Many think the key to a great date is the amount of money put into it, but a memorable Valentine’s Day is still possible on a student budget. This year, instead of trying to impress a date with a fancy meal or an extravagant gift, students can take advantage of various Valentine’s Day events in Miami without having to stretch out their wallets. Here are some Valentine’s ideas for $20 or less.
SEE
Mark di Suervo at Fairchild
What: Among its other exhibits, Fairchild Gardens is featuring sculptures from American artist Mark di Suervo including a never-before-exhibited piece titled Olompali.
Cost: $20 per ticket
When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens
Coconut Grove Arts Festival
What: The 46th-annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival will feature over 330 artists, live entertainment and food tastings.
Cost: $7 per day
When: Feb. 14-16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Coconut Grove’s McFarlane Road, South Bayshore Drive and Pan American Drive
The Sunset
What: Watch the sun set for an intimate, low-cost date.
Cost: Free
Where: One of the few Miami beaches facing west, the beach off Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne is a good spot to watch the sun set across the Miami skyline.
LISTEN
“Moonlight & Music” Valentine’s Concert
What: An outdoor concert under the stars, “Moonlight & Music” will be featuring jazz vocalist Nicole Henry and country artist Erin Pettit. Guests are welcome to bring blankets and food for a romantic evening by Biscayne Bay.
Cost: $20 per ticket
When: 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Where: Deering Estate at Cutler
DO
Kayak Rentals
What: Rent a kayak at Deering Estate and experience Biscayne Bay’s natural wildlife firsthand. Kayak rentals are available for those 21 or older.
Cost: $10 admission and $10 per hour on the kayak
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Deering Estate at Cutler
EAT
Ice Cream on the Beach
What: Eat ice cream from Gelateria Parmalat and take a romantic stroll down Lincoln Road. Parmalat offers over 20 flavors of ice cream with a variety of options ranging from sorbet to light milk gelato that has 70 percent less fat than regular ice cream.
Cost: From $3.69 for a small to $6.37 for a large
When: 12 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Where: 670 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach