These best Miami date ideas make for a guaranteed good time with bae

Knaus’ irresistible cinnamon rolls work for apologies, first impressions and creating general goodwill. 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 chewy, doughy rolls.

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. 

Miamians spend an ungodly amount of time sitting behind the wheel, so good luck getting your date to agree to cozy up in a car for a cute drive-in movie experience. Besides, the only option is more driving north to Fort Lauderdale to find the closest drive-in theater, Thunderbird at Swap Shop. For an equally unique moviegoing experience that’s arguably more fun (and less expensive), catch a flick at Soundscape Park. Every Wednesday through spring, you can bring a blanket and a picnic and sprawl out to watch classics as well as new releases projected on the New World Center for free.

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: moonlit 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. 

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.

Consider this an opportune time to work up a sweat, work on your trust falls and ogle his or her cute bum from down below. Miami might be devoid of mountains, but beginner and veteran climbers alike flock to the cavernous Magic City Rock Gym in Kendall to get their vertical fix. Find a variety of indoor rock climbing courses and climbing instruction plus a full exercise facility and spacious yoga area. 

Channel your inner Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze à la Ghost at one of Kuu’s pottery workshops. Yes, wheel throwing is inherently sensual and yes, your amorphous clay shapes will inevitably begin to resemble certain body parts. It’s all part of the process at these workshops hosted by Miami-based ceramicist Kassandra Guzman. Options range from single classes and beginner throwing to intensive six-week courses and even erotic pottery nights (usually on Valentine’s Day). Not only do you get to have some fun learning a new skill together, but you end up with a thoughtful, handmade gift for bae.

Show off your artsy side—and your killer dance moves—at ICA’s monthly free party, First Fridays. The exhibits stay open late but the real draw is the shindig that happens out on its lush backyard terrace dotted with cool sculptures and rotating installations. It’s where you’ll find pop-up bars handing out free cocktails, live music and performance art, DJs and more.

The sites, restaurants, bars and attractions to tick off your bucket list