Couple in Miami

Romantic Things to Do in Miami for Valentine's Day

By Katie Sagal

Miami is an incredibly romantic city. Warm weather, breezy beaches, great nightclubs, delicious food – you name it, Miami’s got the perfect date night in store. If you’re going to be spending Valentine’s Day in sunny South Beach, or on another romantic occasion, then you’re probably searching for a few ideas.

Fortunately for you, we've got a few suggestions in mind:

  • Enjoy a day trip to Key West
  • Tour the city's Art Deco district
  • Peruse the Pérez Art Museum
  • Tour Florida's Everglades
  • Dine on world-class cuisine
  • And more!

Embark on a Day Trip to Key West

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Embark on a Day Trip to Key West

Got a whole day to kill? Take a day trip to Key West for an unforgettable adventure on the open ocean. Once you arrive, this remarkable little island has plenty of fun and excitement to offer the adventurous couple. Literary and culture lovers won't want to miss out on the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the iconic author once lived and wrote.

Fans of wildlife should also pay a visit to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which includes a wide variety of natural attractions from real shipwrecks to a large barrier reef. And of course, there are also some charming dining and shopping options available in the Mallory Square area.

Explore the City's Architecture

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Explore the City's Architecture

If you and your partner love arts and culture, you’ve come to the right city. From architecture to fine art and everything in between, Miami oozes creativity and beauty.

Love old buildings? Take a walking tour of Miami’s famous Art Deco district to see amazing sites like historic homes, hotels, office buildings, and more. The tour itself takes about 90 minutes, so it's a nice complement to a larger itinerary.

Miami is actually home to one of the largest collections of Art Deco architecture in the country, so a visit here is a nice opportunity to fully explore the nuances of this distinctive architectural style.

Soak Up Artistic Inspiration

Prefer paintings and sculptures? The Pérez Art Museum is a must-see for you. It’s filled with amazing, internationally and internationally-inspired artwork from predominantly modern and contemporary styles. They often have rotating special exhibits, too, like this year's "On the Horizon," featuring contemporary Cuban art.

Or, if you love architecture and artwork, then you will not want to miss out on a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of the most magnificent buildings in the entire state and truly the most beautiful estate as a whole. Depending on when you take your romantic vacation to Miami, there are also likely to be a number of film or art festivals floating around – like the Coconut Grove Arts Festival that happens annually in February.

Indulge Your Love of the Animal Kingdom

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Indulge Your Love of the Animal Kingdom

Is your loved one a huge fan of animals? There’s hardly a better place to indulge your love for all things furry and scaly than Miami. From the lush wilderness of the Everglades to the expanses of a Saharan-like safari, you can find just about everything for the animal lover in your life.

For those who love aquatic animals, a visit to the Miami Seaquarium is both a great way to show them their favorite critters and to help support their conservation efforts. If you're looking for something particularly special, pay an upgrade fee to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with their dolphins!

If you prefer dy land, then Lion Country Safari is another great option for those who’ve always dreamed of encountering the animals of Africa in a natural habitat outside of conventional zoo boundaries and enclosures. You're sure to get truly amazing photos of the animals here, as they often get quite close to the vehicles.

Enjoy the Beauties of Nature

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Enjoy the Beauties of Nature

Florida is full of natural beauty. From the vast expanses of the exotic Everglades to the warm sandy shores of South Beach, there is a lovely scenic vista to enjoy practically wherever you are. Whatever you do, don't forget to keep your camera or cell phone charged!

Of course, if you just came to Florida to get a taste of gator country, then an Everglades tour is probably your best bet. You'll get to visit South Florida's oldest alligator farm and explore the amazing world of these fascinating creatures. This is also a very family-friendly attraction, so if you're trying to celebrate this romantic holiday with kids in tow, then this is a great option to make everyone happy.

Roam the Beaches

It may seem like a no-brainer, but spend some time outside while you’re in Miami this February! The weather is going to be lovely (and possibly much warmer than where you’re used to), so take advantage of its temperate climate and enjoy a little beach time.

South Pointe Beach and Key Biscayne are typically recommended as having the best views, but there are a ton of other options, too. If you want to be out but the beaches sound too touristy for you, try a walk along the very romantic pedestrian walkway on Lincoln Road. Or, opt for something more active with a bike ride around South Beach.

Hop Aboard a Cruise

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Hop Aboard a Cruise

Hand-in-hand with Miami’s fabulous beaches come Miami’s fantastic waterways. With weather this nice, you have no excuse not to embark on a relaxing (or exciting!) maritime adventure during your trip.

Try a glass-bottom boat cruise to get a glimpse of the luxurious wildlife of the Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Or, opt for a leisurely sightseeing cruise through Biscayne Bay. Whichever style of cruise you prefer, you’ll be able to get a taste for the beauty of the natural world in Miami, plus the fun and exciting architecture you can see from the ocean.

There are also a number of private cruise options that offer the ultimate in romance. One of our favorites is the Island Queen Millionaire's Row Sightseeing Cruise which combines city skyline views with celeb-spotting.

Take a Nighttime Tour of the City

If you're new to Miami and want to see a bit of the city, but hope to do so in a more romantic way, then a night tour seems like a good fit. This option from Big Bus will highlight the sexy and sultry aspects of Miami at night - including the evening illuminations that distinguish Miami's skyline.

Of course, it's also a smart sightseeing opportunity, too, because the tour will showcase Miami's best landmarks and hotspots. It will give you some ideas for what to do the next day, too!

Enjoy World-Class Dining

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Enjoy World-Class Dining

With its decidedly international flair and cosmopolitan vibes, Miami is known for delicious cuisine that’s anything but boring. So while you’re in town, be sure to sit down and enjoy a romantic meal at any of the city’s sumptuous restaurants, whether you’re looking for fresh-caught seafood or some tasty Cuban street food.

If you’re in town nearer to the end of February, check out the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, hosted each year by the Food Network and the Cooking Channel. It’s a fun opportunity to try new things.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of some romantic things to do in Miami, just in time for Valentine's Day. Remember, some of these great options are included on the pass for Miami by Go City®, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with your pass.

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The Stonehenge of Florida

Coral Castle entrance and tower. From museums and aquariums to boat cruises and jungle tours, there are so many things to do in Miami that it is difficult to narrow down the list! Yet there is one lesser known destination that you should add to your itinerary. Most people have never heard of "The Stonehenge of Florida," also known as Coral Castle. Coral Castle, a sculpture garden made of stone, was built by a single man named Edward Leedskalnin. From 1923 to 1951, Edward secretly carved over 1,100 tons of coral rock. This feat is amazing in and of itself, but even more mind boggling is that the process he used is unknown. The website calls Coral Castle "one of the world's most mysterious accomplishments." Apparently, Edward was a small man, weighing just 100 pounds and standing a little over 5 feet tall. In 1940, he would have charged just ten cents in admission to introduce you to his fantasy realm. Interestingly, no one is reported to have ever seen Edward laboring over his stone carving, and Ed himself would say that he knew the secrets of the ancient pyramids. Since his death, scientists have debated his methods for years. For anyone who has visited Stonehenge in England, you know how mysterious and impressive that site is. How did the stones get there? Who moved them, and why? Likewise, if you add Coral Castle to your list of Things to do in Miami, you will leave with just as many questions. Why would a man spend sixty years carving his beloved coral? What inspired him? Was he insane, or just passionate? And where does one draw the line between the two? Today, you can tour the Coral Castle using excellent audio stands, with narration available in English, Spanish, French or German. The museum also offers knowledgeable human guides available to conduct tours. Other highlights of the Coral Castle Museum include a 9-ton gate that moves with just a touch of the finger, a Polaris telescope and functioning rocking chairs – all made entirely of stone. With a Miami Attractions pass, your admission to Coral Castle is free!
Go City Expert
Best Beaches in Miami
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Best Beaches in Miami

If you're looking for the best beaches in Miami, check out our picks and find the perfect place to get your sun, sand, and sea fix! Including: South Beach Bal Harbour Beach Mid-Beach Sunny Isles Beach Soho Beach House and more! Can you swim in Miami beaches? Yes, you can swim at any of Miami's beaches. Some may be cleaner than others, but you're free to frolic in any of them! What month can you swim in Miami? If you're hitting Miami's beach scene between April and October, you'll experience the warmest seas on offer, making it the perfect time to go for a dip. Even in the off-season, the further south you head, the warmer you'll find the water. What beach do Miami locals go to? Generally, South Beach is Miami's most popular beach for both tourists and locals alike. This is likely due to the sheer volume of hotels you'll find along the waterfront, coupled with the number of bars, clubs, and other hangouts that call it home. Best Beaches in Miami: South Beach We couldn't start anywhere else, really. In the vibrant realm of South Beach, you'll discover an array of immaculately chiseled people, luxurious automobiles, daring swimsuits, and captivating Art Deco architecture. This renowned two-mile expanse of pristine white sand constitutes Florida's most renowned beachfront. Additionally, this area encompasses Lummus Park, home to 18 volleyball courts and two open-air fitness facilities, making it the perfect beach for activity-seekers. Beyond this bustling hub, locals often prefer the tranquility of the beachfront south of Fifth Street, away from the myriad hotels and tourists, where ample space remains for anyone seeking to lay down their beach towel. Best Beaches in Miami: Bal Harbour Beach Bal Harbour is one of Miami's most upmarket neighborhoods, so you probably have some idea of what to expect from its accompanying beach: designer garb, expensive boats, and plenty of money being flashed about. If you feel like your current attire makes you stand out like a sore thumb, fear not. Bal Harbour Mall is a hop, skip, and jump from the beachfront, where you can burn hundreds if not thousands of dollars on swimwear, sunglasses, and other accessories that'll help you fit right in. Is it worth it? Only you can be the judge of that! Best Beaches in Miami: Mid-Beach Mid-Beach is the home of Miami's most chic and upscale hotels, attracting the city's fashionistas and more 'distinguished' travelers who want to avoid the crowds of South Beach. As such, expect hefty displays of wealth, a largely international audience, and plenty of people spending their time at exclusive hotel beach clubs instead of the sand itself, meaning you should get a tanning spot rather easily. Best Beaches in Miami: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park At first, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park might seem a bit unassuming. However, look beneath the surface, and you'll find some of the best hiking trails in Miami. They'll take you along the nearby beach, through the park, and then emerge above the city, giving you some of the best views of Miami around. Regularly receiving plaudits as one of America's best beaches, it's the perfect city respite for active couples or families looking to beat the crowds. Best Beaches in Miami: Sunny Isles Beach Bordered by serene, sapphire waters and offering respite from the bustling crowds, this two-mile stretch of Miami beach is the epitome of chill. Here, you'll find predominantly residential condos of varying shapes and sizes, though the residents don't flood the sand like they do in South Beach. As such, Sunny Isles Beach is far enough away from the busier beaches that it's ideal for families and couples who just want a beautiful beach without the White Claws and EDM. Best Beaches in Miami: 12th Street Beach 12th Street Beach is your one-stop destination for LGBTQ+ fun, as it's the destination for gay beach revelers. If you're looking for a party vibe, you'll get it at 12th Street Beach. Bluetooth speakers, BBQs, and myriad six-packs supplement the fun, and after dark, the nearby Nathan's Beach Club comes to life with cocktails, smooth jams, and plenty of loungers. If you're looking for a laid-back time, it's best to head somewhere else. Best Beaches in Miami: Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Miami's Four Seasons Hotel has hosted some of the most recognizable faces of the 20th Century, having put up the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and Winston Churchill over the years. The hotel is a mainstay of the Miami skyline, but it's the location's Surf Club, which only opened a few years ago, which takes center stage on this list. Found on the hotel's exclusive stretch of beach, it's a little slice of tropical paradise reserved for guests. Though, if you have the cash to splash, staying at the Four Seasons might be a treat in itself. The Surf Club is just the icing on the cake, allowing you that cocktail-sipping beach experience typically found in the Caribbean. Best Beaches in Miami: Haulover Naturist Beach If you're looking to let it all hang out in Miami, Haulover Naturist Beach is the one for you. And, as Florida's oldest official nudist beach, you'll be in good company. It might not be the place to take the kids, unless you're alright with bits and bobs free from the prison of clothing. Best Beaches in Miami: Soho Beach House If you've not heard of Soho House, it's a chain of exclusive 'resorts' found all over the world. Built for media personalities, it foregoes a dress code (and actively bans suits and ties) for a laid-back escape for people in and around show business to grab a drink, relax on a rooftop, and avoid the prying eyes of journos, and the macho bravado of finance bros. Miami has its very own location called Soho Beach House, where you can grab a drink, a bite to eat and beat the crowds in its exclusive surroundings. But don't worry; even if you're not a member, you get access if you stay over at Soho Beach House's hotel. And those are our picks of the best beaches in Miami! If you're looking to see the best experiences that Miami has to offer during your stay, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of Miami's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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