Romance isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when talking about
Miami, is it? The famous is best known for its bustling business hub, iconic party scene, and the coastal beauty of Southern Florida. The city definitely offers a good time, but it's usually for teens on spring break, adults going on vacation, or even families who want to revel in its natural beauty. How about couples? Do lovebirds have a place in Miami, too? Fortunately, the answer to this is a resounding yes! The city still boasts a treasure trove of romantic spots, including the famous Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, the beloved shorelines in Miami Beach, and more!
Bal Harbour Beach
You didn't think there'd be a list of Miami's most romantic spots that didn't include at least one beach, did you? The city's stunning shorelines are practically the most common reasons why couples go here, let alone get all lovey-dovey, too. And while
Miami boasts beautiful beaches, the Bal Harbour Beach stands out as among the most romantic of them. For one thing, it's right near the end of North Miami, a fair distance away from all the hustle and bustle. You and your partner can enjoy a tropical escape here, paired with Bal Harbour's signature touch of luxury.
Ball & Chain
What about some Cuban flair to fire up your romance in Miami?
Little Havana often catches people's attention as one of the most colorful parts of an already vibrant metropolis. Cuban culture and cuisine reign supreme here, especially at the iconic Ball & Chain nightclub. Not only does this institution of a nightlife hotspot retain its mid-century Caribbean appeal, but it's also the best place to get into salsa dancing. There's nothing like getting a bit of body heat to truly spice up your relationship!
Source: Ball & Chain Miami
Bayfront Park
The seaside, or in this case, the bayside, almost always guarantees a romantic time. Take Miami's beloved Bayfront Park, for instance, a 32-acre green space along the coast of
Downtown Miami. Even with the neighborhood's ever-bustling energy, this fabulous oasis of botanical bliss offers a small but lovely escape. Here, you can enjoy stunning bayside views while relaxing under the shade of its lush palm trees. Or indulge in all sorts of cuisine in the many restaurants nearby. What's not to love?
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Tysto
Biltmore Hotel
Let's go to the great
Coral Gables for this next one! This smaller city, located so near Miami that it's practically regarded as another district, boasts a level of affluence and luxury that you won't find anywhere else. And its pièce de résistance is the iconic Biltmore Hotel. Proudly standing in its well-preserved 1920s palatial Art Deco structure, this is arguably the best place for any couple to pamper themselves in Miami. Don't miss the world-famous Venetian Pool nearby while you're at it, too!
Biscayne Bay
With how busy most of
Miami's neighborhoods tend to get, sometimes, you just want to take your special someone and get away from it all, right? Fortunately, you can do just that when you go to Biscayne Bay! Or rather, when you go yachting on Biscayne Bay. This scenic part of the city is Miami's own little slice of the French Riviera, not necessarily with its villa-lined shorelines, but more for the fabulous yachts that sail through its glistening waters. If you own or could afford to rent your own yacht, nothing’s stopping you from sailing away and getting into your own world in Biscayne Bay!
Fairchild Garden
Let's go back to Coral Gables for this next one and check out the very beautiful Fairchild Garden. Lush greenery and tropical flora make this place look more like an exotic rainforest somewhere in South America than a typical botanical garden in the
American South. Talk about an oasis of botanical bliss; not even Bayfront Park, Wynwood Park, or even Coconut Grove could equal the natural beauty. And since it's a peaceful, well-curated garden, this is the best place to enjoy a simple stroll date with your special someone in Miami.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ fou'12
Ocean Drive
Surprised to see the iconic but eternally rowdy
Ocean Drive on this list? Don't be! If Tony Montana and Elvira Hancock could fall in love amidst the neon-lighted liveliness here in “Scarface” (1983), what's stopping you? Granted, this is more of a great place where you can have fun with your partner, partying from one club to another, and indulging in all sorts of cuisines. Romance doesn't always have to mean going on a peaceful getaway in a remote location. You can fall in love with each other just as hard when you're both having all sorts of fun!
Sandspur Island
But if you truly prefer to escape to a remote location for more romance, there's no better place in Miami than Sandspur Island! Have you even heard of it before? If not, it's okay, as it's often among the most overlooked parts of Miami. And what it may lack in fame, it more than makes up for with its unparalleled tranquility. Barely anyone, least of all tourists, goes here, making for the perfect location of the quintessential romantic getaway. Just look out for the raccoons who live there, of which there are so many that it's also called “Raccoon Island.”
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Rawpixel.com
SoundScape Park
SoundScape Park may not seem like a romantic spot in Miami at first, but after going here with your partner a couple of times, you'll eventually see it. This very urban green space in Miami Beach offers all sorts of fun outdoor activities, from free movie screenings to live action music performances. All you need is a comfy blanket, maybe a nice picnic too, and you're good to go! A fabulous night of art and culture awaits any pair of lovebirds who want a more unconventional but still romantic date under the stars.
Vizcaya Estate and Gardens
There's no place more perfect to cap off this list than the famous Vizcaya Estate and Gardens, one of the most famous spots in Miami. The city's ultimate piece of Mediterranean Revival architecture, this lavish estate gives old-school European-style romance to a tee! You'd sooner think you were whisked away to a lovely villa in Italy's Lake Como the moment you walk through its grand gate. From its lush gardens to its breathtaking manor, you and your lover could definitely live out your best romance novel fantasies here.
Miami deserves more credit as a romantic destination. It may not be Paris or Rome, but there’s a lot of love to go around here, especially for couples looking to have a good time in this famously sunny city.