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.
This 1916 beautiful, historic mansion set on lushly landscaped formal gardens with Mediterranean-Renaissance architectural courtyards and loggias, is definitely worth the visit. Ideally, plan for a full-day to wander the gardens, see the exhibits inside the home and grab a bite at the café overlooking Biscayne Bay.
It is all about "amore" at this Tuscan fine-dining spot with ocean views and authentic Italian cuisine. Be prepared for a long night of incredible food and an ever-changing wine list. Expect perfection in service and a menu of the finest dishes including chicken liver pate, charred baby octopus, Maine lobster, homemade pastas and more.
What is considered more romantic than a 19th-century opera? The Florida Grand Opera, one of the oldest and most prestigious opera companies in the U.S., presents some of the most beloved operas from Puccini, Mozart and Bizet from Nov.-May at the Arsht Center in Miami or Broward Center for the Performing Arts Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Set amid a lush tropical garden complete with waterfalls and elaborate tikis, the southernmost winery in the U.S., Schnebly’s, offers tropical wines for an exquisite wine tasting. Choose from their sweet avocado , guava, lychee or coconut. If you prefer a cold beer, the winery owners also house a craft brewing company onsite.
As the old saying goes, "the way into a man's heart is through his stomach," this is also true for women. So exploring Little Havana, South Beach and Miami's Wynwood neighborhoods on a food tour sampling their tastiest dishes, sounds like a winning combination to win your companion's affections.
Chihuly sculptures, rare tropical plants, butterfly and humminigbird exhibits abound in the conservation and education-based garden venue. Walk the garden paths to reach the romantic Amphitheater, the Garden House, sunken gardens or arboretum. All perfect places to snap selfies to remember your romantic getaway.
Dine under the stars at the Red Fish Grill for scenic views of Biscayne Bay and the freshest seafood. Located within a county park, Matheson Hammock lures adventurous diners who travel the dark and winding road to reach the waterside seafood restaurant in a former coral rock beach pavilion. Open for dinner only.
Your sweetheart will forever remember an experience cooking and learning behind-the-line with master Chef Gaetano Ascione of the new Spasso restaurant in Coconut Grove. These fun hands-on classes offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays end at the Chef’s Table where you can savor the food you've cooked and enjoy a glass of delicious wine.
No trip to Miami would be complete without the requisite visit to Miami Beach. Renovated in 2014, the park and pier open sunrise to 10 pm every day, offers visitors a bevy of outdoor recreation activities from fishing, biking, picnicking or those seeking to relax, de-stress and simply watch the waves crash on the shore.
A short drive south from Downtown Miami is the city of Coral Gables (also called the "City Beautiful"), a charming, historic area filled with top spots for shopping, dining and culture. Stroll the business district known as "MIracle MIle" to find casual and fine dining, live entertainment, boutiques and specialty shops.
When Gaston Acurio, the ambassador of Peruvian cuisine and owner of one of the world’s “50 Best Restaurants,” looked to expand to Miami, he set his sights on the waterfront at the Mandarin Oriental Miami on Brickell Key. Here, the chef creates modern renditions of traditional dishes including an extensive list of ceviches.
This bayside escape in Palmetto Bay was once the home of its industrialist namesake—Charles Deering. It's a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike looking to explore the nature preserve, exhibits and architecture. The estate also hosts orchestras, an annual seafood festival as well as regular moonlight and garden tours.
Sip handcrafted cocktails prepared by James Beard award nominated mixologists at an off-the-beaten path watering hole. Adorned with twinkling Christmas lights year round and boho chic furniture, drinks are concocted with elixirs, syrups and infusions from the bar's outside garden, and other exotic ingredients from around the world.
Experience Miami from the water on a sunset cruise aboard a 40-foot catamaran. Sail away from Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami and wind down to the Rickenbacker Causeway for a first-row seat to the most spectacular sunset and star gazing on a clear night. Cruises available Saturdays and Sundays at 5 pm.