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3 Florida Cities Best For Date Night In The United States

Two tropical drinks at sunset on the water

All eyes are turned to all things romantic this week. However, romance is a 24/7, 365 days a year kind of thing. If you are looking for a great place to go on a date, new research says you don't have to drive to far in or out of Southwest Florida. Three Florida cities best for date night in the United States are a gas tank away..

In fact, the best city for date night is none other than Sarasota. I agree. Sarasota has the most beautiful beaches, lots of arts, culture and a superb dining scene.

The folks at BonusFinder.Com compared a variety of factors in 160 cities across the country. They put them all together in order to rank the hottest date night spots for 2024. Some of the factors included were the price of dinner for two, cost of a bottle of wine, and number of romantic restaurants.

That's not all. The number of romantic hotels was also factored in along with the amount of fun date night activities and games available. Numerous Florida cities did well in these departments but only three made the top ten.

Here is a list of the top ten best cities for date night in the country. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, consider these:

  • #1 Sarasota, FL
  • #2 Atlantic City, NJ
  • #3 Savannah, GA
  • #4 Charleston, SC
  • #5 Portland, ME
  • #6 Orlando, FL
  • #7 Burlington, VT
  • #8 Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • #9 Wilmington, DE
  • #10 Las Vegas, NV

Also, Cape Coral made the top 50. It came in at #49. Next, look at this chart to how the top ten numbers break down. Check it out.

Here is a chart with the top ten best date night cities listed in order. It all lists each of the categories breakdown.

Sarasota Named Florida Cities Best For Date Night

Finally, here is why Sarasota ranked number one for date night fun. Researchers say not only does it have lots of sunshine and gorgeous beaches. But also because of the large number of romantic restaurants, cafes, bakeries, spas and couple-friendly attractions. Congrats. Now time for a road trip.

Most Romantic Restaurants In Fort Myers Area

If you have not made reservations yet, you might be out of luck. However, it's always worth a phone call to see. Just in time for Valentine's Day here are a five of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Myers and the surrounding area. Going out to eat is an ages old way to begin a date night. Southwest Florida is full of amazing spots that offer great  food, superb service, amazing hospitality, and finally, the ambiance that can seal the deal. If you know what I mean.

Beautiful food can be a precursor for romance for many people. These restaurants have it.

I wrote a story about romantic dining for USA Today's online travel outlet, 10Best sometime ago. I have to admit that I was a little sad to go back and read it. Several of the places  listed in the article were destroyed or severely damage by Hurricane Ian on September 28th. Some might come back. However, others sadly wont. The list contains several restaurants on Southwest Florida's barrier islands. Of those listed, a couple have reopened.

Romantic restaurants in Fort Myers open since Hurricane Ian

Il Cielo is one of them. I drove by the Sanibel Island spot a few days ago and was happy to see cars in the parking lot.

In addition, there is Tarpon Lodge on the end of Pine Island. The spot has been a bit precarious to get to. However, the restaurant and the Inn are open and ready to receive guests. This is a great place to watch a sunset and stay overnight in an historic spot. It's old Florida at it's best.

Everyone has a different idea of romance, however, these are places that stand out in the traditional since. Here are the top five most romantic restaurants in Fort Myers area. The ones that are open in times for Valentines Day 2023.

Angelina's Ristorante

This award winning Italian restaurant is in Bonita Springs. There is a piano in the bar and some of the booths have ornate curtains you can close for the ultimate private dining experience.

The Veranda

This is a downtown Fort Myers institution. They still make Ceasar salads table side and have dessert cart capable of flambéing sweet ingredients. Fire, hot, romance, we get it...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ2AMbeO4ot/

Chop's City Grill

The Bonita Springs location of Chop's (there is one in Naples too) recently underwent a million dollar renovation and it is gorgeous. The drinks are sexy and the food is fantastic. If the patio is open, there are twinkling bistro lights to set the mood.

Roadhouse Cafe

More like a supper club, but without the membership, this Fort Myers spot packs in who love both dinner an live music. It completes the senses.

Azure

This cozy European bistro in Fort Myers can be challenging to find but it is a gem. Classic dishes are presented classic form.  The service is impeccable.

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.