Miami is so much more than just sunny beaches and swaying palm trees. This sultry, colorful city oozes passion, flair, and romance around every corner.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Stroll on Ocean Drive | Explore Art Deco District and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere. |
| Dinner on the Beach | Romantic dining on South Beach with sunset views. |
| Salsa in Little Havana | Experience Cuban culture and dance salsa. |
| Visit Vizcaya Gardens | Wander through Italian Renaissance-style gardens. |
| Dance on South Beach | Enjoy the nightlife and dance clubs. |
| Rooftop Bars | Sip drinks with views of downtown or the ocean. |
| Art Deco Romance | Explore the retro flair of South Beach’s Art Deco neighborhood. |
| Moonlit Beach Walk | Romantic stroll on the beach under the moonlight. |
| Vintage Car Ride | Tour Ocean Drive in a classic car. |
| Sunset Catamaran Cruise | Sail into the sunset on a catamaran. |
| Paddle at Sunset | Kayak or paddleboard at sunset for serene views. |
| Deering Estate | Explore the lush gardens and historic estate. |
From moonlit walks on the beach to cozy cafes, Art Deco neighborhoods to Little Havana’s salsa beat, Miami offers countless romantic things for couples to do.
Take a stroll down historical Ocean Drive
Name and Location: Ocean Drive is the vibrant center street running parallel to Miami Beach’s iconic shoreline in the Art Deco District of South Beach.
History and Significance: Flanked by historic hotels in shades of pastel pink, coral and mint, Ocean Drive evokes Miami’s glamorous heyday from the 1930s through 1950s as a tropical destination for the rich and fabulous, now preserved and celebrated for romantic nostalgia.
What to Expect: Hand-in-hand couples can dream about Miami’s dazzling past while gazing at the lavish architecture and neon-lit facades along this pedestrian-only stretch before stopping for cocktails in a swanky lounge.
Visitor Information: Ocean Drive is open to the public 24 hours but hotels, restaurants and bars vary hours. Parking available in nearby garages and lots. The beachwalk is public.
Ocean Drive is the heart of Miami’s most romantic neighborhood – the stunning Art Deco District. Hand in hand, wander past the beautifully preserved pastel buildings, each with their own story behind the iconic facades. Stop to admire the neon lights and fun, flirty vibe as you people watch from a sidewalk cafe. Ocean Drive comes alive at night, setting the scene for romance.
Savor an intimate dinner on the beach
Name and Location: Multiple Miami Beach hotels like the Fontainebleau, 1 Hotel South Beach and The Setai offer romantic beachside dinner packages for couples featuring gourmet menus, candlelit tables, flowers and spectacular sunset views across the Atlantic over Miami’s sparkling shoreline.
History and Significance: As an iconic global destination famed for its alluring coastal scenery, Miami Beach sets the perfect scene for cherishing special occasions or stealing private moments together while enjoying refined cuisine.
What to Expect: Bespoke multi-course dinners or surf-and-turf platters artfully presented by attentive staff at an intimate table setup across Miami’s powdery sands make for once-in-a-lifetime romantic experiences certain to provide lasting memories.
Visitor Information: Advanced reservations required at host hotels usually 48 hours ahead. Packages cost around $100-500 per couple including food, service and table decor. Gratuities and drinks separate. Ages 21+.
For the ultimate romantic dining experience, Miami’s South Beach offers many restaurants right on the sand. Kick off your shoes, feel the soft sand between your toes, and toast to your love as the sun melts into the ocean. Popular spots like Smith & Wollensky provide candlelit wooden tables and palm-frond umbrellas spread out right on the beach. Arrive in time to catch the sunset over Miami’s famous lifeguard stations.
Sway to salsa beats in Little Havana
Name and Location: Little Havana south of downtown Miami sees a vibrant Latin culture unfold amid Cuban restaurants, markets, clubs and mom & pop coffee shops all with salsa music filling the air especially along the main Calle Ocho strip.
History and Significance: Settled as influxes of Cuban immigrants came to Miami, Little Havana now celebrates those heritage roots as the soul of the neighborhood through cuisine, music, art and traditions still passed to new generations. Visiting couples gain an authentic culture experience.
What to Expect: The rhythms draw couples into open-air dance as they appreciate the smells of sizzling Cuban dishes, the sounds of rapid Spanish conversations and glimpses of locals playing dominos while strolling through this spirited ethnic enclave.
Visitor Information: Historic Little Havana lies just west of Miami’s downtown. Hours vary but days active, safe to visit. Street parking available. Mojitos and salsa await!
Miami’s Cuban neighborhood, Little Havana, serves up flavors, sights, and sounds that will get your heart racing. Hold hands as you explore the Latin American markets and art galleries before trying some authentic Cuban cuisine. After dark, the real fun starts on Calle Ocho (8th Street). Salsa music spills from the clubs and bars, locals demonstrate their best moves on the sidewalk, and the very air pulses with an exciting tropical vibe.
Wander through romantic Vizcaya Gardens
Name and Location: The sprawling Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark Estate, sits bayside at 3251 South Miami Ave on over 50 acres with Italianate architecture and immaculate landscape gardens at the edge of downtown Coconut Grove.
History and Significance: Built in 1916 as the private winter home of businessman James Deering, Vizcaya’s opulence evokes long-gone Gilded Age splendor amid a subtropical paradise, today inviting lovebirds to get lost wandering the villa’s art-filled rooms before dreaming secretively amid the property’s abundant sculpture gardens, vistas and fountains.
What to Expect: Love is truly in the air at Vizcaya for couples to admire one another under ornate iron arches wrapped in vines, whisper sweet nothings within open-air grottos decorated in seashells or steal a subtle first kiss on a marble bench surrounded by arrangements of lush blossoms.
Visitor Information: Vizcaya is open daily 9:30am-4:30pm with entry tickets from $22 per person. Main house tours run from 10am-3:30pm timed every 20 minutes. The gardens remain open until 5:30pm for after-hours strolling.
Transport yourselves back to the early 20th century as you explore the elaborate Italian Renaissance-style villa and gardens that is Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Marvel at the opulent interior and fine artwork before heading outside to get lost amid the orchids, fountains, labyrinths, and vine-covered pergolas in the 10 acres of formal gardens. It’s easy to imagine yourself a character in a period romance novel when wandering Vizcaya hand-in-hand.
Dance the night away on South Beach
Name and Location: South Beach, technically Miami Beach south of Dade Blvd, contains dozens of bustling bars and nightclubs many geared around dancing from EDM to Latin beats open into the late night especially along touristy Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue.
History and Significance: As an epicenter of Miami’s world-famous nightlife offered across Greater Miami, couples and partygoers have flocked to South Beach’s sultry lounge scene since its heyday taking off in the 1980s to dance and mingle within trendy Art Deco establishments radiating sensual energy.
What to Expect: Dim clubs with flashing lights see dancers gyrate and move closely entwined to thumping DJ beats and rhythmic Latin grooves fueled by Cuba Libres and other cocktails currently through the wee hours as venues stagger last calls. Don’t forget to people watch!
Visitor Information: Legal clubs are 21+ and require club attire to enter while some bars and lounges are 18+. Cover charges vary. Ride shares recommended for safety. High energy nightlife awaits nightly!
What’s more romantic than partying the night away locked in each other’s arms? South Beach’s nightclubs are the stuff of legends, where you can dance until dawn with both locals and visitors from around the world. Head to hot spots like Story, LIV, or Basement for top DJs, shimmering lighting effects, and an electric crowd. Many venues offer outdoor areas to get some air and special VIP packages for a truly memorable experience.
Toast at a swanky rooftop bar
Name and Location: Trendy rooftop hotel bars across Miami like Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel Miami offer al fresco sky-high views, craft cocktails and tapas alongside poolside atmospheres to take in magnificent city sightlines.
History and Significance: With year-round tropical weather, rooftop revelry has long defined Miami’s glitzy social scenes affording well-heeled patrons blue water horizons and pink-hued sunsets framing Art Deco skylines as places to see and be seen while couples connect privately against grand backdrops.
What to Expect: Toast passionately over playful libations and shared bites from guacamole to ceviche between both of you while positioned stories above bustling streets, stealing intimacy as the Magic City’s beauty unfolds panoramically at magic hour when bold hues paint the evening clouds.
Visitor Information: Various chic hotel rooftop bars operate evening hours only for ages 21+ with cocktail prices ranging from $15-25 plus food menus. Advance reservations can be wise for top locales. Updated dress code enforced.
Miami has no shortage of rooftop and sky lounge bars, many with postcard-perfect views of downtown or the ocean. Dress up and share champagne and cocktails as the sun slowly sets over the Magic City, then cuddle close under flickering candlelight over dinner. Some of the hottest romantic rooftop bars include Sugar at East Hotel in Brickell, Rooftop at 1 Hotel South Beach, and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s new Rooftop Bar & Lounge.
Go back in time for Art Decoromance
Name and Location: Hundreds of preserved Art Deco buildings from the 1930s-40s commanding Miami Beach’s Architectural Historic District between Ocean Drive and Lenox Avenue offer couples glimpses of the destination’s bygone glamour era.
History and Significance: Before skyscrapers lined the beach, Miami’s command of tropical resort charm blossomed through itsjan heyday of preserved hotels, apartments and theaters with nostalgic neon lighting and sleek facades still evoking Gatsby-esque reverie for duos to get lost in vintage romantic imaginings along signature streets.
What to Expect: Wandering couples admire the symmetrical designs, glass block details, chrome trims, curvaceous edifices and signature accent hues from seafoam to coral that comprise the world’s largest collection of 20th century resort architecture full of charm and coastal glitz.
Visitor Information: Miami Beach’s historic Art Deco District spans South Beach’s eastern side running above Dade Boulevard. Explore by foot to appreciate preserved buildings now housing boutique hotels, shops and restaurants.
South Beach’s iconic Art Deco neighborhood provides endless inspiration for romance with its retro flair. Couples can time-travel back to Miami’s Golden Era of the 20s-40s with activities like a wardrobe fitting and professional photoshoot in vintage clothing at Better Days Vintage. Explore the neighborhood’s unique architecture and hear stories behind the facades on an Art Deco Walking Tour. Or laugh through a cheeky entertainer-led show at The Gold Dust Burlesque cabaret, a real hidden gem.
Bask under the Miami moonlight
Name and Location: Numerous hotels across Greater Miami boast scenic pools shimmering under moonlight, allowing couples opportunities for late night dips surrounded by palms, cabanas and in some cases even fire features adding ambiance.
History and Significance: Given South Florida’s eternal sunshine and sultry nights, hotel swimming pools that stay open 24 hours provide after dark oases for couples to rendezvous discreetly while soaking up tropical splendor.
What to Expect: Magic stirs poolside through dim mood lighting and perhaps light lounge music for enamored couples to submerge within refreshing waters locked in embrace and hypnotized by passing clouds streaking moonlit skies overhead in beautiful escapes from urban energy.
Visitor Information: Night swimming varies by hotel from family resorts to adults-oriented. Be respectful. Security monitors for safety. Hotels like Delano, 1 Hotel South Beach, The Setai Miami Beach or The Standard Spa Miami Beach offer upscale poolscenes.
A moonlit stroll along Miami Beach hand-in-hand is the ultimate romantic scene straight from a movie. The year-round warm weather makes evening beach walks ideal. Pack a basket of wine, cheese, fruit, and other picnic goodies to nibble on as you wander and dip your toes in the water. Set out blankets and cushions on the sand to recline under the stars. If lucky, in certain seasons you may even catch moonlit views of baby sea turtles hatching and scurrying to the ocean.
Ride like royalty in a vintage car
Name and Location: Several Miami operators like Up2drive offer private couples tours chauffeured in impressive fully-restored vintage cars to scenic areas across the city including South Beach, Key Biscayne, Little Havana and Coconut Grove with custom routes available.
History and Significance: Allowing retro couples’ adventures evoking Miami’s glory days, curated vintage car tours add nostalgia while exploring iconic attractions or neighborhoods from UNIQUE rides representing automotive history, ideal for classic car lovers and old Hollywood romance seekers to feel glamorous.
What to Expect: Imagine cruising boulevards cuddled closely in a cherry red 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible, white leather 1955 Ford Thunderbird or sleek black 1967 Lincoln Continental with drivers detailing bits of local history while creating your own as dashboard confidants.
Visitor Information: Typical rates around $100-250 per couple per hour with custom tours accommodated. Advance reservations ensure cars and drivers are secured as offerings remain exclusive.
Cruising Ocean Drive in the back of a vintage convertible feels like traveling back to another era. Treat yourselves to a bit of luxury with a classic car sightseeing tour in an immaculately restored vehicle. Companies like South Beach Vintage Tours offer Packards, Cadillacs, and more – ideal for special occasions like proposals or anniversaries. Most provide complimentary drinks to sip as you glide along taking in all the iconic Art Deco sights.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Name and Location: Sunset sailing cruises aboard catamarans shove off nightly from several marinas across the Greater Miami area bound for Key Biscayne or exclusive private sandbar destinations revealing unparalleled tropical water vistas under the evening sky.
History and Significance: Given South Florida’s awe-inspiring broadcasts of color at dusk from the Atlantic’s horizon coupled with balmy weather allowing boats to stay on calm waters after dark, sunset catamaran trips provide quintessential romantic escapes for couples surrounded by only seabirds, waves and boundless beauty.
What to Expect: Cuddle closely on cushioned benches while popping champagne and watching a giant orange orb sink slowly into turquoise shimmering seas, stealing kisses amid only Mother Nature’s orchestra until a glowing lavender blanket drapes the night sky illuminating lovers’ faces.
Visitor Information: Multiple companies offer sunset cruises from locations across Greater Miami from 2-4 hours generally leaving around 4 pm and costing $40-100 per person. Check individual outfitter policies for boarding times, injcluded provisions and boarding locations.
A dreamy way to spend a romantic evening in Miami is a peaceful catamaran cruise sailing off into the sunset. Many companies offer sailing charters perfect for couples, with options like gourmet catered dinners, onboard massages, and local musicians. Laugh, chat, and lose yourselves in each other’s eyes as the pastel sky fades to starry night and the City of Miami twinkles across the bay.
Paddle into the Sunset
Name and Location: Guided paddling tours from locations across the Greater Miami region like Hollywood Beach, Aventura and Coconut Grove utilize transparent kayaks or paddleboards to experience ocean sunsets, skyline silhouettes and even bioluminescence glowing in waters after dark.
History and Significance: As Miami’s tropical backyard meets the Atlantic, enchanting sunsets have long drawn admirers to its shores including intimate adventurers slipping softly into balmy waters aboard slender comment to witness dusk’s masterpiece unfold dynamically from a privileged perspective.
What to Expect: Gentle strokes propel couples towards the fading light as guides position paddlecraft to enjoy unbroken sightlines westward across shimmering ripples revealing a fiery painting sinking below skyscraper shadows before glittering blues engulf voyagers capped by the moon’s silver glow.
Visitor Information: Most tours last 1-2 hours either evening or after dark if viewing biofluorescence in wakes. Rates around $50-100 per person. Glow paddling seasons vary. Check requirements for ages, health fitness and reservations.
Miami has many magical places to watch the sunset, but none so idyllic as from a kayak or paddleboard. Rent your vessels to launch just before dusk and gently paddle out across the peaceful waters by golden hour light. Companies like Miami Watersports Complex on Watson Island Beach or Kayak Miami provide rentals. Or join a sunset paddle tour for a guided experience. Then drift along tranquilly into the painted sky reflection as daylight gives way to twilight.
Stroll hand-in-hand at The Deering Estate
Name and Location: The Deering Estate is a resplendent 444-acre county park positioned along Biscayne Bay at 16701 SW 72nd Ave in the Miami suburb of Palmetto Bay, just south of Coconut Grove.
History and Significance: Originally the Richmond Cottage built in 1896 for wealthy industrialist Charles Deering, the property later amassed to overhaul the house into a glamorous Italian-style stone villa in 1922, evoking bygone eras through architecture and tranquil gardens.
What to Expect: Meandering dirt paths traversing tropical foliage down to the estate’s private beach lead couples past the imposing villa onto wooden boardwalks looping through mangroves where affections flow freely immersed inside nature’s sanctuary.
Visitor Information: The Deering Estate is open daily 10am-4pm with a small entry fee and free parking. Extended evening hours offered seasonally across special event calendars perfect for stealing romantic moments.
This resplendent 1920s Stone House estate is set within lush tropical gardens that roll down to the shores of Biscayne Bay. Over 443 acres, nature and history combine to create a deeply romantic atmosphere perfect for couples. Escape the city as you wander through wooded trails, canopied pathways, vine coverings, and secret gardens – just the two of you. The imposing Stone House itself is also fascinating to explore before settling down for an alfresco picnic overlooking the glittering bay as a gentle breeze caresses your cheeks.
With its intoxicating mix of Latin flair, Art Deco glamor, swaying palms, and scarlet sunsets over turquoise waters – Miami truly inspires romance. The endless options for romantic couples ensure the Magic City works its magic, bewitching all who visit. So if looking to fall in love all over again… Miami beckons.