Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air. It’s not just snowbirds flying to Florida! Lovebirds also flock to the region every year to spend quality time with their loved one, host destination weddings on Florida’s pristine beaches and bask in honeymoon bliss. With plenty of sugar-white beaches, private island getaways, luxurious accommodations and amorous candlelight dinners, a romantic trip to Florida is a great way to show that special someone just how much you care. Here are a few romantic destinations to visit during your escape to the Sunshine State.
Island Romance
Few places on earth are better suited to lovebirds than Amelia Island. Amelia’s shores, soft sea breezes and breathtaking scenery provide the ultimate backdrop for romances old and new. Couples can enjoy a romantic cruise through Fernandina Beach’s historic downtown district while snuggled up together in a horse-drawn carriage. Take in the sights of moss-draped oaks and Victorian Era architecture while listening to a historical narrative of Fernandina’s past and the people and places that shaped Amelia Island’s colorful history.
Couples can saddle up in Amelia Island State Park for a fun and romantic way to experience the coastline. Observe dolphins, shorebirds and other wildlife while horseback riding on the beautiful white-sand beaches of the Island. Both Kelly Seahorse Ranch and Stay‘N Country Ranch offering horseback riding along the ocean, complete with well-trained horses and professional guides.
Eat, Drink and Be Married on the Emerald Coast
The diamond isn’t the only gem associated with exchanging vows. The Emerald Coast is the perfect destination to host a wedding and have relaxing honeymoon in paradise. Say “I do” on a white sand beach with emerald green waters at Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village, located on the historic Destin Harbor. Every room at the Emerald Grande has a panoramic view of the Destin Harbour and Choctawhatchee Bay. Your wedding guests will never get bored; the village has plenty of shopping, restaurants and nightlife to keep everyone moving. Delight your wedding party with a charted fishing or party boat for a bachelor or bachelorette party they won’t forget.
The Henderson Park Inn Bed and Breakfast is a longtime favourite among visitors looking for a little romance. This adults-only property has been voted “Most Romantic Hotel” on numerous occasions. With an intimate beachfront, honeymoon suites with private balconies and in-room fireplaces, The Henderson is the perfect place for newlyweds to honeymoon and celebrate their new life together. Be one of the first couples to exchange nuptials or honeymoon at the Henderson Park Inn’s sister property, Henderson Beach Resort. Opening in summer 2016, this gorgeous new property features breathtaking views of the Gulf and the adjacent Henderson Beach Nature Preserve, topped off with stunning event spaces, including a snow-white beach and a beautiful ballroom.
Hello Romance
Sunny Greater Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer couples wanting to escape into a romantic, tropical paradise. Treat your Amore to a cruise in true Venetian style – on a gondola! Sit back, relax and see some of the most luxurious homes and gardens of South Florida from a perspective you can only appreciate from the water at the cozy speed of a gondola. A tour with Las Olas Gondola is the perfect way to pop the question or amp up the romance for Valentine’s Day.
The sun isn’t the only thing sizzling in Florida. Heat things up with a romantic escape to Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach. The I Heart Sonesta package is the ultimate way to reconnect with that special someone in your life. This offer includes two nights of oceanfront accommodations in a Junior Suite, sparkling wine in room upon arrival, 2 for 1 couples massage in the Spa Suite and late checkout. You and your partner will leave feeling refreshed and rekindled.
Romance Comes Naturally on Marco Island
Known for its soft white sand beaches and natural environment with the Everglades at its door, Marco Island was voted the number one island in the U.S. and fourth on the list of top 10 islands in the world. The Romance package at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resortis ideal for celebrating a special occasion, engagement or anniversary. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, magical sunsets, spectacular Gulf Front Room accommodations, breakfast for two at the resort’s new Maia restaurant and champagne and chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival.
When staying at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, couples can enjoy a romantic sailing and shelling experience or a thrilling adventure through the Everglades’ Ten Thousand Islands to spot wildlife including dolphins, manatees and more. End the day with a dinner along the beach at favourite local hotspot Quinn’s on the Beach and catch the resort’s nightly sunset celebrations.
Say “I Do” With a Splash of Southern Charm
Fall in love with Ocala/Marion County, a destination as unique as it is breathtaking. Centrally located just a short drive from major North and Central Florida cities, Ocala/Marion County provides a picturesque and naturally beautiful setting where romance is always in season. Have the wedding of your dreams at Bellemoor Plantation, a natural paradise enveloped by acres of majestic oak and pine trees, picturesque ponds and glistening waterfalls. This plantation-style home is a real southern charm and promises to make your special day one filled with romance and memories to last a lifetime.
With wedding packages that include a grand entrance on a classic carriage drawn by resident Clydesdale, Buddy, and event planning staff to help create a flawless day, the Hilton Ocala offers the perfect setting for wedding ceremonies for all tastes and budgets. The Hilton Ocala is adorned with timeless decorated indoor and outdoor venues overlooking a majestic property. The property even has a little barn, perfect for a southern belle’s special day.
Fall in Love With Panama City Beach
Love comes easily when couples jet set off to Panama City Beach. With award-winning beaches and some of the Gulf’s finest hospitality, Panama City Beach is the perfect place to fall in love for the first time, or all over again. What’s more romantic than some quality time on Shell Island? This undeveloped 7-mile island of beautiful trees, white sand and emerald water is an ideal spot for a secluded picnic, walk on the beach or snorkeling adventure. Sightseeing trips, private charters, boat rentals, and an hourly shuttle service make the barrier island accessible to anyone who really wants to get away from it all.
With ample dining options, romantic candle light dinners and waterfront dining are always on the menu in Panama City Beach. Known for its award-winning cuisine, Firefly provides a Mediterranean vibe for couples to celebrate and dine under the restaurant’s illuminated oak tree. Saltwater Grill is another dining experience known for both their excellent martinis and successful marriage proposals in front of its breathtaking 25,000 gallon saltwater aquarium.
Love is in the Air in Orlando’s Natural Oasis
Reconnect with your loved one while taking in natural, unspoiled surroundings filled with wildlife, acres of wilderness areas, preserves and pristine waterways in Orlando North, Seminole County. Spend quality time with your sweetie while exploring the Geneva Wilderness Area, a 180-acre property south of Geneva great for romantic hikes, taking in lakeside views or reaffirming your love at the chapel onsite.
Go on an adventure as exhilarating as your love with a kayak trip down the Wekiva River. The river, nationally known and federally protected for its scenery, recreation, geology and wildlife, is one of the area’s most popular attractions. Paddle the 15-mile trail of the gentle Wekiva River between riverbanks framed with sabal palms or go horseback riding at Wekiva Springs State Parkwith your significant other.
Romances Old and New on Florida’s Historic Coast
Couples will find plenty of ways to set the mood and make lasting memories in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and The Beaches of Florida’s Historic Coast. With 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches, the Historic Coast is perfect for lovebirds looking for a beach getaway. Take in breathtaking views from atop the St. Augustine Lighthouse with your special someone. This magical setting is one of the most popular spots in the area for marriage proposals and the view is even more spectacular at night by the light of the moon.
Flowers and chocolate are staples of the Historic Coast’s romantic offerings. Located in a land that Ponce de Leon named La Florida for its beautiful flowers, the area is in bloom throughout the year. Plus, there is plenty of chocolate to go around. The region’s Spanish founders had introduced chocolate to the world in the 16th century and it is still part of the culture. On select dates in February Tour Saint Augustine will be offering a VIP All Things Chocolate Tasting Tour. Participants will experience a delicious walking tour of St. Augustine’s historic district for Valentine’s month and indulge in the most unique chocolate selections and explore chocolate in various forms from some of St. Augustine’s best culinary hotspots.
Amp Up the Romance on Clearwater Beach
With powder white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach is the perfect spot for those planning a romantic getaway. The resort has tons of unique and romantic experiences, bound to bring you and your loved one closer. Every Saturday Sandpearl Resort partners up with experts from Museum of Science and Industry to offer guests Astronomy Night on the beach, a moonlit stargazing experience.
Spice things up with Sandpearl Resort’s to-go picnics for couples. The chefs at the resort’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Caretta on the Gulf, have specially created two picnic menus that come complete with all the picnic essentials, which couples can take a romantic escapes to nearby spots, including Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island, or on a private boat charter.
As the Sunshine State’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 98.8 million visitors who spent $82 billion in 2014 and employing more than 1.1 million Floridians. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA – the official tourism marketing corporation for the state of Florida – $3.20 in tax revenue is generated. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 11,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney Destinations, The Hertz Corporation, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, Simon Shopping Destinations and Universal Orlando Resort. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, please go to VISITFLORIDA.org or follow us on our industry social media channels: SunshineMatters.org, Facebook and Twitter@FloridaTourism.
For more information, contact:
Summer Gilhousen
Public Relations Coordinator
O:850.205.3872
E: sgilhousen@visitflorida.org