How to Plan a Romantic Getaway to Miami Beach

The Marlin in South Beach

Miami Beach is one of the most romantic areas of the United States. The weather is warm and sunny, the architecture is a delightful mixture of historic styles, the beach goes on for blocks and the nightlife continues almost until dawn. Almost anything you do in Miami Beach has romantic overtones, however, some activities are just made for lovers.

Instructions

1. Stay in an Art Deco hotel. Miami Beach's Art Deco Historic District is one of the largest collections of Art Deco architecture in the world. The 23-block South Beach neighborhood was developed in the 1920s and 1930s and revitalized during the 1970s. Today, Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue offer beautifully-restored hotels with sleek Art Deco curves, nautical details and the pastel colors of a by-gone era. Among these are the Marlin, the Avalon and the Colony.

2. Spend an afternoon on the beach. You're never far from the beach in Miami Beach. The wide stretch of sand is clean, relatively uncrowded, and offers a wealth of facilities. Look for the unique Art Deco life guard stations scattered along the sand.

3. Dine at Joe's Stone Crab. Joe's is one of Florida's most popular restaurants...and for good reason. The fresh stone crab claws are the house specialty, but you'll also find a selection of fresh fish, steak and other seafood items as well as a variety of potatoes, vegetables and other side dishes. Joe's is located at the southern tip of Miami Beach. They don't take reservations, but the food is worth the wait.

4. Dance all night at a Latin club. Miami Beach is known for its "dance-til-dawn" nightlife. No where is this more prevalent than in the city's numerous Latin dance clubs. Most of these are private, but your hotel concierge should be able to get you a temporary membership. Don your heels and party dress; the clientele at these establishments dresses up to party.

5. Stroll along Lincoln Road Mall. Lincoln Road Mall is a pedestrian mall on the northern edge of South Beach. Developed in the 1930s, the two-block strip fell into disrepair until it was resurrected in the 1990s. Today, the mall is an eclectic mixture of outdoor cafes and coffee shops, unique shops, art galleries and an independent movie house.