Romantic Escapes
The mastermind behind the Peanuts cartoons, Charles M. Schulz once said, “In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with.”
Traveling is an excellent way for couples to celebrate love both new and old, reignite a fizzling spark, or create memories sure to last a lifetime. Across Florida, love stays in the salty air all year long.
From breathtaking beaches to relaxing resorts, decadent dining, and awaiting adventure, memorable romantic getaways are ready to be discovered in cities and beaches throughout the state. This year, plan a getaway to one of America’s best beaches in St. Petersburg, unwind in the quiet Boca Raton, or experience ultimate luxury in Rosemary Beach and Palm Beach.
No matter the adventure, celebrate romance in these seven amorous destinations this year.
Clearwater and St. Petersburg
Home to “America’s Best Beaches,” the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater are excellent destinations for a romantic escape this year with ten coastal communities. In addition to soaking up the sun on the 35 miles of award-winning beachfront, visitors can also enjoy Florida’s oldest microbrewery at the neighboring Dunedin Brewery. The small-batch brewery is known for beers both traditional and innovative, with a long list of menu items for a perfect pairing.
Step into some of the most romantic tropes of rom-coms past with a stroll along the new St. Pete Pier – a waterfront destination with plenty of restaurants, parks, attractions, and entertainment for a memorable adventure. If the arts are of interest, visit a number of world-class museums in the area, including the Dalí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg.
North of Clearwater also sits Honeymoon Island – a romantic destination known for its white sand beaches and beautiful shells worth visiting if only for the name itself.
https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/
Boca Raton
Relax and unwind outside of Florida’s traditional tourism hotspots. Often referred to as “Boca,” South Florida’s Boca Raton has it all. Lovers of beaches, parks, golf courses, art, music, and more regularly flock to the area’s many amenities.
Stay at The Boca Raton, a world famous resort welcoming visitors since 1926. The 200-acre property, home to a private beachfront, recently debuted its $200 million renovation earning a spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s Best New Hotels of 2022. The ultimate destination for romance and luxury, The Boca Raton is complete with elegant guest rooms, multiple pools, an onsite spa, and nine onsite dining options (with more to come!).
Off property, stroll the beautiful Mizner Park shopping center, known as “Boca’s Downtown.” Before leaving, be sure to stop for an elegant French-inspired meal and a toast to love at Six Tables.
https://www.myboca.us/
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys, located famously along the Seven Mile Bridge, offers unique romantic adventure in every city along the way. Up the ante by taking romance sub-aquatic in Key Largo – the Dive Capital of the World. What better way to kickstart a lifetime of love than with an underwater wedding? Sea Dwellers Dive Shop of Key Largo makes it a possibility, with packages offering couples the opportunity to wed during a dive.
In neighboring Marathon, sometimes referred to as the “heart” of the Keys, embark on a luxurious romantic getaway at Isla Bella Beach Resort. Situated amongst lush greenery, soft white sand, and the famed crystal waters of the Keys, the resort features a mile-long private coastline accessible by guests. In addition, couples can book massages at the full-service spa, relax in five oceanfront pools, enjoy waterfront activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and boat charters, and dine at one of four onsite outlets. For ultimate romance, couples can book a meal directly on the sand.
At the Keys’ southernmost point sits Key West, a tropical retreat bustling with history, fine dining, and dynamic nightlife. Toast to love all night long at one of the area’s many lively bars, from Captain Tony’s Saloon to Sloppy Joe’s.
https://fla-keys.com/
Sarasota
Feel the spark in Sarasota, where breathtaking sunsets, botanicals, and boating comprise some of the area’s biggest attractions. Get “nauti” with a trip out to sea by booking a sunset dinner cruise with Fun Boat Tours, departing daily from Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Anna Maria Island. On land, diners can also catch the sunset at the waterfront O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill, known for its ocean breezes and delightful selection of tropical drinks and seafood.
Stroll hand-in-hand through the breathtaking Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Located downtown, the gardens line the shore of the Sarasota Bay, creating a tropical oasis in an urban area. Visitors can enjoy beautiful florals backdropped by sailboats enjoying an amber sunset over the bay. After sunset, grab a craft cocktail along Sarasota’s Main Street before enjoying a performance at the Sarasota Opera House.
https://www.visitsarasota.com/
Rosemary Beach
One of the highlights of Florida’s 30A corridor is Rosemary Beach, a picturesque town likening to a “French Quarter” feel. With rows of colorful carriage houses and cottages with Southern-style wraparound porches or the community feel of the area itself, a vacation in Rosemary Beach is quiet, comfortable, and definitely romantic.
The private beaches are accessible through secret pathways connecting the village to the sand, upping the exclusivity of the area. In addition, Rosemary Beach offers four swimming pools for use. Spend afternoons strolling through the Town Center’s shops and restaurants, including the Hidden Lantern bookstore and the Rosemary Beach Trading Company, capping the evening with a scoop (or two!) from The Sugar Shak.
Any Rosemary Beach accommodation lends itself to a romantic getaway, ranging from quaint cottages to multi-bedroom beach houses. Find a complete list of accommodations at rosemarybeach.com.
Palm Beach & West Palm Beach
Enjoy the excitement of West Palm Beach, a renowned destination north of Miami. Here, visitors will find exquisite shops, fine dining, art museums, and Broadway-quality shows, perfect for couples seeking endless adventure with a side of romance.
Home to four retail and entertainment districts – Clematis Street, Rosemary Square, Northwood Village, and Antique Row – West Palm Beach has no shortage of shoppable boutiques, eclectic dining, and lively nightclubs. Of note, visit the Norton Museum of Art, home to more than 8,200 masterworks, or experience a meal from James Beard Award-nominated chef Clay Conley at Grato.
Head east to Palm Beach, home to legendary resorts and magnificent mansions. Celebrate love at The Breakers, a luxury resort dating back to the 1890s. With a storied past overcoming two major fires, the property now boasts the “ultimate leisure destination” thanks to its 10 onsite restaurants, spa, golf courses, and fitness facilities.
https://www.wpb.org/
West Volusia & DeLand
Nestled between Orlando and Daytona, West Volusia encompasses 14 communities with an eclectic collection of attractions ranging from funky downtown DeLand to scenic St. Johns River. Explore the off-the-beaten path region, known for everything from skydiving to manatee-sightings in Blue Springs State Park. Celebrate romance at one of the city’s top accommodations, including the histic ARTISAN Downtown Hotel, home to only 14 exquisite guest rooms for enhanced privacy, or stay at the DeLand Hotel to enjoy its unchanged 1920s character.
With no shortage of things to do in the area, a visit to DeLand’s “real Florida” downtown is a must-visit, home to shops and boutiques, galleries and (nine!) museums, as well as great dining. For the ultimate romantic adventure, visit Deep Creek Stables for trail rides, carriage rides, eco-tours, fishing, and even skydiving.
https://visitwestvolusia.com/
No matter the destination, fall in love with these Florida towns this year.
