Best Florida Beaches for Couples

The Best Florida Beaches for Couples is a hard list to put together, but with the help of some of my other blogger friends, we have the experience to narrow this list down to the best beaches for your next romantic getaway in Florida.

Florida is full of so many amazing beaches, some are even better when you bring your significant other and make it a romantic getaway. This post is going to fill you in on all the hidden spots that make the perfect romantic vacation. This is perfect if you are planning your Valentines Day, Birthday or Anniversary trip that may be just around the corner. These beaches are recommended based on experience and that is key to creating the best beaches in Florida.

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We have created the perfect packing list to get everything you need for your small town getaway into one lightweight personal item. Flights are getting more expensive, and carry-ons have become a charge for almost every flight. Getting everything you need into the perfect personal item is one of the best tricks to keep costs low.

Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach is one of the most romantic beaches at sunset, located on Estero Island Florida. The Pier is lovely to walk on and at the end there are always fishermen and fisherwomen trying to get their catch for the day. After you get your walk to the end of the pier, find an empty spot on the north side of the pier to get an unobstructed view of the sunset, or the south side to watch the sunset through the pier.

You can rent anything your heart desires if you are feeling more adventurous, from SUP, kayaks, canoe, to jet skis and even schedule a parasailing trip!

Glass is not allowed, but picnics certainly are and having a lovely sunset picnic appetizer is the perfect way to finish the day. You can easily walk just off the beach to get a romantic dinner at some fun beach themed restaurants.

Fort Myers Beach is all about the night life, so make sure you pack your party outfits and head out to enjoy the party. You can also walk along the street and enjoy the shops, there is a lot of touristy beach stuff, but you can always commemorate the romance with a henna tattoo… less commitment but lots of sentiment?

Making a weekend in Fort Myers is the perfect adventure, and some amazing tips might be necessary to make the romantic beach adventure complete. Make sure to pack and apply the sunscreen and bug spray when you spend time at the beach, and enjoy all the relaxation you can!

Indian Rocks Beach

Known for its laid-back beaches, but close to the action of Clearwater Beach and the St. Pete Beaches, Indian Rocks Beach offers the perfect romantic getaway for couples.  

Indian Rocks Beach (known as IRB to locals) does not have many hotels but instead offers a lot of holiday homes, condos, and cottages. Everywhere on the 3 mile stretch of Indian Rocks Beach is just a couple of blocks or less to water, with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the intercoastal waterway to the east.   

No matter where you stay on Indian Rocks Beach, it is a short walk to the beach. Public access points line the beach. With calm blue water, gorgeous sunsets, and fewer crowds than the beaches nearby, Indian Rocks Beach is the perfect place to lie in the sand, look for dolphins in the water, and relax.  

Couples who want to explore can rent a boat, kayak, or SUP for the day. Couples can take the Beach Trolley to Clearwater Beach where they can join a dinner cruise, dolphin tour, go parasailing, fishing, or any of the many water activities available.   

For couples who want a beach break, the Jolley Trolley goes from Clearwater Beach further north to Dunedin whose Main Street is filled with quirky shops and restaurants. Take the trolley further north to Tarpon Springs, an area known for its Greek influence and sponge docks.

Indian Rocks Nature Reserve is a beautiful place to walk through the mangroves on a boardwalk and try to spot local wildlife.  

For a small beach, Indian Rocks has plenty of delicious options for restaurants and fun bars to enjoy a drink after a day on the beach. The white sandy beach is perfect to sit and watch the sunset with your partner after a beautiful day in Florida.  

Submitted by Lanie van der Horst of Make-More-Adventures

Siesta Key

Siesta Key is one of the best Florida beaches for couples because of the beautiful beaches and relaxing environment around town. One of the best and romantic things to do in Siesta Key is to enjoy the beautiful beaches. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset or walk along the coast. Either way, you will enjoy the amazing sand and gorgeous views. One of the best places to watch the sunset on Siesta Key is at Sunset Pointe. Pack some drinks and a picnic to enjoy as you watch the sunset.

Another romantic and relaxing thing to do in Siesta Key is a couple’s massage. At the Hands of Light Massage Therapy, couples’ massages are available daily and are a great way to connect with your partner and rejuvenate.

A fun thing to do with your spouse is window shop through Siesta Key Village. It is a historic district in town and is one of the prettiest places in town to explore. You can grab brunch at the Broken Egg Restaurant before exploring the quaint downtown shops and boutiques.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can go snorkeling at Point of Rocks. It is the best place for snorkeling on the key. You can also see cool tide pools here at low tide. The snorkeling area is about five feet deep and full of beautiful sea life. The terrain is kind of rough, so it is a good idea to wear water shoes.

Submitted by Candice of CSGinger

Honeymoon Island

If you are looking for the best beaches in Florida for couples, look no further than Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, Florida. Honeymoon Island even has a romantic-sounding name, so you know that you can’t go wrong visiting here with your loved ones!

 It is a state park so there is a small fee to enter, but it includes your entire car. The reason that Honeymoon Island is so great for couples is that there is plenty to explore. There are over 4 miles of beaches and over 3 miles of trails. Plus, it is an island so it doesn’t get any cooler than that. If you and your person are into active exploring, there is something for you. Relaxing? That is okay, you will still love it here!

There are a variety of beach “styles” on Honeymoon Island, depending on what your couple’s style is! One of the best tips for Honeymoon Island is to explore the state park, not just stay in one area. For example, there is a white sandy beach, but there is so much more. Maybe you are into shelling. There is plenty of shelling to be had here too. What if you like trees and roots and exploring driftwood? There is a beach for that too. 

You can also paddle or bike throughout the park and there are bathroom and changing facilities throughout. This is a larger beach park and is truly one of the best beaches in Florida for couples who like both activities and to relax! 

Submitted by Victoria J. Yore of Florida Trippers

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is a laid-back town on the Gulf Coast of Florida about a one-hour drive west of Tampa. It is best known for its white powdered-sugary sand and calm, warm waters which have earned it the #1 spot on several “best beach” lists over the years. It’s a popular destination, so there are many hotel options, restaurants, beachfront cafés, and nightlife. Pier 60 is a lively spot to hang out, especially at night when street performers come out of the woodwork.

The weather and the water are both warm enough to make Clearwater a year-round destination, so it’s especially nice for couples seeking a warm escape during the winter. The water is calm, so don’t expect any surfing here. Instead, try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. And although there are better beaches in Florida for shelling, Clearwater is still a great place for the casual shell hunter to make some interesting finds.

The best activity for couples is taking a boat ride out on the ocean and there are lots of options for those seeking a little romance or just a fun time, whether it’s a sunset cruise on catamaran or dolphin encounter on a speed boat. The dolphins love to come out and surf the wake and always put on a good show – dolphin sightings are guaranteed and are sure to be unforgettable.

Submitted By JJ Haglund from The Minivan Bucket List

Caladesi Island State Park

If you are looking for a romantic gateway and searching for the Best Florida Beach for couples, look no further. Caladesi Island State Park is not only a romantic beach, it is also one of the best-kept secrets in Florida that not many people know about. With a pristine beach, unspoiled nature and considered one of the best beaches in America.  

This wild oasis, with a tranquil shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico, is located three miles offshore from Dunedin, just north of Clearwater Beach. It is one of the few undeveloped barrier islands left in the United States, the 600-acres State Park is accessible only by boat, kayak or you can take a ferry directly from Honeymoon Island.  

There are plenty of activities to spend a romantic and relaxing day on the island, such as 3-miles of nature trails, while you observe the local fauna and migration birds. Also, 3-miles of kayak trails for you to explore the mangrove where the water averages only 2-5 feet deep. It is very common to see manatees and dolphins in this area too.  

If you are planning to spend the day, you can bring your own food and enjoy the picnic area with the grill, or you can grab a quick snack at the marina house cafe – offering food, souvenirs, and drinks 

Submitted by Paula Martinelli of Paula Pins The Planet

South Beach

Miami is known for its hot weather and its hot nightlife. Join the ranks of sunkissed beach-goers at the most famous of Miami’s beaches, South Beach. The white sand and aquamarine waters are romantic in their own right, but several of South Beach’s activities can make a romantic getaway even sweeter.

If gifts are your love language, you’ll love shopping with your partner along Lincoln Road, a pedestrian-only street just off the beach with the best of Miami’s fashion and restaurants. You can also explore the pastel Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive.

For a quieter moment, head to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, where you’ll find hidden paths and butterflies flying all around. What is more romantic than a butterfly kiss?

Near the end of the day, book a sunset yacht cruise through Biscayne Bay. The sparkling waters, incredible sky, and the lavish luxury of a private yacht makes the perfect scene for champagne and snuggles.

After sunset, Miami comes to life, and some of the city’s best nightlife is in South Beach. Several salsa clubs offer dance lessons, so you and your boo can learn to sway your hips and join in the fun at places like Salsa Mia, Mango’s Tropical Cafe, or Salsa Central. Any time you’re in Florida, it’s worth extending your trip to see the best Miami has to offer, and luckily it’s easy to get there; for example, a bus from Tampa to Miami takes under 5 hours. You and your partner will return home closer than ever, with amazing memories of your time in South Beach.

Submitted By Mary King from Bucket List Places

Barefoot Beach

The Sunshine State of Florida offers scenic beaches galore, but it’s not everywhere you’ll find soft, white sand beaches along with world-renowned shelling like you will in Naples. The beaches in Naples Florida consistently rank among the best in the world! There’s literally a beach for everyone in the family.

But the most romantic beach of all has to be Barefoot Beach, a stretch of beach in north Naples that feels miles away from anywhere. That may have something to do with the wide expanse of beach, or the fact that many visitors turn around before they reach it thinking they’re trespassing on private property. But don’t let the road in through a community of multi million-dollar homes intimidate you — keep going.

The reward at the end is Barefoot Beach Preserve, a lovely and unspoiled 342 acres of county park that’s mostly known by locals. The beach here is natural and strewn with native sea oats, sea grapes and gumbo limbo, and the water is shallow and perfect for swimming. Couples can find their own quiet spot near the dunes.

After a day at the beach, there’s no shortage of amenities to enjoy in Naples. There are over 700 restaurants and eateries from which to choose. 5th Avenue South and Third Street South are popular neighborhoods for exceptional dining, and shopping for luxury brands is another favorite pastime.
But there’s nothing more romantic than a stroll on the famous Naples Pier at sunset — it’s so romantic and offers the perfect backdrop for that postcard sunset view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Submitted by Lori Sorrentino of Naples Florida Travel Guide

Fort de Soto

When you are looking for a couple-friendly beach vacation in Florida, you cannot skip Fort de Soto from your bucket list. The clean blue water with pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails, and lots of fun activities make it a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city life and feel like a part of nature and spend some romantic times together. Located in St. Petersburg, Fort de Soto is truly a hidden gem in Florida that is always under-crowded.

Couples can explore two beautiful white sand beaches – North Beach and East Beach. The water is clean, warm and perfect for swimming or you can just relax and enjoy sunbathing together. Go for a romantic walk along the beach, you can have a lot of personal space all to yourself.

The pristine environment is a perfect habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds of all types to prosper. The best way to explore the park is to rent a kayak or canoe and discover the 2.5-mile kayak trail. Here you can see beautiful mangrove forests, different species of birds, manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins. Fort de Soto Park has some scenic nature trails that connect North Beach, East Beach and the camping area. Adventure-loving couples can stay at the campsite. The campground facilities include picnic tables, grills, electricity, water, sanitary disposal stations, restrooms, showers, and play areas.

Entry Fee: $5

Submitted by Trijit Mallick from Budget Travel Buff

Miramar Beach

One of the best Florida beaches for couples is Miramar Beach. Located in the panhandle next to Destin, Miramar Beach has quickly become one of the most popular places in Florida for a getaway.

Miramar Beach is on the Emerald Coast and as its name suggests, it’s known for its Emerald green water, sugary sand, and pristine beaches. The combination of the beach and its emerald waters make it a perfect place to escape from reality and enjoy each other’s company.

One of the most romantic things to do in Miramar Beach is to take a walk along the beach at sunset. The sunsets here are truly amazing and they’re some of the best in the state. You might also be lucky enough to spot some dolphins!

For couples looking for an adventure, there are kayak trails where you can explore some of the surrounding waterways. The wildlife is abundant here, so it’s likely that you’ll see plenty of animals like dolphins, turtles, fish, birds, and more.

You can also venture to Destin, which is just a few miles down the road. From here, you can go on a sunset dinner cruise or take a day trip to Crab Island.

HarborWalk Village is another great place to visit in Destin. It’s a charming waterfront village filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries. This is the perfect place to sample some fresh seafood.

Other romantic things to do in the area include having dinner at a gulf-front restaurant, hiking the trails at Henderson Beach State Park, enjoying moonlit walks on the beach, and having a picnic on the lawn at Eden State Gardens

Submitted by Disha Smith of Disha Discovers

Pass-A-Grille

If cost is not an issue, the most romantic getaway on Florida’s West Coast is the historic Don Cesar Hotel, located in Pass-A-Grille, Florida. Nestled on the Gulf of Mexico, this retro beach town is home to this pink mansion. Since 1928, the Don Cesar Hotel has attracted celebrities and famous writers. But you don’t need to be the star-crossed Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald to stay here. Its slogan? “Become part of the storied history of the legendary Pink Palace®. Iconic. Romantic. Celebratory.”

Pass-A-Grille’s name is derived from the French Passe aux Grilleurs. This is the place to order a martini and shrimp cocktail on the terrace, followed by a massage in the spa. Then head out to the beach to soak up the Florida sun. Pass-A-Grille is a retro beach town circa 1950s with its long boardwalks, historic beach cottages, and bobbing boats. It is a “go slow” place where visitors and residents stay to watch the sunset each night.

Top activities are walking on the beach, bicycling around town, and boating. Rent a fishing rod at the Merry Pier or take a tour to the Shell Key Preserve. You can also bring your pup to Pass-A-Grille as the beach is “Fido-friendly.” Pass-A-Grille is a short car ride to St. Petersburg for a romantic night of eating in the trendy Edge District followed by a cocktail at a restaurant overlooking the waterfront.

Submitted by Terri at FemaleSoloTrek

Fort Zachary Tailor Beach in Key West

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is a beautiful spot located on the southern edge of Key West. This beach is known for its white sand and beautiful blue waters. There is a little park and the fort close to the beach so you can easily spend an entire day here without getting bored.

Keep in mind that Fort Zachary Taylor is a tourist attraction and a popular place for families, especially on the weekends, so you might not have a very quiet experience here if you come on a busy day. However, there are always little hideaways from the main beach hidden away so you won’t be bothered too much if you’re looking for a romantic escape.

The beach is open from 8 am until sunset and there is a 6$ fee for cars or $2.50 per person if you’re walking. If you’re looking for something to do afterwards you absolutely need to have a piece of the iconic Key Lime Pie which this area of Florida is so famous for. Go to one of the many cafes in Key West and have a romantic afternoon snack with your significant other before waiting the sun go down over the bay.

Submitted by Victoria Heinz of Guide Your Travel