How to Plan Your Dream Florida Honeymoon
Planning a Florida honeymoon but don't know where to begin? Whether you're looking to spend your time relaxing in a hotel room or at the beach, or to take a trip with activities from sunrise to sunset, Florida has options for you.
Read on for our guide to planning your dream Florida honeymoon filled with tips, activities and resort recommendations you'll want to write down and book as soon as possible. We even include some information about hiring a proposal planner to guide you or offer full assistance throughout the planning process.
Florida honeymoon tips in this article:
- The Best Time to Honeymoon in Florida
- Florida Honeymoon Planning Tips
- Honeymoon Destinations in Florida
- Best Florida Honeymoon Hotels and Suites
- Florida Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
- What to Pack for a Florida Honeymoon
The Best Time to Honeymoon in Florida
The best time to honeymoon in Florida will vary by couple depending on their preferences. Weather-wise, you can expect it to be warm throughout the year (aside from November through February, during which temperatures can drop in some parts of the state). That said, hurricanes are one of the major climate events that tend to impact the state between June and November and therefore may be a factor you want to consider before booking your honeymoon.
Although the summer and spring are great times to visit Florida, you may encounter more tourists (and children), especially when schools are on break. Furthermore, you may find it more difficult to navigate the state (and theme parks, if you visit any) in the extreme temperatures. On the other hand, a honeymoon in the fall or winter may see fewer crowds, but you may not feel as inclined to take advantage of all of your resort amenities like the pools, etc, if you're feeling too cool. From a financial standpoint, hotels throughout the state tend to see a price increase in summer and around the holidays. However, these times of year can be beautiful and worth the investment for some couples.
Florida Honeymoon Planning Tips
While Florida honeymoon planning may look different for every couple, it's rarely a bad idea to book your airfare (if applicable), honeymoon hotel or resort, activities and any dining reservations in advance. This can also include any rental cars (if you're not using your own) or other transportation you may need if you plan on traveling throughout the state.
Florida can be expensive (especially if you visit tourist-heavy areas). That said, you may want to set a budget that you can save for in advance. This can help reduce financial stress during and after your trip.
A honeymoon planner can ensure you and your partner are set up for success when searching for the best honeymoon places in Florida and Florida honeymoon resorts where you can make the most of your vacation. Find a honeymoon planner on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.
Honeymoon Destinations in Florida
From those in North Florida to South Florida and everything in between, read on for honeymoon destinations in Florida where you can spend your romantic postwedding vacation.
Orlando
This Central Florida city is one of the most popular honeymoon spots in Florida. Whether you want to spend some time on a beach, theme park or luxury hotel, you can find it here.
Key West
Key West is one of the honeymoon places that many couples are drawn to for its colorful buildings, eye-catching architecture and beautiful beaches. Reserve a time for snorkeling before visiting The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. A Florida Keys honeymoon wouldn't be complete without a slice of key lime pie, so head over to Kermit's Key Lime Shop before your getaway concludes.
Tampa
While Tampa may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about honeymoon locations in Florida, you shouldn't rule it out. Reserve a sunset cruise on Tampa Bay or walk along the Tampa Riverwalk for some waterfront views before enjoying dinner at some of the area's most popular restaurants, such as Driftlight Steakhouse and Oystercatchers at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
Naples
While Naples may be home to many golf courses, it's also home to Florida honeymoon destinations and romantic attractions such as Naples Botanical Garden and Clam Pass Park.
Miami
Whether you're looking to relax, party (or a little bit of both) on your Florida honeymoon, Miami makes for a great honeymoon destination in Florida. The city is full of attractions, including Zoo Miami and the Wynwood Walls. You'll also find plenty of fantastic restaurants to enjoy, including Felice Brickell and COTE Miami. We can't forget to mention that the city houses Florida honeymoon hotels, including The Shelborne and Faena Hotel in Miami Beach.
Clearwater
If you and your partner are seeking honeymoon places in Florida with lots of beaches, it's hard to go wrong with Clearwater. While you can spend all day at one of their white sand beaches, enhance your trip by booking a Dolphin-watching tour or a meal at one of the many beach-view restaurants in the area.
Fort Lauderdale
In addition to its beaches, Fort Lauderdale is home to a plethora of attractions to visit during your Florida honeymoon, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk.
Daytona
Daytona can be an affordable Florida honeymoon option for some couples. You can enjoy the beach and its surrounding accommodations and dining options without having to travel too far.
Best Florida Honeymoon Hotels and Suites
Whether you're looking to spend time together at a resort in the heart of Walt Disney World or one with adult-only areas, Florida offers a range of choices. Whichever you choose, make sure to book early.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is one of the best honeymoon hotels in Florida. This Victorian-inspired hotel houses elegant rooms and suites (many of which offer views of Cinderella Castle, the fireworks and surrounding theme park areas), paying homage to the classic Mary Poppins. You will have access to many on-site restaurants (many of which offer signature dining experiences), including Narcoossee's, Cítricos, Enchanted Rose Lounge, 1900 Park Fare, Victoria & Albert's and Grand Floridian Café—just make sure to secure your reservations in advance. We can't forget to mention that his resort houses a monorail station for easy access to Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot.
4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
4.4 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Southernmost Beach Resort
When it comes to honeymoon resorts in Florida, Southernmost Beach Resort is a solid pick. This resort features several adults-only areas, including The Guesthouse, which is home to two private beaches and three pools. While it is not an all-inclusive resort in Florida, a stay at the Guesthouses does include daily breakfast. You and your partner can also visit the resort's spa for couples hot stone, deep tissue and Swedish massages.
1319 Duval Street, Key West, Florida 33040
4.4 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Four Seasons Resort Orlando is located within Disney's private Golden Oak community. Stay in one of the property's luxury guest rooms, or book one of the suites, including the Park View Suite or Royal Suite, for some extra space (and theme park views). As far as dining options go, you can make your way up to Capa, the hotel's rooftop restaurant, to share tapas and fireworks views. This resort features the only adult pool on Walt Disney World property—just make sure to note it's for adults 21 years of age and older.
10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
4.8 Star Rating | Read Reviews
B Ocean Resort
For an oceanfront hotel with lots of charm, consider B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale. Begin your Florida honeymoon relaxing in the Unique Ocean Front Suite before enjoying one of the mermaid shows at the Wreck Bar for brunch or dinner, depending on your preferences (and show schedule). If you'd rather have a more private dining experience, you can opt for in-room dining during breakfast and dinner hours.
1140 Seabreeze Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
4.3 Star Rating | Read Reviews
The Ben West Palm
If you're making The Ben in West Palm Beach a stop on your Florida honeymoon and plan on taking the Brightline high-speed train to get there, reserve the Brightline Package. Not only will you receive premium amenities in transit, but you will also receive a $50 hotel credit. It's worth noting that this hotel is home to a sophisticated rooftop and two on-site restaurants, Spruzzo and Proper Grit. The property also offers sunrise rooftop yoga.
251 N. Narcissus Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
4.7 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Florida Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
With so much to see and do across the Sunshine State, planning a Florida honeymoon can feel overwhelming. That's why we've compiled a list of places to visit and activities to reserve (with booking links) to make sure your travel planning process is a smooth one.
Visit Walt Disney World Resort
There are plenty of things to do on your honeymoon, especially if you make Walt Disney World Resort part of the experience or plan an entire Disney honeymoon. You can start your day at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT or Disney's Animal Kingdom before enjoying a three-course prix fixe dinner with a fireworks view at California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort. If you want to experience Disney magic without visiting one of the theme parks, Disney Springs has more than 150 shops, stores and restaurants, including STK Steakhouse, Enzo's Hideaway and Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'.
4.4 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Enjoy Clearwater Beach
The nearly three-mile Clearwater Beach makes a great addition to your Florida honeymoon itinerary. Although you can incorporate this white sand beach into your honeymoon in Florida for a few hours in the morning or afternoon, sunsets at Pier 60 are fun and romantic, filled with performances, local vendors and spectacular views. You may even spot sea turtles or dolphins during your excursion.
4.6 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Explore Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a particularly great activity for a Miami honeymoon. This property houses 10 acres of gardens, historic Vizcaya Village and a main house. If you visit on a Sunday, you can reserve your tickets for the 30-minute guided tour at 11:00 a.m., during which you and your partner can venture into some of the original buildings. Although you can register for this public tour, you can make your time at this estate even more romantic by reserving a private tour for just the two of you.
4.6 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Book Spa Treatments at the Spa by JW
Begin your honeymoon in Florida with spa treatments at the Spa by JW at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek. Indulge in a 50 or 100-minute Meaningful Moments for Two massage or a 100-minute Sacred Moments for Two massage featuring aromatherapy.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Embark on a Food Tour in West Palm Beach
Try some of the best cuisine in South Florida when you sign up for one of the West Palm Beach Food Tours. Whether you'd rather try local foods in the downtown or historic areas of the city is up to you and your partner—either way, there's no shortage of tasty bites to sample.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
What to Pack for a Florida Honeymoon
Packing for a Florida honeymoon can make or break your trip. Since Florida's weather is generally warm year-round, sunscreen is one of the most essential items to have with you at all times. We recommend a small bottle of sunscreen or a stick that you can easily put in and take out of your bag for easy reapplication. While rain is not always likely, you should prepare to encounter some rain (especially during the late afternoons) more often than not during your honeymoon. That said, packing an umbrella or a poncho can go a long way to keep you and your partner dry during the activities you book when you plan your honeymoon (if safety allows). If you plan on spending most of your time at your resort or the beach, a pair of flip-flops or sandals is a good idea.
Conversely, if you plan on doing a lot of walking or visiting the Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando theme parks, ensure you have one pair of sneakers (but preferably two in case you encounter rain). As far as clothing goes, it's hard to go wrong with dresses, T-shirts and shorts. If you prefer longer pants or athletic wear, those are great to pack, too. Regardless of where and when you have your honeymoon, don't forget to pack a camera (or ensure your smartphone has one) along with a portable charger to guarantee your phone won't run out of battery.