Top Spots In South Florida To Propose
You've found the girl of your dreams. You've saved up three months' salary and bought her a ring that's a reflection of your love. You've asked her dad for her hand in marriage. Now, you just need to find the most perfect spot to propose. Well, your dreams have been answered yet again. From quirky to sophisticated, here is a list of South Florida's most romantic venues for a wedding proposal. (And, congratulations on your upcoming nuptials.)
(Credit, CoralCastle.com)
Coral Castle
28655 South Dixie Highway
Homestead, FL 33033
(305) 248-6345
www.coralcastle.com
Built out of love, this mysterious attraction is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is one of the world's most intriguing puzzles. Every piece of oolite limestone here was hand-carved by Ed Leedskalnin for the young woman he loved, and no one really knows how he did it. Open to the public each day, and on special occasions in the evening (like Valentine's Day), you can drop down on one knee, surrounded by carved creations like planets and fountains. Then, ponder your lives together and attempt to solve the mystery of how one small man was able to carve and move blocks of rock that weighed up to 30 tons each. Love really can move mountains.
(Credit: CBS4)
Sky Terrace, Miami Tower
100 S.E. 2nd St.
Miami, FL 33131
(305) 539-7100
www.miamitower.net
The iconic Miami Tower (formerly the Centrust) not only lights up the Miami skyline like no other building in the city, but there is a Sky Terrace on the 11th floor that you can rent out for private functions, like the most romantic proposal ever. The terrace glows in the LED lights of the 47-story building and the city views are pretty spectacular. You could even have your wedding here, in the exact spot that you proposed. Go on, give her your heart in the heart of downtown Miami.
(Credit: floridastateparks.org)
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
1200 Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361 5811
www.floridastateparks.org
If you prefer a little sand in your soul over bright lights and city nights, drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway to one of the top-rated beaches in America, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Here, in the shadow of the historic lighthouse (or even at the top with a guided tour given twice a day Thursdays through Mondays), you can drop down on one knee and tell her she's your beacon in the darkest night. Bring a picnic lunch and spread a blanket out, or have a nice lunch at the onsite Lighthouse Café. It's not only romantic at this beach, it's economical. Admission to the park is only $8 per vehicle, with two to eight people. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year.
(Credit: vizcayamuseum.org)
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
3251 South Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 250-9133
www.vizcayamuseum.org
This historic Miami landmark built in 1916 was the winter residence of industrialist/businessman James Deering and its the ideal spot to become her knight in shining armor, till death do you part. Sure, the Italian Renaissance-style villa is glorious, but its formal gardens are the standout and among the most elaborate in the entire nation. You can wander for hours throughout the maze of pure beauty and get lost in the romance of it all, surrounded by elaborate fountains, antique sculptures and glorious trees, vines and flowers.
(Credit: redfishgrill.net)
Red Fish Grill
9601 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, FL 33156
(305) 667-8788
www.redfishgrill.net
Tucked alongside the lagoon at Matheson Hammock, with views of Biscayne Bay, every direction of this dinner-only restaurant is jaw-droppingly romantic. Tall, swaying coconut palms are wrapped in white lights that give off the perfect glow, the water views and cityscape views are mesmerizing and the cuisine is consistently outstanding. Choose your moment, but it's hard to beat twilight, when the sky changes from vibrant shades of orange to rosy pink, and those stately palms are all aglow – you'll definitely put a permanent twinkle in her eyes.
Jill Martin is a family travel expert, appearing on numerous television and radio shows. She spent five years as the VISIT FLORIDA Family Insider, has penned children's books, and is the creator of Sunshine Brain Games – trivia cards about Florida. A Miami native, Jill resides in Redland. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
