10 Thrilling and Thoughtful Date Night Ideas in Tampa

When it comes to creating the perfect evening out with that special someone, finding the most romantic things to do in the Tampa area will be key.

Taking advantage of the city’s wide array of fun and intoxicating date-night destinations will allow you to quickly find yourself planning the perfect romantic evening.

Whether you’re looking for an intimate evening filled with fine wine and incredible food or a fun-filled thrill-ride adventure, Tampa has it all. Take a look at these ten exceptional date night ideas and start designing the date of your dreams.

Sunset Stroll in the Sand

There is nothing more romantic than sauntering along a sandy beach watching the sunset across elegant ocean waves. Luckily, Tampa is filled with world-class beaches where you can share this incredible moment with that special someone. Clearwater Beach is known for its white sandy shores and mystifying turquoise waters. While AAA recognizes it as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, it’s also one of the quieter beaches in the area, making it a fantastic place to just focus on the two of you.

Caladesi Island is another bewitching beach destination in Tampa. This picturesque state park can only be reached by ferry or private boat and is open year-round from 8 a.m. till sundown. This allows you and your partner to enjoy an array of outdoor activities before you watch the sunset from this stunning and untouched landscape.

Visit the Dolphins

If you and your partner are animal lovers, there is nothing better than getting an up-close and personal look at some of the unbelievable marine life in Tampa. Tampa Bay is home to over 600 Atlantic Bottle-nose dolphins, making it one of the most concentrated destinations for these exquisite animals in the U.S.

Venturing out on a dolphin sightseeing cruise is the best way to enjoy a truly in-depth experience. Expert guides will not only guarantee dolphin sightings, but they will also be able to answer any and every question you might have about the diverse marine life in the area.

Breakfast in Bed

There’s no better way to end a romantic evening than waking up to an exceptional spread of breakfast in bed the morning after. Le Meridian Tampa offers magnificent cooked-to-order breakfasts you can enjoy without having to leave their luxury fluffy blankets behind.

This beautiful AAA Four Diamond historic hotel also offers an array of extra on-site amenities, including a beautiful outdoor pool, exercise room and high-end French restaurant to enjoy before you head up to your room for the night.

Hangout on Honeymoon Island

Believe it or not, Honeymoon Island is just as romantic and spectacular as the name implies. One of the top places to visit in Tampa, this jaw-droppingly beautiful state park is filled with white sandy beaches, breathtaking nature trails and a wide range of fun-filled active adventures to take part in during your visit.

This island park is also a paradise for local animals and is home to an array of species, including ospreys, gopher tortoises and armadillos. If you and your partner are wildlife enthusiasts, you’ll love having the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and in their natural habitat.

The Thrill of a Theme Park

If you love crashing through white water rapids, flipping through the air on world-class coasters, and wandering through a zoo with over 12,000 animals, then a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa is a must for your perfect date.

Unbelievable rides, exquisite dining options and outstanding live performances line the streets of this Africa and Asia-themed park. In addition to its daily fun-filled activities, the park also plays host to a number of exceptional events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals and seasonal celebrations that can be the perfect way to finish a lovely romantic getaway.

Gallavanting with Ghosts

If your idea of a romantic evening out is holding on tightly to each other while exploring paranormal wonders, then a Tampa Ghost Tour will be right up your alley. These entertaining and terrifying tours will have you hugging that special someone close while you wander through some of the city’s most iconic haunted destinations.

Professional and experienced guides will lead you through these historic landmarks, giving first-hand accounts of paranormal experiences and hauntings that have been thoroughly researched and documented, ensuring a goosebump-inducing experience for everyone.

Sizzling Scavenger Hunts

Working together to achieve a common goal is a great way to enjoy some quality one-on-one time for your date night. Scavenger hunts have become extremely popular in Tampa, bringing together numerous challenges for you to complete throughout the city.

There are several different scavenger hunt opportunities in Tampa, including the Adventerous Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest which allows you to go about the quest in any direction or order you like and is led by a remote host which conveniently helps you via a chat throughout the experience. Another fantastic option is the Tampa Tirade Scavenger Hunt which offers a unique and immersive experience where you can explore an alternate reality unlike anything you've ever done.

Grab a Bite

Tampa is quickly becoming a culinary mecca with world-class restaurants and innovative eateries popping up on every corner. If you and your partner enjoy sampling a plethora of gastronomic delights that will leave your tastebuds soaring, there’s nothing better than the mouthwatering Taste of Downtown Culinary Walking Tour. Highlighting the iconic culinary history of the area as well as the numerous cultural influences found here, this one-of-a-kind tour will have you tasting the unique flavors of Tampa in no time.

The Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour is another fantastic opportunity to experience the incredible tastes of Tampa. This tour focuses on the rich cultural history found in the renowned Ybor City, indulging guests in a culinary wonder for the senses.

Visit Little Manatee River

Little Manatee River State Park is a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. You and your partner can relax and let yourselves imagine that you have wandered back in time when tall, breathtaking trees and beautiful riverfronts made up the majority of the area's landscape.

Leave your worries and cares behind when you rent a kayak to cruise down this mystifying river or trek hand in hand through the six-mile hike looping through the center of the park. Keep in mind, this park is home to numerous wildlife species, including manatees, that you'll likely spot along the way.

Private Professional Photoshoot for Two

What could be more romantic than taking beautiful photos of you and your special someone with ocean waves crashing behind you that you can take and hold onto for a lifetime? The answer is nothing, which is why we recommend enjoying a Private Professional Holiday Photoshoot whilst you’re here.

Professional photographers will escort you through a variety of Tampa’s most well-known landmarks and hidden spots where you and your partner can take photos you’ll love to share. Capturing these precious moments will make this date night unbelievably special, and it’s something the two of you can remember forever.

Book Your Trip to Tampa Today

Tampa's picturesque views, adventures and unique opportunities make it a wonderful romantic getaway destination. By planning your trip to Tampa with AAA, you can rest assured that you'll find high-quality destinations you and your partner will love. Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Tampa today.