Romance in Miami… It has a certain ring to it, don’t you think? Maybe it’s the rhythm of the word, which ebbs and flows like the tide at South Beach. Perhaps it’s the fact you can find the letters for ‘Miami’ in the word ‘romantic’. Or is it just that the sun, sea and surf are so conducive to courtship?
Whichever tenuous segue rings most true with you, there’s no denying that right now, we’re in the midst of the month of love. Accordingly, you’re probably looking for the perfect romantic getaway. Well, the magic city is a great place to visit any time of the year, but it’s especially romantic in February.
From viewing art at Wynwood to boat riding in the Biscayne Bay, there is something here for every type of romancer to indulge in.
Whether you and your significant other want to take a break from life and just relax in Florida’s most famous city, or if you’re keen to discover new experiences together, the following activities will help you celebrate romance in the city that never sleeps. Here are 7 of the most romantic things to do in Miami.
GO SHOPPING IN SOUTH BEACH
South Beach has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Miami, and it’s also a great place to shop for romantic gifts for your loved one. South Beach has one of the highest per capita sales of intimate apparel in the country, and the high sales make it one of the most popular destinations for Valentine’s Day gifts in the U.S.
What’s more, SoBe is strategically located in Miami Beach, with all of it publicly accessible, connected conveniently by public transport, and providing plenty of parking opportunities, too. Simply head north through Miami Beach and cross the Haulover inlet; the beach will be on your right.
And what a place to savour romance and inflame passion, with the salty sea air and golden sands the perfect aphrodisiac. Should you have forgotten to buy a gift to up the ante of romance (the ‘rom-ante’?) then you’ll be pleased to hear you can send flowers in Miami to South Beach itself. What a wonderful surprise that would be!
EXPLORE THE FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN
Located just two blocks from Mall of the Americas, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is perfect for lovers who adore being around their favourite plants, frolicking in nature, and roleplaying Adam and Eve (but with a little more modesty than just a leaf, we should add!).
Here you can admire the botanic garden’s 18,000 orchid plants in the four greenhouses, take an art tour, play mini golf, or go to their Nature Path Observatory for a planetarium show.
Make sure you visit the Butterfly Garden at Wings of the Tropics, as part of the Clinton Family Conservatory, where you can see exotic butterflies and their striking colours in full flight. Perhaps your heart will flutter a little, too?
TAKE A BOAT RIDE
As we’ve already said, there’s something about the air in Miami that encourages a romantic, care-free spirit. One of the best ways you can savour this atmosphere is by going on a romantic cruise in Miami on an open-air boat, where you can see the beautiful views of Biscayne Bay as you enjoy the waters. Some cruises also take in Millionaire’s Row and various celebrity homes, as well as the Flagler monument and its Memorial Island, as well as the iconic Miami skyline thrown in for good measure.
Even more romantic, we think, is to take a boat cruise after dark, when the moonlight shimmers off the water just so, and the mood is sultrier and even more seductive.
VISIT THE WYNWOOD WALLS
It’s no surprise that the art scene in Miami is thriving; the city has a restless, creative soul. At Wynwood Walls, the non-profit community art space founded by Enrique Reyes was opened back in 2008, you can check out the works of over 50 artists, helping you discover the artistic side of Miami.
You can find sculptures, large murals and mixed-media pieces as well as a sculpture garden at the Wynwood Art District. Best of all, it’s a great location to take pictures with your significant other or take selfies that say ‘’I love you’’ without necessarily spelling it out.
VISIT THE EVERGLADES
With one of the largest wild lands in the United States, the Everglades, located in Miami-Dade County, is as beautiful as it is unique. Just a thirty minute drive west out of Miami, in the national park you can take a guided canoe or kayak trip through the swamps to experience the natural beauty of the Everglades. Be sure to pack your camera as you’ll have a chance to see different varieties of birds, as well as Florida wildlife such as alligators, tarpon, and egrets.
The fun doesn’t stop with animal spotting; it’s also home to several adrenaline raising water sports, including canoeing, kayaking and white water rafting. And after all that excitement, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Everglades is home to plenty of luxury resorts, perfect for you to enjoy some downtime with your significant other.
DRINK CHAMPAGNE ON THE WATERFRONT
Celebrate a special moment or simply have some fun at a happy hour venue on Miami’s waterfront for the ultimate romantic evening. There are plenty of rooftop bars and restaurants that offer a fabulous view of Miami’s sparkling waters, some good, some not so good and some truly great.
In that latter camp and overlooking Miami River, we just love the Wharf, which is as famous for its food trucks as it is its booze and views. We also love Kiki on the River, which serves up Greek dishes that chime so perfectly with the sunlight twinkling off the water.
In terms of Miami’s best beachside bars, the Broken Shaker, housed in the Freehand Hotel, does some of the finest cocktails in town. Even better, we think, is Sweet Liberty in Miami Beach, whose lobster roll sliders (served during every day’s happy hour, from 4pm until 8pm) have gained something of a cult following in the city. Stay, of course, for some of their expertly crafted cocktails. Ours is a Miami Tap Water, please barkeep.
SPEND THE DAY WITH YOUR LOVED ONE AT FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH
A half hour’s drive north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the most enchanting places in all of Florida, famous for its beautiful pink sand and even more beautiful regulars. Couples can spend a romantic day at this stretch of beach in relative privacy compared to Miami proper’s busier stretches of sand, making this an intimate, romantic getaway from the always-on nature of the city. Bliss!
Planning the perfect vacation? Check out these 4 beginner’s travel tips for Florida, USA.