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Looking for the perfect way to impress on your first date or just trying to spice things up? There’s no shortage of fun date ideas in Tampa that will set the stage for memorable moments! Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, romance, or something a little more unique, this city has endless possibilities to keep the spark alive. With so many options, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Tampa together!
Romantic Date Ideas in Tampa
1. Picnic
A picnic is a timeless and romantic date idea! You can either set up your own picnic by grabbing a blanket, some snacks, and heading to your favorite park, or you can let a local picnic company take care of everything for you.
These companies create beautifully curated setups, complete with cozy blankets, pillows, and sometimes even delicious bites (usually an add-on), allowing you to just relax and enjoy the day together.
2. 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.
StarLite even has additional add-ons if you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary! If cruises aren’t your thing, there are plenty of amazing waterfront dining restaurants in Tampa as well.
3. Drive-In Movies
Drive-in movies saw a revival during the pandemic, but really, why did they ever go out of style? They’re such a vibe! While SUVs and trucks are perfect for creating a cozy viewing setup, it’s still a blast with any car.
Make it special by prepping some favorite movie snacks and setting up a cute, romantic space for extra charm. Lucky for us romantics, there are a handful of drive-in movie theaters near Tampa!
4. Catch a Sunset
One of the simplest, yet still most romantic ways to spend time together is by watching the sunset. You can enjoy breathtaking views from a Tampa rooftop bar, where you can sip on cocktails while the sun sets over the city.
Or, if you prefer the beach, unwind on one of the beautiful beaches near Tampa, like Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach!
Related read: fun + free things to do in Tampa
5. Do a Daycation or Staycation
We are SO lucky to live in the Tampa Bay Area— there is so much to explore in just this area that it’s almost overwhelming! So get out there and explore it together! Spend the weekend in Dunedin, Sarasota, St. Pete, or Anna Maria Island. These are just a few of my favorite day trips from Tampa!
But if you don’t mind driving further, there are plenty of amazing weekend getaways just a short drive from Tampa too!
Competitive Date Ideas in Tampa
6. Topgolf
Topgolf is a blast, even if golf isn’t your thing. Will you occasionally whiff in front of your date (speaking from experience)? Probably! But after a couple of their tasty cocktails, you’ll feel like a mini Tiger Woods (minus the scandal).
This spot is perfect for groups too—so bring your crew and make it a group date! With locations in both Tampa and St. Pete, you can enjoy a fun night out at Topgolf on either side of the bay.
7. Dave and Busters
Fun arcades like this bring out the inner kid in all of us—so many games! Whether you’re into classics like Pac-Man, a little DDR, or shooting hoops, they have something for everyone! Dave & Buster’s is a go-to, but there are plenty of other game spots around Tampa Bay worth checking out too.
Pro tip: Sign up for Dave & Buster’s emails to score monthly deals, plus a $10 gameplay bonus when you buy $10 worth of gameplay just for joining!
8. Escape Room
An escape room is an exciting, competitive way to put your problem-solving skills to the test! The Great Escape Room in Tampa has seven unique, themed rooms where you and your date can work together to crack codes and solve puzzles before time runs out.
It’s a bit of a splurge at $37 per person, but the thrill of beating the clock makes it worth it! Plus, it’s a fun bonding experience as you navigate each clue together.
9. Catch a Game
Tampa Bay has been electric with sports lately, making it a perfect spot for date night! No matter the season, you can catch the energy of a live game and cheer on one of our powerhouse teams: The Rays, The Bucs, or The Lightning!
Grab a beer, throw on some team colors, and get ready for a night of high-fiving strangers and rallying with the crowd!
Adventure Date Ideas in Tampa
10. Hot Air Balloon Ride
Is a hot air balloon ride an over-the-top Tampa date idea? Absolutely. Did I manage to talk Remi into it for a midweek adventure? You bet!
Floating over the landscape is such an unreal experience (you can read all about my ride here).
With Big Red Balloon, this high-flying experience is on the pricier side, but if you’re looking to splurge on a memorable birthday or anniversary, this date idea is truly one-of-a-kind.
11. Kayak or Paddleboard
If you’re looking for my idea of a perfect date, grab a coffee from Patrona, one of my favorite coffee shops in Tampa, and then head just down the way to rent a paddleboard!
Another ideal spot for this combo is around the Tampa Riverwalk by Armature Works, where you’ll find rental options and even more tasty coffee spots.
Whether you choose a paddleboard or kayak, it’s such a fun way to enjoy Tampa’s waterways and make a little adventure out of your date!
12. Busch Gardens
If you think Busch Gardens is all about roller coasters, think again! This place is packed with more than just thrills—there are incredible animal exhibits, a safari, and plenty of ways to enjoy a fun day together.
Whether you’re riding roller coasters or sipping on drinks while taking in the animals, it’s a great place for a date. Remi and I had an awesome time and are already planning our next trip back!
Other Date Ideas in Tampa
13. Comedy Club
Who doesn’t love a good laugh? Sometimes, it’s nice to sit back and let someone else bring the laughs (without the pressure of missing a golf shot!).
At FunnyBone Comedy Club, you can catch some hilarious shows with comedians like Marlon Wayans gracing the stage. And while you’re in the area, make the most of it by checking out some of the other fun activities Ybor has to offer!
14. At Home Wine + Paint Night
Sometimes, the best date night is the one where you can stay cozy in your PJs and still have a blast! Set up your own wine and paint night at home.
You can grab a DIY art kit from Painting with a Twist for a simple, all-in-one experience. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, watch a YouTube tutorial and hit up Hobby Lobby for your supplies—then let your inner artist shine!
15. Create Something Together
Looking to get artsy and creative with your date? Tampa Bay has a ton of fun options like Painting with a Twist, where you can sip and paint together, or making pottery at You Do the Dishes.
For a more home-decor-focused date, check out AR Workshop, where you can craft everything from charcuterie boards to custom wood signs. Bond over creating something together and walk away with a cute keepsake from your time spent getting creative!
16. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
For a fun Tampa date night out, dress up and head to Tampa’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino! Start with dinner at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood (or any of the casino’s other dining options), then try your luck at the slots or tables.
If you’re on a winning streak, treat yourselves to a room for the night! Hard Rock also hosts lively pool parties with DJs, perfect for kicking off the fun earlier in the day.
17. Salsa Lessons
Try private dance lessons together! It doesn’t have to be salsa, but since we’re in Tampa, why not try this popular style?
Learning something new as a team is such a fun bonding experience, and you’re guaranteed a few laughs along the way. Remi and I recently took a salsa lesson, and it was a blast! I picked up some solid fundamentals to keep practicing at home, too.
Foodie Date Ideas
18. Cooking Class
Heat things up in the kitchen with a cooking class at Sur La Table (one of the must-visit shops in Hyde Park)! This is one of the best things to do in Hyde Park for a fun, hands-on experience. Whether you’re whipping up dishes from around the world or learning new techniques together, this experience is a great way to bond.
Plus, if you’d prefer to stay in, you can always try an online class or find a YouTube tutorial to recreate a meal at home. Cooking together is one of the best ways to feel close and share a fun experience—plus, you get to eat your delicious creation afterward!
19. Dinner at Bern’s
Want to experience the most iconic date night restaurants in Tampa? You will have to make your reservations months in advance, but I can assure you it’s worth it.
From their perfect steak to the iconic Dessert Room, where you can indulge in over 50 options (don’t miss their signature bananas Foster, prepared tableside!), it’s truly a feast for the senses.
If you get the chance, try the Cappuccino Bern’s for a coffee dessert with a little extra kick.
20. Foodie Tour
This Tampa date idea is sure to leave you satisfied! Take yourself on a self-guided foodie tour where you start at one restaurant and just wander, popping into spots that catch your eye.
When Remi and I do this we will try a drink and an appetizer at each place, sometimes even sharing entrees from a few spots. Seminole Heights, Hyde Park, Water Street, and Downtown Tampa have been our favorite areas for this little culinary exploration! It’s the perfect way to try a bunch of places without committing to just one.
If you don’t want to do any of the planning and just want to be led, Tampa Bay Food Tours does tours through Tampa, St. Pete, and Dunedin!
21. Brewery Hop
There are so many amazing breweries in Tampa! From craft beer to unique brews, you can’t go wrong. Check out spots like Coppertail Brewing for a great selection, or Yuengling for a lively atmosphere.
You’ll find plenty of places offering tastings and tours that’ll let you explore the local scene. If you want to enjoy a brewery crawl without venturing too far, the Seminole Heights and Ybor City areas are perfect for hitting up multiple spots in a single day.
22. Speakeasy
Tampa’s speakeasies add a touch of mystery and elegance to any date night out. Hidden behind unmarked doors or inside low-key establishments, they offer a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for a date.
Try Morgan’s Cove for a fun pirate theme, or Madame Fortune in Ybor for a more sultry vibe. Both of these Tampa bars offer delicious drinks and a unique vibe!
23. Sunday Market at Wat Mongkolratanaram
Wat Tampa is one of the more unique date ideas in Tampa with its beautiful Temple grounds. Visit during their Sunday Market every Sunday from 9 AM – 1 PM. Be sure to arrive early, the menu items sell out fast!
They accept cash only, so don’t forget to bring your wallet. Many say it’s the best Thai food in the area, and you can enjoy your meal at a picnic table by the Palm River.
24. Gigglewaters Social Club and Screening Room
This one’s a little outside of Tampa, but I had to include it! Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor gives total speakeasy vibes with a fun menu with craft cocktails. The best part is they show classic movies like Cry Baby, Dirty Dancing, and The Sandlot in an intimate screening room.
Their new Cinema Supper Club (held twice monthly) takes it up a notch by pairing food and drinks inspired by iconic moments in the films they are showing. It’s a unique way to enjoy a night out with great food, drinks, and nostalgia!
Which of these fun date ideas are you doing first?!
I hope you’re feeling inspired for your next date in Tampa! With so many unique and fun date ideas to choose from, you’ll have no problem keeping the romance alive (or adding a little adventure!). If you think I missed any hidden gems, feel free to drop your favorite spots in the comments. There’s always something new to discover in this amazing city!
Before you go be sure to follow @sunkissedintampa_ on Instagram and check out some other Tampa blog posts:
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