Miami is full of lovely romantic places to have a date, from charming restaurants to intimate outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for a new activity to enjoy with a partner, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best date ideas to give you some inspiration. Just in time for Valentine’s Day – you can thank us later!
1. Get lost in Van Gogh’s magical artworks
Watching Van Gogh’s enchanting brushstrokes swirl around as glowing projections is a truly unforgettable experience, and one you’d definitely want to share with your S/O by your side. The immersive exhibit allows you to step right inside the Dutch painter’s iconic works with state-of-the-art video mapping and projections. Surprise your date by snagging your tickets here!
2. Enjoy classical music by candlelight
It’s hard to think of anything more romantic than spending time at a classical concert bathed in the gentle glow of candlelight. Set across gorgeous historical venues, these exclusive musical experiences feature talented pianists and string quartets, and cover a wide spectrum of genres, from a tribute to your favorite artist and classics by Tchaikovsky. Grab your tickets here.
3. Tee up at Puttshack
Puttshack is the perfect spot to enjoy upscale dinner and drinks….and of course, a little playful competition. Located at Brickell City Centre, spice up date night and enjoy a high-energy, tech-infused mini golf experience. It’ll be a night you both won’t want to forget!
4. Catch a film under the stars at Rooftop Cinema Club
Most of your date nights can be scheduled under the stars thanks to Miami’s warm climate. Located atop a South Beach parking garage, Rooftop Cinema Club invites you to kick back and relax with popcorn, cocktails and small bites while watching cult-classic movies and taking in the scenic views of the skyline.
5. Or a drive-in movie at Nite Owl
Another al-fresco film option is Nite Owl Drive-In in Downtown, where you can pull up in your car, cuddle up and catch anything from family favorites to the latest releases.
6. Get creative with rug tufting and ceramics at Artisan’s Playhouse
Tap into your artistic side and try your hand at rug tufting or pottery class at this unique Hialeah spot. Spend the day learning the basics from an instructor and then get to working on your rug, using a tufting gun and an array of colorful yarns. Or take it to the wheel and create a mug, bowl or vase to take home! Both require appointments in advance and you’ll have to go back a second time to pick up your pieces.
7. Book a pottery making course in a dreamy oasis
Take inspiration from that one scene in Ghost and book a pottery-making course at Of Course I Still Love You Ceramics in Wynwood for hours of wheel throwing fun! Set outside a gorgeous backyard, this activity is perfect for creatives with any kind of experience to vibe out to music while sculpting pieces together.
8. Take a kayak ride at sunset
Take a break from the Miami hustle and bustle and go out on a nature-themed date, especially as the sun sets! Pick from a kayak or paddle board at Oleta River State Park and make your way through the blue waters of North Biscayne Bay. You’ll get to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and glimpses of wildlife before watching the sunset.
9. Paddle through Pinto’s Farm
One of the best outdoor activities you can do that’s both fun and intimate is riding around on yellow paddle boats at this luscious countryside farm. Paddle around their picturesque lake and when you’re done, meet and feed the cutest animals on site!
10. Learn to dance salsa with your partner
Put on your dancing shoes and spice up your date night at one of these two dancing classes in Miami! Learn one of the most passionate dances from trained professionals, all while enjoying drink specials all night long:
- InterContinental Miami: Salsa Nights heat up on the first Friday of every month, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. From novice to experienced dancers – and even those who just want to enjoy the music – the evening will feature complimentary dance lessons by Salsa Lovers, a DJ spinning salsa classics and drink specials.
- Ball & Chain: With weekly programming like Salsero Sundays, Caramelo Wednesdays and Little Havana Under the Stars every Thursday, you can learn to dance salsa for free. Live music is the focal point at Ball & Chain, after all, so you’ll dance alongside live music and fabulous DJ sets throughout the night. There are also bachata classes on BachaTuesdays.
11. Make a pizza at Fratelli La Bufala
Couples that cook together, stay together! On the first Tuesday of every month, Fratelli La Bufala offers classes on the art of making wood fired pizza. Named “Let’s Dough It,” you’ll be guided by an instructor on how to toss around your own dough and use fresh toppings using Neapolitan techniques, while you enjoy a welcome glass of Prosecco and several small bites.
12. Enjoy a nice meal at one of Miami’s romantic restaurants
There’s an endless amount of cozy, romantic restaurants to choose from in Miami. Whether it’s gorgeous displays and decorations or simply sensational food, we’ve created the ultimate guide to romantic dining in the city. See our full list here.
13. Or cozy into a late-night speakeasy
Ambiance is everything and luckily for us, Miami has tons of secretive speakeasies that are perfect for a dimly lit atmosphere. Surprise your partner by taking them to bars hidden behind the most unassuming of places or speakeasies that literally take you back to the Prohibition era. See the full list here.
14. Catch some live jazz at Lagniappe
If you enjoy listening to live tunes while sipping wine paired with a charcuterie platter, Lagniappe is the perfect setting. This charming wine spot doubles as a jazz club in a moody, dark setting, underneath the glimmering shine of the twinkling lights.
15. And free jazz at MOCA
On the last Friday of every month, the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami hosts an exciting lineup of jazz musicians in their courtyard at 8 p.m. The breezy outdoor concert is free of charge and takes place whether it rains or shines.
16. Wander around a museum
Get your art on at a museum around the city, which is filled with visually incredible works that inspire conversations all year-round. You and your date cannot go wrong with a wander through one of Miami’s top exhibitions and galleries, and you can even visit them for free if you plan ahead.
17. Ride a ferris wheel and take in the views
Miami is all about the views and the Skyviews wheel at Bayside Marketplace is undoubtedly one of the best places to see the city skyline, in addition to Biscayne Bay. Make sure you catch a ride on one of its 42 gondolas at night and take in the sweeping vistas of the twinkling city lights!
18. Sip on fruitful wines at Miami’s only winery
There’s nothing more romantic than wine and a good conversation, so why not spend the day tasting out-of-this-world wines while enjoying some killer views at Schnebly’s Winery? Full of luscious greenery and soothing waterfalls, Schnebly’s idyllic location is the perfect date spot.
19. Skate the night away at an ice rink
There’s something about holding hands or even holding each other while gliding on the ice that makes for a super romantic outing. Strap on your skates and hit up one of Miami’s many ice rinks here.
20. Step up the competition with bowling
When in doubt, turn to the classics! With the perfect balance between being active and sitting down to have conversation, bowling might be right up your alley for the perfect date. Whether you plan to go to Basement in Miami Beach, Kings Bowl at CityPlace Doral or Bird Bowl on Bird Road, all make for a totally fun and original experience.
21-23. Browse a local bookstore
Whether you’re looking for your next good read or a different way to spend some more quality time with your boo, these well-known bookstores around the city are a great way to learn more about each other. You can even make a game out of it, like pick out books for each other or guess the plot of a book based on its cover. Check out one of these local literary havens:
- Books & Books, multiple locations
- Sweet Haven Books, Cauley Square
- Paradis Books & Bread, North Miami
24. Fly above the trees with a ziplining adventure
Calling all adrenaline junkies! Treetop Trekking might be your new favorite date idea. You’ll get the rush of soaring above Jungle Island with breathtaking views of Downtown and the bay! There are three thrilling courses to choose from, each color-coded based on difficulty level and height, with the lowest at 3 feet and the highest at 55 feet.
25. Go horseback riding at Bar-B-Ranch
One of the most magical date ideas includes horse riding through a beautiful scenic trail while taking in the fresh air. They welcome beginners and experienced riders, and offer rides on their 25-acre property or at Davie’s Robbins Preserve, so go get on that saddle!
26. Have a karaoke date night
With over 300,000 songs to choose from, there’s no better place to sing your hearts out at Sweet Caroline, Brickell’s popular karaoke bar. You can take turns showing off your singing skills or… lack thereof, and even get up on stage with your date and sing a classic duet!
27. Go on an escape room date
See how good you and your S/O can work together under a time crunch at Exit Escape Room Miami. For anyone who likes a challenge, this activity is great way to work together and solve your way around a room to make it out.
28. Splatter paint at Pinspiration
At this craft studio in Davie, you can customize a DIY project or participate in an art class. But the most eye-catching experience at Pinspiration is their Splatter Room. The idea is simple: you step into an enclosed room, put on a suit that covers you from head to toe and make a messy masterpiece!
29. Soar over Miami in a helicopter
What about seeing the city from new heights? As in, the clouds! Hope aboard a helicopter and see our picturesque beaches, towering buildings or even wildlife (if you’re lucky) from an exciting bird’s eye view.
30. Have a romantic picnic on the beach
This is a more obvious choice, with the incredible array of sandy gems around the Magic City, but it would still be a disservice to leave beaches out of the equation. You could prepare a little picnic and spend the day soaking up the sun or bring a blanket to get cozy while you take in an evening sunset.