Relationships and romance can be as complicated as quantum physics. Lucky for you, impressing your significant other on a budget doesn’t have to be. As times change and new generations reinvent romance, the idea of a date no longer needs to be candle-light dinners, roses and maxing out your credit card. Here are some affordable options for enjoying Miami with that special someone this Valentine’s Day.

For the active couple:

Oleta State Park Sunset Tours

Tucked between Bay Harbor Island and Suburbia of North Miami is a protected estuary known for its mangrove forest. For $30 (plus a $6 park entrance fee), you can chase the sunset while enjoying a guided paddle board or kayak tour. 

Shark Valley Bike Tours

Shark Valley is a 15-mile bike trail that loops around the heartland of the protected wetlands. Its 45-foot-tall observation tower is famous for its scenic views of the sawgrass prairie. For the adventurous couple, bike rentals at Shark Valley $9 an hour at the Everglades National Park. But if stamina is not on your side, you can enjoy a two-hour tram ride for $27 per person. 

For the artsy couple: 

Lagniappe House

Lagniappe is considered one of Miami nightlife’s hidden gems. Located in the heart of Midtown, the wine garden hosts live Jazz bands and plays music from prodigies like Rochelle Riser and Brody Buster. Lagniappe House’s aesthetic consist of scattered, mismatched furniture and bistro lights zig zagging through the trees – giving the garden a homey and familiar vibe. They serve a variety of cheese platters and wines that vary from $11–$30.  

Kuu Erotic Pottery Night

Known for the “Boobie Mugs,” Miami-based artist Kassandra Guzman is hosting an erotic pottery night on Valentine’s day for $50 per person. Snacks and chocolates will be provided, but Guzman encourages you to bring your own beverages to set the mood for what she considers to be a spiritual experience with your significant other. 

For couples looking for culture: 

Valentine’s Day Drag Dinner

If you’re craving a nice dinner on Valentine’s Day, vivify the evening by checking R House Wynwood’s Drag Dinner hosted by drag diva Athena Dion for an entrance fee of only $10. Their menu has an international influence, with Mediterranean to Asian dishes ranging from $11-$30. Reservations are required. 

Vizcaya Late: Valentine’s Day party

You can keep it local while exploreing European architecture on a tour of The James Deering Estate Villa Vizcaya. The evening party will be different than a typical museum visit – salsa lessons will be taught by Salsa Ninja and the venue will feature an exhibit by Love Lost, a local artist group that aims to bring Miami together through relicts of unfinished stories. Tickets are required and cost $10 each.

words_stephanie revuelta photo_laura onkel on Unsplash