Valentine’s Day in Florida

London, UK. – Love is in the air, and there is no better place for romantics both young and old to get away from it all than the beautiful Sunshine State. Whether you are thrill seeking adrenaline adventurers or old school romantics who like to watch the sun set, there is something for every couple looking for a Valentine’s getaway in Florida.

Gulf Coast:  Florida’s Gulf Coast might be best known for its unforgettable vistas of sun-drenched white sand and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, but lovebirds who flock to the Pensacola Bay Area discover an intriguing mix of old-world charm; mile after mile of pristine, secluded beaches; and a vibrant culinary and cultural scene that sets the area apart from other Gulf Coast cities. Whether its sunset drinks at the Lighthouse or a downtown Segway tour there’s something for every romantic here.

With its sugar white sand and emerald green waters, Panama City Beach is a little piece of paradise for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Enjoy time in one of the area’s luxury spas or cruise on a catamaran and watch dolphins frolic in the crystal clear waters. The more adventurous could try walking on water as they paddle stand up paddleboards along the inland waterways.

St. Pete/Clearwater is the ultimate couple’s get away. Stroll together along the sparkling coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Experience a tandem parasail adventure over blue waters while dolphins frolic below. When you want a break from topping up your tan, head to St. Pete and take in a world-class art museum, or have your worries massaged away at a luxurious spa.

There is so much to do and see in Sarasota you will find yourself spoilt for choice.  Beaches is what it’s all about with beautiful resort hotels to renew your vows or just enjoy time together. Enjoy fine dining, beach clubs, museums and art galleries and you can even join thousands of couples who gather annually on Siesta beach on Valentine’s Day for a mass vow renewal.

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach lies in a secluded coastal hideaway, tucked halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers, a charming collection of nine coastal communities surrounding the state’s second largest marine estuary, Charlotte Harbor. The area offers breath-taking beaches, charming accommodations, natural attractions and an unspoiled beauty that inspires romance. Hire a kayak and cruise around Charlotte Harbor or venture further afield and visit Don Pedro or Little Gasparilla Islands. And as Charlotte Harbor has been named as one of the top 10 US sailing destinations there are plenty of opportunities to take to the water and explore this beautiful coastal resort.

Visit Sanibel, Florida’s unspoiled island sanctuary and take a cruise out to one of the many islands and watch the sun set or mingle with the Vanderbilts in picture perfect Boca Grande.

Renew your wedding vows at Lovers Key State Park on Valentine’s Day – what could be more romantic?

From Everglades’ adventurers to Fifth Avenue fine diners, Florida’s Paradise Coast creates moments to last a lifetime. Book a luxury break at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples or La Playa Beach Club. Get away from it all on romantic Marco Island or tour the famous Everglades by motor assisted kayak.

Ocala/Marion County:  A short drive from Tampa, Ocala/Marion County is a picture perfect destination for your romantic getaway.  Plan a weekend minibreak enjoying dinner and a visit to Corkscrew Winery to customize your very own batch of wine. Thrill seekers should check out the zip line at Canyon’s Zip Line and Canopy Tours, it’s the nation’s longest zip line over water and the highest and fastest zip lines in Florida.  Ocala/Marion County is also home to more than 100 miles of horseback riding trails through the Ocala National Forest and Greenway.

Florida’s Historic Coast:  Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes the USA’s oldest city, St Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Prospective Brides and Grooms should head to Ponte Vedra Beach and book a “wedding moon” to escape from the stresses of planning their big day. The Sawgrass Marriot’s extensive accommodation includes four pools, a luxury spa and top rated golf course. The resort’s Cabana Beach Club is located on the white sands of the Atlantic Coast with an Olympic sized swimming pool and fine dining restaurants. Further afield is St Augustine, America’s oldest city.

Orlando:  Orlando isn’t just about family holidays, there’s plenty of romantic destinations from fine dining to couple’s massages to romantic butterfly gardens. Have a date night at Farris and Foster Chocolatier and create your own chocolate delights over a bottle of wine. Alternatively book a relaxing couples spa treatment at one of the many luxury spas in the area, maybe even combine a couples retreat with a stay at one of the area’s top quality hotels. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort offers all the charm of the Italian Riviera with nightly “Musica del Notte” as the sun sets and Italian cuisine to set the scene for a romantic getaway.

Orlando North, Seminole County is Orlando’s Natural Oasis. With acres of wilderness areas, preserves and pristine waterways, it’s the perfect place to relax and re-connect with a loved one while enjoying an authentic Florida holiday.  Seminole County is home to some of Florida’s best natural attractions ad is a favourite destination for hiking, biking, birdwatching, wildlife study, nature photography and more – there’s something for every couple whether you are art lovers or adventure seekers.

South of Orlando you can find Vero Beach, 26 miles of pristine beaches where sunrises rule and high rises don’t exist.  With luxury accommodation, boutique shopping, theatre, art galleries and ballet productions plus locally owned restaurants Vero Beach is the perfect romantic getaway and justly deserves its growing reputation as the “Hamptons of Florida”.

Florida Keys:  With spectacular scenery, aquamarine waters and relaxed atmosphere the Florida Keys and Key West offers a romantic getaway for all couples.Visit Key Largo and dive in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park or check into Jules’ Undersea Lodge the world’s only underwater hotel. Go fishing at Islamorada or get away from it all on your own private island at Little Palm Resort and Spa. For lively nightlife and fine dining visit Key West not forgetting to stop by Ernest Hemmingway’s home before the sunset celebration in Mallory Square.

For further information regarding VISIT FLORIDA please contact Stephen, Hannah or Barry on 0207 871 2915.