Romantic 1-Day Couples Itinerary — Fort Lauderdale
A relaxed, intimate day for couples in Fort Lauderdale: beachside nature, a pampering spa, a golden-hour river cruise, and an elegant Italian dinner. Designed for unhurried conversation, scenic moments, and a memorable sunset.
Highlights
- Sunset cruise on the Intracoastal (special moment)
- Couples spa session
- Strolls at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Las Olas Boulevard
- Romantic beachfront moonlit walk
- Intimate dinner at Casa D'Angelo
Itinerary
Day 1
An unhurried romantic day in Fort Lauderdale timed for winter daylight and warm evenings. Includes nature, a couples spa, a sunset cruise as the special moment, intimate dinner, and a moonlit beach walk.
Cozy brunch to start — The Foxy Brown
Warm, comfort-style brunch in a softly lit dining room — a relaxed way to begin the day together.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a booth near the window for quieter seating and better people-watching on Las Olas — great for cozy conversations.
- Share a few small plates rather than large entrees to keep the meal light and leave room for afternoon treats.
- If you prefer a quieter table, request 'away from the bar' when you call or reserve ahead (weekend brunch fills up).
Transfer: Drive to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Short scenic drive toward the waterfront park — you'll arrive to shaded trails, mangrove edges and lagoon views.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a route along A1A for a scenic coastal approach when using rideshare or driving yourselves.
- Park near the coastal side (if available) to shorten the walk to ocean overlooks and picnic spots.
- Have a light jacket handy — winter mornings can be breezy along the water even when temperatures are mild.
Stroll & nature time — Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Wander shady trails, rent a tandem bicycle or relax on the lagoon boardwalk — intimate nature time close to the ocean.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a small picnic blanket for a quiet bench or seaside lawn — a little picnic can be unexpectedly romantic.
- Choose the Boardwalk Trail toward the lagoon at low tide for peaceful birdwatching and photos with golden light.
- If you want a couples-friendly activity, rent a surrey or tandem bicycle at the park entrance (seasonal availability).
Transfer: Short drive to waterfront lunch
A quick, scenic drive to the Intracoastal for lunch with a view.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your driver to drop you by the dockside seating area so you can immediately enjoy water views.
- If traffic is light, request a stop near the boardwalk for a pre-lunch coffee or quick shoreline photo.
- Keep sun protection handy — winter sun can be bright on the water even when the air is cool.
Lunch with waterfront views — Coconuts
Fresh seafood and relaxed waterfront ambience — choose a table on the patio for gentle boat-watching.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a patio table or corner window seat for the best Intracoastal views and private vibes.
- Share a seafood entree or appetizer sampler to keep the meal light and romantic.
- If you plan to linger, time your meal so you finish before the late-afternoon spa reservation — Coconuts is walkable to nearby pickups.
Transfer: To your couples spa appointment
A short drive to the hotel spa — prepare for a relaxing two-hour experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm any couple's packages ahead of time and note arrival time for pre-treatment amenities (steam/sauna) access.
- Ask the spa to cue soft music or aromatherapy you both enjoy for an extra intimate touch.
- Keep phones silent and stowed to maintain a restful, undisturbed experience together.
Couples pampering — Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
Relaxing massages or a couples treatment — a quiet, restorative experience timed for afternoon calm.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a couples massage package and request side-by-side treatment to share the experience from start to finish.
- Arrive early to use the relaxation lounge and outdoor areas — a little pre-treatment tea time heightens the mood.
- If you want privacy, ask for a quieter treatment room or a space with an ocean view when you book.
Leisurely stroll & cafe break — Las Olas Boulevard
Window-shop art galleries, pick up a small souvenir or share a coffee on Las Olas — relaxed pre-sunset wandering.
Tips from local experts:
- Head toward the quieter side streets for boutique galleries and candlelit shops rather than the busiest blocks.
- Pop into a small wine bar or café for a shared dessert and espresso — Las Olas has intimate spots ideal for couples.
- If you find a gallery you both like, ask the owner about romantic or local-art pieces as memorable keepsakes.
Transfer: To river cruise dock
Quick trip to the cruise dock — time to freshen up and settle in for your sunset special moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Aim to arrive a little early so you can board first and choose a forward seat for better views at sunset.
- Check with the cruise operator about seating choices (covered vs. open-air) depending on breezes that evening.
- Carry a light wrap — ocean breezes can cool quickly after sunset even in winter.
Sunset special moment — Jungle Queen Riverboat Sunset Cruise
A classic Intracoastal cruise timed for golden hour and sunset — intimate waterfront views and photo moments.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose an outside seat on the port side for best sunset photo angles; bring a small blanket if you prefer an open deck.
- Toast the sunset with a shareable cocktail from the onboard bar — order early to avoid the line at boarding.
- If you want more privacy, ask the crew about quieter spots on the upper deck or forward seating.
Transfer: To romantic dinner
Short drive to one of Fort Lauderdale’s most intimate fine-dining rooms — time to freshen up en route if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- If you wish, call ahead to request a quieter table or note a special occasion so the restaurant can prepare.
- Allow some buffer time after the cruise for small delays and to arrive relaxed rather than rushed.
- Consider a quick outfit refresh in the car (hair, cologne/perfume touch-up) to feel special for dinner.
Romantic Italian dinner — Casa D'Angelo
A refined Italian dining experience — share an elegant multi-course meal in a low-lit, intimate setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in the dining room (not the bustling bar) for a more intimate setting and ask for a corner or window seat.
- Order a bottle of house-recommended Italian wine and let the sommelier suggest a pairing for a special touch.
- Save room for a shared dessert or request a dessert plate with a celebratory note if it's a special occasion.
Short transfer to the beach for a moonlit walk
Drive a few minutes to the beach for a quiet ending to the evening — soft sand and night sky.
Tips from local experts:
- Park near the beach entry with lights for safe access; carry a small flashlight or use your phone dimmed to find the sand.
- Bring a lightweight throw or shawl — ocean breezes may be chilly after sunset in February.
- If you prefer, stop for a final coffee or gelato en route on Las Olas rather than walking in the sand.
Moonlit beach walk — Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
A quiet, romantic moonlit stroll along the shoreline — a restful close to your day together.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk along the waterline for maximum privacy — footprints and the sound of waves make a naturally intimate setting.
- Bring a light waterproof blanket to sit and listen to the surf for a few private moments before heading back.
- Check local tide times if you want to stroll closer to the waterline; low tide can create wider walkable sand areas.
