Romantic Getaways in Florida

February is around the corner, and romance is the air. With all that wintry weather hitting many states up north, this is not only the perfect time for a romantic getaway in sunny Florida, but also a good break from all that snow and shoveling. Here are three exciting cities in Florida to consider for a romantic getaway.

St Augustine, Florida
You can combine romance with history in the charming city of St Augustine. Located in northeast Florida, St Augustine is the oldest European settlement in America. Beautifully restored buildings dating back as far as the early 1600s await you in the historic district. Leisurely stroll over to the Castillo de San Marcos, the star-shaped Spanish fort built in the mid-1600s, to see the oldest masonry fortification in North America. The Castillo has withstood sieges and hurricanes over the years; you may run into re-enactors in period costumes demonstrating the historic weapons by firing the Spanish cannons. You can see this fascinating city on board a trolley or horse-drawn carriage, or you can take a walking tour. Wine and dine your loved one at the lovely 95 Cordova, located in the Casa Monica Hotel, a magnificently restored hotel that will transport you back to the charming Victorian Era.

St Petersburg, Florida
Fondly referred to as St Pete by the locals, this sleepy downtown is alive with arts and culture, something that is not easy to find in laid-back Florida. Just in St Pete downtown alone are five major museums and galleries - the Chihuly Collection , which opened last summer, the newly opened $36-million Salvador Dali museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of History and the Holocaust Museum. Not into museums? No problem. St Pete has some of the best beaches in the state of Florida. Two have consistently ranked in the top 10 list of beaches in America - Caladesi Island State Park and Fort De Soto Park. Secluded beaches with soft white sand in a natural park setting, they are excellent for romantic walks on the beach and nature viewing. From October to May, the Saturday Morning Market in St Pete downtown is a fun place to hang out and shop for fresh produce and plants. For a romantic evening, let Ceviche seduce you with a delicious array of tapas and a nice selection of wines and sangria.

Miami, Florida
Once your plane touch down in Miami, you will feel the excitement and the energetic vibe emanating from this exotic city. Your top priority might be to put on your dancing shoes and sway to Latin music at the trendy clubs in South Beach. Or soak up some rays on the beach there. If you are looking for some much needed rest and relaxation, you might opt for a day at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, just across the bridge from Miami. You can swim, bike, kayak, climb up the lighthouse, or just relax under the sun. If you are flexible with your schedule, you can time your getaway to coincide with two of the biggest events in town: the Miami International Boat Show (Feb 17-21), and The Coconut Grove Arts Festival (Feb 19-21).