If you’re looking to inject romance into your relationship, you’ll fall in love with all that Greater Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Whether it’s escaping on a couples’ trip or devising a date to remember, there are dreamy hotels and resorts, celebratory restaurants, and endless things to do to set the mood for love.
Hot for Hotels
Reserve a room at the new Hillsboro Beach Resort for a secluded and romantic stay. Nestled between beachfront mansions of exclusive Hillsboro Mile, this boutique property offers a tranquil beach vacation without the crowds. Cozy up on your balcony to watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee, lounge by the pool, or post up on a beach lounger to tan in the sun or enjoy water sports like stand-up paddleboarding.
You’ll be enamored with the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, where all the beachy-chic accommodations are spacious suites, many of which feature an ocean view. Indulge in a couples’ massage at the spa, or head to the wraparound deck area to float in the pool or relax in a private cabana.
Another favorite hotel that’s situated directly on the sands of Fort Lauderdale beach is B Ocean Resort. Couples can flit between two pools, set off on bikes to explore the area, and snag a front-row seat for the famous underwater mermaid show at The Wreck Bar.
Or be one of the first guests to check-in to the uber-luxe Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale and enjoy world-class service and extravagant perks like a beach butler, two horizon-edge pools, salt wall saunas, and aromatherapy steam rooms, among other things.
Must Love Water
Beach days are synonymous with Greater Fort Lauderdale, and there’s a beach for every taste. Couples can unfurl a towel for two on Fort Lauderdale beach, where there’s always action on the sands, from beach volleyball to yoga classes. Discover quieter vibes in laid-back beaches like Dania Beach and Hallandale Beach, or Lauderdale-By-The Sea, packed with retro charm.
Active couples flock to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for the chance to kayak, paddleboard, or head across the street to the beach. Time your visit right for an evening paddle guided by the romantic light of a full moon.
In Hollywood, enjoy a stroll or bike ride on the scenic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a pedestrian-only boardwalk that stretches nearly 2.5 miles along the ocean. Lined with shops and al fresco restaurants, enjoy a day date filled with delicious food and plenty of libations.
Nicknamed the “Venice of America,” Greater Fort Lauderdale’s picturesque waterways serve as the perfect backdrop for romance. Hop on an Italian gondola with Las Olas Gondola and weave through the canals, or zoom off on an electric boat ride with Riverfront Gondola Tours to catch the sunset. Another option is the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, which allows passengers to hop on and off at numerous stops along the New River and Intracoastal. Enjoy the scenery of mega-mansions and luxury yachts, then hop off at a restaurant for dinner, or stop at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts for a show.
Reservation for Romance
Downtown Fort Lauderdale offers an array of restaurants that serve gorgeous views and delicious food. Stroll the charming Riverwalk to find date night spots like trendy Rivertail or the elegant Boathouse At The Riverside for waterfront dining and impressive seafood dishes.
On bustling Las Olas Boulevard, make a reservation at the upscale steakhouse Eddie V’s for a splurge-worthy meal. Or dine outside at the newly revamped YOLO that sets the mood for a romantic night of tableside cocktails and good food.
For something unique, make a reservation at church-turned-restaurant, Holly Blue in Flagler Village, where there’s also a high-octane nightclub, The Angeles.
In Pompano Beach, couples love Beach House Pompano, a two-story, open-air restaurant that touts a seafood-centric menu and overlooks the beach and ocean. After dinner, walk the nearby pier to take in the Atlantic Ocean views.
After Dark
Those who love the nightlife can slip into one of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s sultry speakeasies. You don’t have to be a hotel guest of the Hyatt Centric Hotel on Las Olas to check in to Room 901. The guest room-turned-speakeasy offers an intimate, dimly lit ambiance that’s perfect for chatting with your partner and sharing creative cocktails by candlelight.
For more of a casual vibe, huddle up at taco joint Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, which transforms into a speakeasy lounge at night with tequila-infused cocktails and live music. Another popular date night spot is newcomer, No Man’s Land, a sexy cocktail den tucked away in the Victoria Park Shoppes.
If you share a love of culture and theater, impress your date at one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest venues, The Parker. The recently renovated playhouse hosts everything from concerts to comedy acts. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which sits along the New River, also touts a strong lineup of lauded Broadway musicals, operas, ballets, and more that make for a memorable night out.
Those seeking a non-stop party should head to the new guitar-shaped hotel at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, where there are endless entertainment opportunities from concerts and shows to 20 bars and lounges, as well as nightclub/day club DAER.
Something Different
Wake up early and make a beeline for one of the area’s many farmers markets. The largest and most diverse is Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood. There, you'll find more than 350 vendors selling international foods, handmade goods, fresh produce, and plants. Create your own food crawl, then find a spot under a tiki hut to listen to live music with your special someone.
If you prefer beachside shopping, visit the Las Olas Oceanside Park Market on a Saturday morning and find one-of-a-kind goods from local restaurants and artisanal makers, or pick up something fresh to cook together from the Green Market in Pompano Beach on the second and fourth Saturday of the month.
There’s never a dull moment when you’re tossing an ax. Break out of the ordinary date night and head to Extreme Axe-Throwing in Hollywood, where you can throw down in your own couples’ competition, then sip on a beer and brag about your skills. Find other ax-throwing venues in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.
From fun attractions to luxurious accommodations, Greater Fort Lauderdale will put a spark in any couples’ trip or date night.