18 Tampa Date Ideas That Are Way More Fun Than You'd Think
Need an idea of where to take bae this weekend? We have a list of dates that are way more fun than you might think!
Dinner and a movie, concert and drinks, or art and dessert — whatever your taste, we have you covered with these exciting and romantic ideas for your next outing with your SO!
And don't worry, these ideas aren't just for couples. You can also go out with a group of friends or even make it a solo date and treat yourself to something special!
Tampa Bay Water Bike Company
Where: 333 S Franklin St
What better way to be active and explore the city than on a water bike?? Better yet, the Tampa Bay Water Bike Company allows you to BYOB while you rent their water bikes and venture out into the beautiful blue water lining downtown Tampa. Make this a group date and see which couple can pedal the fastest!
Tampa Ballet Theatre
Where: 5801 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor
If you're in the mood for a classy date, the Tampa Ballet Theatre's 2018-2019 performances are your go-to for a cultured outing! With beloved tales such as Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty, taking a date to the ballet is a great way to put a spin on beloved Disney classics (and we Floridians certainly love our Disney stories!) And don't wait too long to get your tickets for The Nutcracker premiering this holiday season!
Sa Ri One
Where: 3940 W Cypress St
Give your date an international flare with a meal at Sa Ri One, a locally owned restaurant that specializes in Korean fare. Cook Korean barbecue at your table or share several small plates with your SO. No matter what you choose from the menu, it is guaranteed to be delicious! Each dish is rich and flavorful. We suggest the Bul Go Ki beef. And you don't have to wait for dinner because Sa Ri One has an awesome lunch menu with a selection of Bento Boxes and complimentary appetizers. For an extra perk, the paintings on the restaurant's exterior make for great Insta pics — you can take a photo with bae to memorialize your date!
The Canopy at The Birchwood
Where: 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg
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The Canopy at The Birchwood is one of the hottest spots in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. With an amazing view of Tampa Bay, shaded seating under private cabanas, and delicious drinks made right on the rooftop, The Canopy is perfect for both day and evening dates! It also makes for a great Insta pic with an aerial view of St. Pete in the background.
Cinebistro
Where: 1609 W Swann Ave
In the mood for dinner and a movie? Why not do both at the same time! Cinebistro in Hyde Park Village is a fun, unique spin on the classic dinner-and-movie date. With a full menu and bar, you can trade in your popcorn for a cocktail while you watch the latest blockbusters!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Where: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater
You can get a taste of Hollywood right here in the Tampa Bay area! At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you can pet Winter the dolphin, the star of the film "A Dolphin's Tale." What is a better date idea than introducing bae to a celebrity?! And Winter isn't the only star you can catch a glimpse of — sea turtles, otters, and stingrays are just some of the marine life that you can view (and even touch!) at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You can even take a goofy photo with one of the many painted statues on site!
The Hyppo
Where: 702 S Village Circle (Tampa) & 627 Central Ave (St. Petersburg)
Beat the heat with a delicious ice pop from The Hyppo! With locations in both Tampa and St. Petersburg, both sides of the bay can indulge in these delicious treats! Try flavors like Mango Mojito, Avocado Lime, and Sangria Starfruit. Whichever you choose, paying a visit to The Hyppo is the perfect way to cool down with your date!
The Potter's House Studio
Where: 3627 S West Shore Blvd
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Become an artist at The Potter's House, a paint your own pottery studio. Owned and operated by a former school teacher who is passionate about helping others find their creative sides, this is a great spot to have fun with bae! Go on Fridays for a discounted studio fee of only $5 per person. Make it a challenge and create pieces for each other!
Rock The Yacht
Where: 603 Channelside Drive
Whether during the day or at night, pull out your fancy and take your date on a cruise during Rock the Yacht. This concert series elevates the music and cocktail experience because it's on a boat! Each Rock the Yacht event is themed with great dancing options like salsa and jazz. Music, dancing, drinks, and glistening lights on the water — what could be more romantic than this?!
Cigar City Brewing
Where: 3924 W Spruce St
Blend Tampa's iconic cigar industry with craft beer on this innovative date at Cigar City Brewing. Take your SO on a tour of the brewery, enriched with facts about Tampa's history, then take a taste of the best of Cigar City's offerings. Not in the mood for a full tour? Then head straight to the Tasting Room for a low key afternoon with a cold drink in hand and your date by your side! If you're a teacher, medical professional, or government worker, keep an eye on the "Beer It Forward" calendar for a chance to receive a free pint of beer for your service (What a great perk!)
The Saunders Planetarium
Where: 4801 E Fowler Ave
Show your date the stars at The Saunders Planetarium at The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). With showings throughout the day, you don't have to wait for nightfall to see the galaxy. Afterward, take some time to explore the rest of the museum complete with an IMAX theater and a life-size Operation game!
Busch Gardens
Where: 10165 McKinley DrL
Looking for a thrilling date idea? Head over to Busch Gardens for your choice of rollercoasters, games, and fair food! And if your date isn't into rollercoasters, you can stop by the zoo portion to catch a glimpse of wild animals such as tigers, bears, and lions (Oh my!) There are also great spots for your next Insta story, both on the rides and off.
Mise En Place
Where: 442 W Kennedy Blvd
You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to fly to Europe to give your date a taste of Paris! Mise En Place is one of the best restaurants in town with authentic French cuisine and a romantic vibe to boot! Signature dishes include Sous Vide Venison, Veal Scallopini, Peanut Butter Banana S'mores, Olive Oil Pistachio Polenta Cake for dessert (yum!) It's an excellent choice for both lunch and dinner, and be certain keep an eye on their calendar for special events such as "Tapas & Wine."
Jannus Live
Where: 200 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg
Dance the night away to live music at Jannus Live! This outdoor music venue is a fantastic choice for a date to see both mainstream and local bands, as well as independent artists. Check out the venue's calendar for a list of upcoming shows, including a Nirvana tribute band. Grab a drink and soak up Florida's warm weather as you and bae enjoy a musical outing. The light shows make for awesome pictures, too!
Tampa Museum of Art
Where: 120 Gasparilla Plaza
Situated in the heart of downtown, the Tampa Museum of Art's exterior is as beautiful as the art pieces it houses. Overlooking the Tampa Riverwalk, this date idea is perfect if you're looking to dress it up a bit and do something sophisticated with bae. The museum is home to Greek and Roman antiques, as well as contemporary and modern exhibits. Whatever your art style of choice, you are certain to find something of wonder! After you finish your tour, take your date on a romantic walk down the Riverwalk or dine at one of downtown's hottest restaurants or gastropubs — the options to make this date night a success are endless!
St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club
Where: 559 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg
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Have you ever played shuffleboard? If you haven't, you're missing out! Plan a fun, active outing and challenge your date to a game of shuffleboard at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. On Fridays, non-members are invited to play from 7-10 p.m. during the weekly "St. Pete Shuffle." Admission is donation-based and you can BYOB. Don't know how to play shuffleboard? There are volunteers on site to teach you!
Harry Waugh Dessert Room
Where: 1208 S Howard Ave
Finish off your date night with dessert from one of the most renowned restaurants in Tampa. The Harry Waugh Dessert Room at Bern's Steak House offers over 50 choices of desserts and a wine list with over 1,000 dessert pairings. Splurge on dinner in the main dining room, take a tour of the wine cellar, or make it a purely sweet night by going straight to the dessert room. This is a date idea that is sure to make your sweetie feel extra special!

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