Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Surfside

"Accessed only by a private elevator, Juvia greets guests with an unobstructed 360-degree view of South Beach’s famed Art Deco district. Here, the kitchen focuses on the blending of French, Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, flaunting a selection of crudos, tiraditos, seafood and meats cooked on a charcoal grill. There’s even a display of vertical gardens, designed by botanist Patrick Blanc, meant to resemble the Amazon rainforest."

"It's a win-win for parents and children at this swanky rooftop restaurant on Lincoln Road. While you thrill to beautiful city views and a refined menu of French-Asian specialties, the kids can chow down on one of four $24 bento boxes named for the owner's and chef's children. Each box comes with a protein, two sides, and cookies."

"Restaurants South Beach. No matter the time of year, sunset dinners at Juvia are marked by candy-colored skies. Consider it a free show or part of the experience when you dine at the Lincoln Road restaurant."

"Showcasing the best contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries while also reflecting the multitude of nationalities that call Miami home – that’s the aim of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). The Pérez Art Museum is an absolute staple in modern art in the US alone, providing a deeply visceral experience through sight, sound and touch. Since 2016, it’s estimated that over 2,000 works live in the PAMM’s permanent collection."

"Formerly the Miami Art Museum, the Perez Art Museum Miami has expressed the artistic individuality of worldwide talents since 1984.[Learn more]"

"A waterfront Italian Renaissance-style villa on 10 acres might not be your first thought for a kid-friendly activity, but the beautiful gardens and over-the-top, fairy-tale architecture can captivate kids of all ages. Take a quick tour of the interior of the house and then head to the gardens; there's even a labyrinth and maze that's perfect for burning off energy. Pro tip: the Vizcaya Museum isn't the easiest to manage with a stroller, so keep that in mind."

"Take a break from the beach and booze to enjoy a more cultured outing at this Renaissance-style villa built in the early 1900s. The 50-acre estate belonged to the agricultural industrialist and filthy-rich dude James Deering, who built the place as a winter pad. Visitors come for the picturesque gardens and well-preserved antique furniture and art collection."

"Chef Michael Pirolo and his partner Jennifer Chaefski opened their 70-seat Macchialina restaurant on the west side of Miami Beach. Their goal is to inspire locals and experienced tourists with the authentic flavors and seasonal ingredients that accompany each dish. A native of Queens County in New York, head chef Pirolo attended a cooking school in Italy to improve his skills before becoming a chef at Scott Conant's Scarpetta on his way to discovering this great diner."

"Business and life partners Jen Chaefsky and former Scarpetta chef de cuisine Michael Pirolo consistently offer some of Miami's best and most satisfying food. Every dish is wonderful, especially Pirolo's house-made pastas and creamy polenta loaded with sausage ragu. There's always something new to try in the daily special list and Macchialina offers an affordable five-course tasting menu daily."

"Italian food can get very expensive to eat in Miami Beach, but Macchialina’s is one place to get your pasta fix for less than $30 per person. They have staples like Lasagna, Caccio e Pepe and Spaghetti, that are of course handmade pasta. However, you can even get Branzino and Veal here if you are cutting down on carbs."

"Fort Lauderdale's rich history for African-Americans is presented in this inspiring museum. Many of the honors that are due to pioneers in the African-American community in Broward County are not recorded, but it is here through exhibits and lectures and special events that visitors and locals can learn more of this interesting and exciting chapter of local history. Built in 1924, this was the region's lone African-American school for children during segregation."

"This French-inspired restaurant is located just outside Miami Beach. Eden in Eden is known for its organic and natural products, and their menu is full of vegetarian and vegan options. One of their staple menu items are vegan crepes."

"Cushioned in couture, Politan Row (formerly known as St. Roch Market) is the Design District’s answer to traditional retail dining. From a vegan bakery to a fried chicken stand, this laid-back emporium holds space for an eclectic group of food entrepreneurs to show off their knife skills."

"Hollywood Beach, an area 100-yards long, is located between Pershing & Custer Streets. The Dog Beach is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 3pm to 7pm. During Daylight Savings Time the hours are 4pm to 8pm."

"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."

"DIRT Sunset Harbor is a good bet for a healthy brekkie, while Ice Box is known for more decadent morning dishes. Then, make a beeline for the beach to get a good spot in the sand. The busiest, and notoriously party-oriented, stretch of the beach lies between 5th Street and 20th Street. If that’s not your idea of a perfect day in the sun, head north of 25th Street for a more peaceful beach experience."

"The chocolate brigadeiro cake at Sagrado Cafe is an indulgent combination of moist layers of chocolate cake and brigadeiros, Brazil's signature truffle. Thanks to sweetened condensed milk in the truffle mixture, the cake remains moist despite the absence of frosting. To add to the richness, mini brigadeiros top the whole thing ($8 to $69 depending upon the size)."

"With an enchanted garden atmosphere, this Brazilian café in downtown Miami is a great place for family bonding time. Kids' meals ($14) start with a sharable warm basket of gluten-free cheese bread and a choice of soda or juice. Then it's on to their own plate of chicken Milanese, served with a side of rice, fries, or mac 'n' cheese."

"Saint Francis de sales Catholic Church is a small white church located 3 miles away from Miami beach towards its North End. Built in 1940, Saint Francis de sales Catholic Church is made with mission chapel and serves the Parish community in the region. Structured beautifully with Parish architecture, the church welcomes every visitor for a spiritual tour."