Unique Date Ideas in Tampa Bay: Check

Our Top Picks for UNIQUE DATES in Tampa Bay

by Brie Gorecki, for TampaBayDateNightGuide.com

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day or are just looking for some new date ideas, there is so much to do around town! Between the hustle and bustle of work, school and parent duties, it’s important to carve out some kid-free time for yourselves. So, schedule your babysitter, grab your significant other and check out these ideas for a fun date night (or day) in Tampa Bay!

Courtesy of DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com The reimagined St. Pete Pier, situated along the waters of Tampa Bay, is a spacious attraction ideal for picnicking, biking, relaxing, waterfront dining and so much more. Date night highlights include waterfront dining, a rooftop bar, beach area, walking paths, public art and more. The Pier also hosts several events throughout the year, including a weekend market. Want to sip on an adult beverage while strolling? Take your drink to-go in a Pier-approved cup from one of the eateries.

JOIN A LOCAL FOOD TOUR

Tampa is known for its incredible restaurants. Get a taste for Tampa Bay by joining a knowledgeable guide for a food tour through various Tampa Bay neighborhoods where you can sample items from some of the best restaurants in town. From Ybor City to St. Pete and Safety Harbor, there are several food tours in Tampa Bay that offer affordable options for your next foodie date. Enjoy dinner and dancing on a romantic sunset cruise along Tampa’s waterways. Yacht Starship is one of Tampa Bay’s premier dinner cruise options. Besides enjoying a 2.5-hour cruise with romantic sunset views, you’ll also be treated to a three-course meal, open bar (beer and wine) and plenty of time for dancing. StarLite Cruises offers sunset dining cruises departing from St. Pete and Clearwater. Your ticket includes admission for the 2.5-3-hour cruise with dinner as an add-on once you board.

GET WILD!

There are so many unique animal encounters you can experience in Tampa Bay at Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa! Enhance your next date day at the zoo by adding on an animal encounter experience. Get backstage access to the zoo’s Manatee Critical Care Center, meet penguins or a koala, feed an Indian rhino and more. Or plan ahead for the ultimate zoo date night at ZooTampa’s annual ZooBrews on March 4, when you can get up-close with the animals while enjoying endless food, unlimited drinks and live entertainment.

GO KAYAKING IN THE SPRINGS OR SWIM WITH THE MANATEES

Hop in the car and arrive at scenic cold springs in as little as an hour. Nearby springs include Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (home of the famous mermaid show), Rainbow Springs State Park (for an epic day floating down the river in a tube), and Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge (for spotting manatees). Crystal River is the only place in the entire country where you’re legally allowed to hop into the water and come face to face with manatees as a passive observer. There are dozens of tour companies offering tours. While manatee season lasts from mid-November to March, it’s best to go during the colder months.

Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River from Weeki Wachee Springs is a fun family date too!

Looking for more unique date ideas in Tampa Bay? Scan the QR code to check out our full list of 100 Date Night Ideas in Tampa Bay!