The 14 Best Date Ideas in Miami

Miami is hot. There's no denying it. So when it comes to planning a date in the Magic City, there are tons of fun and flirty options. Looking to take advantage of the high temps? Outdoor adventures like moonlight kayaking and waterslide racing await. Not afraid to get your hands dirty? Show off by making pizza or pottery with your special someone. There's way more to do than just your average dinner and drinks; here's our list of the best date ideas in Miami. 

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Rather than let a restaurant or bar handle your date night refreshments, why not take a class to try something new? The pizza masters at Fratelli la Bufala will have you tossing dough and knocking back prosecco during their Tuesday night “Let’s Dough It” wood-fired pizza-making classes or head to Mister-O1’s pizza school. Make your way to The Real Food Academy where classes include everything from ceviche making to soul food to plant-based delights. Pop into Matador Room’s bar to take part in one of their bi-monthly cocktail classes, and keep in mind that Miami’s first distillery at Tropical Distillery in Allapattah ends its tours with a cute, interactive cocktail course.

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Miami is having a bit of an omakase boom. And while it’s certainly not an every-night kinda thing, it’s special occasion dining at its finest. If you’re looking for a flashy spot (think bright blue caviar and lots of dry ice theatrics) head to Nossa Omakase where you’ll need a password to enter, while those craving a more simple and classic experience should try Shingo in Coral Gables. Italian restaurants are getting in on the on the action too, as Fiola offers a five-course pasta omakase with an optional wine pairing.

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You’ll find plenty of neighborhood farmers markets in South Florida, but for a full-on date nothing beats the Yellow Green Farmers Market on Sheridan Road. Open Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 6:30 pm, you’ll find dozens of stalls of international foods, fresh veggies, and local artisans. They’ve also got two full liquor bars, a Saturday morning yoga session, Zumba classes, and a live band playing especially for you and yours—in case a whole afternoon sizing up tomatoes isn’t quite doing it for you.

SoFi
The best food deal in Miami is, without debate, the $8.95 Fried Half Chicken at Joe’s Take-Away. Grab a couple orders of that and a bottle of wine from Publix—this is a cheap date, remember—and head over to South Pointe Park to catch the sunset over the skyline. It’s the best 180-degree view in the city and a much more romantic experience than expensive restaurants can offer.

Wynwood
There’s nothing more romantic than trying to recreate the pottery wheel scene from Ghost. If it’s going to happen anywhere in Miami, it’s at OCISLY Pottery & Ceramics Studio—which stands for “of course I still love you” keeping it real cute and coupley—where you get to throw clay, vibe out to good music, and make a vase you can take home to hold the flowers you’re brought (or will bring on the next date).

Allapattah
At Superblue Miami, the large-scale immersive installations are perfect for a playful afternoon or evening with your significant other. Walk through a room of fluffy clouds and a mirror maze or witness a huge printing press make it official by churning out four-foot-tall photos of you and your date.

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The quickest way into someone’s heart is making them laugh. If you’re not that funny, let the experts help you out at one of Miami’s many comedy nights. Opt for the classic Miami Improv or head to Villain Theater for fantastic improv and stand-up shows featuring up-and-coming performers. 

Little Havana
A trip to Miami’s Cuban enclave isn’t just for tourists, and you can spend an entire evening combing these few historic blocks. Start with dinner at Lung Yai Thai Tapas, grab drinks and do some dancing at the Cubaocho Cultural Center, catch your second wind with a cafecito, then continue the party with some live music at Ball & Chain. Stroll down to Café La Trova—named the ninth best bar in North America—for cocktails, Cuban music, and a trip back to the 1980s. Then finish the night with an order of some of Miami's best tacos courtesy of El Taquito.

South Beach
When evenings in Miami have a slight breeze and low levels of humidity, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up on an Adirondack chair at South Beach’s Rooftop Cinema Club. It’s a classic date idea for a reason and with the nostalgic favorites they screen, you’ll have plenty to bond over.

Brickell
If you’re looking for a throwback date that shows off your competitive side, head to Puttshack. Located at Brickell City Centre, the 27,000-square-foot venue has mini golf, food, booze, and cityscape views of Miami. Gone are the days of the tiny golf pencil. Puttshack has super fancy tech that takes care of all the logistics, so you can focus on chatting up (and showing off for) your date while you make your way through the course.

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Okay, so this date might not involve a ton of talking, but there’s something cool about donning a pair of headphones at the same time and listening to the captivating live-piano compositions played by Murray Hidary. This meditative experience travels through the city—from the Frost Planetarium to the sands of South Beach—and there’s even a session where you get to float in a pool while listening. They say comfortable silence is the sign of a close bond, so why not put your relationship to the test at MindTravel?

North Miami
Rent a kayak at Oleta State Park and paddle out to one of Biscayne Bay’s deserted islands with a monthly Full Moon Kayak Tour that takes you and your loved one to a nearby island with views of Miami's skyline. Plus, sangria and beer are available to order at an additional cost. If you're not in town for the full moon, you can book a regular guided tour on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 

Aventura
Remember when you took those middle school field trips to the waterpark, and it was literally the highlight of the school year? Relive those days of unbridled fun—this time with cocktails—at Tidal Cove Waterpark at the JW Marriott in Aventura. The lines are rarely long if you go during the week, and you both can relax holding hands while drifting down the lazy river.

Miami Beach
It’s always a good idea to hang out at one of Miami’s best hotel pools. Not looking to fork out the cash to rent a room for the night? No worries, lots of hotels offer day passes so you don’t have to try and sneak in. If you and your boo are looking for more of a rager, check out Goodtime Hotel’s pool party of the same name, where the scene is always a bit of a party.

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