33 Best Date Ideas in Tampa for 2024

Filled with rich history, culture and an amazing entertainment scene, Tampa is a jewel on Florida’s western coast that is brimming with fun first date ideas in Tampa, 50th date spots and everything in between.

Whether you’re into sports, great eats or enjoying nature there’s something for everyone. Sunny weather nearly year-round makes Tampa an ideal location for girls weekend ideas or staycation ideas, not to mention it’s a great home base.

So, what can you do in Tampa for a couple of hours if you're planning a fun date? This list will guide you to some of the best spots around. There are plenty of things to do in Tampa for couples at night or during a sunny Florida day. 

Dates don’t have to be extravagant or expensive, but taking the time to put effort into planning dates is vital. The National Institute of Health states that going on dates is necessary for creating a sense of closeness within the relationship, and that will translate directly to how long and how fruitful your relationship will be.

If it’s been a little while since you’ve planned an awesome outing for your loved one, use this list of incredible date ideas in Tampa to inspire you to connect again!

Jump to Section

• Foodie Date Ideas in Tampa
• Creative Date Ideas in Tampa
• Day Date Ideas in Tampa
• Night Date Ideas in Tampa
• Free Date Ideas in Tampa

Foodie Date Ideas in Tampa

1. Learn to Cook

What better way to bond than learning a new skill together? This interactive date idea in Tampa is fun for experienced cooks and beginners alike.

You and your date can enjoy one of the hundreds of cooking classes in Tampa for a double whammy — great food and a fun, hands-on activity to do together.

Whether you’d like to try rolling your own sushi, hand-kneading pasta dough or mastering Thai street food, there’s something for everyone kind of foodie couple.  

2. Dinner at Bern’s Steakhouse

Bern’s Steakhouse is an iconic Tampa restaurant and an ideal spot for a romantic evening with your lover. The steakhouse has been in business for over 60 years serving up tender and delicious steaks, appetizers and of course a long list of delectable wines to accompany your meal.

This date idea in Tampa definitely calls for a reservation, but it’s the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion. 

3. Enjoy a Snack at Ember Rooftop Lounge

Known for great food and even better views, the Ember Rooftop Lounge is an ideal first date idea in Tampa. Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico as you get to know your date better at a trendy date night restaurant in Tampa. 

4. Take a Food Tour

Even if you’ve lived in Tampa for a while, there are sure to be some hidden gems you haven’t discovered yet. Check out a local food tour for a guided experience that will enlighten you and your lover with all the best spots in the city.

This foodie date idea in Tampa is sure to delight your taste buds and give you at least one new “go-to” dinner spot. 

5. Sip Beer at Tampa Breweries

Savor some locally made craft beers at various Tampa breweries with your partner for a laid-back date idea in Tampa. With tons of special beers on tap and some tasty snacks, this is a one-stop-shop date that doesn’t require much planning.

Tip: Plenty of breweries host food trucks and even local concerts, so check the schedule ahead of time. 

6. Dine at Ulele Restaurant

With a menu inspired by the Native Americans that originally inhabited Florida, you’re sure to have a nice meal here. Each dish is carefully hand-crafted by local chefs using native ingredients for a truly unique taste.

The restaurant itself is decorated with beautiful local art that is for sale if you happen to fall in love. This date idea in Tampa is as local as it gets! 

7. Brunch at Cake Drip

Perfect for brunch, lunch or even afternoon tea, you need to plan your next date idea in Tampa at Cake Drip.

Sip Champagne or tea as you nibble on a chocolate flight or tea sandwich, or take matters into your own hands and design your very own cake complete with fondant, decorations and anything else you could dream of putting on a cake. 

8. Have a Drink at Ciro’s

Complete with a 1920s-inspired speakeasy feel, Ciro’s is the perfect location for a romantic date idea in Tampa.

Call ahead to get the password to enter, and tuck yourselves into a cozy corner to sip craft cocktails and look into one another’s eyes. There are some pretty tasty appetizers on the menu as well. 

Creative Date Ideas in Tampa

9. Paint and Sip

For a cute first date idea in Tampa, combine art with a glass of wine and you can’t go wrong. Paint and sip in Tampa is the perfect way to get to know someone while having a great time.

Sip on a beverage while you craft your very own masterpiece to take home, this is a memorable date idea in Tampa for sure. Pottery classes (and other mediums) are an option as well if painting isn’t your thing. 

10. Learn to Dance

Florida has strong Latin influences, so lean into it with dance classes in your area. With classes covering everything from swing dancing to salsa, this date idea is a fun and flirty way to spend the evening. Cocktails before can help take the edge off and give you more of a chance to chat. 

11. Clearwater Marine Museum

If you’re going to be near the ocean you might like to know a bit about it! Head to the Clearwater Marine Museum to visit tons of indigenous marine species that are on their way to being rehabilitated.

This particular museum, besides being an awesome date idea in Tampa, is famous for rehabilitating a baby dolphin named Winter, who appeared in the movie Dolphin Tales. 

12. Visit the Dali Museum

Second only to Europe, St. Petersburg is home to the most Salvador Dali works in the world. Even if you’re not into art, the works of Dali are pretty spectacular. Plus, the museum is always adding new exhibits, making it a perfect date idea in Tampa for quality time with your partner. 

15. Go Swimming in Local Springs

Since Tampa is already hot, you may want to refresh yourself in one of many local cold springs at your fingertips. Located typically less than an hour outside the city, this creative date idea is scenic and romantic.

Favorites include Weeki Wachee and Rainbow Springs State Park. Some spots even include options to float down the river – what could be more relaxing? 

14. Visit Wat Mongkolratanaram

Also known as Wat, this Thai temple is a stunning piece of architecture that makes for a great date idea in Tampa. Not only is it beautiful and rich with history, but if you visit on Sunday there is a Sunday Market selling some of the best Thai food you will find.

Tip: Bring cash and get there early as many items sell out. 

Day Date Ideas in Tampa

15. Check Out the Sunken Gardens

Home to over 50,000 tropical plants, the Sunken Gardens makes for a spectacular date idea in Tampa. Stroll through the trails and take in the beauty of all these amazing tropical plants, including some of the oldest in the state. Keep your eyes peeled for flamingos and butterflies. 

16. Visit Fort de Soto Park

Head over to Fort de Soto park for a full day of outdoor adventures with your partner. Rent kayaks, stroll along the sand or catch the ferry over to Egmont Key. This is the ultimate spring date idea in Florida when the weather isn’t too hot yet. 

17. Pack a Picnic

Living near the water is a huge perk, but even if it’s in your backyard you might not enjoy it as frequently as you should. Pack a picnic for you and your lover to enjoy on the sand for a cheap and romantic day date idea.

Sunrise, mid-day and sunset are equally stunning times to enjoy the fresh air and salt water. If the beach isn’t for you, local parks make a great picnic setting as well. 

18. Explore Old Tampa

The city of Tampa is rich in history and you can discover it with your lover over at the Henry B. Plant museum. Tour the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, complete with furnishings from back in the day.

This educational date idea in Tampa is a wonderful way to celebrate the local history and enjoy some quality time together. 

19. Discover Maritime History 

Over at the American Victory Ship & Museum you can tour and learn all there is to know about American warships from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. This indoor date idea in Tampa is perfect for stormy summer days or cool winter nights.

20. Watch a Game

Tampa is home to several sports teams with pretty decent records. For your next date idea in Tampa, get tickets to a Tampa Bay Lightning or Buccaneers game.

If you’re wondering “what can I do for a night with my boyfriend?” this is the answer! Live games are always a treat, with an electric atmosphere and yummy stadium foods, this is sure to get you props. 

21. Ride the Hogwarts Express

Just 90 minutes outside Tampa you can find yourself at Universal Studios in Harry Potter World, strolling through Diagon Alley or climbing aboard the Hogwarts Express. This unique Florida date idea is sure to leave you with some incredible memories. 

22. Rent Kayaks

No need to haul your own kayaks around when you can rent them! Find a local kayak rental and get some exercise and sun with your lover on a kayak excursion in the Gulf. Tours are sometimes available that will detail various local plants and animals you may encounter along the way. 

23. Visit Busch Gardens

There’s so much more to Busch Gardens than just rollercoasters — though there are plenty of those if that’s what you’re into. Plan an entire day to enjoy the rides, safaris and zoo at Busch Gardens for a creative date idea right in Tampa.

Plenty of yummy food and drinks are at your disposal too. Be sure to take pictures to document your experience!

Night Date Ideas in Tampa

24. Go to a Comedy Show

From big-name acts to open mic nights, comedy shows are a super fun date idea that never gets old. Check out the Improv Comedy Theater in Tampa or other local comedy shops for an easy and memorable date night idea. 

25. Take a Dinner Cruise

Waterfront restaurants make for perfect date night restaurants in Tampa, but the view stays the same. Enjoy amazing food with a stunning view that evolves as the night goes on with a dinner cruise.

Check out dinner cruises in your area for the most convenient port for your departure and treat your lover to an iconic date night. 

26. Go to a Drive-In Movie

Drive-in theaters were all the rage 40 or so years ago, and they recently started making a comeback. This all-inclusive date idea in Tampa is cheap and easy when you want to plan a night out but don’t want to put too much effort in.

27. Top Golf

Consider yourself lucky to have a Top Golf right in your city, as this date idea in Tampa is sure to be a popular one. Originally from California, Top Golf locations have been popping up across the map with massive success.

Whether you’re a competitive golfer or not, you’re sure to have a fun time eating, drinking and playing various games under the neon lights. Add it to your list of fall date ideas because this is one golf course you can play no matter what the weather!

28. Gigglewaters Social Club

Featuring speakeasy vibes, delicious bites and their very own intimate movie theater screening classics, Gigglewaters Social Club is an awesome date idea in Tampa. Go for the snacks and cocktails and stay for a cozy screening of classic movies like Cry Baby and Dirty Dancing. 

29. Take a Helicopter Tour

At Tampa Bay Aviation, you can plan the most extravagant Florida date idea for your boyfriend or girlfriend. Particularly stunning at night when you can see all the city lights or during sunset, you and your partner can get cozy in a helicopter and see a whole new view of your city. 

Free Date Ideas in Tampa

30. Walk the Boardwalk

Even if Tampa is home, sometimes it’s nice to act like a tourist in your hometown and appreciate the things you might take for granted.

Strolling along the Tampa riverwalk with your boyfriend or girlfriend is the ultimate teen date idea in Tampa. Stop for some ice cream and you’ve got the whole evening planned!

31. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park

Visit the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for a leisurely date idea in Tampa that your partner will love. Surrounded by Tampa’s skyscrapers, this greenspace feels like a relaxing oasis.

Offering access to the Children’s Museum, Tampa Museum of Art and monument trail, there’s no shortage of activities to do here. Bring a picnic or just enjoy a hand-in-hand stroll. 

32. Bike to St. Pete

Perfect for art lovers and exercise enthusiasts alike, plan an afternoon bike ride over to St. Pete to take a look at the art murals on display. New murals are continually added, so this is a date idea you can do again and again. 

33. Go Biking on the Pinellas Trail

With 38 miles of bike trail to work with, this date idea in Tampa can take you (almost) anywhere you want to go. With stops at Tarpon Springs and downtown Dunedin to name a few, this free date idea in Tampa is a great way to enjoy beautiful weather and quality time.

Add this to your list of winter date ideas if you’re trying to keep sweating to a minimum, otherwise enjoy the trails year-round for some good exercise. 

Take the guesswork out of planning your next date idea in Tampa and let this guide serve as a checklist for all the best adventures and bites. With incredible weather, delicious restaurants and plenty of fun to be had, it’s no wonder Tampa is growing so rapidly.

And the dates don’t have to be expensive for them to be appreciated and beneficial to your relationship. There are so many free things to do in Tampa for couples to choose from. 

Explore the Latin cultural influences in the architecture and food or learn about the rich history of the city. Whether Tampa has been home for your whole life or you're new to the city, there’s an abundance of fun date ideas to experience here.

For even more fun date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!