An exotic honeymoon in a faraway destination is the dream trip for many couples. If you’ve got the budget for a big splurge, go for it. But if you’re looking for a trip closer to home with gorgeous views, gourmet dining, active adventures and relaxing spas, consider the Sunshine State for your honeymoon.
These options for a Florida honeymoon offer plenty of memory-making options, from comfortable, unique hotel rooms to fun activities to enjoy with your love. The Sunshine State has a lot to offer couples so don’t overlook it – your romantic getaway awaits!
1. Florida Keys
There aren’t many places in the United States that make you feel like you’ve left the country, but the Florida Keys is one of them. The Florida Keys, a 120-mile-long chain of islands off the southern coast of the Florida peninsula, include always popular destinations, Key West and Key Largo.. The Keys is a great budget honeymoon spot for anyone who wants that luxe getaway feel without traveling internationally.
Where to stay
The Bungalows Key Largo is the perfect beach resort spot to honeymoon. The adults-only vibe at this all-inclusive resort will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to some Caribbean oasis, but you’re really only 90 minutes from Miami International Airport.
Enjoy the beach views of floating tiki boats from the sparkling waters of an infinity pool. Rent a cabana and nap in the shade. It’s the perfect place to connect and relax.
What to do
The Florida Keys are all about what awaits out on the water. Go fishing, snorkeling, kayaking or take a sunset catamaran cruise which includes cocktails and tapas.
2. Orlando
Since Orlando has more to do than just Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, we’ll include the Orlando-area theme parks in a separate section. And yes, there’s more to Orlando than roller coasters and Mickey Mouse. With a major airport that has flights in and out from multiple destinations around the country and around the world, take advantage of great prices on airfare and see what else there is to do in the city!
Where to stay
There are nearly endless options for lodging in Orlando, from hotels to vacation homes. The Grand Bohemian in downtown Orlando is a high-end spot that has a more adult vibe than many Orlando Hotels. Booking a suite at a JW Marriott is never a wrong choice for adults-only escapes. The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes has access to the Ritz Carlton Golf Club, on-site dining and many more amenities.
What to do
Take an airboat tour through the Florida Everglades or try your hand at being your own pilot in a catboat adventure. Take a paddle tour along the intercoastal waterways. If you don’t mind getting outside the city limits a bit, Rock Springs at Kelly Park boasts a free-flowing spring that Mother Nature keeps at a consistently cool 68 degrees. Rent a clear kayak and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
There are almost unlimited dining options in Orlando, but you’ll find lots of budget-friendly options (and shopping) at the Promenade at Sunset Walk. From coal-fired pizza in a decadent gangster-themed restaurant to authentic British pub fare, the Promenade is a fun place to explore and it doesn’t usually draw the theme park crowds.
3. Walt Disney World /Universal Studios
While crowded Orlando theme parks might not seem like the best place for a romantic honeymoon, Disney and Universal are fun spots to consider for couples who are Disney or Harry Potter superfans, roller coaster enthusiasts or a bit of all three. Theme park honeymoons might not be the first thing on your mind when you’re wedding planning, but they offer some elevated and romantic options.
Where to stay
For the ultimate Disney World splurge (plus a bit of seclusion) go for one of the overwater bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Village or one of the Cascade Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. If you’re interested in staying at a Universal-affiliated property, their premium-level resorts have lots of amenities plus include Express Passes to the Parks.
If you’re going for a regular on-property room at Disney, the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian are generally considered the most luxe. Luxurious off-property hotels include Four Seasons Orlando and Hilton Bonnet Creek. If your budget is smaller, there are plenty of options to choose from.
What to do
Even if you’re going to make the theme parks the center of your honeymoon, there are elevated experiences you can sign up for. One of the most popular tours is the Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney and Universal both have guided VIP tours of the parks. Since the availability and offerings aren’t always well-advertised and tend to change, we recommend booking with a Disney travel planner who is on top of everything that’s available.
4. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is located on the western coast of Florida. This seven-mile stretch of pristine beaches encompasses three towns: Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach. Accessible from the Sarasota Airport, Anna Maria Island is another place inside the United States that makes you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere more exotic. The white sand beaches, beautiful palm trees and clear turquoise water will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean.
Where to stay
This area is heavy on vacation rentals and oceanfront cottages, which are great for honeymooners seeking privacy. Bradenton Gulf Islands Tourism maintains a complete list of rental agents and area hotels.
Things to do
Anna Maria Island is the place for lazy beachside (or poolside) days and to eat delicious, fresh seafood. If you’re looking for a honeymoon that’s all about relaxation and fun in the sun, put this one on your list. Downtown Anna Maria Island also has fabulous shopping, so carve out some time to fully explore the boutique shops.
5. Miami
Miami has a bit of a party vibe, making it a great honeymoon choice for nightlife-loving couples. If lazy mornings, beach days and dancing the night away appeal to you, consider escaping to Miami. Also, Miami has a large, major airport, and it’s usually easy to find cheap and often direct flights to many U.S. cities.
Where to Stay
The Betsey Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel that has the best of everything. Its beachfront location at the end of a quiet street gives a sense of privacy and seclusion, but it is just steps away from all the action in South Beach. Relax in the atrium or the library or swim and sunbathe at one of the two swimming pools. Beach service, including chairs and umbrellas, are included. Whether you spend time at the hotel or use it as a jumping-off point to do other activities in Miami Beach, this is a great choice for couples.
What to Do
Miami honeymooners could easily spend their time enjoying the ocean views from their room, soaking up sun at the beach and immersing themselves in the city’s nightlife and music scene. Miami is also fun to explore on foot, especially the Art Deco District. A self-guided tour will allow you the flexibility to go at your own pace but if you want a deeper dive into the history, contact the Miami Design Preservation League and inquire about a guided tour. Looking for something more outdoorsy? Take a sailboat cruise through Biscayne National Park.
6. Palm Beach
While Palm Beach might be better known as a great spot for retirees, it has merits as a honeymoon destination, too, especially for a couple not into the crowds and high-energy club environment of Miami.
Where to stay
Although it is incorrect to stereotype older adults and assume they’re all wealthy, Palm Beach has many fine high-end resort properties that may have been designed with the “adults with money to spend” demographic in mind. These types of destinations can make excellent honeymoon resorts. Look to the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, which offers options like private picnics, oceanside cabanas and complimentary bicycles so you can explore the surrounding area. The on-site restaurant offers a variety of fresh, local cuisine and tasting experiences.
Many of the Palm Beach resort hotels also have fantastic golfing opportunities. Active couples who want to hit the golf course or the tennis courts will be right at home.
What to do
Couples can partake in the standard water amenities (swimming, snorkeling, kayaking) in Palm Beach as well as tour the area by boat – both group tours and private charters are available. The concierge can also arrange wine tastings and mixology classes. Indulge in high-end shopping on Worth Avenue.
7. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island (plus neighboring Captiva Island) is located off the coast of southwest Florida, just west of Fort Myers, Florida. This barrier island is connected to the mainland by a three-mile causeway. Known for its fantastic shelling beaches, Sanibel Island is a perfect, tranquil spot for honeymooners. Some say the white sandy beaches of Sanibel Island are some of the best beaches in Florida.
Where to stay
Beachfront Casa Ybel Resort is a perfect spot for honeymooners. Enjoy views of the Gulf of Mexico, a waterfront meal or a couple’s massage or other spa treatment. If you’re looking for more seclusion, check out a vacation rental on Captiva Island, which is more private property.
Casa Ybel is also in a great sunset-watching spot.
Things to do
Visitors to Sanibel and Captiva usually engage in the typical beach or beach-adjacent activities. In addition to shelling, you can fish, kayak, paddleboard or partake in other water sports. These beaches are also great for sunbathing and, in general, doing a whole lot of nothing.
Safety tip: Don’t try to swim in the waterway between the two islands. It looks shorter than it is.
9. Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay brings everything people love about Florida together in one spot. There are roller coasters, Cuban culture, year-round outdoor activities and waterfront sunsets. Add award-winning restaurants to Florida’s craft beer hub, and really, what’s not to love? Anyone looking for cheap flights might find lots of options from Southwest Airlines in and out of Tampa Airport.
Where to stay
Downtown Tampa is the place to be. It’s very walkable and easy to navigate. Don’t want to walk? Take a water taxi or one of the free streetcars, both of which are adventures on their own. Get a suite at Hyatt Place/Hyatt House in downtown Tampa. This is a fun, modern, comfortable property with an outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, eclectic lobby seating space as well as a fun restaurant/bar, Corazon, which is Spanish for the heart. How romantic is that?
Things to do
Take in waterfront views, go shopping and sample exceptional craft beers and food at Sparkman’s Wharf. A stop at Ybor City is a must to explore Tampa’s Cuban history, culture and cuisine. Tampa Bay is a sports town. Home to the Buccaneers (NFL), Rays (MLB), and Lightning (NHL), so honeymooning sports fans might be able to catch a game. Nearby beaches include Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs, Clearwater Beach in Clearwater and Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin.
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