As everyone knows, Valentine’s Day has finally arrived which means that most local restaurants are already booked with advanced reservations and movie theaters will most probably be packed with couples watching the latest romantic flick. While eating out at a restaurant or catching a movie are both very nice and romantic Valentine’s day ideas there are so many other romantic and unique things to do that are Free (yes you heard me right) and/or cheap to do in South Florida that many people don’t take advantage of. This year, I wanted to share with you all some date night ideas that you can do with your partner that is still very romantic and special without over spending at a fancy restaurant or catching the typical romantic flick that everyone goes to watch in theaters.
Here are my top six Valentine’s Day date ideas:
1.) Take a drive to Mahogany Hammock in the Everglades
Photo credit: Melissa Mederos
If you are just like me you’ve probably never even heard about this place or have never been there before but in the heart of the Everglades there is a hidden gem that is sure to make the perfect Valentine’s Day date night! Mahogany Hammock Trail is a short 0.4 mile boardwalk that is surrounded by large trees and covers lowland jungle terrain. Since it is a remote, untouched, and natural environment it gives people the chance to observe wildlife such as owls in a up close and personal way and it’s one of the absolute best places to go star-gazing and get the best night views of the sky. This is my top choice for a date night idea because it’s so secluded and the night views are said to be very beautiful. I would say to bring some mosquito repellent, flashlights, a blanket, some hot cocoa, and a telescope (if you have one) to make it a even more romantic evening. It will definitely feel like a scene from the movie, “A Walk to Remember.”
Cost – $25.00 Entrance Fee for Everglades National Park
For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/mahogany-hammock-trail.htm
2.) Plan a romantic sunset picnic at the beach
If there is one thing that is classically romantic and never gets old it’s definitely a sunset picnic on the beach. There is something magical and peaceful about watching the sun go down, hearing the sound of the ocean waves, and enjoying some fine wine and delicious food on the beach with that special someone. One of my favorite places in South Florida to have a romantic picnic on the beach is at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is located in Key Biscayne. What I love about this beach in specific is it’s beautiful historical lighthouse and natural lush tropical setting in the backdrop. However, if you are really looking for a jaw dropping sunset and are willing to do a little bit of driving there is nothing compared to watching the sunset from Naples, FL or Islamorada, FL which is what me and my husband did just a few weeks ago. We were in Naples, FL for the weekend and we decided to have a sunset picnic on the beach. We brought our own wine from home that we were saving for a special occasion and ended up buying some watermelon, a small cheese and meat spread, french breads, cocktail shrimp, and some sushi from Publix for less than $45! This is what me and my husband did that worked for us and it’s just a little idea for those who don’t want to overspend eating out at a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day.
Cost (Entrance Fee for Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park) – $8.00 per vehicle
For more information visit: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Cape-Florida
3.) Go strawberry picking in Homestead and visit a winery
If you’ve ever been to Homestead, FL then you’ve most likely already heard of or have been to the famous Knaus Berry Farm. Incase you didn’t know, Knaus is a family owned farm that was started by two brothers for the purpose of growing local strawberries and tomatoes and selling some of the best locally baked goods such as pies, cakes, cookies, jelly, and their famous baked cinnamon rolls! This would be a great date idea for Valentine’s Day because you can actually go strawberry picking together and then grab a delicious cinnamon roll (or two) or try their amazing milkshakes and ice-cream! Besides visiting this local farm there is another gem in Homestead that cannot be missed! About 15-20 minutes away from the farm you will find Schnebly Redland’s Winery which is both a brewery and winery that serves wines from the finest fruit. Here you’ll be able to taste wines made from mango, avocado, lychee, guava, passion fruit, carambola, and more in a beautiful, romantic, and lush tropical setting complete with it’s very own mini waterfall! Plus, if you get hungry after drinking all of that wine they have their very own restaurant that serves a variety of lunch and dinner options. In the end nothing says Valentine’s Day more than a glass of wine which is why I added this idea to the list.
Cost (Winery) – Typically $12.95 – $19.00 per/person
For more information visit: http://www.knausberryfarm.com // https://www.schneblywinery.com
4.) See a live Valentine’s Day concert at The Betsy Hotel on South Beach
Photo by: Betsy Hotel
Calling all Jazz lovers! If you’re looking for something free to do with your date on Valentine’s Day that is still very special then make sure to stop by the famous Betsy Hotel on South Beach for a live jazz concert experience! Come, sit back, and relax inside the beautiful lobby salon of the Betsy Hotel and enjoy a live performance by well known french pianist and former student of the CIM Jazz School of Paris, Pierre-Alexandre Petiot!
Cost – The cost is completely FREE and all you need to do to attend is grab your complimentary tickets online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-concert-with-pierre-alexandre-petiot-tickets-42539676317?aff=es2 It’s that easy and it will be sure to put you and your date in a relaxing, happy, and romantic mood!
For more information visit: https://the-betsy-south-beach.ticketleap.com/february-live-music-at-the-betsy/dates/Feb-14-2018_at_0500PM
5.) Go Iceskating at Basement Miami
Photo by: Monica McGivern
There is nothing more romantic than holding hands especially when ice skating. So as a way to celebrate the day of love the Basement Miami is hosting a complimentary couples skate in their colorful 2,000 square-foot ice skating rink! Couples get to skate for free anytime between 5 p.m and midnight on Valentine’s Day, is that amazing or what?! Incase you’re wondering what The Basement Miami is all about it’s basically a 3-in-1 entertainment space that features a nightclub, bowling alley, and ice-skating rink! So if you love ice skating and want to do something a little more casual but fun with your date then you definitely don’t want to miss out on this!
Cost – FREE
For more information visit: http://basementmiami.com
6.) Participate in Valentine’s Day Karaoke at Blackbird Ordinary
Photo by: Blackbird Ordinary
Last but not least, if you’re looking for something different and out of the ordinary to do on Valentine’s day then make sure to stop by Blackbird Ordinary for a special Valentine’s Day edition of their weekly on-going event, Karaoke Wednesdays! All you have to do is bring your date and be ready to sing your heart out whether it be a romantic serenade or a movie inspired song reference, the choice is all yours! So if you’re looking for something fun but more on the casual side and budget friendly to do on Valentine’s Day then this would be another great option besides ice skating.
Cost – FREE
For more information visit: http://www.blackbirdordinary.com/events/
*Note: All photos were taken by me unless otherwise stated
Please feel free to comment down below and leave me some feedback to see if any of this information was helpful to you, Thank you! 🙂