Travel Florida 12 Most Romantic Places in Florida By Kara Franker Kara Franker A leader in the travel and tourism industry, Kara Franker has served in executive leadership roles for several destination organizations. A seasoned journalist, Kara has been featured as a travel expert for Southern Living, Coastal Living, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Travel Channel, Travelocity, Orbitz, HGTV, Huffington Post and more. Additionally, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of several luxury lifestyle print magazines in the Miami, Palm Beach and Aspen markets for Modern Luxury. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on June 2, 2022 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Courtesy of Kara Franker Looking for a romantic getaway? Florida is sure to fulfill all your desires, with powdery white beaches, the yearning call of seabirds, succulent seafood, glowing sunsets, and the sound of island music carrying over warm breezes. From secluded beaches to lush gardens to resorts that will keep you well-pampered, these Florida destinations are sure to make your heart flutter. Whether you're seeking a much-needed winter getaway with your loved one or hope to escape the city and soak up some small-town charm, pack your bags and rekindle your romance in one of these sweet spots in the Sunshine state. 01 of 12 Dry Tortugas, The Florida Keys Ovidiu Hrubaru/Getty Images For adventurous couples, a trek out to a remote island makes for an exciting, Robinson Crusoe-style getaway. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the Dry Tortugas are a collection of seven islands managed by the National Park Service and located almost 70 miles west of Key West. Upon arrival, start your adventure at Fort Jefferson on Garden Key, a historic coastal fortress covering 16 acres and surrounded by crystal clear water. Spend the day snorkeling in and around natural coral reefs; then camp out at night and watch the sky bloom with millions of magnificent shining stars. This far-flung voyage isn't for the faint of heart—you'll need to bring everything because there are no frills and no facilities. Get there via Dry Tortugas Ferry or Key West Seaplane Charters. 02 of 12 Cape Florida Lighthouse, Key Biscayne Courtesy of Kara Franker While Miami is the center of 24/7 action in South Florida, there's an idyllic island just south of South Beach that feels miles away from the party scene. Venture over the causeway out to Key Biscayne and you'll instantly be transported to an island state of mind. At the island's end, you'll find the beachfront Cape Florida Lighthouse inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Climb the 109 winding steps up the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County (dating back to 1846), and at the top you'll find panoramic views that will take your breath away. You'll instantly see why this is a hotspot for marriage proposals. The park is open 365 days a year, but the lighthouse is only open Thursday through Monday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. So if you plan to get down on one knee, you'll need to plan ahead. 03 of 12 Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales Courtesy of Kara Franker Wander through meandering gardens full of romantic recesses and lush backdrops of magnolias, azaleas, camellias, and towering moss-draped oak trees. One of Florida's most beautiful secret destinations, Bok Tower Gardens is a historic sanctuary located in little-known Lake Wales. Surrounded by blossoming orange groves, the 250-acre garden and 205-foot tall singing tower is a National Historic Landmark dating back to 1921. Reflecting pools filed with Koi fish and an ornate brass door frame the foundation of the neo-Gothic art deco singing tower, as it plays carillon music on the hour until the grounds close. The best time to go is during the quieter weekdays when you'll have ample time to stroll together and have the fairytale-style gardens mostly to yourselves. 04 of 12 Greer Island, Longboat Key EyeMark Creative/Getty Escape the crowds that flock to the idyllic beaches along Florida's gulf coast and stake out your own island paradise. Locals call it Beer Can Island, but its official name is Greer Island, and it's located at the northern tip of Longboat Key. With its tangled array of petrified driftwood shooting up from the sand, it's the landscape that makes this beach stand out from the rest. Spend the day on Greer Island, and then dine at the ultimate date night hotspot in Longboat Key: Euphemia Haye Restaurant & Haye Loft. With its expansive wine list, nightly live music, and impressive, made-from-scratch dessert bar, your evening is guaranteed to have a sweet ending. 05 of 12 Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island Courtesy of Kara Franker Exuding southern charm, the Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach district is the centerpiece of Amelia Island's Victorian Era architecture and mellow ambiance. Take in the sights while listening to the leisurely clip-clop of hooves during a horse-drawn carriage ride. Browse a quirky mix of shops and restaurants like Ship's Lantern Gift Shop, Fernandina's Fantastic Fudge, and Joe's 2nd Street Bistro. Then head down to the marina to view a gorgeous sunset on the water. Visit the seaport village during the second Saturday of each month, when local artists open their galleries and showrooms for an eclectic art walk. 06 of 12 1,500 Feet in the Air, Kissimmee Dmitro2009/Getty Talk about flights of fancy. It's no wonder so many couples get engaged while floating in a hot air balloon, and a central Florida town called Kissimmee is ground zero for these memorable betrothals. There are a variety of hot air balloon operators who will help you plan a serene sunrise flight, including Painted Horizons Hot Air Balloon Tours, Bob's Balloon Rides, and Maverick Balloon Adventures. Seal the deal with a kiss in Kissimmee and your happily-ever-after will unfold with a sentimental start. 07 of 12 McKee Botanical Garden, Vero Beach Courtesy of Gridley Graves for the Indian River County Tourism Development Featuring one of Florida's largest collections of water lilies, McKee Botanical Garden is a soothing sanctuary arrayed with majestic orchids and teeming with tens of thousands of tropical plants. With its meandering paths, waterfalls, and restored architectural treasures, it's no wonder couples choose this 80-acre paradise in Vero Beach for weddings and photo shoots. The garden hosts special events year-round, including the annual Waterlily Celebration every June. The event celebrates the crown jewel of the gardens: a collection of more than 80 species of fragrant water lilies. Take a deep breath and inhale the aroma of this magical garden in Vero Beach. 08 of 12 Honeymoon Island, Dunedin Courtesy of Kara Franker Just like the name implies, Honeymoon Island is a picturesque sanctuary of aquamarine water and powdery white sand. When a businessman purchased Hog Island in the 1930s, he constructed a collection of Tiki-style cottages and told a journalist at LIFE Magazine that it was the perfect place for honeymooners. The name Honeymoon Island stuck, and the getaway by Dunedin has been beckoning beach-goers ever since. While the cottages are no longer there, the 200-acre island is now part of the Florida State Park system and remains a refuge for sweethearts. 09 of 12 Worth Avenue Clock Tower, Palm Beach Courtesy of Kara Franker For couples who want to experience all the glitz and glam that Florida's Gold Coast has to offer, there's no better place than Worth Avenue—Palm Beach's sophisticated style mile. Kick off your indulgent getaway by snapping a photo under the iconic clock tower where Worth Avenue intersects with the Atlantic Ocean. Then shop an impressive collection of luxury boutiques like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. Dine at high-end restaurants like Café Boulud Palm Beach and Renato's. Then retire at the luxurious Brazilian Court, a romantic boutique hotel with a 1920s-era allure. The Mediterranean style resort has hosted the who's who of celebrities throughout its storied history. 10 of 12 Lovers Key, Fort Myers Beach Courtesy of Kara Franker No round-up of romantic places in Florida would be complete without Lovers Key State Park, a popular setting for beachside weddings. Rumor has it that back in the early 1900s, only adventure-seeking couples made the effort to get out to the collection of isles including Lovers Key and three other barrier islands off the coast of Bonita Springs: Black Island, Inner, and Long Key. At the turn of the century, the islands were only accessible by boat, but today they are connected by a series of causeways and reachable by car. A new discovery center serves as a starting point for learning about sea turtles, manatees, and other wildlife found around the island. 11 of 12 Shell Hunting, Sanibel Island David Hillegas When you take the three-mile causeway over sparkling bay waters to Sanibel, you know that you're about to arrive somewhere special. Step back in time in this quiet beach community without high rises, stoplights, or chain restaurants. You'll find protected beaches, some of the best shelling in the world, 25 miles of bike paths, and the lush mangroves of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Rent a cottage or stay in a beachfront suite at the Casa Ybel Resort, making certain to cool off with a frozen drink at the Coconuts Poolside Bar & Grill. 12 of 12 5th Avenue South, Naples ANNE RIPPY/GETTY IMAGES Luxuriate in Naples, a shopper's paradise with upscale resorts, spas, and dining concentrated on historic 5th Avenue South. Then visit the city's powdery white public beaches or climb the observation tower at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park for expansive views of wild Florida. Take a sunset cruise on the Naples Princess luxury yacht or a romantic evening walk in the Naples Botanical Garden. No matter where you go, you're sure to feel pampered in this cultured city on the Paradise Coast. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit