Free Date Night Ideas in Tampa Bay to Try

January 08, 2023
| 22:50 PM

Date night doesn’t have to take too much out of your wallet! Just take some of these free date night ideas as proof! There are so many different things to do and places to see in Tampa Bay that won’t even cost you a penny.

Check out our master guide below to see some awesome free date ideas in Tampa Bay!

Take a Stroll on The Tampa Riverwalk

The top spot for a free date night in Tampa Bay has to be the amazing Tampa Riverwalk! Stroll along the to see all of Downtown Tampa’s destinations – from Armature Works to the Tampa Convention Center. Wandering along, you’ll find new restaurants and bars to stop in – it’s the perfect spot for a last minute date. Along the Riverwalk, there’s also markers of where you can often see manatees and even dolphins! Try visiting in the daytime to watch the sun glitter against the water or in the night, when the colored lighting comes on to bring the Riverwalk alive.

Location

📍Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa, FL 33602

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Catch a Sunset

Tampa Bay’s best kept secret is that we have the best skies in the world. Take advantage of this for your next free date night and catch a sunset! Whether it is at one of our favorite rooftop bars or at one of our beautiful parks, you’re sure to get an amazing view of the sunset. We recommend visiting Vinoy Park, if you are in the St. Pete area, or bring some hammocks to the Henry B. Plant Park, located at The University of Tampa. At sunset, Tampa’s cotton candy pink skies reflect off of the Downtown Tampa skyline – which you can view perfectly from this park. For more ideas, check out our blog on the best rooftop bars in Tampa Bay!

Take a Free Walking Tour

Ever wanted to explore Downtown Tampa but get lost in the hustle and bustle? Take your date to the area’s finest by taking a free walking tour, held by the Tampa Downtown Partnership. Optional donations from the tours go to hungry children in our community through the Where Love Grows charity!

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Explore Art at the Morean Arts Center

A secret of the art community is the free art museum in St. Pete. The Morean Arts Center holds a beautiful collection of visual art, including local, national, and international artists. They even offer creative art classes, so you and your date can stretch you artistic side! Admission to the main gallery is completely free, making this a great option for those looking to have a good time for less dollars.

Hours & Location

📍719 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

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Walk Along the Pinellas Trail

Why stay inside all the time, especially with our amazing Florida weather? If you’re looking for some time outdoors, the Pinellas Trail is a great spot for a bike ride or to go for a run! This long trail runs from Tarpon Springs and goes all the way to Clearwater – passing through the cute town of Dunedin. You and your date will get to enjoy the changing scenery along this long trail – from lush greenery to cityscape. Not only is it a unique date idea, but it’s also free for the both of you to enjoy!

Hours & Location

Open 24 Hours

📍Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, Florida

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Hit the Beach

What is a better way to spend the day than a day at the beach? Nothing that we can think of! In Tampa Bay, you have so many different beaches to choose from – you could go to a new one every weekend! Some of our favorite beach destinations that you should visit include the quiet and intimate Honeymoon Island or the crystal blue waters of Anna Maria Island. Tampa Bay is known for its beautiful beaches and it tops our list of free dates in Tampa! If you want to hit the town for beachy drinks and live music, make a trip to St. Pete Beach!

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Go on a Mural Tour in Downtown Tampa

Tampa’s Downtown Partnership has put together an amazing resource of all the murals in the Downtown Tampa area. Did you know that there are about 52 murals and counting? Perfect for whether your date loves art or loves to take amazing pictures for Instagram. Going through their mural tour at the website below is a fantastic and unique idea for your next date.

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Florida Botanical Gardens

Do you have a plant lover in your life? You need to visit the Florida Botanical Gardens! This free date idea is a park that is 182 acres full of different tropical flowers and fauna. This is perfect if you love eco-friendly spots, as this park has a big focus on promoting a green lifestyle. It is also dog friendly, which makes this garden the dreamiest walk that your dog will ever have.

Hours & Location

📍12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774

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Plan a Picnic

Having a picnic is easy to do in Tampa Bay, with so many amazing parks to choose from, and it makes our list of free date ideas. One of our favorite parks to have a picnic is the Vinoy Park in St. Pete, with their gorgeous waterfront view. If you are on the other side of the bridge, check out Davis Islands Park! This park is a serene haven, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Just grab some snacks, some drinks, and a blanket – you’ll be set! If you want someone to create the picnic for you, check out our blog on the best companies to book for the perfect picnic service.

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Visit a Museum

Visiting a museum is a fantastic date night idea, especially with all the deals available! A lot of the museums in the Tampa Bay area offer free days and free access for students. On Thursdays after 4pm, the Tampa Museum of Art offers free entry to the museum with the option to provide a donation. It is also always free for USF and University of Tampa students – so make sure you have your ID or school email on hand! The Ringling Museums also offers free admission on Mondays, or plan your date around the first Tuesday of the month for free admission at Glazer Children’s Museum!

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

A day trip to the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks is always a good idea! Here at the historic sponge docks you can stroll along the docks, relax by the water, and watch the boats roll in. Along the docks are small businesses that sell sea sponges and local skincare, not to mention the best Greek food in the Tampa Bay area! You’ll love to grab some souvenirs from this city that brings you a blast from the past.

Hours & Location

📍 735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

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Ride the TECO Streetcar

The TECO Streetcar not only offers you a great way to get around Tampa, but it’s also completely free all year-round! This fun mode of transportation is charming, as the inside is decorated just like an old school streetcar. Use this to get from Downtown Tampa to Channelside, and then Ybor City! It’s a great way to spend a date, watching the city pass you by as you make your way to another fun destination. This is one of the best in class pick for free date ideas at Tampa. Did we mention it’s air conditioned too?

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St. Pete Pier

For a date full of shopping, sights, and things to do, you need to head to the St. Pete Pier. Full of gorgeous art installations and local vendors, there’s plenty to browse! If you make your way to the end of the pier, there are stores and food vendors for you to recharge. It’s also a gorgeous spot to watch the sunset over the water! Worried about the walk back? The St. Pete Pier offers a free tram that will take you all the way back to the start, so you and your date can kick back and relax.

Hours & Location

📍600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

More info

Free Date Ideas in Tampa Bay

Excited about exploring different spots for a perfect date night in Tampa Bay? Let us know your favorite by tagging @StuffToDoInTampaBay on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook!

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Curated by

Rachie Simoni | Visit Profile >

Outdoor lover exploring southeast USA - sometimes with a bunny and dog in tow 👀...

Free Date Night Ideas in Tampa Bay to Try