Fun places to go in florida for couples

Here's a romantic view: the lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

By Kara Franker

Ready to let sparks fly? Florida is for lovers.

We have loads of sunshine, luxurious hotels, the freshest seafood, year-round perfect weather and 825 miles of beaches. 

Against those backdrops, here are 10 great ideas for romantic getaways for couples in Florida:

Watch the Sunset on St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach is a sunset connoisseurs' paradise. And there are no shortage of romantic places in Florida's St. Pete Beach to sit and enjoy the show. For views that will take your breath away and cold cocktails to go along with it, head to the rooftop of the Hurricane on the Pass-a-Grille section of the beach. Or park your toes in the sand and listen to live music while the sun bids farewell at the Paradise Grille.

Where to Stay: Not only does the Don CeSar Hotel look like a sandcastle, it has such a fairytale ambiance that you'll feel like royalty. They don't call it the "Pink Palace" for nothing.

Climb the Lighthouse on Key Biscayne

There's nothing more romantic than ascending a spiral staircase and climbing 109 steps in the heart of a historic lighthouse. Especially when you're greeted with stunning panoramic ocean views at the top. Built in 1825, the lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers free tours Thursday - Monday. This would be a romantic place for your anniversary, or to get down on one knee as a starting point for all the anniversaries to come.

Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton on Key Biscayne is just seven miles from downtown Miami, but seems a world away. Soak up the laid-back island vibe, excellent service and delicious waterfront dining options such as Dune Oceanfront Burger Lounge and Cantina Beach.

Kiss Underwater in the Florida Keys

The 120-mile island chain is home to the continental United States’ only living-coral barrier reef, and offers unparalleled diving and snorkeling experiences. In Key Largo, snorkel your way through schools of brightly colored fish at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and visit the Spiegel Grove, a sunken U.S. Navy ship that’s home to its own thriving underwater ecosystem. Go ahead and give her a smooch, the fish won't tell anyone. It's one of the most romantic getaways in Florida.

Where to Stay: Little Palm Island Resort and Spa is accessible only by boat or seaplane. Robinson Crusoe-style thatched roofs cover luxurious suites with private outdoor hot tubs and decks.

Snorkeling in the Florida Keys can be deeply romantic.

- Image courtesy of Fury Water Adventures

Lover's Key State Park, near Fort Myers.

- Image by Kara Franker

Stay in Destin at America's Most Romantic Inn

Voted the #1 Most Romantic Hotel in North America, the Henderson Park Inn lives up to its reputation. The service is outstanding and the views of the Emerald Coast from the sunset deck are simply spectacular.

Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in St. Augustine

Located on Florida's Historic Coast, St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city. What better way to explore the city than by a horse-drawn carriage? Country Carriages will introduce you to centuries-old architecture and rustic cobblestone streets. Of all the romantic getaways in Florida, this one offers you a step back in time and a memory that will last forever.

Where to Stay: Featuring Spanish-influenced architecture and lavishly appointed rooms, the Casa Monica offers couples opportunity to rekindle the romance in the heart of historic St. Augustine.

Henderson Park Inn was voted the #1 Most Romantic Hotel in North America.

- Kara Franke

Eat Oysters on St. George Island

Remote St. George Island offers ocean breezes and star-gazing without the glare of the city lights. Located just 20 minutes from Apalachicola, you'll find these tasty little aphrodisiacs at eclectic oyster shacks throughout the island.

Where to Stay: Rent your own romantic (and private) beach house in this secluded part of Florida, also known as The Forgotten Coast.

Explore the Florida Everglades

If your idea of a romantic getaway in Florida includes becoming one with nature, then the 10,000 Island National Wildlife Refuge is an amazingly romantic place to visit. Located between Marco Island and Everglades City, the 35,000-acre refuge is home to immense mangrove forests, some 200 species of fish and 189 bird species, plus a diverse array of mammals, from river otters to bottle-nosed dolphins.

Up The Creek Raw Bar is known for its fresh oysters and riverfront views.

- Carrie McLaren

Take a romantic boat tour in the Everglades.

- Kara Franker

Go Shopping on Palm Beach

Often referred to as the "Rodeo Drive of the East Coast" Palm Beach's Worth Avenue is lined with upscale retail brands amid Old World decor and lush landscaping. Luxury brands include Chanel, Armani, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co. -- just to name a few. The latter of which could come in very handy for ring shopping.

Where to Stay: Located within walking distance to both the shops and the shore, the Brazilian Court Hotel is rich in history and elegance. Dine at Café Boulud, situated in a romantic garden setting at the hotel and owned by French celebrity chef Daniel Boulud.

Go Horseback Riding on Amelia Island

On unspoiled Amelia Island, explore nature trails and go for a sunrise horseback ride on the golden sand beach. After you've worked up an appetite, dine at Salt, a AAA 5-Diamond restaurant that pays tribute to the rich bounty of fresh foods harvested from the ocean and marshes on the island. There are few romantic getaways in Florida that can rival the experience of riding horseback along the beach.

Where to Stay: Located right on the beach, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island offers an elegant combination of Southern charm and five-star service.

Explore nature trails and beaches of Amelia Island on horseback.

- Kara Franker

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