The Complete Miami Guide for Couples: Where to Stay & Things to Do

Whether it's your first trip to Magic City or you're a long-time local looking to spice up date night, Miami has never been hotter—or filled with more romantic things to do. If you haven't visited Miami in the past decade, you'll notice the city has experienced a renaissance with new restaurants, bars, hotels and even neighborhoods. From authentic Cuban cuisine, with the cocktails and music to match, to buzzy beach clubs and pool scenes that could rival Las Vegas, Miami offers something for every kind of couple.

We've selected some of the top Miami date ideas that weave in the best the city has to offer, from helicopter tours and snorkel trips to luxurious spa suites—plus the city's most romantic restaurants. And when you're ready to call it a night, we've rounded up the best hotels to make a date or weekend getaway even more memorable.

In this article:

• Fun Things to Do in Miami for Couples
• The Most Romantic Restaurants in Miami for Couples
• The Best Hotels in Miami for Couples

Fun Things to Do in Miami for Couples

Todd Eberle

When deciding on romantic things to do in Miami, the list seems nearly endless. Do you want to adventure around town? Bask on the beach? Dine at the hottest new restaurants? You don't have to narrow down your options to just one, either. Whether you're looking for fun couples activities for the day, weekend, or an entire week, we've got just the ideas in mind to plan the perfect date night or celebration (if that's the reason behind the trip!) in Miami.

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Eat Your Way Through Miami's Many Food Halls

If you'd rather not limit yourself to a single restaurant (or deal with reservations), head to one of the many food halls that have popped up in nearly every neighborhood in Miami. Off Lincoln Road, Lincoln Eatery offers 16 spots to choose from, with everything from burgers and crêpes to authentic Italian pastas. At 1-800-LUCKY in Wynwood—the city's first and only Asian food hall—you can mix and match plates from vendors hawking Vietnamese sandwiches and crispy Peking duck.

Indulge in a Tasting Menu at MaryGold's

Ruben Cabrera

At James Beard-nominated chef Brad Kilgore's new Wynwood restaurant, MaryGold's, you can dine your way through modern Florida fare paired alongside an eclectic selection of wines from around the globe and creative craft cocktails like the Caper Berry, a twist on martini service with housemade umami brine. Settle into one of the cozy booths or take a seat at one of the tables on the terrace and prepare for the feast of flavors ahead that kicks off with decadent starters like caviar served on a sweet potato waffle and jerk oxtail beignets with coconut gouda.

2217 N.W. Miami Court, Miami, FL 33127

Hop on a Private Airboat Ride Through the Everglades

You can't say you've checked off Miami's natural attractions until you head west to the Everglades. While technically not in Miami, per se, Coopertown only has 8 residents, so it's like an extension of the city. Here, you can set off on a guided airboat tour through what's touted as the "real" Florida Everglades. You'll glide through sawgrass prairies and to islands accessible only by airboat on what feels like an insider look at Old Florida.

22700 Southwest 8th Street Miami, FL 33194

Sail to Miami's Best Snorkel Sites

Just off Miami's shores lies the third-largest barrier reef in the world—and the only in North America. The reef stretches from Miami past Key West, so there are plenty of spots to go snorkeling, but if you want to make a day out of it, set off on a sailing trip to mangroves, sandbars and islets. Pause for a Champagne toast or dip in the water along the way, where you and your partner will have uninterrupted views of the reef and can snorkel as long as you'd like before setting sail in time to catch the sunset.

2900 S, Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33133

Indulge in Cocktails at Cafe La Trova

After touring the infamous Little Havana neighborhood and sampling Cuban coffee at one of the ventanitas (walk-up windows), take a seat for cocktails and a show at Cafe La Trova, where the team recreates the Cuban cantinero bartending culture "throwing" cocktails (you can't go wrong with a daiquiri or mojito) to one another in the air and dancing behind the bar to the beats of the live band.

971 S.W. 8th St., Miami, FL 33130

Snag a Dinner Reservation at Sexy Fish

Sexy Fish

Evenings at Sexy Fish are livelier than most of the city's clubs, with international DJs spinning while theatrical cocktails, sushi and seafood platters are served. The meal is entirely a sensorial one, with everything from the music to the whimsical, over-the-top decor adding to the experience—and this certainly is one. Each dish looks as exquisite as a sculpture and if your other half has a sweet tooth, they won't be disappointed—treats are topped with gold leaf and desserts range from warm cinnamon donuts to a four-chocolate molten cake, aka the "chocolate meltdown."

1001 S. Miami Ave., Miami, Florida 33130

Groove to Vinyl at Dante's HiFi

Inspired by the listening bars that became popular in 1950s Japan, the velvet-walled Dante's HiFi is tucked in an alleyway in the vibrant Wynwood arts district and, with a 50-person capacity, has an intimate feel (be sure to reserve to guarantee a spot). If your other half is a music buff, this is the place to bring them. The library of vinyl records includes more than 8,500 and every week guest DJs spin a mix of funk, soul, jazz, disco and Latin beats.

519 N.W. 26th St., Miami, FL 33127

Book a Mangrove Kayak Tour

Miami's beaches often overshadow the rest of the city's natural attractions, but one worth adding to your Miami bucket list is a trip through mangrove tunnels on a clear kayak. Think of this as a more active alternative to a glass-bottom boat. Paddling in a tandem kayak is sure to boost teamwork and communication skills as you glimpse into Miami's marine life and the beautiful nature lying just off the coast.

16700 Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami Beach, FL 33160

Take a Cooking Class at The Biltmore Culinary Academy

Top Chef fans can live out their fantasy learning how to master techniques and recipes with the help of their other half at The Biltmore Culinary Academy. If you're looking to start with the basics, opt for stocks, soups and sauces preparations or classic knife cuts. Or, for something a bit more fun, try Latin American flavors or a study in chocolate—an ingredient you truly can't go wrong with.

1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134

Experience Culture at Pérez Art Museum Miami

Even if your partner isn't an art aficionado, they'll still be surprised by the collections—and location—at Pérez Art Museum Miami, which overlooks Biscayne Bay. The three-story modern and contemporary art museum is a work of art itself, with its impressive hanging gardens and gorgeous galleries housing permanent and visiting collections by icons like Yayoi Kusama. When you're ready for a break, take a seat at the waterfront restaurant Verde for seasonally inspired salads and small plates.

1103 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132

Get a Healing Couples Massage

Nik Koenig

There's nothing like a spa day to unwind and feel rejuvenated and at Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Hotel Miami Beach, you and your other half can have a suite all to yourself. The oceanfront spa suites feature an indoor soaking tub and balcony overlooking the water and you can customize your treatment depending on the type of experience you're after. The "Art of Love" treatment is one popular pick that includes an Andean lava massage and Amazonian clay application, followed by lunch on the private terrace, a bottle of Champagne and haute nibbles prepped by one of the hotel's well-known chefs—which you can enjoy during a soak in the luxurious standing tub.

3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach FL, 33140

Lounge in a Cabana at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club

If you're looking to be away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach, head north to Surfside and settle in at the oasis that is Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club. While there are plenty of ways to spend your day here (starting with lunch at Lido Restaurant), the highlight is the air-conditioned Daytime Cabanas shielded by the oceanfront gardens of The Surf Club. Inspired by French castles, Maine summer cabins and Art Deco icons, the revamped cabanas (complete with all-marble bathrooms) are like having your own coastal cottage just steps from the pool and beach.

9011 Collins Ave., Surfside, FL 33154

Plan a Private Helicopter Tour Over South Beach

Sure, Miami is encased by water, but the best way to take in views of the ocean are above it, soaring over South Beach, Key Biscayne and Miami's Downtown on a helicopter tour. As you cruise over the skyscrapers and many celebrity mansions, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and manatees swimming in the bay below. If you want to up the romance factor, time the flight for sunset, when the skyline really pops—and when popping the question will definitely add to the surprise factor.

14359 SW 127th St., Miami, FL 33186

Take a Salsa Dancing Class at Ball & Chain

Brush up your moves or learn some new ones at beginner-level salsa classes held at Little Havana institution Ball & Chain. After learning the basics, hit the floor and show off your steps as live Latin bands and DJs transform the space into one of the best salsa bars in town. If you need some liquid courage, a Miami mule or guava sangria is sure to help.

1513 S.W. 8th St., Miami, FL 33135

Shop at the Coconut Grove Farmers' Market

On Saturdays, Glaser Organic Farms transforms the corner of Grand Avenue and Margaret Street into an organic farmers' market displaying produce from local growers and a range of exotic rarities like durian from around the globe. Stroll the tented stands until you've worked up an appetite, indulging in veggie-forward fare from the raw bar, like tostadas with salsa and handmade pesto-topped pizzas. If raw is not quite your speed, there are plenty of other goodies to purchase, including handmade jewelry and soaps.

19100 S.W. 137th Ave., Miami, FL 33177

Spend the Afternoon at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden

It's hard to believe that in the center of South Beach, there is a three-acre tropical garden of orchids, flowering trees, palms and ponds. This is the spot you'll want to take selfies, particularly while strolling around the Japanese garden, with its red bridge connecting two ponds, traditional lantern pagodas and striking bamboo collection transporting you to another continent. The botanical garden often hosts events like weekend yoga, sound bath meditation and new moon candlelit breathwork, if you want to connect with yourself and your partner on a different level.

2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Most Romantic Restaurants in Miami for Couples

Ken Hayden

Restaurants are often the highlight of a trip and Miami has plenty to choose from, whether you're after fine dining, something classic and candlelit, or the buzzy new bistro in town. Here are three of our top date night restaurants in Miami where couples can enjoy a romantic meal.

COTE Miami

World Red Eye

The Michelin-starred sister eatery to COTE New York is one of the hottest tables to snag in town—and for good reason. The sultry, dimly lit space is equal parts sexy and sophisticated, with a centerpiece, oval-shaped bar pouring wines by the glass out of magnums and mixing cocktails like the Proper Martini and Esteban (a mezcal negroni with a twist). Dinner is dominated by the Butcher's Feast, which, as its name suggests, is an endless stream of prime cuts and savory sides. The experience is designed to be an interactive one and the servers floating from one smokeless tabletop grill (meaning your clothes and hair won't be smoky!) to the next ensure everything is properly cooked, leaving you and your other half more time to get cozy and enjoy the show.

3900 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33137

Casa Tua

Casa Tua

The flagship eatery has long been a Miami staple that never loses its appeal—and how could it, when each space is so expertly curated, you feel like you've been whisked off to Italy when you're just a block from the beach? You can't go wrong with any table—The Library feels like you're dining in a friend's villa in Tuscany or Puglia, while the Garden is a tropical oasis of lush trees sparkling with lights and white tablecloths crowned by candles. Start with something classic, like burrata with heirloom tomatoes, before indulging in pastas like bucatini cacio e pepe and linguine lobster. Of course, an evening isn't complete without dolce and Casa Tua has just the treat in mind for couples in the form of a dessert platter for two.

1700 James Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139

Joliet

Patrick Michael Chin

One of the newest additions on South Beach, Joliet's brass light fixtures, cognac leather banquettes and marble tabletops mimic Paris's iconic bistros—but this is an establishment that looks to the South for its cuisine. You'll find Louisiana staples like fried fish po'boy sandwiches and gumbo, plus shareable mains like whole broiled lobster and jambalaya. But if you and your partner prefer something more French, start with a seasonal seafood tower or go for the French onion burger topped with comté cheese on a brioche bun.

1209 17th St., Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Best Hotels in Miami for Couples

Across Miami, couples will find all styles of hotels from boutique beauties to sprawling resorts with multiple pools and a beach club. We've narrowed the list of favorites to five options so swoon-worthy, you won't want to leave during your stay.

The Setai, Miami Beach

The Setai, Miami Beach

Couples looking for something on the elevated side will fall head over heels for The Setai, an intimate oasis sitting in the heart of Miami Beach. The Asian-inspired sanctuary looks like it's been plucked out of Bali with its laid-back approach to luxury. Spend your days lounging by one of the three infinity pools—each a different temperature—or on a daybed by the ocean. All of the suites are minimalist-chic, but that doesn't mean there isn't a layer of decadence. Case in point: the new pool villas, which show off sunrise views over the pools from a sumptuous soaking tub.

2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Arlo Wynwood, Wynwood

The Arlo Wynwood

For couples who want to be within walking distance of the buzzy bars, restaurants, shops and art lining the hip Wynwood neighborhood, the area's first and only hotel, Arlo Wynwood, is the perfect base. Start your evenings with a toast on your private terrace overlooking the neighborhood's characteristic street art, or head up to the third-floor cocktail bar, tropical tree-lined Higher Ground, where you can sip some of the best libations in the city over the beats of disco and old-school hip hop. And when you're ready to simply sit back and soak up the sun, make your way to the 76-foot-long rooftop pool and spend the day lounging in a cabana with a pitcher of specialty cocktails and guac.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, Bal Harbour

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

On a quiet stretch of beach, this opulent resort has everything a couple needs to relax in style: panoramic balcony views of Miami Beach; pampering at the expansive, 14,000-square-foot spa; oceanfront day villas; and decadent drinking and dining in the form of traditional afternoon tea, Champagne sabering and fresh Florida seafood—which can also be served in your suite at any time of day, thanks to the help of the in-house personal chef and the signature St. Regis butler service.

9703 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, FL 33154

The Sagamore South Beach, South Beach

The Sagamore South Beach

If you're after the classic South Beach experience, Sagamore is your place. While it has all the elements to feel like a resort, the boutique hotel still feels intimate, since there are only 101 rooms. Alternate between dips in the centerpiece pool and in the ocean, just steps away. And to add to that tropical resort feel, Sagamore's two-story bungalows and ocean lanais feature balconies and expansive terraces overlooking the pool and beach in the distance—and make for a romantic spot to sip coffee while watching the sunrise.

1671 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139

Esmé Miami Beach Hotel, Miami Beach

Esmé Miami Beach Hotel

Miami may be a big city, but each neighborhood has its own feel and historic Española Way is like stepping into a seaside village. The newish Esmé is a design-savvy option for couples looking to experience Miami's iconic Spanish-Mediterranean revival architecture. And while you're not on the beach, you're just a 5-minute walk away—and Esmé has beach chairs reserved and waiting when you arrive. Even better, head to the rooftop for sangria come sunset or cozy up for drinks in the intimate cocktail bar El Salón.

1438 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139