14 Best Romantic Getaways in Florida — From a Private Island to Historic Hotels

When it's high time for a relaxing retreat with your one and only, few domestic destinations can beat the romance of beautiful Florida. Whether you want to hide away on a private island, head to a resort with lots of activities and opportunities to reconnect, or unplug entirely over a candlelit dinner for two, these romantic getaways in The Sunshine State have just the spark you're looking for.

Little Palm Island, Little Torch Key

Although the Florida Keys are more known for turning up the fun than relaxing into romance, the four-acre, adults-only Little Palm Island — the only private island resort in the U.S. — is a notable exception. Here, you can live out your stranded-on-a-deserted-island-together fantasies — that is, if the island were to come equipped with luxurious amenities, fine dining, a palm tree-lined pool, and a full staff ready to cater to your every whim.

When it comes to romantic getaways in Florida, you could hardly find better than the tropical splendor of Little Palm Island. Make sure to book treatments together in the Balinese-style indoor/outdoor spa, hammock in the shade, soak in your suite's outdoor copper tub with an ocean view, and do dinner on the sand — or order in for a cozy night to yourselves. You can also request romantic arrival amenities and turndown service to surprise your special someone.

Brazilian Court Hotel, Palm Beach

Head to the heart of Palm Beach for a stay at the elegant Brazilian Court Hotel. Located on a quiet residential street a couple blocks from the glitz of Worth Avenue, the historic Brazilian Court Hotel feels a bit like a secluded enclave in the midst of the world's wealthiest. While away the hours by the outdoor pool or at the Brazilian Court beach club, tuck into any of the hotel's private courtyards, and savor the culinary artistry on offer at Café Boulud during your couples stay.

The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens, St. Augustine

St. Augustine is one of the most romantic cities in Florida, especially around the holidays when the town is dressed up in three million glittering lights for Nights of Lights. Located on famous Cordova Street but a few minutes by foot from all the hubbub, The Collector Inn is a stunning retreat with elements of history, intrigue, whimsy, and romance. The cozy property contains 30 individually appointed rooms with hardwood floors and fireplaces spread across nine buildings dating back to the 18th century.

The Breakers, Palm Beach

It just doesn't get more romantic than The Breakers, arguably the top resort in Florida and one of the best in the world. From the world-class eateries to the golf course, spa, oceanfront fitness club, and various pools, you'll never want to leave. Stay in the 25-room Flagler Club, an ultra-exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel (complete with its own staff, private lounge, rooftop terrace, and chauffeured Tesla house car) for la crème de la crème of fine hotel stays.

The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island

Located on a secluded barrier island in northern Florida, The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island is a gorgeous property lined with 1.5 miles of beachfront dunes, dotted with 18 holes of championship golf, and sporting indoor and outdoor pools with direct beach access and private cabanas. Go here for a coastal retreat, hammock massages, and the chance to bond over activities like kayaking the Intracoastal Waterway.

Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa, Marathon

Located partway down the Florida Keys archipelago, Isla Bella Beach Resort is one of the most modern luxury resorts in the Keys, perfect for a getaway for two. Make sure to catch the sunset (the resort is situated on 24 oceanfront acres) and sign up for any of the tons of activities on offer, from bocce to beach yoga to stargazing to snorkeling.

South Seas Island Resort, Captiva

Quiet, picturesque, and intentionally intimate, Florida's Captiva Island is one of the state's most romantic beach towns. Stay at the 330-acre South Seas Island Resort for plentiful amenities, restaurants, and activities. It's popular among families, but mom and dad can enjoy some alone time here, too. Nearby Sanibel Island is another favorite among lovers, and both are among the world's best spots for shelling.

The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach

Sweethearts are never out of place at The Don CeSar, the iconic pink resort nicknamed Florida's Pink Palace. Here, you'll be a five-minute drive from adorable St. Pete's Beach, with shopping, dining, and awe-inspiring sunsets. The beachfront resort's 277 rooms and suites are decorated with breezy textiles reminiscent of the region's Art Deco era.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada

If you desire an unplugged vacation, you might find it hard to accomplish at the endlessly 'Gram-able Cheeca Lodge, where couples can get lost in the 27 acres of tropical foliage, bask in the sun on the massive palm-lined private beach (beaches are a rarity in the Keys), cast a line off the 525-foot fishing pier, or schedule a spa day to rediscover their bliss. Guests can stay in one of the private casitas or a luxury oceanfront suite.

Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, St. Augustine

Layer a romantic stay at Casa Monica Resort & Spa upon a romantic visit to the sweet city of St. Augustine, America's oldest, where charm has abounded since the 1500s. Located in the heart of St. Augustine's Historic District, Casa Monica sports touches of Moroccan style and offers lovers a Sweet Escapes package with an outdoor terrace dining experience, breakfast in bed, a late check-out, and Champagne upon arrival.

Acqualina Resort & Residences on The Beach, Sunny Isles Beach

You and yours want a sultry getaway to Miami but crave privacy, too. Instead of immersing directly in the buzz of South Beach, head 12 miles north and stay on the quieter Sunny Isles Beach. At the luxurious Acqualina Resort, you can book a couples experience in the Royal Spa Suite, plan a surprise toes-in-the-sand dining experience, or eat at a Romeo and Juliet-style balcony at onsite Il Mulino. Book a classic suite for views of the water from every room (and even the bathtub).

Island Inn, Sanibel

Find it hard to relax at a resort where you feel obligated to dress to impress? The non-fussy Island Inn — where laidback living on the sands of Sanibel follows no clock — might be just your speed. Sanibel Island is a favorite among shellers, making it a great spot for those long, romantic walks on the beach everyone always goes on about. (There's even a shell cleaning station when you return with your treasures so you can keep tangible tokens of these special memories.)

The Boca Raton, Boca Raton

The Boca Raton is actually five distinct hotels that make up one sprawling resort. On the property, there are more than a dozen restaurants spanning everything from a golf course-adjacent burger joint to an upscale Italian eatery, a 50,000-square-foot spa, spacious pools and things to do on the beach and at the lake, plus a fleet of boats that connect the inland and beach sides of the resort. It's the perfect place for two to sneak away for a weekend to themselves.

The Henderson Park Inn, Destin

A secluded escape awaits at The Henderson Park Inn, which resembles a grand seaside manor on the unspoiled Emerald Coast. Arriving here will invite the two of you to exhale the stressors of "normal life" and reinvigorate the connection you share. Up the ante with the Romance Package, which includes accommodations in a suite and a sweep-you-off-your-feet welcome complete with a rose petal display on the bed.