Kayaking in Oleta River State Park
Kayaking isn’t the only option here. If a canoe or paddle board is more your speed, then choose whatever water sport will get your heart racing more.
Luca Osteria
The Patate Fritte is a must-order. These little potato balls topped with a parmigiano fonduta and creamy egg yolk transcend normalcy and are one of the most delicious starter dishes I’ve ever had. The Pasta al Limone is another star off the menu. If you don’t have reservations and can’t bother to wait, Luca’s sister restaurant, Eating House, is just a few doors down, and it’s equally as delicious.
Enter Miami’s sexiest speakeasy, El Salon
A night at El Salón is like stepping into an old Hollywood film. It’s sultry, dim, feminine, and serves one of Miami’s best martinis. Located inside the Esmé Hotel on one of South Beach’s busiest streets, El Salón is a complete switch from its surrounding environment. It’s anything but the typical South Beach flashiness, with its “if you know, you know” energy and French boudoir decor.
If you’re trying to impress your date by taking them to a mysterious yet unpretentious cocktail lounge with drinks that don’t play around— this is the place to take them.
Listen to jazz at Lagniappe
Lagniappe is one of those places that’s widely popular for a reason. The main reason is that there’s no other place like it in Miami. Lagniappe has two sections. First, there’s the moody jazz lounge you initially walk into that feels reminiscent of a New Orleans jazz parlor. Here, there’s live music every night from 9 pm-12 am.
If you squeeze yourself through to the back and go outside, you’ll find yourself in an outdoor garden under hundreds of twinkly lights. Order a bottle of wine or charcuterie, and cozy up with your date in mismatched chairs. Lagniappe is open late (until 3 am on Friday and Saturday), and prime time is later into the evening, so after 9 pm, it becomes more difficult to find a table.
Sunset beach picnic at Crandon Park
An intimate beach picnic is the epitome of a seaside romance. Surprisingly, with all of Miami’s buzzy restaurants, clubs, and clubstaurants, the dating scene in Miami is anything but a Nicholas Sparks southern-coastal romance novel. Being that Miami is known for its beaches, it simply should not be this way.
Crandon Park is a local beach, which makes it much more relaxed and down-to-earth than the typical touristy scene of Miami Beach. There’s plenty of parking right by the beach, which makes it extra easy to lug your blanket and picnic basket down the sand.
Overheating isn’t exactly romantic, so go in the early evening to catch the sunset and escape the dangerous heat. Pack your picnic goodies or pick up some personal-sized pizzas at Sir Pizza (don’t forget the side of ranch dressing).
Have a drink at Terras Rooftop
Terras Rooftop is one of Miami’s best drinking spots. There are skyline views, delicious reasonably priced drinks, and a tropical theme that transports you right to paradise. The food here is also delicious. Located in Little Havana, their menu is inspired by different Latin American street food. A personal favorite is the frita burger with guava marmalade and caramelized onions. Invite your date to drink, dine, and enjoy the views of downtown— Terras is Miami’s best rooftop for a chilled-out date night.
Drink natural wine at Margot Natural Wine Bar
Wine lovers, look no further than Margot Natural Wine Bar for your new favorite date night spot. Margot Natural Wine Bar looks like it belongs in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Its interior is trendy, pink (!), and reminiscent of a 70s-style basement (of course, there’s a disco ball). The menu at Margot Natural Wine Bar is limited yet effective. Simply put, it’s a very chic and intimate spot in Downtown Miami for your next date.
Get lost in the music coming from the vintage sound system and ask your very well-versed server for their bottle recommendation— you won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy the gardens at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
According to USA Today, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is the best botanical garden in the United States. Green as far as the eye can see, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden feels like walking through an absolute fairytale. It’s whimsically crafted with a famed butterfly exhibit that leaves anyone impressed. Stop at The Glasshouse Café for a mid-visit bite and glass of wine.
Read under the stars at Books & Books: Coral Gables
Books & Books Coral Gables is one of the most romantic dates in town for book lovers. You and your date can browse the shelves for your next read and find a cozy table in the outdoor courtyard. Accompanied by twinkly string lights and live music, this venue is straight out of a romance novel. Whether you’re visiting in the afternoon or evening, the coffee and food hold their own against local cafes in the area. There are monthly events like trivia night, stand-up comedy, and poetry nights. Here, your date night is experiential and offers way more than your typical wine bar date night.
