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Looking to spice up your date night routine in Tampa? I’ve got you covered! As someone who’s experienced the best of what this city has to offer, I’m here to share my top picks for date night ideas in Tampa. From cozy spots perfect for intimate conversations to lively venues for a fun night out, Tampa has something for every couple! Let’s dive into some of the best date night ideas in Tampa that’ll make your evening unforgettable.
Fun date night ideas in Tampa
Visit a speakeasy
If you know me, you know I love a good speakeasy! Luckily, there are a handful of speakeasies in Tampa Bay to choose from, making it a perfect, chill, yet enjoyable date night idea. Speakeasies typically exude an intimate, sexy vibe with their dim lighting and cozy nooks, perfect for you and your partner to enjoy some small bites and amazing craft cocktails.
Some of my favorites in the area are The Saint (downtown St.Pete) and Madame Fortune (Ybor Tampa).
Dinner Cruise
Dinner cruises are so underrated— so long as you don’t have any seasickness issues of course. But really, how nice is it to enjoy a nice night on the water with a yummy meal?
We loved our experience with Yacht Starship. You’ll get to step aboard a stunning yacht and indulge in a gourmet dining experience as you sail through the pristine waters of Tampa Bay.
This Tampa boat tour offers a breathtaking ambiance with stunning sunset views. It’s one of the best things to do in Tampa at night! Let the glittering lights of the city create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
If cruises aren’t your thing, there are plenty of amazing waterfront dining restaurants in Tampa as well.
Have a picnic
If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic date night idea in Tampa, a picnic is it! Picnics are fun, intimate, and offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. When the weather is nice, there’s nothing better than being in each other’s company, enjoying nature, and maybe even some wine.
Of course, you can set this up yourself—if you do, I highly recommend this picnic basket (there are several different colors) which comes with everything you need, including a blanket!
I know picnics are typically a daytime thing, but one of my favorite experiences was a sunset picnic on the beach. It was pure magic. The company we used (Design Valley Events) even provided mood lights for when it got darker, creating an enchanting atmosphere that made the evening unforgettable!
Drive-in movies
Drive-in movies made a comeback during the pandemic, but honestly, I don’t understand why their popularity died in the first place! I mean, it’s slightly more ideal if you have an SUV or truck where you can make a nice, comfy laying area, but it can still be enjoyable in a car!
Make the date about more than just seeing the movie and prepare some fun movie snacks together. Then, set up your viewing space extra cute for a little more romance!
If you’re wondering where to go, check out these drive-in movie theaters around Tampa Bay.
Set up some hammocks and watch the sunset
There are so many things that I think we don’t think about doing because we live here and somewhat take it for granted. The sunsets here are something that I will never get tired of.
A fun little Tampa date night activity could be taking some hammocks to the water and just relaxing and enjoying the sunset together. My favorite places to do this are Vinoy Park (St. Pete), Dunedin Causeway (Dunedin), and the Courtney Campbell Causeway (Tampa).
All of these areas have trees where you can set up shop, but if you don’t have a hammock— no worries, just take a couple of blankets and you can still have a nice setup and enjoy the sunset together!
The Tampa Riverwalk
The Tampa Riverwalk is perfect for a romantic date night. Enjoy a walk, a bike ride, or even a picnic while taking in the scenic views. Along the way, you can explore museums or pop into some of the Tampa Riverwalk restaurants.
If you’re in the mood for a more upscale dining experience after your stroll, head over to nearby Water Street. One of my favorite restaurants on Water Street is Predalina. They have amazing food, and the atmosphere is such a vibe.
Go to a concert
Going to a concert is another great date night idea in Tampa. Whether you’re into rock, pop, or jazz, catching a live show can be a really fun experience to share with your partner.
Tampa Bay is home to some amazing concert venues, check them out and see if there’s a concert coming soon that you and your partner might be interested in!
Salsa lessons
Do private dance lessons together! It doesn’t have to be Salsa, but I feel like here in Tampa it’s a very popular style of dance! It can be really fun to learn a new skill together, and I’m sure you’ll get some good laughs throughout.
Remi and I recently took a salsa lesson, and it was so much fun! I learned so much about the fundamentals, which I have been able to take home and continue to practice.
Topgolf
Even if golf isn’t your thing, I can assure you Topgolf is fun! And if you’re looking for fun, competitive date night ideas in Tampa, this is one of the best.
Sure, missing the ball completely in front of your date might be a bit awkward (been there, done that), but a few of their tasty cocktails will have you feeling like a pro in no time. It’s also perfect for group outings, so why not make it a double or triple date?
Topgolf now has locations in Tampa and St. Pete, so you can enjoy this date night activity on either side of the bridge.
Dave and Busters
Another great date night idea in Tampa for those with a competitive spirit is Dave and Busters. Places like this are so fun because it doesn’t matter what type of game person you are— they have something for you! Basketball, DDR, the classics like Pac-Man, etc. It makes you feel like a kid again running around here.
Dave and Busters isn’t the only place in the area with a ton of fun game options though! Check out some other fun game spots in the Tampa Bay Area!
Pro tip: sign up for Dave and Buster’s emails to get monthly savings as well as $10 in free gameplay with a $10 gameplay purchase for joining!
Try your luck at the Hard Rock
Dress up a little bit and head to the Hard Rock! Grab a bite to eat at The Rez Grill (or one of the casino’s numerous options) and try your odds at the slots or tables! If you win, up the ante by treating yourselves and getting a room for the night!
They also often have fun pool parties with DJs if you want to start your date night shenanigans early.
Check out a sporting event
Tampa Bay has been killing it these last couple of years in sports. The games are so fun to watch and be a part of. Depending on the season, cheer on one of our Tampa Bay teams, whether it be The Rays, The Bucs, or The Lightning!
Get creative together
Glass blowing, Painting with a Twist, making pottery— there are so many fun options in the Tampa Bay area! AR Workshop has a studio where you can create fun home decor (charcuterie boards, wood signs, etc.)!
If you and your partner are looking for date night ideas in Tampa that will help you explore your creative side a little bit, the options are truly endless! And the coolest part? All of these provide you with a cute little keepsake from your date!
💲SAVE MONEY ON THIS TAMPA DATE NIGHT IDEA💲
You can often find Zen Glass Studio in St. Pete on Groupon!
Click herе to bookComedy Club
Who doesn’t love a good laugh? I mean, I think we easily laughed as much at my Top Golf game, but sometimes it’s nice to not be the reason for the laughter, ya know?
At Funny Bone Comedy Club in Ybor, they often have names and faces you’ll recognize, such as Marlon Wayans. Make a day or evening of it and explore some of the other fun Ybor activities while you’re in the area!
Do your own wine and paint night
Going to a place is fun, but sometimes being in the comfort of your own home and not having to change out of your PJs is the move. We did our own wine and paint night at home and had SO much fun with it!
Painting with a Twist has DIY art kits for purchase with all the supplies you’ll need! Or you can do what we did and look up a YouTube video of a painting tutorial, go to Hobby Lobby to get your supplies, and hope for the best!
Make your own charcuterie board, or grab some pizza from one of the best pizza spots in town!
Cooking class
Heat things up in the kitchen together! Sur La Table in Hyde Park offers cooking classes with dishes from all over the world. I love spending time in the kitchen, and I always feel extra close to Remi when we prepare a meal together, so I love date ideas like this.
They also offer online classes, or you can look up a walk-through on YouTube and prepare a meal together at home if you want to stay in! Check out other fun things to do in Hyde Park, or if you’re meal doesn’t go according to plan, you can always visit one of the amazing restaurants in Hyde Park.
Enjoy a nice dinner
Speaking of amazing restaurants, there is no shortage of them in Tampa! If you plan enough in advance (meaning months in advance usually), Bern’s is an iconic choice. The food is exquisite.
They even have a “Dessert Room” where you go after dinner to get an even more exciting culinary experience. They have 50+ options for dessert, so naturally it’s home to some of the best desserts in Tampa.
If you don’t plan that far in advance, no worries! There are plenty of amazing date night restaurants in Tampa to choose from that can get you in with much shorter notice. Union, Gin Joint, and Charley’s are a few of my personal faves.
Other date ideas in Tampa and beyond
Looking for more ways to impress your date? Tampa Bay has plenty of options that go beyond just nighttime activities. From daytime adventures to unique experiences around the entire Tampa Bay area, here are some other date ideas you might enjoy:
- Do a staycation at one of the amazing day trips from Tampa, or extend your stay at one of the best weekend getaways from Tampa!
- Beach day
- Kayak at Weeki Wachee
- See a movie at Gigglewaters Social Club and Screening Room
- Go brewery hopping in downtown St. Pete!
- Explore one of the awesome bike trails in Tampa
- Do one of the night markets in Tampa
Which of these date night ideas in Tampa are you going to experience first?!
There you have it— some of the best date night ideas in Tampa to make your evening unforgettable. From cozy picnics to thrilling game nights and intimate speakeasies, Tampa Bay has something for every couple. Did I miss one of your favorite date ideas in Tampa? Let me know in the comments!
Before you go be sure to follow @sunkissedintampa_ on Instagram and check out some other Tampa blog posts:
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