3 Florida Cities Best For Date Night In The United States

All eyes are turned to all things romantic this week. However, romance is a 24/7, 365 days a year kind of thing. If you are looking for a great place to go on a date, new research says you don't have to drive to far in or out of Southwest Florida. Three Florida cities best for date night in the United States are a gas tank away..

In fact, the best city for date night is none other than Sarasota. I agree. Sarasota has the most beautiful beaches, lots of arts, culture and a superb dining scene.

The folks at BonusFinder.Com compared a variety of factors in 160 cities across the country. They put them all together in order to rank the hottest date night spots for 2024. Some of the factors included were the price of dinner for two, cost of a bottle of wine, and number of romantic restaurants.

That's not all. The number of romantic hotels was also factored in along with the amount of fun date night activities and games available. Numerous Florida cities did well in these departments but only three made the top ten.

Here is a list of the top ten best cities for date night in the country. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, consider these:

Also, Cape Coral made the top 50. It came in at #49. Next, look at this chart to how the top ten numbers break down. Check it out.

Finally, here is why Sarasota ranked number one for date night fun. Researchers say not only does it have lots of sunshine and gorgeous beaches. But also because of the large number of romantic restaurants, cafes, bakeries, spas and couple-friendly attractions. Congrats. Now time for a road trip.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Now is the time to secure those reserviations. To help you out, here are 7 of the most romantic restaurants in Fort Myers and the surrounding area. Going out to eat is an ages old way to begin a date night. Southwest Florida is full of amazing spots that offer great  food, superb service, outstanding hospitality, and finally, the ambiance that can seal the deal. If you know what I mean.

I wrote a story about romantic dining for 10Best, USA Today's online travel outlet, sometime ago. Several of these spots made the list then and ceontinue to stand the test of tim. Finding spots like these are fun for me, not to mention delicious to research.

First up, if you want to include an overnight in your romantic dining, consider Tarpon Lodge. It is on the end of Pine Island near Pineland Marina. It's a bit of an adventure to get there which could add to the romance. Old Florida is alive and well at this historic inn on the water.  The restaurant and the Inn are a special place. There are wooden floors that still creak when you step on them and the small bar has  a fireplace. The sunsets are gorgeous too. Back to the dining, the chef does a fantastic job here.

Everyone has a different idea of romance, however, these are places that stand out in the traditional since. Here is the rest of the top 7 most romantic restaurants in Fort Myers area. UPDATED: 1/26/202

This award winning Italian restaurant is in Bonita Springs. It is a stand alone building and from the minute you walk in you feel as if you are someplace special. You're greeted by a huge wine tower, the largest in Southwest Florida. It is surrounded by cozy, ornate booths. To the right is a smaller, red room that's plush and quiet. The piano bar is more llively but still cozy. The music adds an extra touch. There is also a patio with bistro lights if that is your idea of romantic. It's on U.S. 41 just south of Coconut Point Mall. 239-390-3187.

This is a downtown Fort Myers institution. Two historic homes have been joined together to create this vintage space. In addition, there is a courtyard with twinkling lights. The Veranda also has a cozy piano bar. In the dining room, they still make Ceasar salads table side and have dessert cart capable of flambéing sweet ingredients. Fire, hot, romance, we get it...
The Verandah is on 2nd Street accross from City Hall. 239-332-2065

The Bonita Springs location of Chop's (there is one in Naples too) recently underwent a million dollar renovation and it is gorgeous. The drinks are sexy and the food is fantastic. They also have a great Happy Hour at the bar. Then there is the service. It is top notch. Steak may be the specialty here but they know their way around searfood too. If the patio is open, there are twinkling bistro lights to set the mood. Chop's is on US 41 by Coconut Point. 239-992-4677

This hidden gem is more like a supper club, but without the membership. It is a longtime Fort Myers spot that is remarkably still a secret to some. There is a private room and lots intimate seating. Dimly lit, they pack in patrons who love both dinner an live music. You'll find world class musicians here and can actually sit around the piano. Oh, and there is dancing too. It really does completes the senses. Find this spot in an obscure strip mall on San Carlos Blvd just west of Gladioulus Drive. 239-415-4375

This cozy European bistro in Fort Myers can be challenging to find but it is another gem. If feels like you have made an escape to Europe. It is a small, intimate place that gets full fast. The kitchen is open and fun to watch. Chefs crank out a variety of food and most of them are presented in their classic form. The service is impeccable. Azure is on McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers just east of Gladioulus. 239-288-4296

Cielo is on Sanibel Island and was among the first to reopen after Hurriane Ian. It is island chic in every way. The dining room is spacious but still manages to have a feeling of intimacy. Perhaps it is due to the great attention to detail that the management and servers possess. A floor to ceiling, glass wine wall seperates the dining room from the bar. You'll find live piano music here as well. Cielo is on stilts, surrounded by vegetation, on Periwinkle Road close the island entrance. 239-472-5555