The Sunshine State has long been a top pick for newlyweds -- and with good reason. With its beautiful beaches, warm ocean, and fabulous nightlife, South Florida is a fantastic place to kick back postwedding.
What to See and Where to Stay
The kitschy-cool art deco buildings, white sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife scene make South Beach the place to be. Stay just a few miles away in nearby Miami Beach at the just-renovated Fontainebleu Hotel & Resort (800-548-8886), which fuses cutting-edge style with the 1950s glamour that once made it famous. Looking for a more budget-minded suggestion? Try the historic Peter Miller Hotel (305-531-6711) in SoBe. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, take a self-guided walking tour to check out the area’s architectural treasures. Visit the Miami Design Preservation League (305-672-2014) to get started.
Looking for paradise? Escape the city and head three hours south to Key West, a chain of tiny islands off the tip of the Florida peninsula. Once the home of famed writer Ernest Hemingway, Key West also boasts many colorful locals, spectacular beaches, a decent art scene, and raucous nightlife. Want to take your Conch Republic experience up a notch? Stay at the Pier House & Caribbean Spa (305-296-4600). Some of the spa treatments even feature tropical-inspired ingredients like mango and Key limes. When you’re ready to go out exploring, rent a bike -- it’s one of the best (and most popular) ways to see Key West. Head up to the Lighthouse Museum (KWAHS.com, 305-295-6616) for an amazing view of the island, and check out the famous Hemingway Home.
The Best Time to Go
There really isn’t a bad time to go -- South Florida’s subtropical climate means it’s balmy year-round. While you might see locals dressing a little more warmly in winter, Midwestern and Northeastern visitors are sure to appreciate the mild temperatures in January through March. Summers in South Florida are much more humid and rainier (though the rain rarely lasts all day so you won’t miss out on the beach for long). Planning on getting married in August through October? Bear in mind that a hurricane may interrupt your honeymoon plans if you have your heart set on a Florida vacation. To plan your must-dos and your must-avoids in advance, check out Miami.com for info. If you’re hitting the Keys, check out FLA-Keys.com. Though Key West also plays host to many different festivals and events throughout the year, some can be a bit more hectic than others. Unless you’re hungry for crowds (and higher prices), New Year’s Eve and Gay Pride Weekend are two such dates you might want to avoid.
The Best Ways to Save
If you can handle the heat, go during the spring or summer. December through April is the high season for tourists, so everything will be a bit more crowded and expensive (especially hotels). Check out the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau website for information and deals on hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more (MiamiandBeaches.com, 800-933-8448). In Miami, step outside SoBe (and its fabulous but pricey beachside restaurants) and head to Little Havana for a meal or two to save some dough. Get your java fix like a local with a cafe Cubano or grab a seat at La Carreta (305-444-7501) for some tasty Cuban sandwiches. If you stay in South Beach, do some comparison shopping -- most restaurants post their menus outside, making it easy to do a bit of browsing before you commit. In Key West, make any meal feel more luxurious by ordering in and eating in your bathrobes. For a small fee, We Deliver (305-295-9929) will bring you eats from any restaurant on the island. It doesn’t get much more convenient than that!
-- Kate Wood
See More: Honeymoons , Planning