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The best things to do in South Beach for couples are watching the sunset at South Pointe Park, an early sunrise walk on an empty beach, a sunset cruise on Biscayne Bay, biking the Beachwalk, dinner on Española Way and rooftop cocktails. For a once-in-a-lifetime treat, book a private flight over South Beach.
South Beach has a reputation for parties, but it's also one of the easiest places in the US for a romantic break: everything is walkable, the ocean is warm most of the year, and sunrise and sunset each have their own perfect spot. These are the couple-friendly experiences we'd plan around, from free walks to splurges, plus where to stay.
At the southern tip of Miami Beach, the park's pier and bayside walkway face west over Government Cut. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset, bring a blanket for the lawn, and watch the cruise ships leave PortMiami. Free.
The beach faces east, so sunrise over the Atlantic is the show here. Before 8 a.m. Lummus Park is almost empty, the lifeguard towers glow in soft light, and you'll have the sand nearly to yourselves.
Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue between 5th and 15th Street are at their prettiest just before dark, when the pastel facades catch the light and the neon switches on. Pick up a gelato and walk slowly.
A paved path runs along the dunes for miles from South Pointe north toward Mid-Beach. Rent bikes from the Citi Bike stations dotted around South Beach and ride north in the morning breeze.
The pedestrian mall is perfect for an unhurried afternoon of window shopping and coffee, especially on Sunday mornings when the farmers market is on.
Sightseeing boats leave from Bayside Marketplace for about 90 minutes past the skyline, PortMiami and the mansions of Star Island. Choose a late-afternoon departure to come back under the lit-up skyline.
See Biscayne Bay cruises →
A small-plane flight along the coastline, with options that include champagne, is the ultimate splurge and a popular proposal setting. Flights typically last 40 minutes to an hour.
See the romantic flight with champagne →Tandem parasailing off South Beach gives you a bird's-eye view of the coastline. A good choice for couples who like a little adrenaline.
Check parasailing in South Beach →Jet ski rentals operate on the bay side of Miami Beach; paddleboards are best on calm mornings. Go with a licensed operator and follow the speed zones (manatees live here).
A small-group walking tour that mixes Cuban, Latin and Art Deco history over about two and a half hours. Great on your first evening to find places to come back to.
See the South Beach food tour →
Strings of lights, Mediterranean architecture and terrace tables make this pedestrian lane a lovely backdrop. For a quieter, more refined dinner, head to the SoFi (South of Fifth) neighbourhood near South Pointe.
Several South Beach hotels have rooftop bars and pools that open to non-guests in the evening. Across the bay, Brickell's rooftops offer skyline views; go for sunset.
Weekend brunch is a Miami institution. Book a terrace table on Ocean Drive or at a Mid-Beach resort and let it run into the afternoon.
Salsa and Latin jazz nights run in Miami Beach and Little Havana; a dance lesson before the music starts is a fun ice-breaker.
Mid-Beach resorts such as The Palms Hotel & Spa offer couples' treatments; book midweek for availability.
An iconic Art Deco tower at 940 Ocean Drive, across from the beach. Best for couples who want to be in the heart of the action; ask for a higher floor to soften the street noise.
See Hotel Breakwater prices →Prefer calm? The Betsy on the quieter end of Ocean Drive and The Palms in Mid-Beach are our top couples' picks. See all options in our best hotels in Miami Beach guide.
Planning the rest of your trip? See 20 best things to do in Miami and how much a Miami trip costs.
Facts such as shuttle hours, fees and distances were checked against the hotels' and operators' own pages and official Miami-Dade sources on the date shown above. They change often: always confirm before you book.
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