The best date ideas in Miami sure to make a good impression
When you meet your significant other in South Beach, a night out at one of the best South Beach clubs just doesn’t feel special. The same can be said about foodie couples who spend their evenings checking off places from the list of best restaurants in Miami. Snooze. Has getting to know someone become tedious? Are you over staying in bed all day and ordering delivery? Don’t give up on dating just yet. Spice things up with a pick from our list of the best date ideas for Miami couples, perfect for laying low or experiencing something new together.
Best date ideas in Miami
Pick strawberries at Knaus Berry Farm
Knaus’ irresistible cinnamon rolls work for apologies, first impressions and creating general good will. But a pastry run does not a date make. However, strawberry picking at the bucolic Redland compound does make for a lovely afternoon together. You’ll want to beeline it to the milkshake stand before you go—a strawberry milkshake is as quintessential to the Knaus Berry Farm experience as those doughy rolls.
Hit some balls at Topgolf
Your father’s driving range got a makeover for the 21st century, and now it’s cool enough to take your girl on a Friday night. Topgolf isn’t just for working on your swing; it’s also for cocktails (there’s a full bar) and for breaking the ice.
Catch a flick at Soundscape Park
Miamians spend an ungodly amount of time sitting behind the wheel, so good luck getting your date to agree to sit in a car to watch a movie. Plus, the only option is more driving north to Fort Lauderdale to find the only drive-in theater in South Florida. For an equally unique moviegoing experience that’s arguably more fun and considerably less expensive is catching a flick at Soundscape Park. Every Wednesday through spring (anything after and you’ll melt on the lawn), you can bring a blanket, a picnic and sprawl out to watch classics as well as new releases projected on the New World Center for free.
Moonlight kayaking at Oleta River State Park
For the couples who run, swim and do about every other sporty thing together, there’s probably one outdoorsy activity you haven’t attempted yet: moonlight kayaking. Once a month, BG Oleta River Outdoor Center organizes a fun full moon ride through the massive state park. You’ll get set up with a kayak lit by glowsticks and set off with a guide. Up for an adventure? We found it.
Chill out at the Wynwood Yard
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. Then hit the Yard’s bar for a cocktail before settling in for one of the Yard’s incredible live music performance.
Ice skate in a nightclub
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.
Brunch at night at EAST, Miami
Brunch dates are tricky—hit the Bloody Mary bar too hard and it could mean the end of your relationship. Or, suggest a daytime meal early on and it could mean failure to launch. East, Miami found a way around this for couples who love to brunch. Every weekend, its secret Tea Room (yep, we’re spilling) hosts a five-course Asian night brunch, featuring two hours of bottomless cocktails, small plates and DJ-spun tunes. She gets her flowing champagne and you stay the hell out of the friend zone. Everyone wins. Thu–Sun 6–11pm; $88.
Show off your bowling skills at Kings Dining & Entertainment
Bowling might seem like the kind of date you suggested when you were 16 and your parents dropped you off at Bird Bowl to meet your high school crush. But thanks to places like Kings Bowl in Doral, the activity has evolved to include karaoke, cocktails and even a rum lounge, where you can dance if you’re really hitting it off. Feeling fancy? Book the private King Pin room and enjoy four lanes to yourself.
Pretend you’re on vacation on Española Way
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 grab dinner at 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.
Sip some tea
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 $35 per person and includes samples of JoJo’s proprietary blends. Reservations are required for these intimate weekend tastings.
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