Surprise Your Sweetie

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The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club on Florida's northeast coast makes for a unique and memorable romantic getaway.

Photo Credit: VISIT FLORIDA

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Life-enriching programs at the Sandpearl are designed to bring you into balance with nature.

Photo Credit: St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Seaside

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A carriage awaits in St. Augustine.

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Walk hand in hand along Lover's Key to see the natural beauty of its beach.

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Discover these romantic Florida getaways with your special someone.

There are times of the year when love and romance sizzle on the front burner; entire seasons come dedicated solely to the celebration of your sweetheart. And, while every member of every couple likes to feel loved during these times of pre-planned passion, there’s nothing like being surprised with showers of affection that come out of nowhere.

There are plenty of ways to surprise your sweetie in Florida. Throughout the state, from divine day trips to romantic weekend rendezvous, you’ll find many fabulous ways to say “I love you” even when the greeting card stores are focused on parents’ days and poolside parties.

Every corner of Florida offers a customized adventure just for two. Here’s a look at some of the sweetest ways to surprise your sweetie this summer and all year long:

The refreshing waters of the Gulf Coast are a great place to start. A recent resurgence of world class properties makes Clearwater Beach ideal for a weekend getaway. Surrounded by beautiful scenery the cool coastal town of Clearwater has romantic rendezvous wrapped up from shore to shore.

The beautiful Sandpearl Resort tells this story best, where the most exquisite elements of elegance and the environment integrate seamlessly. Check-in early to take advantage of all the amenities the resort has to offer, including the Sandpearl Spa where side-by-side ocean-inspired treatments will wash away all your worries. Don’t forget to ask about guided moonlit nature walks and sunrise yoga, but not before making reservations for the meal of a lifetime.

Minutes away from the Sandpearl are two of the region’s best known restaurants. A quick trip East on the picturesque Memorial Causeway will land you in Causeway Isles at the Island Way Grill where fresh fish and savory seafood welcome you to Florida. Sit dockside, order an appetizer of sushi, and watch the sunset fade into the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Go just a little further south and enjoy a dining experience like no other at the Salt Rock Grill. Salt Rock prepares a steak like nobody’s business. Ask to have yours Oscared (topped with a creamy crab sauce), and you’ll never eat a steak the same way again.

You’ll find that nothing fuels the fire of a romantic rendezvous like gourmet cuisine, good Bordeaux and a beautiful backdrop.

If you’re staying for a couple of days, be sure to have a meal at both restaurants. You’ll find that nothing fuels the fire of a romantic rendezvous like gourmet cuisine, good Bordeaux and a beautiful backdrop.

Add a little culture to your romantic getaway with a trip to the Pinellas County African American History Museum. The museum offers artifacts, research collections and education surrounding African American pioneers in history, particularly in Florida. Ongoing events include the "Toast to Legends" where locals share artifacts and stories from their family's past.

Head back to the Sandpearl in time for the nightly bonfire that burns on the beach. Gather with other guests in Adirondack chairs to watch flames dance against a reflective summer sky. Before heading home (and back to reality), a morning walk down the resort’s 700 feet of sandy white beach is a perfect way to end your getaway.

Amelia Island Offers Plenty of Amoré

A love connection is likely to be found at the north end of Florida. Set among stately oak trees and surrounded by sweet southern charm, the Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton is a wonderful way to remind the special someone in your life how much they matter. The Romance package is a great option. For a discounted seasonal rate, enjoy a coastal room with a view and breakfast in bed. Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries will be waiting in your room upon arrival, and valet parking and late check-out are even thrown in for good measure. To get this special rate, you need to make reservations at least two days prior to your stay.

A rendezvous on Amelia Island isn’t complete without a stroll on American Beach. This historically black beach, founded in 1935 by A.L. Lewis, is one of North Florida’s hidden gems. Beach tours are available to visitors or you can simply enjoy the white sands and blue skies with your sweetheart.

On the east coast, the romantic offerings of the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club make for a memorable trip. Bedecked with sand dunes and majestic trees, a short stay with your sweetie at the Ponte Vedra Inn will put you at the top of his or her list for a long time. Surrounded in uncompromised elegance and historic luxury, the Ponte Vedra Inn is a perfect romantic getaway. The resort’s Romantic Getaway Package runs all year long and includes similar offerings as the Ritz’s Romance package.

A Day of Delight

If an overnight stay is not in your plans, a picnic for two is always a sweet surprise. What better place than Lover’s Key in Fort Myers? For years, this sandy strip of land was accessible only by boat. Now, a bridge will take you to the perfect site for a romantic picnic, and straight to the heart of your beloved. A haven for wildlife, are likely to see manatees and dolphins swimming in the ocean, or majestic Bald Eagles soaring above. Pack a picnic basket full of Florida fresh fruit and hit the Black Island trails, more than five miles of multi-use nature trails that are perfect for hiking and biking. You can rent bikes and kayaks right on the island.

For something a little more uptown, the setting for your day trip surprise can be found in the northwest area of the state. Check out Seaside, a perfectly quaint village defined by its chic coastal style. Seaside is the perfect place for a day trip of shopping in boutiques, dining alfresco, art gallery window shopping, and walking hand in hand.

Party of two?

Sometimes the best way to surprise your sweetie is with a fine dining experience couples with a scenic view. Café Marquesa – on beautiful Key West – has been called one of the most romantic restaurants in the Sunshine State. Armani’s in Tampa is a heart-stopper as well. Watching the sunset from this highly regarded restaurant that towers over Tampa Bay, will take your breath away. However you choose to surprise your sweetie – the Sunshine State is the perfect place to help you fall in love all over again.