. 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida, 305.672.5202. 

Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade and Fireworks: For 57 years, this traditional parade with marching bands, red-white-and-blue floats and other entertainment has provided hours of patriotic entertainment as it winds down Crandon Boulevard, from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive. Parade kicks off at 11 am at 19 Harbor Drive, Key Biscayne, Florida. The Kiwanis Picnic on the Village Green follows the parade with fireworks at 9 pm. 

The Barnacle Old Fashioned 4th of July Picnic: Looking for an ol' fashion picnic that hearkens back to frontier life? Head to The Barnacle Historic Park in Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood for traditional festivities. Bring your own picnic or buy hot dogs, burgers and drinks onsite while you play games, crafts and join the fun in the scavenger hunt. 11 am-4 pm. Adults $5; children 6-12 $3; children under 6 free. 3485 Main Highway, Miami, Florida, 305.442.6866. 

CocoWalk's Independence Day: Beginning at 3 pm, guests can enjoy live music and fun things to do for the entire family including face-painting, an appearance by Lady Liberty and of course, the annual hot dog eating competition from this outdoor shopping mall in the heart of Miami. See the fireworks at nearby Peacock Park. 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, Florida, 305.444.0777.

Race to the 4th at Homestead-Miami Speedway: Last year this event attracted more than  20,000 guests and this year is expected to draw even more. An all-ages event and a community tradition for those in the southern part of Miami where you can get your groove on to local bands, midway-style amusement rides and rock walls for children, food trucks and vendors, games and a fireworks display. 6-10 pm. Free. 1 Ralph Sanchez Speedway Blvd., Homestead, Florida, 305.230.5000. 

City of Hialeah's Annual Independence Day Celebration: Experience Latin culture and the vibrant city of Hialeah at its annual family-friendly Independence Day celebration. With the 19.2-acre sports complex in the City of Hialeah as the backdrop, expect an evening of music by Cuban trio Los 3 de la Habana and DJ Nancy Starr. Bring blankets to enjoy the spectacular firework show on a 20 ft. state-of-the-art video screen in sync with music, lasers and light. 6 pm. Free admission. 4800 Palm Ave., Hialeah, Florida, 305.889.5701. 

July 4th Fireworks Celebration at the Biltmore Hotel: The City of Coral Gables' official celebration will entertain revelers with a concert by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band, food trucks and colorful fireworks. Grounds open at 5 pm, concert at 7 pm and fireworks show at 9 pm. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, Florida, 877.683.3559.

Fireworks Watch Party: Bring the kids for a beachside view of the fireworks at North Miami Beach's Oleta River State Park. From 7:30 pm to 11 pm, you'll enjoy food, DJ music, games and more. General admission $40; kids (12 years and under) $15. 3400 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, Florida. 786.274.7945.

July 4th Fireworks at Aventura: The City of Aventura hosts its annual patriotic aerial display 9 pm. You won't have a bad seat from any spot you pick along Country Club Drive. If it rains, the city will reschedule the fireworks for July 5th at 9 pm. 19200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida, 305.466.8900.

Beach & Barbecue: Celebrate America’s birthday Faena-style on Independence Day at Faena Hotel Miami Beach with crystal blue water and live music by the Spam Allstars—the nine-piece hip hop, Latin, funk and electronica band. Guests will enjoy an asado at Los Fuegos including four courses from Chef Francis Mallmann’s signature menu, along with unlimited house wines, mimosas and Absolut Elyx bloody marys. Adults $150, children $55. 3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 305.534.8800.

Soar over the city in a helicopter tour and see the sights in a whole new way.

Take a food tour to learn about Miami’s Latin culture and try a “cortadito,” a “café con leche” or a “Guarapo.”

Explore South Beach by renting a cycle from Citi Bike and you’ll also beat the area’s traffic.