With abundant sunshine, pristine white sands along 1300 miles of coastline, wildlife reserves, and cosmopolitan cities, Florida is ideal for a romantic couple’s getaway. Stroll hand-in-hand on the beaches as the turquoise waters lap your toes, take in the beauty while sipping Key Lime mojitos, watch for dolphins together, explore intriguing history, and perhaps dance the night away in a trendy club.
The Sunshine State is also home to many luxury resorts where you can unwind together with massages and linger over a candlelit dinner for two. I especially like hotels with hot tub in room in Florida – being able to soak together in the warm, soothing waters adds an extra-special touch. If you head to Key West, I highly recommend the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, which has Jacuzzi tubs and ocean-view balconies.
No matter where you decide to stay, these destinations are some of the top picks for romance-seeking couples, adding an extra spark to all the fun.
Amelia Island: Best for a Luxurious, Celebratory Getaway
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Easily accessed by one of two bridges, Amelia Island is only about 35 miles north of Jacksonville, while providing plenty of opportunities for romance, making it ideal for a celebratory getaway like an anniversary. It’s home to 13 miles of sandy beach, with more lively stretches with a wide range of facilities like Main Beach and secluded stretches for more privacy in Fort Clinch State Park. A sunset horseback riding excursion that includes galloping on the sand while brilliant colors fill the sky is especially romantic, and there are a myriad of other outdoor activities as well, including cycling and golfing.
In downtown Fernandina Beach, you’ll find lots to discover, including a historic district with a diverse array of impressive architecture, including Queen Anne, Italianate, Gothic, and Victorian. Many house art galleries, unique boutiques, and restaurants, often with menus focused on fresh, local seafood. Take relaxation up a notch by heading to one of the many lavish spas and staying in a luxurious resort like the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
Key West: Best for a Caribbean Vibe
The Florida Keys start just south of Miami, stretching over 180 miles from the southern tip of mainland Florida to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S. With 1,700 islands that have Caribbean appeal without the need for a passport, it’s my favorite place to visit in Florida.
The scenery alone in Key West provides a beautiful backdrop for romantic escapes, but those who want to get more active can swim, snorkel among colorful fish, or dive to a sunken wreck. Dolphin watching, champagne sunset sailing trips, and guided kayaking tours are just a few of the other possibilities. It’s the perfect opportunity to burn the calories after indulging in a few slices of key lime pie. There’s plenty to explore along the downtown streets too, particularly famous Duval with colorful buildings home to art galleries, quirky shops, seafood eateries, and iconic bars hosting live music, like Sloppy Joe’s and the Green Parrot Bar.
Those who have any interest in history or literature shouldn’t miss a visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the author resided between 1931 and 1961. Tours of the Spanish Colonial home that include stories of Hemingway’s life are available, and there is also an enchanting pool where gardenias bloom at the edge. As you wander through, you can’t help but come across some of the nearly 60 six-toed descendants of Snow White, Hemingway’s former cat.
St. Augustine: Best for a Beach Escape with a Dose of History
One of the best places in Florida to visit for couples who are interested in history is St. Augustine, founded in 1565. There are many ways to get a glimpse of its past while strolling the charming cobbled streets, including historical re-enactments, castles, military forts, and more. The famous Castillo de San Marcos is the crown jewel, built by the Spanish in 1672. Visitors can witness the cannon and musket firing demonstrations, see the Old Jail where criminals were held, and walk the walls holding the memories of centuries-old battles.
St. Augustine is also popular for its beaches, with Crescent Beach one of the most unspoiled stretches of coastline, with often empty white sands. At Vilano Beach, you can rent Sea-Doos or take part in many other activities like parasailing. Wildlife lovers won’t want to miss the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. It houses various rescued and exotic animals such as tigers, lions, jaguars, leopards, wolves, and bears.
Sanibel Island: Best for Nature-Loving Beachcombers
One of the most beloved islands for beachgoers in Florida, Sanibel is renowned for its seashells, as the Shelling Capital of the World. People come from across the globe to scour the sands here every morning with so many potential treasures to discover along the shore. The Gulf Coast barrier island has a banana-like shape that allows it to catch more than most beaches, including over 250 different types from the Caribbean.
Lovers Key State Park is an obvious choice for couples, spanning two miles for shelling, sunbathing, and swimming. While out on the water, paddleboarding, canoeing, or kayaking (rentals available), keep an eye out for manatees and dolphins. Speaking of wildlife, you might want to cycle through the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge to watch for alligators and nearly 250 different bird species, including raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. The city of Sanibel hosts local shops, eateries, and exclusive resorts, so you’ll have everything you need for a memorable getaway.
Insider tip: If you plan to go shelling, aim to go about two hours before low tide when the water is receding, exposing more of the beach. You can often find shells in piles of seaweed left by the high tide.
Palm Coast: Best for Golfing & Spas
Sandwiched between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, Palm Coast is home to 19 miles of cinnamon-hued sands where one can laze away the day, surf, or fish the Atlantic. Paddleboarding, boating, and fishing are available on the Intracoastal Waterway from multiple locations, including Waterfront Park. Eco-tours are popular along the Palm Coast, bringing the chance to explore the ecosystem, including estuaries and marshlands that are inhabited by all sorts of wildlife, including dolphins, alligators, West Indian manatees, and five species of sea turtles.
Like to golf? The Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course at Hammock Beach Resort & Spa plays six holes right along the Atlantic. Plus, those who appreciate gardens can visit Washington Oaks State Park with 20 acres of formal gardens, preserving the original habitat of a northeast Florida barrier island, complete with reflection ponds. After a day on your feet, you’ll find luxury spas throughout the area – perhaps for a couple’s massage?
Tarpon Springs: Best for a Greek-Infused Escape
The small town of Tarpon Springs is the place to go if you want to experience a bit of Greece right in Florida. Located on the Gulf Coast about 30 miles from Tampa, it’s home to the country’s largest population of Greek Americans, with significant Greek influence throughout. Known as the Sponge Capital of the World, it was the excellent sponge diving that drew many Greeks here. You can learn more about its sponging history and the Spongeorama and The Sponge Factory.
Greek cuisine is easy to find in Tarpon Springs, with many restaurants at the Sponge Docks serving authentic Greek dishes, and some host music and dancing as well. The downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places with 19th-century buildings housing antique shops, specialty stores, and art galleries for browsing or buying.
South Beach, Miami: Best for Celeb Spotting & Trendy Nightlife
Located in the heart of Miami, South Beach is one of the city’s most famous neighborhoods, renowned for its pastel-painted Art Deco architecture, its people watching, and high-energy nightlife. Of course, the star of the show is the beach, where people come to sunbathe, jet ski, snorkel, sail, paddleboard, and more. It’s an outstanding spot for watching dolphins, with a wide range of boat tours available for close encounters.
South Beach has practically an endless list of entertainment options beyond the water as well, including beach parties and a wealth of trendy clubs for fun after dark. As you dine at one of the sidewalk cafes, keep an eye out for the many celebrities who like to vacation here too. You never know who you’ll see!
Panama City: Best for Outdoor Adventurers
With 27 miles of powder sugar-like sandy beaches, there’s plenty of space for sunbathing together in Panama City, along with a wide range of activities on land and water. Take a leisurely stroll to soak up the beauty of the sea, hit the hiking trails at St. Andrews State Park, or rent a bike to explore the coastal paths. Or take the shuttle to Shell Island. This undeveloped barrier island is perfect for a romantic picnic, snorkeling, and searching for seashells.
For an extra-special experience, consider a Panama City Beach helicopter tour, providing a bird’s-eye view of the sparkling turquoise waters and some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins swimming below. At the end of the day, you can watch the sun go down on a dolphin sunset cruise or from the SkyWheel. Pier Park is an entertainment and shopping hub that is transformed into a hotspot for nightlife in the evening.
Venice: Best for Treasure Hunters
One of the top things for couples to do when visiting Venice is to search for fossilized shark teeth that have washed up on the pearly, white sand beaches. However, it’s hard to beat a romantic sailing excursion, with scenic tours, dolphin watching, and sunset cruises just a few of the options. Of course, you can always do both!
Just a few of the other good options for couples include horseback riding at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve, exploring the beautiful Mediterranean-style architecture in the historic downtown area with many charming shops, and dining on local seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants like Sharky’s on the Pier. The pier is a great place for watching a colorful sunset, or you can watch the sun go down from any one of the picturesque beaches.
Naples: Best for a Mix of Culture & Beach Activities
Renowned for its world-class arts and culture, outdoor adventures, upscale shopping, and fine dining, there’s plenty for couples in Naples. You might explore the modern and contemporary art collections at the Baker Museum and wander through the palm-lined historic downtown area, with many chic clothing boutiques and art galleries. If you want to marvel at magnificent displays of flora and fauna, head to the Naples Botanical Garden.
With the city located along the Gulf Coast, it has some excellent beaches, like nearly three-mile-long Vanderbilt with white sands and opportunities for water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. The Naples Pier is an iconic spot for dolphin watching and fishing. To discover the vibrant underwater world, visit Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, with a reef accessible directly from the beach.
Siesta Key: Best for Lazy Days & Barefoot Beach Walks
Located off the coast of Sarasota, Siesta Key is known for its glistening white sands. The eight-mile-long barrier island runs along the Gulf Coast and is known for its sands that are made up of quartz. That means they not only look stunning under the Florida sun, but they also have the unique ability to stay cool. Siesta Key Beach is frequently ranked as the country’s most beautiful stretch, lapped by dazzling cobalt waters. While simply walking barefoot on it is a romantic thing for couples to do together, you can also parasail, snorkel, swim, or take a dolphin-watching tour.
Afterward, you’ll find lots of beach bars for unwinding with a tropical cocktail, dining on island-inspired dishes, and listening to live music. With a free trolley, it’s easy to access all the shopping and dining venues in Siesta Key village.
Everglades National Park: Best for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Covering 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical preserve in the country, with landscapes made up of swamps and mangroves that are inhabited by diverse wildlife. Airboat tours are available that allow visitors to float through the swamps while watching for the alligators to come to the surface. It’s best to visit between November and April, when temperatures are more comfortable and skies are often sunny. With less rain, the wildlife can often be seen at the watering holes, increasing the odds of spotting not only alligators, but also egrets and pink roseate spoonbills.
If you like to canoe or kayak, Florida Bay, Flamingo, Turner River, and Halfway Creek are good options for paddling through the mangrove swamps. Along the Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail, you can witness a wealth of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and dolphins.
Delray Beach: Best for Small Town Seaside Fun
Delray Beach may be a small town, but it packs a punch when it comes to things for couples to do. It was even named the “Most Fun Small Town in America” by Rand McNally/USA Today, in part for its collection of pretty beaches that are popular for kayaking, surfing, and sailing.
Be sure to take a stroll through the Japanese-inspired landscapes at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, designed as a living exhibit with six gardens including bonsai trees, ponds with turtles, bamboo groves, and lush grass where green iguanas sun themselves. The main museum is a center for Japanese art and culture.
Destin: Best for a Foodie Beach Getaway
A jewel on the Emerald Coast, Destin is home to postcard-perfect beaches with sugary sands lapped by crystal-clear blue waters. You could easily spend your days basking in the sun along the shore and toasting to gorgeous sunsets over the Gulf in this serene atmosphere. But you might want to combine relaxation time with outdoor adventures like snorkeling and paddleboarding.
HarborWalk Village is a hub on the waterfront for boating excursions, shopping, dining, and entertainment, but no matter where you go here, you’ll find a booming culinary scene. There are casual beachside eateries as well as intimate, upscale restaurants with waterfront views. Many have outdoor seating for a meal on a warm evening with a gentle sea breeze.
St. Petersburg: Best for Young Couples Who Want it All
If you’re looking for a destination with a long list of activities and attractions, St. Petersburg is well worth considering. St. Pete Beach is a Gulf Coast gem just minutes away, voted No. 1 in the U.S. by TripAdvisor readers. The country’s longest stretch of undeveloped public beach, there’s plenty of room for strolling or just tossing down your towels. Plus, the chalk-white sand is edged by shallow, aquamarine water, providing surreal beauty to gaze at and many different watersports, like SUP, parasailing, kayaking, and jet skiing.
In town, you can visit the Salvador Dali Museum, check out the incredible glass works in the Chihuly Collection, sip cocktails from a rooftop bar, and go clubbing after dark.
Matlacha: Best for an Authentic Old Florida Vibe
If a small town, Old Florida vibe, and a vibrant arts community sound enticing, consider Matlacha. While it’s been devastated by hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, the storms can’t take away what’s at its heart, and things are coming back together, providing visitors with the chance to help support this beloved town that bursts with color.
Admire the works of art in the Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens, browse the candy-colored shops, and immerse yourself in nature by paddling the Calusa Heritage Trail. You can learn more about Matlacha at MOTI, the Museum of the Islands. Afterward, indulge in fresh seafood at one of the outstanding local eateries.
Tips for Couples Planning a Visit to Florida
- Book your accommodation early as the most romantic resorts can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season (mid-December through April). Keep in mind that while you can often find discounted rates during the off-season, it’s important to consider the weather, including the possibility of hurricanes between June and November.
- Don’t overschedule. Leave room for some spontaneous moments and time for relaxation while keeping a few key activities in mind, such as a dolphin watching tour or sunset cruise.
- Make it extra-special by booking a room with a private Jacuzzi tub. You could even surprise your significant other by adding rose petals.
