The best date ideas in Miami

How many times haven’t you walked past a food truck and said you’d been meaning to try it? Stop talking about it and be about it—together. A contained space like the Wynwood Yard is the perfect place to put your plan into action. Share a super-healthy vegan bowl at Della Test Kitchen before indulging in a cup of Mr. Bing’s thinly shaved ice cream you can eat with a fork. Better yet, have the food truck experience come to you. The Wynwood Parlor truck delivers their delicious cookie ice cream sandwiches anywhere in Miami.

Whether you’re in it for the dancing, are hoping to recreate some romantic figure-skating routine or just want to impress your girl with an out-there idea for a night out, ice skating at Miami Beach nightclub Basement will more than impress your date. The 2,000-square-foot rink is small enough for novices to navigate—and the perfect size for experienced couples looking to keep it cozy all night.  

Wine tasting isn’t original (and could lead to precarious situations for new couples), so we suggest sampling coffee instead. When it comes to caffeine, it’s called cupping. At ALL DAY, you’ll have a seat and sip three distinct varietals poured in mismatched vintage glasses (disposable cups ruin the experience), observing the beans’s aromas and tastes and bonding over your shared favorites.

Nothing says commitment like getting matching tattoos…but you’re not there yet. Instead, get matching piercings at New Age Body Piercing in Coconut Grove. The popular shop (rated one of the best spots in the city) has a ton of jewelry to choose from. What to do with all that adrenaline after you’ve been pierced? Take it next door to adult store Condom USA (3066 Grand Ave, 305-445-7729). Whatever you do next, just make sure to be careful not to put anything in your new hole. 

Blacklights are fun, and even have the potential to be a little sexy given the right circumstance. See where things go during a game of bowling at this UV-lit alley inside Dolphin Mall. Balls are big and heavy, so you’ll want to beef up with one of Bowlero’s over-the-top dishes, like the giant party pretzel, the five-pound Behemoth Burger or the drool-worthy s’mores skillet. If the game goes south, you can still bond over your mutual love of chocolate desserts.  

You’re a dude who’s into yoga, dating a girl who’s into craft beer. Having trouble connecting? Concrete Beach Brewery in Wynwood is where you’ll find some common ground. Every second Wednesday of the month at 7pm Veronica Menin of Miami’s Love Live Wellness Center hosts a free beginner’s yoga class inside the Social Hall. Afterward, participants are invited to stay and enjoy $4 pints for the rest of the night.

When you can’t find the time (or money) to get away, spending the day on Española Way is the next best thing to a European vacation. Stroll the promenade and take a moment to admire the Spanish colonial architecture. Then stop by chocolatier Yerba Buena (512 Española Way) for an artisanal treat before making your way west to A La Folie, a tiny French café serving up airy crepes and casual lunch fare. Looking to make it an overnight stay? The charming Paseo Hotel is right on the strip. 

If the idea of coffee cupping is giving you the jitters, try something more calming, like tea. Book a tasting at JoJo Tasting Room, an intimate tea speakeasy in Coral Gables with just eight seats. A 90-minute session will run you about $28 per person and includes samples of JoJo’s proprietary blends. Reservations are required as the tasting room opens intermittently throughout the week.

Show off your artsy side—and your killer dance moves—at PAMM’s Poplife Social, which happens every third Thursday of the month. The exhibits stay open late but the real draw is the party that happens on the terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay. It’s where you’ll find pop-up bars selling specially priced cocktails, live music, DJs and more.

In between sunbathing, swimming and sipping cocktails (or craft beer), check off these essential experiences