There is romance in the air on and off the beach when you head to Miami, Florida. Where will you stay? What will you do? We’ve partnered with Keryn Means of Walking On Travels to share some of her favorite spots to sleep, eat, and explore with a loved one beside you.
Miami is known as a hot spot for 20-somethings to party, but there is so much more to do in this Latin-infused city than hit the clubs and show off your beach bod. Retro buildings, hipster taco joints, charcuterie platters, and an art scene that is putting its European counterparts to shame means you will always find something to do in Miami when you are looking for a romantic escape. Miami International Airport offers nonstop flights to over 150 cities, and more than 80 airlines operate out of it. This means it is easy to sneak away for a quick weekend with your partner to enjoy the sunshine.
Photo credit: Royal Palm South Beach Miami
Set the mood in Miami
It is so important to set the mood with the right hotel when enjoying a romantic getaway in Miami. First you need to decide if you want to stay in downtown Miami or closer to the beach.
We loved The Palms Hotel and Spa in Miami Beach, which was a lot quieter and more relaxed than South Beach. Breakfast on the plantation-style veranda was the highlight of every morning. It was so easy to step out onto the beach, hit the boardwalk for an early morning run, and hop in the pool to cool off.
If you prefer to stay on South Beach but you don’t want to deal with the small rooms and possibly rambunctious crowds of some of the older Art Deco establishments, grab a room at the Royal Palm South Beach Miami. This high-rise hotel has gorgeous views of the ocean, beachfront access, and the amenities you will want when you are slipping away from your everyday life.
Photo credit: Keryn Means/WalkingOnTravels.com – South Beach, Miami
When you have the cash to spare, stay at the Philippe Starck-designed Delano South Beach. The rooftop spa may be just what you need to unwind and reconnect when you aren’t sipping a cocktail by the private pool. Even if you can’t afford to stay, make sure you pop in for a drink at the bar and check out the lobby. This is Miami decor at its best.
Anyone looking to stay in downtown Miami should book a night at the Four Seasons Hotel Miami. The Four Seasons always knows how to treat couples through welcome amenities, and their spa offers couples’ massages that you will not want to miss. Even better, less than two miles from the hotel you will find the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an 18th-century Italian-and Mediterranean-inspired estate with a stunning collection inside and out. But before we get to the amazing art scene in Miami, let’s talk about that famous beach.
Photo credit: Keryn Means/WalkingOnTravels.com – Taquiza Miami
Get on and off the beach in Miami
There is no better way to get the feel of South Beach than to walk down Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Pop in for tacos at Taquiza, a swank little walk-up restaurant that serves up delicious tacos you can take to go or enjoy in their small, secluded, first-come-first-serve seating area. If you are looking for more appetizers on the strip and a bit of a quiet escape, head to Quality Meats for a plate of charcuterie and a glass of wine. This building blends perfectly with the Art Deco style South Beach is known for. If it’s not too steamy outside, ask to sit on the patio to enjoy your meal while people-watching.
South Beach isn’t for everyone, though, and it is not the only (or best) part of Miami to see. Miami’s thriving art scene is celebrated each year during Art Basel, an event that is said to have surpassed its Swiss counterpart already in its scope and grandeur.
If you aren’t visiting during Art Basel, head to Wynwood for an art walk to experience all of the murals, galleries, and great eats that have taken over this Miami neighborhood. The Butcher Shop on 23rd, the Salty Donut, and Zak the Baker are well-known stops in the neighborhood, but if you really want to get a taste of Wynwood, head to the Wynwood Yard, basically a food-truck culinary nirvana for those who want to sample different flavors of the beach and beyond. After all, not every couple is vegan. Sometimes vegans and carnivorous couples can find a happy place to equally enjoy.
Photo credit: Keryn Means/ WalkingOnTravels.com. Brunch in South Beach, Miami.
Miami has something for everyone, whether you are looking to dive into a new art scene, relax on the beach, or snuggle up in bed for the weekend. Don’t make the mistake of writing off Miami as just a beach town on steroids with a dash of Mardi Gras thrown in. South Beach is fun for the day, but this city is so much more than what you will see on Ocean Drive. Give South Beach, Miami Beach, Downtown, and Wynwood a shot. It’s easy to do in just a few days. Once you finish, come back and tell us which was your favorite spot.
Keryn Means
Latest posts by Keryn Means (see all)
- How to Spot a Great Pumpkin Patch - September 16, 2018
- 9 Things You Should Pack For A Cruise (and What You Really Can’t!) - June 20, 2018
- 7 Tips for a Stress-Free Trip to Disney with Young Kids - June 14, 2018
Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
It my husband and I wedding anniversary and a friend of our will be getting married that week they have never been to Miami so we all was trying to do this together.