Romantic Getaways in Florida to Help Plan the Perfect Trip

Picture this: you and your sweetheart, toes in the sand, watching a fiery Florida sunset melt into the horizon. Or maybe it’s a quiet evening strolling hand-in-hand through a historic town, with no agenda but each other. Florida’s got a knack for turning up the romance, whether you’re into beachside bliss or hidden inland gems. Planning the perfect romantic getaway here is a no-brainer—there’s something for every couple, no matter your vibe.

Looking to surprise your special someone with a trip they’ll never forget? GiftYa makes it easy to gift personalized, thoughtful experiences. With GiftYa, you can send e-gift cards instantly to top hotels, restaurants, and spas across Florida—because nothing says "I love you" like a spontaneous escape tailored just for them. Text or email it in minutes, or schedule it for that big anniversary reveal. It’s the little touch that makes a big moment.

In this guide, we’re breaking down Florida’s most swoon-worthy getaways by region—South, Central, and North—each with a couple of standout spots to spark some serious romance. To keep things practical, we’ll toss in driving distances from Miami and Tampa, so you can plan your escape from two of Florida’s hottest hubs. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxe resort or a cozy hideaway, let’s find the perfect spot to steal some quality time together.

Outside of our amazing and curated selection of gift ideas and gift cards, you can also check out GiftYa Select! GiftYa Select is a new service that lets you purchase a flexible gift card that the recipient can redeem for any available GiftYa gift card at their leisure. 

Text eGift Cards on GiftYa

GiftYa is a popular gift-giving site that also offers customizable eGift cards! GiftYa lets you add custom photos or videos to all your gifts as a virtual gift wrapper. A GiftYa can be sent by text or email, so the gift is always delivered within minutes. You can also schedule the gift to be sent on a specific date, such as a birthday or holiday. 

Earn Cash Back on Romantic Getaways in Florida with Gift Card Granny

Another awesome gift card provider is Gift Card Granny. Well, as an online discount retailer of gift cards, Gift Card Granny provides you with a huge selection of gift cards for local and national brands. For every gift card you purchase via Gift Card Granny, you will earn a set amount of cashback, depending on the retailer you choose. Save a ton the next time you do your gift card shopping by using Gift Card Granny and reaping the cash-back perks!

South Florida Romantic Getaways

South Florida’s got that tropical kick—warm beaches, luxe vibes, and plenty to check out with your partner. Whether you’re into killer views or just chilling out, this region’s a great pick for a romantic getaway in Florida. Here are two standout spots to hit up, with driving distances from Miami and Tampa to keep your plans smooth.

Key West

Key West is your island escape—quirky, colorful, and loaded with chill charm. Wander Duval Street for its funky shops and bars, or snag a photo at the Southernmost Point Buoy 90 miles from Cuba; it’s a brag-worthy stop. Stay at the Casa Marina Key West, a historic gem with a private beach and killer ocean views, or the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, right by Mallory Square with a luxurious pool the likes of which you only see in resorts. For some nature, hike the Key West Nature Preserve Trail. It’s a quick, mile-long loop through mangroves with peekaboo water views and elusive herons. Or, hit the Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Beach Trail (0.5 miles)—it’s got Civil War history and leads to a sweet swimming spot. Catch the sunset at Mallory Square, a nightly party with street performers and food carts. 

For travel purposes, Key West is about 160 miles from Miami (3-4 hour drive) and 310 miles from Tampa (5-6 hours), which is certainly out of the way. While the additional travel is a hassle, it is well worth it! If you know a couple planning a romantic getaway in Florida’s Key West, send them a  Bonefish Grill gift card to cover a tasty seafood dinner for two.

Naples

Naples keeps it easygoing but upscale—perfect for a chill vacation. Check into the Naples Grande Beach Resort, with its sprawling beachfront and relaxing spa, or the Inn on Fifth, a lovely boutique spot right in the middle of downtown shopping and dining. Try the Gordon River Greenway for some nature; it is a paved 2-mile trail with shady trees, river views, and the occasional alligator sighting. Or head to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park with boardwalks, coastal scrub, and a beach payoff where dolphins are known to hang out. Don’t miss the Naples Botanical Garden, which has 40 acres of blooms and a killer butterfly house. There are lots of walkable shopping areas next to scenic spots, relaxing ocean sounds are always in earshot, and there’s plenty of good food to go around. 

Naples is just about equidistant from Miami and Tampa, both around 125 miles distant, which is a drive of two to two-and-a-half hours. Send a REI gift card from GiftYa to help your friends suit up for the trip.

South Florida’s mix of flash and laid-back makes it an easy win for a quick trip—pick a spot, pack light, and roll out.

Central Florida Romantic Getaways

Central Florida mixes it up with a little adventure and a lot of chill—perfect for a romantic getaway that’s not all beaches (not that there’s anything wrong there!). You’ve got historic towns, scenic lakes, and spots that feel like a step away from the usual. 

St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s got that old-school charm, with cobblestone streets and history around every corner. Stroll the St. George Street area for its shops and cafes, or climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse—163 steps to an unbeatable coastline view. Stay at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, a Moorish-style spot with a pool and prime downtown access, or the Bayfront Marin House, a waterfront B&B with an amazing outdoor area. For trails, hit the Anastasia State Park Loop (2.5 miles)—it’s got dunes, marshes, and a shot at spotting ospreys. Or try the Fort Matanzas Nature Trail (0.5 miles)—a quick boardwalk with river views and a free ferry to a 1700s fort. 

For a romantic nighttime activity, you can book a horse-drawn carriage ride and clip-clop through the old town. It’s about 40 miles from Jacksonville (1 hour drive) and 185 miles from Tampa (3-3.5 hours). To sweeten the deal, buy a Carrabba’s Italian Grill gift card for a hearty pasta dinner. 

Mount Dora

Mount Dora is a lakeside gem. It’s a smaller destination, leading to a cozier feel than some of the big Floridian cities or tourist spots. Check out Palm Island Park for a boardwalk over Lake Dora for a great outdoor place to soak up some sun. If you’re lucky, you can spot some turtles and herons. For some antique shops and laid-back eateries, check out Mount Dora’s Downtown. 

For housing, the Lakeside Inn, a historic spot with lakefront cottages and a chill pool, and the Mount Dora Historic Inn, a cozy B&B steps from the action. For trails, the Lake Dora Loop (1.8 miles) winds through woods with plenty of places to stop and smell the roses. Or try the Ocala National Forest’s Paisley Woods Trail (2 miles) for a walk through pine forests. Sunset at Gilbert Park is a must. You can grab a bench and watch the light bounce off the water. 

For travel purposes, it’s 30 miles from Orlando (1 hour) and 105 miles from Tampa (1.5-2 hours), so it’s a quick shot from the west coast. Help your friends gear up with a Columbia gift card.

Central Florida’s got that sweet spot of unique and easygoing—pick a base, hit the road, and soak it in.

North Florida Romantic Getaways

North Florida is a quieter region, perfect for a low-key getaway with an emphasis on relaxation. If you’re after a getaway with some seclusion and charm, this region’s your spot. Here are two picks to scope out, with distances from Miami and Tampa to map your drive.

Amelia Island

Amelia Island is a fantastic destination. It has pristine beaches and a chill pace that’s hard to beat. Hit Fernandina Beach’s Centre Street for its Victorian buildings, cute shops, and shrimp-shack eats, or tour the Amelia Island Lighthouse—Florida’s oldest, with panoramic views after a quick climb. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, a beachfront stunner with a spa and golf if you’re into it, or the Seaside Amelia Inn, a cozy spot steps from the sand. For trails, try the Fort Clinch State Park Loop (3 miles)—it’s got oak canopies, fort history, and ocean breezes. Or walk the Greenway Trail (2.5 miles)—a paved stretch with marsh views and maybe an egret flyby. 

Horseback riding on the beach at sunrise is a bucket-list move—book it early. It’s about 35 miles from Jacksonville (1 hour drive) and 110 miles from Savannah (2 hours). Buy a Hand and Stone gift card for a relaxing couples’ massage at their Fernandina location.

Apalachicola

Apalachicola’s a fishing village turned travel destination. It has oyster shacks, bay views, and a slow-roll feel. Wander Historic Downtown for its brick storefronts and seafood joints, or hop the bridge to St. George Island State Park—9 miles of untouched beach and dunes. Book the Gibson Inn, a 1900s charmer with wraparound porches and a cool bar, or the Water Street Hotel & Marina, with modern suites and bayfront balconies. For trails, the Apalachicola Riverfront Park Trail (0.5 miles) is short but sweet—river views and fun nature sightings. Or drive 15 minutes to Tate’s Hell State Forest for the High Bluff Coastal Trail (2 miles)—sand pines, wildflowers, and a Gulf peek. Stargazing on St. George Island’s a no-brainer—pitch-black skies and zero light pollution. 

It’s 80 miles from Tallahassee (1-2 hours) and 60 miles from Panama City (1-1.5 hours), so it’s closer from the west. A Hotels.com gift card keeps their options open. There are a lot of hotels in the area if they’d prefer a classic stay. 

North Florida’s all about that unspoiled, easygoing escape—grab a spot, slow down, and let it sink in.

These are our favorite destinations for romantic getaways in Florida

Florida’s got the getaway game on lock—from South Florida’s tropical buzz to Central’s historic charm and North’s quiet escapes. Whether you’re chilling at Key West, kicking back at Naples’ pier, exploring St. Augustine’s old-town haunts, chilling by Mount Dora’s lakes, soaking in Amelia Island’s beachy luxe, or slowing down in Apalachicola’s bayfront calm, there’s a spot that fits your style. 

So, what’s the move? You can give your friends a great list of destinations and a nice GiftYa gift card along with it to enhance their romantic getaway. You can also leverage this knowledge for your own romantic getaway in Florida with your partner.

‍