Date Ideas on Water Street, Channelside, and Downtown Tampa

Enjoy Game Night with Drinks at Park & Rec Tampa

This one’s for game lovers and late-night enthusiasts–for a date night full of endless entertainment, enjoy drinks, and various games at Park & Rec! This arcade and bar provide adults with a fun flashback playground with odes to the ’90s.

Sip on sweet party pouches as you play retro arcade games, play a game or two of table hockey, shoot your shot at garbage pong, and challenge yourself at giant Jenga!

Park & Rec Tampa offers so many fun activities to explore with your date that it’ll be hard to find a way to end the night. But if you’re not ready to end the date just yet, stop by Hampton Chocolate Factory in Sparkman Wharf for some luxurious and seriously tasty treats.

📍 290 S Meridian Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Grab a Bite and Drinks at Sparkman Wharf

Can’t decide on a restaurant to pick for date night? Head on over to Sparkman Wharf! This amazing Channelside attraction houses numerous restaurants and food options on-site! They serve a diverse collection of delicious delights, ranging from ice cream to bbq. They even have plenty of drink possibilities to explore as well.

For a date during the day, grab a light bite to eat paired with a coffee from Sparkman’s Shortwave Coffee. To combat the heat and refresh with a frozen dessert from Jeni’s for a sweet treat. Cheers to good company and happy hours from Sparkman’s beer garden for date night!

📍 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Try a Sangria Flight at La La's Sangria Bar

Soar through sensational sangria flights from La La’s Sangria Bar! This vibrant bar specializes in this famous wine-based libation, serving both white and red mixtures. Choose up to 3 flavors of their selection of 7, and curate a delicious row of drinks to share!

Pair your drinks with one of the many yummy bites served, ranging from air-fried chicken tenders to flatbreads. La La’s also offers hookah hookups, cigars, and vapes. Plus, you can enjoy live DJ performances as you sip and share your dream flight of sangrias with your special someone!

Eat a Bowl from Poké Company then Grab Dessert from Gelato-Go

Catch a Game at Maloney's

If you and your date love to keep track of sports, catch a game at Maloney’s! This casual and lively bar serves delicious drinks and classic pub fare! Maloney’s offers inside and outdoor seating. Both seating options come equipped with numerous TVs showcasing the latest games.

At the bar, Maloney’s serves classic favorite drinks and a range of flavors on tap. For some game-viewing snacks, they serve wings, burgers, and chicken strips! During happy hours, you can score stellar deals on select drinks, and, depending on the day, you can make use of their daily special!

Go Bowling at Splitsville

A little friendly competition never hurts! So, why not challenge your date to a bowling showdown at Splitsville? This date hot spot offers a fun location to visit filled with food, drinks, and, of course, bowling!

After a couple of rounds of scoring strikes, you can take the competition to Splitsville’s ping pong table, pool table, skee ball machines, and tabletop shuffleboard.

Refuel with a delicious treat from Splitsville’s menu and refresh with a drink from their bar! Splitsville has got you covered on all your date-out necessities, ranging from food to entertainment.

Enjoy a Dinner Cruise on Yacht StarShip

Set sail on a romantic trip aboard Yacht StarShip! As you glide through shimmering waters, dance, dine and unwind with your date by your side. Yacht StarShip offers public and private charters and provides brunch, dinner, and cocktail hour cruises.

Sailing with StarShip definitely leans more towards one of our more expensive date ideas in Channelside. But, for a single price, you can make the most of an open bar, stellar views, the fresh ocean breeze, and a 2-hour cruise on a lavish yacht!

📍 615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Explore the Florida Aquarium

Get up close and personal with some adorable aquatic creatures by exploring the Florida Aquarium! Like many of our date ideas in Channelside, visiting the Florida Aquarium entails a long list of fun things to do!

Walk through an underwater tunnel and experience what it’s like to explore the world below the sea (and river). Pet stingrays and squishy starfish at the touch tank, and witness countless adorable animals that soar, swim, and slither!

You can also relish a bite to eat at the Aquarium’s cafeteria and sign up for special experiences like their dolphin cruise (another great date idea to enjoy).

Sit by the Fire at Grand Central Channelside

As the stars begin to paint the sky with speckles of light as the cool evening breeze settles in, unwind with your date by the fire at Grand Central Channelside!

This romantic and casual date night spot comes with cozy seating, drinks, and outdoor TVs. The Grand Central courtyard houses a couple of bars and restaurants within this collaborative space, offering plenty of tasty selections to explore.

Cozy up by the fire and melt into each other’s arms while enjoying drinks at hand and entertainment on the screens! This also makes for a fun and inexpensive date idea to experience!

📍 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602

Take Mural Pics

Go on an adventure through Channelside and discover all the beautiful murals around the neighborhood during your date! Make memories and capture them as you search and find the numerous colorful murals adorning the area. Some spots sporting dazzling murals around Channelside include guest parking entrances, in front of, and all along Franklin Street!

Cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena

There’s no better date night than a Lightning Game–go Bolts! You can keep it casual by grabbing a drink and a quick bite at The Sail in Sparkman and enjoying the 300-section.

If you’re feeling a little more upscale, buy tickets to the Chase Club and enjoy unlimited food and drinks complimentary of that section… either way it’s a win-win!

📍 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Step Back in Time at the Tampa Bay History Center

Did you know that Tampa has a super-rich history? From its first Native American inhabitants to the creation of Ybor City’s cigar industry, learn about it all at the Tampa Bay History Center! Learn more about our amazing city through the different exhibits and historical features.

They even have a reproduction of a 1920s cigar store. After learning about Tampa Bay, visit their gorgeous outdoor restaurant; The Columbia, for authentic Cuban eats.

📍 801 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602

Induldge at Malio's Prime Steakhouse

Are you looking for a more formal experience? Go for a luxurious date at Malio’s, a local Downtown Tampa steakhouse. Their elegant setting is the perfect spot to order a steak and another American-style steakhouse eats.

It’s also perfect for the wine lover in your life! They have a huge wine list and educated staff.

Grab a Drink and See the Sunset at Remedy

There’s something so romantic about watching the sunset. One of the most gorgeous sunset views is at Remedy, near the Tampa Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Park.

The Remedy is an open-air patio bar, full of modern elegance. Grab one of their signature cocktails and sit at their high-top tables overlooking the river and The University of Tampa. As the sun sets, the sky turns all sorts of beautiful colors and you have a front-row seat.

Hop on Pirate Water Taxi

Hop on Pirate Water Taxi and travel to the hottest spots in Downtown Tampa by traveling through the Hillsborough River! Pirate Water Taxi offers stops at various locations worth exploring on your date, including the Riverwalk, Straz Theatre, Tampa Museum of Art, and Armature Works, among other fantastic destinations!

While chugging along the river, listen to tales about Tampa’s history and uncover the best spots to visit in the area! Pirate Water Taxi also offers private charters and happy hour specials!

📍 333 S. Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Pedal into the Sunset with Kraken Cycle Boats

Drink, pedal, and coast along the river with Kraken Cycle Boats! Get active and party it up on your date with this fun boating experience as you view Tampa from the waters! Starting at the Tampa Convention Center, cruise down the river passing Tampa staples such as the University of Tampa, Curtis Hixon Park, and the Riverwalk!

At the end of the line, you’ll hop off at Armature Works, grab a bite to eat, and take in picturesque views from the land. When you return to your trusty boat, you’ll drink and drift back to the start as you jam to tunes!

📍 333 S. Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Paddleboard Down the Hillsborough River

Staying on the theme of outdoor activities, paddleboarding is super popular in the Downtown Tampa area!  Launch from one of the many paddleboard rental spots and enjoy the fresh air of paddling down the Hillsborough River. Paddleboarding welcomes people of all skill levels, as you can kneel on the board or stand for a more expert level.

It’s a great way to spend the weekend and after working up a sweat, you can grab a bite at Armature Works for some rest!

Grab Drinks and Unwind at the JW Marriott

The JW Marriott is one of the most elegant destinations in the Downtown Tampa area, plus there is so much to do! Whether you’re starting off a night on the town or just want to sit back and chill, there’s something for you at the JW.

Before heading off to a game or concert, check out their lobby bar, The Driftlight Lounge–a beautiful space surrounded by four stories of windows for natural light.

Or you can chill out for dinner at SIX, their pool-front bistro that serves up delicious modern American eats!

📍505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602

Cruise Around Downtown with eBoats Tampa

Show off your boat captain skills on your date!  No worries, you won’t need a boating license for these. The electric boats by eBoats Tampa are super easy to navigate. We recommend enjoying a boat during the night to enjoy Downtown Tampa’s lights along the Hillsborough River. It’s also a great option for a double date, as their boats hold up to 10 passengers!

Pro-Tip: Check out their website for different deals and packages!

Enjoy a Floating Tiki Bar with Pirate Tiki

Only in Downtown Tampa can you find a floating tiki bar to host your dream date. From day to night, Pirate Tiki launches from Armature Works to slowly make your way down the Hillsborough River.

They’ll provide the captain, a cooler with ice, and a Bluetooth sound system–you provide the drinks and tunes! Together you’ll create a scenic party where you can sit back, relax or dance on the water.

Public cruises pick up and drop off at Armature Works.

📍1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Ride Around the City on a Scooter

Electric scooters are a great way to get around Downtown Tampa! Beat the traffic and get through the city at your own speed; find new restaurants, coffee, shops, and bars as you wander around.

You can find scooters all around the city, from Armature Works and all the way to Amalie Arena. You and your date will have so much fun while zooming around!

Explore Downtown Tampa from Above with a Helicopter Tour

Located at the Peter O. Knight Airport in Davis Island is flyVENTURE; Tampa’s take on helicopter tours. As one of the largest and most reputable helicopter companies in the nation, you can have a smooth flight with one of their experienced pilots.

📍825 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Catch a Show at the Straz Center

Get all dressed up and go to a show at the theatre! The Straz Center is the perfect place to start when looking for shows in Tampa. From musicals, and concerts, to interesting speakers, check out their online schedule to see when your favorites come into town!

Not only do they plan amazing entertainment, but the theatre is beautiful as well with tiered seating and an ornate atmosphere.

📍1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa, FL 33602

Get Artsy at the Tampa Museum of Art

For a lowkey and artsy date, the Tampa Museum of Art is the perfect option. With visiting exhibits and amazing collections, you and your date will love to peruse historical art, photography, modern paintings, and huge installations. Check out their website for schedules on new exhibits!

If you want a more hands-on experience, they even offer creative classes where you can try out new art-making techniques. After, visit their in-house Riverwalk Cafe where you get delicious handcrafted meals, coffee, and gelato!

📍120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602

Watch a Film at the Tampa Theatre

Built in the 1920s, The Tampa Theatre is a city landmark in Tampa Bay!  This old-school-style movie theater is a gorgeous spin on the classic dinner and a movie. You’ll love to watch a movie in their ornate digs.

Check out their schedule for movie selections and times, highlighting indie movies that are perfect for the film buff in your life!

📍 711 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Smile for the Camera at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts

Are you a photography buff? Get some new inspiration for you and your date at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts!

Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, this museum is dedicated to historical and contemporary photographic artists. Not only is the collection amazing, but the atmosphere is beautiful with tons of windows for natural light. Definitely go during the day!

Take a Romantic Stroll on the Riverwalk

Sometimes the simplest dates are the best. Walk, talk, and enjoy the view of the Tampa Riverwalk! Stretching from Armature Works to Sparkman Wharf, the Tampa Riverwalk takes you through all of the city’s greatest spots.

In the daytime, the stroll is beautiful as you get to have a bright waterfront view. At night though, the Tampa Riverwalk lights up with multicolored lighting to add a mood to your stroll! Take a look at our Riverwalk guide for some fun ideas along the way.