Home to white-sand beaches, outdoor adventures and cultural attractions, Tampa is a perfect destination for a romantic trip for two. There’s plenty to do in this vibrant city, such as soaking up the sunshine, catching a theatre performance and kicking back at a beachfront hotel. Whether you’re an adventurous couple or prefer to sit back and soak up idyllic sunset views, read on to discover the most romantic things to do in Tampa.
Find colorful seashells at Honeymoon Island State Park
The aptly named Honeymoon Island State Park is a romantic oasis in the Sunshine State. It’s one of the most popular spots for seashell collecting in Florida, with a pristine shoreline highlighted by crystal clear waters. Spend a day looking for unique seashells or take a refreshing dip in the water, then stroll down the scenic hiking trail and spot osprey and bald eagles.
Visit the iconic Tampa Theatre
One of the most visually stunning theatres in Florida, the Tampa Theatre is a historic landmark. It’s a restored vintage movie theatre that showcases classic architecture and original furnishings, featuring a dazzling night-sky ceiling with twinkling stars. Soak up the glitz and glam of the ’20s, then watch a classic film or concert and appreciate its historic beauty and stunning collection of old-world features.
Go on a Sunset Sail
Florida is known for our colorful sunsets, a cosmic display of oranges, pinks and purples. Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center offers you the perfect chance to see a sunset on the water on their Sunset Sail cruises, where you can hop on a luxury sailing yacht and explore the calm waters of Boca Ciega Bay. Cuddle on the deck as you catch the full range of Mother Nature’s canvas.
Picnic at Hillsborough River State Park
Like a living postcard, Hillsborough River State Park is a picturesque place to soak up Florida’s natural scenery. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and offers an impressive collection of Class II rapids for adventurous couples. Pack a lunch and have a riverside picnic, set up camp for an overnight adventure, or bring your bike for a scenic cruise of the area.
Go on a paddle excursion
A great way to experience Florida’s most stunning landscapes near Tampa is to go on a kayaking excursion. Coastal Kayak Charters offers plenty of paddling excursions, from touring the mangrove islands at Shell Key Preserve to exploring the idyllic Shell Island landscapes and going on a romantic sunset tour. It’s a great way to experience the real landscapes of Florida, and you might spot sea turtles, dolphins and manatees.
Explore Pinellas Park by horseback
Take a guided, hour-long ride through Pinellas Park with Cypress Breeze Farm, where they’ll take you through the North Skyway Park to a sandbar on this unique excursion. You can also explore backcountry roads through a scenic trail behind their farm, as it’s a great way to see some of the area’s natural beauty with your loved one.
Admire the artwork in Salvador Dali Museum
Home to the most comprehensive collection of Dali paintings outside of Europe, the Salvador Dali Museum is a top museum in Florida. Couples can come and appreciate the fascinating Surrealism artwork, as you’ll find over 2,000 oils, watercolors, sketches and sculptures that line the museum. There are even 8 of his 18 Masterworks held here and are the perfect conversation starter with their thought-provoking themes.
See the sunrise in a hot air balloon
Wake up early for this romantic hot air balloon excursion over Tampa, where you’ll be able to see the area’s vast expanses that most never get to see. Big Red Balloon Sightseeing Adventures offers sunrise excursions where you can soar over picturesque lakes and watch deers prancing in open fields, creating what is sure to be a date you’ll never forget.
Catch a flick at Ruskin Family Drive-In
Go back to a time when the world was simpler at the Ruskin Family Drive-In. Located in Ruskin, it’s a great movie-watching experience for couples where you won’t have to be bothered by the crowd around you. Showing movies since 1952 when they featured “Singing in the Rain”, it gives couples a dose of nostalgia from the comfort of your own confined space.
Enjoy the scenery at Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island’s stunning landscapes make for a romantic afternoon of admiring its natural beauty. It’s one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier island’s on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and its sugar-white sand beach feels like you’ve found your own slice of paradise. Spend an afternoon swimming in the crystal clear waters and combing the beach for colorful seashells.
Feed a giraffe at ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Animal-loving couples will delight at spending a day at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, where you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of exotic animals such as manatees, tigers, monkeys and rhinos. You can even get up-close and personal with a giraffe and feed them lettuce from a “feeding plateau”, or go on a jungle safari ride that takes you through natural habitats.
Get your adrenaline pumping at Adventure Island
Couples looking for excitement should head to Adventure Island, Tampa’s thrilling water park destination. It’s a great place to cool off on one of Florida’s hot summer days, while those who want to get their thrills can go down the 55-foot water slide, or just spend an afternoon on an inner tube floating down the lazy river.
Go swimming at Lithia Springs Park
Lithia Springs Conservation Park is known for its natural spring that flows year-round, and its recreational area is a popular spot for swimming and camping. Go for a dip in the refreshing 72-degree waters, or set up a camp and go hiking in the scenic trails that wind past hardwood hammocks. Take a short road trip to this picturesque recreation area, where you can admire the lush foliage and grill up your lunch.
Soak up the sunshine at Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s most famous beaches, and for good reason. From Tampa, you can take a day trip to this award-winning stretch of pristine sand that runs along a picturesque coastline, set up an umbrella and spend an afternoon swimming and sunbathing, or sign up for deep-sea fishing, boating or jet skiing excursions. Head to Pier 60 to catch their sunset celebrations, featuring live performers and local musicians.
