20 Highly Recommended Florida Baecation Spots Every Couple Should Visit

Story originally appeared on Westgate Resorts.

Travel Tips

2 | Cocoa Beach | Cozy Cocoa Beach is just an hour away from Orlando, and it’s the perfect place to spend time with bae under the sun. While you’re there, head to the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier and enjoy beautiful ocean views and delicious food from the many restaurants onsite.

Try Pier 62 Oceanfront Restaurant for more upscale dining, Rikki Tikki Tavern for a tiki bar vibe or Ohana Subs, Chip Wrecked and Maui J’s Shaved Ice Truck for casual grab-and-go snacks.

3 | Daytona Beach | If you’re looking for a great place to jet ski in Orlando, Florida, head 50 miles northeast of Orlando to Daytona Beach. There, you’ll find pristine beaches, a thrilling amusement park (Daytona Lagoon) and even a chocolate factory. It’s a great romantic trip from Orlando that takes less than an hour by car.

You can also stay at Westgate’s Harbour Beach Resort for an oceanside retreat.

4 | Lake Wales | Lake Wales is a great place to explore as a couple. You’ll both love the Bok Tower Gardens, filled with lush greenery and beautiful birds. The sanctuary is both romantic and fascinating, and it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon in love.

If you’re interested in exploring haunted places in Florida, then you’ll both have to check out the mythical Spook Hill in Lake Wales.

Place to Stay: And for a one-of-a-kind western getaway, check out Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. This cowboy-themed ranch has everything from glamping to wagons and teepees, a Saturday night rodeo, horseback riding, plus so much more, including the Cowboy Adventure Park, full of activities for kids and kids at heart.

5 | Kissimmee | What’s more romantic than a city with “kiss” in its name? Be sure to grab a smooch or two while you explore lovely Kissimmee. It was founded by cowboys in 1883 and had a strong western influence well through the early 1900s.

Kissimmee is a fun tourist destination that has beautiful state parks and attractions like go-carts, amusement parks and the state’s only wheelchair-accessible zipline at Gatorland.

6 | Amelia Island | Just off Florida’s northeast coast lies Amelia Island. This charming coastal town is an ideal getaway for the couple that just wants to relax on their trip together. Visit Amelia Island State Park for some beautiful beach views and have fun exploring the town’s historic attractions, like Fort Clinch, or just book spa treatments at your resort and chill. The peaceful atmosphere and low-key vibes of the island make it one of the most underrated places to stay as a couple in Florida.

7 | Fort Lauderdale | Historic Fort Lauderdale is home to beaches, museums, shopping and plenty of great restaurants and bars to explore together. You can have fun surfing or sunbathing by day, then get all dressed up and head out to one of the popular hot spots.

Kaluz Restaurant has amazing views and really makes you feel like a celebrity when you dine there. The only thing more Instagram-worthy than the food are the views.

8 | Sarasota | Sweet Sarasota is a couples’ paradise. You’ll absolutely want to tour the Marie Shelby Botanical Gardens together for some R&R and amazing photo ops. The Mote Marine Laboratory & Museum is also a fun afternoon activity that’s educational and exciting.

If your bae is into cars, take them to the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. You may not have any idea what they’re talking about, but it’s worth it seeing their face light up as they take in models at the second-oldest classic car museum in the entire country.

And let’s not forget dolphins! Sarasota offers plenty of dolphin cruises you can book for an unforgettable afternoon together.

9 | Key West | Key West is a laid-back destination perfect for couples that like to take things easy. Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory for some deeply relaxing time surrounded by beautiful butterflies and plants and relax at the marina when you visit the Key West Historic Seaport.

Consider renting a bike so you can explore Old Town and all the cozy shops and restaurants it has to offer. The Old Town Beer Tavern & Garden makes a great place to grab a bite and relax after a fun day.

10 | St. Augustine | St. Augustine is full of history, nature and open air. You’ll be able to spend your time together exploring attractions like the famous St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

As one of the most historic cities in Florida, St. Augustine also happens to be one of (if not the) oldest cities in America. It’ll make your history-buff-heart flutter.

11 | Naples | Head to the Naples Botanical Garden and explore 170-acres of trails and tropical gardens that feel like they’re straight out of Costa Rica. Then, see if you can spot some gopher tortoises at The Naples Preserve.

For beach time, lounge at the Naples Pier and watch the waves roll in as you and bae cozy up under the sun. Book a table at the luxurious Mediterrano, where you can enjoy a five-star Italian meal on the open-air patio.

12 | Clearwater Beach | Clearwater Beach is by far one of the best spots for couples to visit when they’re in town. It’s rated as one of the top beaches in the entire U.S. thanks to its impeccable white sand, pristine views and turquoise waters.

While you’re in town, you should also visit Sand Key Park, which is located on the beach, and Pier 60. There, you’ll find plenty of shops and eateries. It’s the perfect place to treat your partner to something nice during your trip. Let them window shop, then make their dreams come true!

13 | Captiva Island | Visit peaceful Captiva Beach that looks west over the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the best place by far to watch the sunset together. For some adventure, consider booking a cruise, kayaking trip or New Wave Echo Charters expedition. You’ll be able to see manatees, ospreys and much more together.

Captiva Island is an outdoor lovers’ paradise in Florida, so if you and your partner are into hikes, camping, swimming and anything outdoorsy, you’ll be in heaven.

14 | Palm Beach | Palm Beach is an elegant vacation spot for couples that’s perfect for a five-star getaway. Tour the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum for a glimpse at the Gilded Age. Explore The Society of Four Arts and enjoy the melding of natural and handcrafted beauty in this peaceful sculpture garden.

You’ll have no trouble finding plenty of beachfront spas that offer couples’ massages. And when it’s time to wine and dine bae, take them to Renato’s, if they like Italian, or the Saito Japanese Steakhouse.

15 | Vero Beach | Vero Beach is known for its peaceful feel and great Florida nature. Take a tour of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, which covers over 5,400 acres of land and water.

For a romantic beach trip, try the local Round Island Beach Park, which is far less crowded than some other beaches in the area.

For the art lovers, you won’t want to miss the Vero Beach Museum of Art. It’s one of the largest on the entire Atlantic Coast, featuring five galleries and spanning over 50,00 square feet.

16 | Sanibel Island | Sanibel Island is a tiny, secluded romantic destination in Florida, perfect for the couple that wants their privacy. Skip all the touristy spots and instead spend your day relaxing on an extremely quiet beach.

For a taste of local cuisine, eat at the Blue Giraffe. This casual, beachy eatery is perfect for enjoying the fresh air and sunshine as you dine on tasty cafe bites with a twist. Try the Mexican street corn, Loco Coco Shrimp and San-Ibelzza pizza.

17 | Miami | Sure, it’s an obvious spot, but what kind of round-up would this be without mentioning Florida’s iconic city? Miami has it all, from sizzling hot beaches to luxurious rooftop bars, lounges, clubs and restaurants.

Whether you’re into dancing the night away or like something more scaled back, you can find it in Miami.

For beaches, head to Surfside. This chic neighborhood is ideal for couples and has a small-town beach feel that’s both romantic and relaxing. As for food, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Just do yourself a favor and be sure to savor the flavor at La Ventana in Miami Beach.

18 | Destin | Destin is a peaceful fishing village that’s great for couples who love the outdoors. Its sparkling beaches are dotted with cozy cabins and houses that make every spot feel cozy and intimate. You can also enjoy a bustling little downtown that has adorable restaurants to savor local seafood.

Since Destin has been dubbed the world’s most famous fishing village, you’ll want to try local seafood while you’re there. East Pass Seafood & Oyster House is a hit among locals and tourists alike.

19 | Tallahassee | Tallahassee is Florida’s capital, and you’ll love all the great couples’ activities it has to offer. From romantic beach walks and bike rides to nature trails and fine dining, it’s a great all-in-one vacation spot.

Get a photo from the top of the Capitol Tower’s 22nd-floor observation deck, then have fun exploring the many parks and museums before grabbing dinner at a local restaurant like Table 23 and Backwoods Crossing.

20 | Tampa | Tampa is a great way to get a taste of everything Florida has to offer in one spot. Aside from being home to major attractions like Busch Gardens and The Florida Aquarium, it also has a bustling downtown and plenty of shops, restaurants and events to check out with your best bae.