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Calm turquoise water, white sandy beaches, homemade ice cream, and a quaint beach town are just a few of the things you’ll find on Anna Maria Island, a 7-mile island south of Tampa. If you’ve ever dreamed of finding a less-crowded and tourist-trap-free Clearwater beach, Anna Maria Island just might be your paradise. After a…
There’s no need to travel far for a getaway when we have some of the world’s best beaches right in our backyard. Sandwiched between Clearwater Beach to the north and St. Pete Beach to the south, Indian Shores beckons with miles of coastline, spectacular sunsets, abundant wildlife and locally-owned restaurants. Discover the best of this…
Lovingly nicknamed the “Venice of Florida” thanks to the beautiful canals that flow through downtown, Fort Lauderdale is an ideal getaway for Floridians who seek art, culture, and fun. You can get to Fort Lauderdale from Orlando in just under four hours by car, or hop on a quick commercial flight. Once you arrive, go…
Complete with beautiful beaches, tropical cocktails, a chill vibe and proximity to Orlando, Cocoa Beach is optimal for a weekend getaway. The city is also known for their killer waves, so much so that Cocoa Beach is the home of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame. From hitting the Cocoa Beach Pier for drinks and…
This article was originally written and published by Arlene Laboy on September 13, 2019. It was updated by Nancy DeVault on April 5, 2024. St. Augustine Beach is just over the Lion’s Bridge, off the Historic Downtown District of St. Augustine–aka the Ancient City. Once you’ve crossed over this short bridge—atop of the Matanzas River—it…
For an escape from the norm, Tampa is an ideal destination. A 90-minute drive will transport you to a city where old and new intersect in the best of ways. An array of cultural attractions fill the city, which boasts multiple art and history museums, theaters and performance venues. Creative eateries and bars continue to…
Located about an hour away from downtown Orlando, New Smyrna Beach is well-known to most locals. However, New Smyrna Beach has plenty more to offer couples than lazy days by the ocean. There’s a creative arts scene, rich history, and the culinary offerings grow daily with cuisines ranging from seafood to Italian fare. The city’s…
The Sunshine State is bursting with fun-in-the-sun getaway options for couples. Some of the most popular destinations are situated in South Florida – like Miami Beach and the Florida Keys. But 2.5 hours southeast of Orlando awaits 2,300 square miles of tropical paradise including 47 miles of unspoiled Atlantic Ocean beachfront. We’re talking about the…
Dunedin is home to Honeymoon Island, so it’s safe to say that this Florida beach town makes for a lovely couples getaway. Less than a two-hour drive from Orlando, this romantic destination is situated on the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico between Palm Harbor and Clearwater. It was a decade after our honeymoon, but my…
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, St. Petersburg, nicknamed the Sunshine City, is an ideal destination for a short weekend getaway. Thought of by some as mainly a beach town, St. Pete provides visitors so much more. From the beach to the world-famous Dali Museum and watching your favorite musical act in concert at Jannus Live,…
Written in collaboration with Asheville Date Night Guide’s Jen Brooks Tucked into the palm of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the tiny town of Asheville, NC never ceases to amaze visitors looking for an action packed getaway in an unforgettable setting. From zip lining to hiking to white water rafting, Asheville’s adventure offerings are as seemingly…
Despite its designation as Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee may be the last place on your mind when you envision a weekend getaway. Yet this vibrant city is merely waiting for curious travelers to arrive and unravel its web of surprises. Where you expect a skyline teeming with high-rises, there’s quaint Southern charm and canopy lined…
Looking for a nearby, relaxing couple’s getaway? Discover Jensen Beach, a small beach town inclusive of Hutchinson Island, a barrier island that continues into Fort Pierce. Jensen Beach and Stuart, its neighboring town to the south, offer two coastlines to explore: the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River. Water…check! Sand…check! Fun activities…check! Here’s a getaway…
Colorful homes, friendly locals, fresh conch, and vibrant turquoise waters are hallmarks of the Bahamas travel experience, often marveled at alongside a horde of other travelers arriving by cruise ship or major airline to the well-worn destinations. But dive a little deeper and you’ll discover a quieter Caribbean escape in Elbow Cay. Part of a…
Despite close proximity to nearby beach vacation hotspots like Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key has a distinct island vibe of its own. The pace is a bit slower, the people linger longer, and the food is spectacular on this 11-mile slice of paradise. STAY Longboat Key is wildly popular with long-term vacationers…
Just 90 minutes south of Miami, Islamorada is the ‘key’ to a perfect getaway! The Florida Keys are made up of 1,700 islands, though only 42 are connected by bridges; six of which comprise the village of Islamorada. STAY The Post Card Inn Beach Resort & Marina at Holiday Isle is an oceanfront oasis ideal…
Explore the charming village and bike trails on one of the Gulf’s best Old Florida islands. Located on Gasparilla Island on Florida’s Gulf coast, Boca Grande has been a vacation hideaway for over a century, hosting historical celebrities from Henry Ford to Audrey Hepburn. And while the tiny town certainly exudes an air of elegance, it’s still a…
Dotted with Spanish colonial architecture and dripping with old world charm, St. Augustine is an easy, 90-minute drive from Orlando up Interstates 4 and 95. America’s oldest city is one rooted in farm-to-fork fare, craft cocktails and a destination that’s far more than tourist traps and gift shops. Argue if you must, but St. Augustine is by…
Hop in the car headed north on I-95 and in about 75 minutes you’ll arrive in the Palm Coast area, one of Florida’s finest destinations for unspoiled beauty and easy beach respites. 19 miles of uncrowded coastline are the first reason to visit. The beaches and surrounding Atlantic waters provide an endless array of activities…
Universal Orlando is loved by many Orlando couples because of the thrills and excitement found around every corner. The holiday season at Universal Orlando takes the joy of the holidays and amps up the excitement. Both theme parks are decked out for the holidays, the Universal Orlando hotels are decorated, and CityWalk gets in on…
Have you ever had the perfect Florida day? There’s something so remarkable about a day spent exploring a Florida destination you haven’t been to before. On our first visit my husband, son, and I fell in love with a special place that is often overlooked: Historic Cocoa Village. It’s easy to focus on places like…
Tucked between Winter Park and Orlando and bordering Seminole County, Maitland is a bustling suburb of Orlando. It has become a popular residential destination thanks to the amount of corporate offices nearby and an impressive collection of parks, restaurants, and other recreational activities. Turns out, it’s also got a ton to offer date nighters. Whether…
If you’re craving a romantic day of exploration with your love, consider a leisurely day trip up to De Leon Springs State Park. Located about an hour north of Orlando, De Leon Springs State Park has lush trails, refreshing natural springs, and a fascinating history that dates back 6,000 years. Snuggle up over endless DIY…
Our weather is glorious, the sun is shining, and being outdoors is an enjoyable activity (except in the peak of summer). With so many parks and gardens in Orlando, packing up a picnic basket with someone special and having your lunch al fresco sounds like the perfect date idea. So, here are our picks for…
Enjoy all of the perks of a blissful three-day weekend in Orlando – our own backyard! With a little bit of adventure, romance and relaxation, a staycation is the perfect way to spend a travel-free 72 hours with your significant other. Fantastic dining and beautiful sightseeing strike the ideal balance throughout the entire weekend sending…
SPONSORED — Looking for the perfect place to make new holiday memories this season? Celebrating the holidays in Winter Garden always tops our list each December. And this year, the city is looking especially merry and bright thanks to hundreds of twinkling lights and a large Christmas tree adorning the central plaza, plus a lineup of…
SPONSORED – Looking for the perfect place to make new holiday memories this season? Celebrating the holidays in Winter Garden always tops our list each December. And this year, the city is looking especially merry and bright thanks to hundreds of twinkling lights and a large Christmas tree adorning the central plaza, plus a lineup…
Orlando Date Night Guide’s giveaway extravaganza is back this year with the return of 28 Days of Love (with a bonus day this year!). For all 29 days in February, a different winner will score one of the spectacular prizes below. Beginning Saturday, February 1, we’ll announce one winner daily on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram….
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Celebrate the holidays in Orlando with our list of joyful activities to partake in together every single day from December 1 – 24. December 1: Insta-worthy photos with Santa Feel like kids again and get epic shots with Santa this year at Wall Crawl. The indoor selfie…
Disney Springs may function primarily as a tourist destination, but if you know where to look it’s full of exciting and romantic options for date night. At this dining, shopping and entertainment hub, you can snuggle up in the back seat of a vintage amphicar for a sunset boat ride, sip wine in a Master…
It may not feel like Christmas, but with twinkling lights and holiday decorations on display all throughout the city, it’s certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas. While we totally support spending the holiday season planted firmly under the mistletoe, it’s worth stepping outside to explore the best of Orlando’s holiday festivities. Take your…