Sure, Armature Works and Sparkman Wharf are cool, but it’s time to diversify your date spots. With that in mind, here are some out of the ordinary, and a bit exclusive date ideas you might not know about like under-the-radar parks, hole-in-the-wall eateries, hidden gardens and a lot more.
Kooky Coconut
760 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, 727-517-1300
Located within steps from the 8th Avenue beach access to the Gulf of Mexico, Kooky Coconut serves up delicious authentic hot-pressed cuban sandwiches, and a variety of other beach-friendly eats.
Photo via Kooky Coconut/FacebookMable Ringling Rose Garden
5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, 941-359-5700
Completed in 1913, the state’s oldest continuously operating rose garden offers sculptures & romantic paths.
Photo via Ringling/FacebookBallast Point
5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, 813-274-8615
Ballast Point Park features a 600 foot pier, a shaded splash park, playground, picnic areas, a gazebo, a boat dock, and features stunning sunrises over Hillsborough Bay and a view of downtown Tampa.
Photo via tampagov.netKeel & Curley Winery
5116 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-252-6393
Check Groupon before you take this adventure – you could get a deal on a wine tasting! Gorgeous vineyard, live animals all around and heavy pours. Yes, please.
Photo via Keel & Curley Winery/FacebookThe Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge
Albert Whitted Airport, 540 1st St S, St. Pete, 727-823-7767
The Hangar offers a wide selection of all American favorites and sophisticated selections for those looking for more unique flavors and combinations.
Photo via The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge/FacebookUrban Kai Paddle Boarding Sunset Lessons
13090 Gandy Blvd N, St. Pete, 813-598-1634
Located in downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg, Urban Kai Stand Up Paddle Board Shop offers a wide range of SUP equipment, training, private lessons, and adventure tours in the Tampa Bay area.
Photo via Urban Kai/FacebookCiro’s Speakeasy
2109 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, 813-251-0022
Located inside the historic Bayshore Royal Building on the corner of Howard Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard, Ciro’s is a hidden gem in Tampa Bay.
Photo via Ciro’s Speakeasy/FacebookSunken Gardens
1825 4th St N, St. Pete, 727-893-7111
Sunken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, this 100-year-old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region.
Photo via Sunken Gardens/InstagramCaledesi Island
Offshore Island, Dunedin, 727-469-5918
Whether it is a stroll along the island’s pristine beaches or a kayak trip through the bayside mangrove forest, a trip to Caladesi Island is an unforgettable experience.
Photo via floridastateparks.orgCypress Point Park
5620 W Cypress St, Tampa, 813-274-7722
Oceanfront park with a boardwalk, hiking trails, dunes, picnic shelters & a canoe dock.
Photo via tampagov.netDali Outdoor Garden
3942 Tyrone Blvd N, St. Pete, 727-823-3767
The Dali Museum Avant-garden was inspired both by local flora and by Dali’s fascination with duality, art and nature, the Apollonian and the Dionysian.
Photo via The Dali/FacebookFun Lan Drive-In Theater
2302 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, 813-234-2311
The Swap Shop began operations in 1963 as the Thunderbird Drive-In Theater, and today has grown to a farmers market with over 2,000 vendors and the world’s largest drive-in movie theater!
Photo via Google MapsKilwins
222 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete, 727-803-6821
Since 1947, Kilwins has earned a reputation for providing high quality chocolates, ice cream, and confections combined with excellent service.
Photo via Kilwins/FacebookLowry Parcade and Tavern
1213 W Waters Ave, Tampa, 813-915-9180
The Lowry Parcade is Tampa Bay’s first arcade & tavern: a friendly, fun oasis for nerds, geeks, and dorks from all walks of life.
Photo via Lowry Parcade and Tavern/FacebookSmokin’ J’s Real Texas BBQ
5145 Gulfport Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-329-8624
Incredible barbecue being served up in a barn-like shack. You can’t leave without getting a jar of the signature Sweet ‘n’ Sassy pickles – which are worth the drive alone.
Photo via Ebisu Sushi Shack/FacebookPier 60 Clearwater Beach
7 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater, 727-462-6466
Pier 60 features a 1,080-foot fishing pier and recreational park, with a bait house, telescopes and six covered pavilions.
Photo via Pier 60/FacebookRiver Tower Park Boardwalk
401 E Bird St, Tampa, (813) 274-8615
This park contains a scenic view, as well as a historic background. As one of the oldest parks in Tampa, River Tower Park is fun for the whole family.
Photo via tampagov.netSawgrass Lake
7400 25th St. N., St. Pete, 727-582-2100
A mile of elevated boardwalk winds through a maple swamp and an observation tower provides a panoramic view of Sawgrass Lake.
Photo via visitstpeteclearwater.orgShadrack’s
114 8th Ave, St Pete, 727-360-8279
Shadracks has been world famous since 1972 with great drink prices on the right on the beach. Featuring pool tables, games, & a jukebox, Shadrack’s offers plenty of coolness.
Photo via Shadracks/FacebookSpaddy’s Coffee Co.
5206 N Florida Ave, Tampa, 954-829-2111
Focusing on their commitment to quality, Spaddy’s offers an array of specialty and traditional coffee beverages.
Photo via Spaddy’s Coffee Co./FacebookWeedon Island
1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Pete, 727-453-6500
This coastal system, comprised of aquatic and upland ecosystems, is home to numerous species of native plants and animals, an educational facility and a rich cultural history.
Photo via Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center/FacebookWinedown Wednesdays at Cinebistro Hyde Park
1609 W Swann Ave, Tampa, 813-514-8300
Come enjoy the atmosphere in the stylish, comfortable lounges. Unwind, relax, meet and socialize with friends and family – before and after the show.
Photo via Cinebistro Hyde Park/FacebookLassing Park
2042 Beach Dr SE, St. Pete, 727-893-7441
Nestled in Saint Pete, Lassing Park is great for taking walks, bird watching, or just sitting by the water.
Photo via Google Maps
