33 Best Date Ideas in Tampa for 2025
Filled with rich history, culture and an amazing entertainment scene, the variety of date ideas in Tampa leaves nothing to be desired. A jewel on Florida’s western coast, the city is brimming with fun activities and charming local gems.
It doesn't matter where you're into sports, delicious eats or spending time in nature, there’s something for everyone. Sunny weather nearly year-round makes Tampa an ideal location for outdoor exploration and al fresco delights.
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. 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!
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- Foodie Date Ideas in Tampa
- Date Ideas in Tampa for Couples
- First Date Ideas in Tampa
- Unique Date Ideas in Tampa
- Day Date Ideas in Tampa
- Night Date Ideas in Tampa
- Free Date Ideas in Tampa
Foodie Date Ideas in Tampa
Dates don’t have to be extravagant or expensive but taking the time to put effort into planning dates is vital. According to the National Institute of Health, dates help to create a sense of closeness within the relationship and that has a direct impact on the ongoing health of your relationship. So take the time to consider what your partner loves or what they've always wanted to try. There's no time like the present!
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. Whether you want to make pasta or learn how to hand roll sushi, you're spoiled for choice, with menus of all kinds available and taught by expert chefs.
Book a cooking class for a double whammy — great food and a fun, hands-on activity to do together. If you'd prefer to keep things a bit more casual, take a look at online cooking classes.
2. Dinner at Bern’s Steakhouse
Bern’s Steakhouse is an iconic Tampa restaurant and a classic venue 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 calls for a reservation but it’s the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.
3. Watch the Sun Set at Ember Rooftop Lounge
Known for great food and even better views, an evening spent at 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 this trendy date night restaurant in Tampa.
4. Sip Beer at Tampa Breweries
Savor some locally made craft beers at a brewery (or two) 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.
Plenty of breweries, like Cigar City Brewing, host food trucks and even local concerts, so check the schedule ahead of time.
5. Dine at Ulele Restaurant
With a menu inspired by the Native Americans that originally inhabited Florida, you’re in for a fascinating night filled with delicious flavors. Each dish is carefully crafted by local chefs using native ingredients for a truly unique taste.
Ulele 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!
6. Brunch at Cake Drip
Perfect for brunch, lunch or even afternoon tea, your next date should be at Cake Drip.
Sip Champagne or tea as you nibble on a chocolate flight or tea sandwich. For the full experience, take matters into your own hands and design your very own cake complete with fondant, decorations and anything else you dream of putting on a cake.
7. Have a Drink at Jekyll
Complete with a 1920s-inspired speakeasy feel, Jekyll is the perfect location for a romantic date 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.
8. Take a Food Tour
You might think you've seen all that Tampa has to offer. But even if you’ve lived in the city for a while, new and exciting spots are popping up all the time. Check out a local food tour for a guided experience that will have you and your lover looking at the city with fresh eyes.
Date Ideas in Tampa for Couples
9. Learn to Dance
Make the most of Florida's Latin heritage with a local dance class. With classes available 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 get your feet moving.
If you'd prefer to dance in the comfort of your own home, check out online dance classes.
10. Rent Kayaks
There's 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 date on a kayak excursion in the Gulf. Tours are also available where you can learn about the various local plants and animals you may encounter along the way.
Check out Tampa Bay SUP for a fun date idea in Tampa, out on the water.
First Date Ideas in Tampa
11. 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 date to enjoy for a cheap and romantic first date idea.
Venture out at sunset for a bit of extra romance amidst the fresh air and salt water. If the beach isn’t for you, local parks make a great picnic setting as well.
12. Clearwater Marine Museum
Considering your proximity to the ocean, you might like to know a bit about it! Take your date to the Clearwater Marine Museum to meet indigenous marine species that are on their way to rehabilitation. With plenty to see and discuss, it's a great place for a first date.
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 Tale.
Unique Date Ideas in Tampa
13. Paint and Sip
For a cute date idea in Tampa, combine art with a glass of wine and enjoy the results. Paint and sips are a low-pressure way to get to know someone while unleashing your inner creativity. Sip on a delicious drink, chat up a storm and craft your very own masterpiece to take home.
This is a memorable date idea in Tampa for sure.
14. Visit the Dalí Museum
You might not know it, but St. Petersburg is home to the most Salvador Dali paintings anywhere outside of Europe. Even if art isn't usually your thing, the works of Dalí are undeniably spectacular. Plus, the museum is always adding new exhibits, making it a fresh date idea in Tampa for you and your partner, even if you've visited before.
Head to the Dalí Museum to book tickets in advance.
15. Go Swimming in Local Springs
While Tampa's sunny disposition is one of the joys of the city, you may find yourself feeling a bit hot. Take the opportunity to refresh yourself in one of the many local cold springs on your doorstep. Located typically less than an hour outside the city, this creative date idea is scenic and romantic.
Favorites include Weeki Wachee Springs and Rainbow Springs State Park. Some spots even include options to float down the river – what could be more relaxing?
16. 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 a Sunday, there is a Sunday Market selling some of the best Thai food you will find.
When visiting Wat Mongkolratanaram, make sure to bring cash and get there early, as many items sell out.
Day Date Ideas in Tampa
17. Explore Old Tampa
The city of Tampa is rich in history and you can dive into it with your partner 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.
18. Check Out the Sunken Gardens
Home to over 50,000 tropical plants, a visit to the Sunken Gardens is 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.
19. 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 for sunny days when the weather isn’t too hot yet.
20. Ride the Hogwarts Express
With just a 90-minute journey from Tampa, you and your date could find yourselves in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, strolling through Diagon Alley or climbing aboard the Hogwarts Express. Make the most of your proximity to the best theme parks in the world.
This unique Florida date idea is sure to leave you with some incredible memories.
21. Discover Maritime History
Over at the American Victory Ship & Museum, you can take a tour below deck and learn all there is to know about American warships from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. This is a date idea in Tampa that history buffs will love.
22. Watch a Game
Tampa is home to several competitive sports teams. For your next date idea in Tampa, get tickets to a Tampa Bay Lightning or Buccaneers game.
If you find yourself 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 tasty stadium snacks. This is sure to get you props.
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.
With an extensive range of food and drink options too, this one might warrant a second trip. Be sure to take pictures to document your experience!
Night Date Ideas in Tampa
24. Take a Dinner Cruise
Waterfront restaurants are always a dependable choice for date night restaurants in Tampa but no matter how good they are, the view stays the same. Enter the dinner cruise. Enjoy amazing food with a stunning view that evolves as the night goes on.
Check out dinner cruises in your area, such as the highly regarded Craft Tampa, for the most convenient port for your departure and treat your lover to an iconic date night.
25. Go to a Drive-In Movie
Drive-in theaters are back in a big way. This is a great date night idea that is easy to arrange without sacrificing fun. If you need a last-minute date night idea in Tampa, look no further.
The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theater is a local favorite. Just check the session times and hop in the car.
26. Top Golf
Consider yourself lucky to have Top Golf just around the corner. 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 all kinds of 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 the weather!
27. Take a Helicopter Tour
At Tampa Bay Aviation, you can plan the most extravagant Florida date idea your partner will ever experience. Particularly stunning at night when you can see all the city lights or during sunset, you and your date can get cozy in a helicopter and see a whole new view of your city.
28. 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. Going to an event takes the pressure off and gives you plenty to talk about in the breaks.
Check out the Funny Bone Comedy Club in Tampa for a night of belly-aching laughs.
29. Gigglewaters Social Club
Featuring speakeasy vibes, delicious bites and their very own movie theater, 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.
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 partner is more than just a classic teen date idea. 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 the monument trail, there’s no shortage of activities to do here. Bring a picnic or just enjoy a hand-in-hand stroll.
32. Cycle to St. Pete
Perfect for art lovers and exercise enthusiasts alike, plan an afternoon bike ride over to St. Petersburg to take a look at the art murals on display. New murals are constantly being added, so this is a date idea you can do again and again.
33. Ride the Pinellas Trail
With 38 miles of bike trail to work with, this date idea can take you (almost) anywhere you want to go. With stops at Tarpon Springs and downtown Dunedin, to name a couple, this free date idea in Tampa is a great way to enjoy beautiful weather and quality time.
Add the Pinellas Trail 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 scenic exercise.
Take the guesswork out of planning your next date idea in Tampa and work your way through this guide 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.
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.
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!
