The operational words are “Hidden” and “Romantic”.
Our Hidden Romantic Getaways in Florida are focused on those two words. If you are looking for someplace to share with 10,000 other people, try Clearwater Beach, Disney World, or downtown Tampa.
The hidden getaways are off the beaten path. The romantic part is partially up to you. We will furnish the idea for the location, but some of the romantic parts we will leave to your planning.
Sunset Key – Off the Shores of Key West
Of course, you can take a boat shuttle over to Key West, but this little island has a group of cottages available for that special trip for the two of you. There is a small beach for sunsets, sunbathing and a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Sunset Key Cottages are part of the Opal Collection. Known for their modern décor, but island fashionable, the rooms are spacious airy and remote.
On the 27-acre island, there is a restaurant-bar called Latitudes. We have written about the restaurant in our Key West coverage on several occasions. This well-appointed restaurant has some of the best food in all the Keys! Fresh seafood tops the menu, but steaks are a mainstay also.
Only Way To and From Island is Boat Shuttle
Part of the allure is you are two of just a few people allowed on the island. However, a romantic ride across the channel on the shuttle boat is fun after sunset. For entertainment, Mallory Square, Sloppy Joe’s, and all the history that surrounds Key West are just a short boat ride away. There are also charters available that will come to the docks on Sunset Key to pick you up for private tours or fishing adventures to the Marquesa islands a few miles west.
You have all the pleasures and sightseeing in Key West if you want it, or spend your days and nights on the island. You will never forget the cool island breezes you shared.
Marco Island – South of Naples, Florida
This island is one of our favorites. Once the home of the Calusa Indians, it now is the home of some very upscale condominiums and resort hotels. While there are several options on Marco Island, we recommend the Marco Island JW Marriot Resort. This resort can handle your every need for room accommodations. There are two buildings, one of which has several floors for adults only. The JW Marriot also has separate adult pool facilities for those romantic afternoons in the sun.
If you like wide long beaches, the Marco Island Beach in front of the Marriott is perfect. The hotel offers cabanas, umbrellas and chairs. The warm waters of the Gulf will tickle your feet if you are in for a walk along the beach.
Dining on your Hidden Romantic Getaway in Florida is No Problem on Marco Island
For dining, there are several restaurants in the JW Marriot ranging from pizza to fine dining. We also like eating a sandwich or snack at the Kane Tiki Bar on the beach. In the west tower, Marriot has a floor for all types of video games, some small-ball bowling, and a few carnival-style skeeball games.
Within walking distance, are several restaurants. We recommend Marco Prime Steakhouse for dinner. For a late lunch, you may want to try the Snook Inn. They have entertainment that starts at 2 PM and the food is excellent. If you want a little shopping excursion, you may take a 20-minute ride to Naples. Some of the most exquisite clothing and jewelry will be on 5th Avenue in Naples.
All in all, Marco Island has to be high on your list of hidden romantic getaways in Florida. The combination of luxury and romanticism will make you want to stay.
Cayo Costa State Park – Barrier Island North of Sanibel/Captiva, Florida
We have the word “hidden” covered here. Cayo Costa is a nine-mile-long island with a sparkling white sand beach. We can’t sugar coat the – if you want togetherness and rustic, this is it. The only way on and off the island is by boat. Ferries run daily.
Romantic is going to be interpretive. If you like a one-room cabin on a reasonably deserted island, this will be very romantic. You must carry any food or drink in with you. Showers and potable water is nearby. If you can tolerate these romantic conditions, here are your rewards;
What is your Hidden Romantic Getaway in Florida on an Island?
- This is a remote island with rustic white sandy beaches that go for miles with almost no one around.
- Occasional wildlife may be seen in the wooded areas of the island that support walking trails.
- Your days will be filled with sun-drenched shelling along the beachfront. Exploring the huge waterfront will be enchanting.
- Kayaks and paddleboards (rentals available) will be your mode of transportation.
- Fishing, swimming and bird watching are bonuses.
All of this with an optional ferry boat ride to another island, like Pine Island, Captiva, North Captiva or Sanibel for dining options or shopping. Of course, this is a State Park that will have many of the things you may need in the park concession.
If you really want to be alone, do some foraging together, be away from people, and hidden away from most of the world, Cayo Costa Island State Park is the place to be.
Amelia Island, Florida – North of Jacksonville
This large island in northeast Florida is a mecca for honeymoons, anniversaries, proposals and getaways. The reason for all these celebrations is a simple combination of Atlantic oceanfront beaches, beautiful resorts, and plenty to do on the island.
On the east side of the island, you will find Omni Amelia Island Resort. The hotel sprawls out along the ocean and includes a 3-mile-long beach. The rooms are large and luxuriously comfortable. Be sure to ask for a room that has both an ocean view and a pool view.
The Omni has numerous restaurants and bars. From a steak house to a morning café, the Omni will satisfy all of your culinary cravings. Try the Verandah for homemade pasta and fresh seafood. And for a romantic evening, try the impeccable room service. They will even prepare the room while you and your partner are out for the afternoon.
Things to do on the property include 36 holes of championship golf, kayaking, paddle boarding, and tennis. A Segway tour of the area is available. There is also an adult-only pool you will enjoy while lounging in the sun.
Things To Do on Your Hidden Romantic Getaway in Florida at Amelia Island
Off the premises, there are even more optional things to do on the island a couple miles away. Start with visiting Fort Clinch at the north end of the island. Dating back to the Civil War, the Fort was protecting the entrance to the Saint Mary’s River. You can see how the soldiers of the era lived in their quarters and went through their daily routines.
You must visit Fernandina Beach, the little town a few miles from the Omni. The few square blocks of downtown include the oldest operating bar in Florida, The Palace Saloon. The fun will come from the shops along Centre Street. Knick knacks and souvenir T-shirt shops are typical, but a couple blocks east is some antique shops that are fun to browse. Stop at Peppers on the way for the largest collection of tequila anywhere.
Amelia Island and Omni Resort are hardly hidden, but it is romantic, accommodating, and far away from most of the world. The remoteness of the island and the amenities of the hotel will entice you to return many times.
Boca Grande – Gasparilla Island off Port Charlotte, Florida
Sometimes it takes just a few moments driving into a community to detect wealth and prosperity. That is the feeling you get while driving into the town of Boca Grande. Located on Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande has been a seasonal destination for many of the affluent northerners who make this island their home in the winter months.
The whole feel of the island is that of a hidden romantic getaway in Florida. In the middle of Boca Grande is the Gasparilla Inn and Club. This century-old hotel has been classically remodeled and expanded while maintaining its southern charm. Accommodations include both rooms and cottages.
Besides the normal amenities of a classic old hotel, you will find a golf course, spa, and croquet course! Additional off-premises activities include sailing, fishing charters, and world-class tarpon fishing in May and June. Gasparilla Inn also has its own private beach.
You can breeze around the small business district on a bicycle or golf cart, the preferred mode of transportation. You will also find an assortment of bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlors in this little 3-block square area. A stroll around the small town reminds you of an old-time town center where residents met for coffee and small talk.
Dining in the stately hotel restaurant will take you back to another time, but with exceptional cuisine. Just a couple blocks away is the famed Pink Elephant. This restaurant takes traditional food and elevates it to a new level. Try the onion soup for example – excellent!
The whole feel of the experience staying on Gasparilla Island at the Gasparilla Inn and Spa will be that of old money in a southern setting. The bad news, they are only open from October through July. The good part is that you don’t have to worry about the summer heat. This is one of our favorite hidden romantic getaways in Florida.
Bonus Hidden Romantic Getaway in Florida
Above are our 5 Hidden Romantic Getaways in Florida and below is a bonus getaway. The affordable option below is a great suggestion for a quick weekend or an alternative for people who love the outdoors.
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs – In the Florida Panhandle
In 1937 a Florida industrialist, Edward Ball, built a lodge next to one of the country’s biggest springs. Called Wakulla Springs, the springs have entertained visitors since the creation of Wakulla State Park.
In remote Wakulla County, Florida, The Lodge is near Sopchoppy, St. Marks, Panacea and a few other towns most of us have never heard of. That’s the point! It’s in the middle of a southern hardwood forest, well removed from any metropolitan area.
For the length of your stay, you will have 9 miles of hiking trails, the springs, varied wildlife and miles of a clear river that flows some 40 miles to the northern Gulf. Kayaks, canoes, and daily boat tours are offered at the park just outside your door.
Inside the lodge you find a quaint charm loaded with remnants of historical relevance. The location, in northern remote Florida, means employees from the area are friendly, outgoing and unassuming. They enjoy their guests and hospitality is 5-star quality. The rooms aren’t decorated as a thousand-dollar-a-night Hollywood hotel, but they are clean, comfortable and appropriate for a rustic lodge.
The food is country quality. You are in rural north Florida. People eat fresh shrimp, fish and steaks like normal. But be prepared for the best biscuits you ever ate, maybe some sweet potato grits, homemade desserts and there will probably be a pot of green beans as a side. You and your significant other will have a smile over the food and customs of a southern kitchen.
If long walks in the woods, serene winding waters, and the sounds of Mother Nature are hidden and romantic for you, this is the place to be. Even the drive to get to The Lodge will be charming in this part of Florida. Reservations can be difficult to get, so plan ahead.
Originally published at https://floridatravel.blog/5-hidden-romantic-getaways-in-florida/
