Looking for date night ideas in Tampa? From thrilling attractions to romantic restaurants, Tampa is the perfect city for couples looking for an unforgettable date night.
*Guest Post By Wayne from Always On The Shore.
Whether you’re hoping for something extraordinary, intimate, or just plain fun, these ideas will make your time together truly memorable – so grab that special someone and explore all of the exciting possibilities in this vibrant city!
Date Night Ideas In Tampa
1. Drive-in movie date
A romantic drive-in movie date in Tampa is a great way to have a special time with your significant other. Not only are the tickets typically cheaper, but you can cuddle up together and watch the film from the comfort of your car.
Ruskin Family Drive-in is one of the multiple drive-in theaters to choose from in Tampa and has been around for more than 50 years. It’s located only 30 minutes away from the center.
You are allowed to bring your own food, but you will be charged $5 per vehicle if you do. There is a large variety of snacks and drinks with reasonable prices available at the snack bar too.
The admission is $7.00 per person, and you’ll get access to not one but 2 movies of your choice.
Tip: Only cash payments are accepted.
2. Ben T. Davis Beach
Ben T. Davis Beach, located just 10 minutes outside of downtown Tampa on the east end of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, is one of the best beaches in Tampa and a great spot for some fresh air and relaxation.
Offering plenty of parking, one popular activity here is renting an electric bike from What’s Up Paddle Sports and taking a ten-mile ride along the Courtney Campbell Trail.
This waterfront biking trail is completely safe from car traffic. It provides amazing views over Old Tampa Bay – one of the five bays that make up Tampa Bay.
Along your journey, you might even spot some dolphins, manatees, or other types of local wildlife!
The electric bikes are equipped with utility racks, so you can easily pack a picnic and ride into the sunset!
E-Bike Rentals last for 3 hours and cost just $55 per person. But if budget is an issue, the regular beach cruiser or gear bike options provide the same fun experience at a lower price.
3. Rooftop drinks: Rox Rooftop Bar
Rox Rooftop Bar is a unique and romantic spot for couples looking to have fun in Tampa.
The Current Hotel on Rocky Point Island in the Tampa Bay Harbor district of Tampa invites an elevated rooftop experience at their stylish Rox Rooftop Bar.
Standing as the tallest rooftop bar in Tampa Bay, it boasts a 360-degree view of the city and the surrounding waters. This is an ideal spot to pick your favorite cocktail and have a light bite like a charcuterie board or tacos to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
4. Tampa riverwalk: mini powerboat rental for two
Explore Tampa’s waterways in style by renting one of Riverwalk Boating Company’s mini powerboats. These two-seaters are ideal for you and your special someone to cruise around at an easy 10-20mph, allowing plenty of time to appreciate the beauty along the way.
This company rents two boats: the 9.9 HP Mini powerboat ($79 per hour) and the Retro boat ($129 per hour).
You are allowed to travel within 500 yards of Davis Islands, but you can go to Hillsborough hill or as far as Hillsborough bay.
Tip: They give a good deal if you rent a boat for two hours!
5. Waterfront restaurants: Rusty Pelican
The Rusty Pelican restaurant is a romantic destination for couples looking to enjoy a waterfront dining experience.
This beautiful establishment on Rocky Point Island overlooks Tampa Bay and offers breathtaking views. The interior is elegant yet relaxed, with a classic nautical décor that creates a cozy atmosphere.
The menu features a variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as the popular lobster and shrimp risotto. With generous portions and affordable prices, this is a great place for couples to enjoy a memorable evening.
Speaking of memorable evenings, Rusty Pelican offers private dining options that are perfect for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. They can create a customized menu to suit your needs and provide attentive service.
So if you’re looking for a romantic spot to share a meal with someone special in Tampa, Rusty Pelican is the place to be.
Romantic Things To Do In Tampa
6. Spend the day at Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is the ideal destination for couples looking to take a break and relax. Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, this pristine beach boasts miles of white sand and crystal-clear waters – perfect for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or just soaking up the sun.
If you want to make your time extra special and romantic, then you should take your loved one on a Dolphin Watching Tour. Little Toot Dolphin Adventure is one of the many tour operators. They offer boats with open netting, so you will be able to see a lot when you encounter dolphins. A trip lasts 60 to 90 minutes and will cost $25.64 (+tax) per adult.
Experience a remarkable evening at Pier 60! The daily sunset celebration begins two hours prior to the sun setting and lasts for an additional two hours. You will have loads of fun!
7. Zoo Tampa
Experience the ultimate day out at Zoo Tampa, where you and your animal-loving partner can learn more about endangered species.
There are various indoor and outdoor attractions, such as feeding giraffes and rhinos or having a close encounter with giant tortoises, koalas, or African penguins. Make sure you make a reservation for these activities!
If you get hungry, there are many cafes, a sweet shop, and even a beer & wine garden. You can also bring your own food and have a romantic picnic at the Zoo.
Make beautiful memories together by spending some quality time with the animals and each other!
8. Busch Gardens
Prepare yourself for the heart-pounding excitement of roller coasters like Cobra’s Curse, Falcon’s Fury, and Cheetah Hunt! Scream at the top of your lungs and hold each other tight as you fly through loop-the-loops and turns!
After an adventure-filled day, take the time to appreciate the beautiful landscape of gardens and forests around you.
Enjoy a bite to eat at the new Springs Taproom restaurant and check out Serengeti Express Railway – this relaxing train ride offers breathtaking views of exotic African wildlife in their natural habitats.
Make a stop at Moroccan delights and share one of their amazing milkshakes, or order two.
9. Sunset boat tours and cruises
All around the coastline of Tampa, there is an abundance of beautiful sunset tours and cruises.
If you and your partner love to dance, then the Yacht Starship sailing across Tampa Bay and Clearwater’s waterways is definitely worth considering.
When you step aboard one of their yachts, prepare for a unique marine experience combining fine cuisine and luxurious services. The exclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise features the breathtaking views of Clearwater or the lively atmosphere of Downtown Tampa as you savor an exquisite meal onboard. This two-hour cruise provides a buffet dinner and complimentary open bar (free at sea) featuring a range of drinks while allowing you to enjoy music as DJs set the mood. The Yacht Starship is America’s first 3-Diamond-rated dining yacht, so you can count on service and food quality of the highest class!
The Sunset Dinner Cruise will cost between $69.95 and $99.95 per adult; without dinner, it will be $39.95 – $79.95.
Tip: Check out the Valentine’s Dinner Cruise (available in February)
10. Cypress Point Park- hit the trails or test the Disc Golf Course
If you’re looking for a romantic and unforgettable date, Cypress Point Park has the complete set.
Nestled in West Tampa, Cypress Point Park offers 44 miles of lush hardwood forest trails. Couples can enjoy an enchanting walk to admire wildflowers or get lost in nature together.
The incredibly popular Courtney Cambell Trail – 10 miles long with asphalt pavement – is another great option to explore this stunning park scape! Adding on even more fun, Cypress Point also features an 18-hole Disc Golf Course complete with concrete tees amidst mixed foliage and tricky designs guaranteed to test (and show off) your skills!
11. Moonlight kayaking
Mark your calendars and join Canoe Outpost on the Little Manatee River during a full moon for an extraordinary experience – the Moonlight Kayak Paddle Tour! After paddling down the river for one hour, you’ll settle around a campfire with live music and dinner – classic s’mores included!
You’ll then hop back in your kayak to continue the journey, enjoying the serene sounds of the river at night. For only $79/couple, you can rent a double kayak.
If exploring by kayak in the dark is intimidating, Canoe Outpost offers various options for your ideal adventure. Tandem rental rates are tailored to each self-guided trip and range from $49-$59!
We hope you enjoy some of these fun Tampa date night ideas!
Wayne is the creator of Always on the Shore. He’s a travel blogger who loves to write about the best attractions, restaurants, and resorts in Florida and the southeastern U.S. When he is not writing, he is running outdoors, spending time with family, or planning his next trip.
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.