Florida is home to so many dreamy beach towns up and down both coasts and the panhandle. A little cottage nestled on the sand in Destin or maybe a swanky condo in a high rise above South Beach. That's what you probably picture when you hear romantic getaway in Florida.
Well, not so fast. A historic Florida town has just been called the best in the state for a romantic getaway.
Our friends over at Travel + Leisure recently released a list of the most romantic locations for a romantic getaway in every state and in Washington D.C. In making their selections, they took a look at "proposal-worthy backdrops", romantic sights and unique attractions to help any couple create timeless memories.
So just where is the best place for a romantic getaway in sunny Florida?
It's St. Augustine.
St. Augustine is located on the northeast coast of Florida and claims to be the oldest city in the nation. Home to beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast and Anastasia State Park, a wildlife sanctuary. The historic downtown is packed with dining options, nightlife, live entertainment, ghost tours and shopping.
You can see the complete list of all of the 51 romantic locations for getaways across the U.S. here.
17 Florida Restaurants Make List Of Best For Outdoor Dining
When it comes to doing things outside, we're lucky here in Florida that we can do those things year-round and 17 restaurants in The Sunshine State have made a list of the best for outdoor dining.
Unless it's 87,000 degrees outside like it has been the last week, I will always choose to sit outside. Especially if it's waterfront, I'll never skip out on a good view. When it comes to outdoor dining in Florida, the sky truly is the limit. From cute sidewalk cafes in Naples to breathtaking rooftop restaurants in Miami, the options are endless. Nothing better than sipping a cocktail under the hot sun or a romantic dinner under the stars.
It seems that most places that serve food have an outdoor dining option. So it makes perfect sense that restaurants here in Florida have made OpenTable's list of the best restaurants for outdoor dining in the country. In fact, a few right here in Southwest Florida have made the list! So if you're looking for a new spot to enjoy as a local, or somewhere to take family & friends when they come to visit, you have plenty of options.
You can check out the full list here, but below are the Florida restaurants that have made the list.
Alberto's on Fifth- Naples
Chef Alberto Varetto serves up Northern Italian cuisine with dishes like Agnolotti di Ricotta e Spinaci con la Salsa di Mascarpone e Parmigiano, Risotto, allo Zafferano con Ossobuco Brasato and Chilean Sea Bass con Funghi Selvatici, Polenta e Vincotto.
Campiello- Naples
Not only does Campiello offer Italian cuisine inspired by traditional Tuscan country cooking, but also pizza from a wood-burning oven. Good for outdoor dining and special occasions.
Connors Steak & Seafood- Fort Myers
Located in Gulf Coast Town Center, Connors Fort Myers location is a AAA three-diamond rated restaurant. Enjoy fresh seafood, premium aged steaks, gourmet salads and pastas.
Del Mar- Naples
Located on Fifth Avenue South, chefs at Del Mar use flavors from Greece, Southern Spain, Morocco, France, Italy & Turkey. Happy Hour runs Monday-Friday from 4-6 pm with half-off Turkish Flatbreads, Dips & Spreads and specially priced cocktails, beer & wine.
The Claw Bar- Naples
The Claw Bar is inside Bellasera Resort in downtown Naples. Popular dishes include miso-glazed sea bass, shrimp & grits and brunch beignets.
The Rosemary & Thyme- Sarasota
Located in downtown Sarasota, enjoy made-from-scratch selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared with fresh ingredients from Florida farms. Popular dishes include sea scallops and pork osso buco.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill- Longboat Key
The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a beautiful spot overlooking Sarasota Bay and known for local fresh grouper and red snapper.
Louie Bossi Ristorante- Fort Lauderdale
Louie Bossi's Ristorante is located on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Everything on the menu is made from scratch like house made pastas, wood-burning pizzas and home cooked Sicilian comfort food.
Takato Restaurant- Fort Lauderdale
Takato is a Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant located oceanfront at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. Popular dishes include grilled branzino, Wagyu skirt steak and shrimp fried rice.
DOYA- Miami
DOYA is an Aegean Meze + Bar restaurant located in the Wynwood neighborhood offering plates to share with outdoor seating set in a garden oasis.
Ulele- Tampa
Ulele is located on the Hillsborough River offering outdoor waterfront dining. Popular dishes include seafood risotto, charbroiled oysters and coconut ice cream.
Ocean Prime- Tampa
Located at International Plaza, Ocean Prime features an impressive menu of seafood & steaks. Popular dishes include Chilean sea bass, lobster bisque and lobster linguine.
Raglan Road Irish Pub- Lake Buena Vista
Located at Disney Springs, Raglan Road offers the very best Irish cuisine, beers and spirits. Enjoy live Irish entertainment 7 nights a week.
Columbia Restaurant- Celebration
Columbia has been family-owned and operated for more than 116 years. Popular dishes include Paella a la Valenciana, Roast Pork a la Cubana and their famous 1905 salad.
Latitudes- Key West
Latitudes is located on the private island of Sunset Key. Popular dishes include grouper, Key West fish tacos and lobster benedict.
The Grand Marlin of Pensacola Beach- Pensacola
The Grand Marlin Restaurant overlooks the beautiful Santa Rosa Sound and features the freshest local seafood featured. Popular restaurants include TGM grouper piccata, baked oysters rockefeller and BBQ baked oysters.
Kyle G's Prime Seafood- Stuart
Kyle G’s Prime Seafood is all bout "Eat Local, Be Coastal" with a seafood-centric menu. Kyle G’s Prime Seafood is open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
