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.
The 25 best secret date spots in Tampa Bay
By CL Staff on Fri, Apr 26, 2019 at 6:29 pm
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Kooky Coconut
760 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach, 727-517-1300Located 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/Facebook
Mable Ringling Rose Garden
5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, 941-359-5700Completed in 1913, the state's oldest continuously operating rose garden offers sculptures & romantic paths.
Photo via Ringling/Facebook
Ballast Point
5300 Interbay Blvd, Tampa, 813-274-8615Ballast 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.net
Keel & Curley Winery
5116 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-252-6393Check 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/Facebook
The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge
Albert Whitted Airport, 540 1st St S, St. Pete, 727-823-7767The 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/Facebook
Urban Kai Paddle Boarding Sunset Lessons
13090 Gandy Blvd N, St. Pete, 813-598-1634Located 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/Facebook
Ciro’s Speakeasy
2109 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, 813-251-0022Located 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/Facebook
Sunken Gardens
1825 4th St N, St. Pete, 727-893-7111Sunken 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/Instagram
Caledesi Island
Offshore Island, Dunedin, 727-469-5918Whether 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.org
Cypress Point Park
5620 W Cypress St, Tampa, 813-274-7722Oceanfront park with a boardwalk, hiking trails, dunes, picnic shelters & a canoe dock.
Photo via tampagov.net
Dali Outdoor Garden
3942 Tyrone Blvd N, St. Pete, 727-823-3767The 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/Facebook
Fun Lan Drive-In Theater
2302 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, 813-234-2311The 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 Maps
Kilwins
222 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete, 727-803-6821Since 1947, Kilwins has earned a reputation for providing high quality chocolates, ice cream, and confections combined with excellent service.
Photo via Kilwins/Facebook
Lowry Parcade and Tavern
1213 W Waters Ave, Tampa, 813-915-9180The 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/Facebook
Smokin’ J’s Real Texas BBQ
5145 Gulfport Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-329-8624Incredible 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/Facebook
Pier 60 Clearwater Beach
7 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater, 727-462-6466Pier 60 features a 1,080-foot fishing pier and recreational park, with a bait house, telescopes and six covered pavilions.
Photo via Pier 60/Facebook
River Tower Park Boardwalk
401 E Bird St, Tampa, (813) 274-8615This 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.net
Sawgrass Lake
7400 25th St. N., St. Pete, 727-582-2100A mile of elevated boardwalk winds through a maple swamp and an observation tower provides a panoramic view of Sawgrass Lake.
Photo via visitstpeteclearwater.org
Shadrack’s
114 8th Ave, St Pete, 727-360-8279Shadracks 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/Facebook
Spaddy’s Coffee Co.
5206 N Florida Ave, Tampa, 954-829-2111Focusing on their commitment to quality, Spaddy’s offers an array of specialty and traditional coffee beverages.
Photo via Spaddy’s Coffee Co./Facebook
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