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When it comes to things to do in Tampa for couples, there are plenty of options. From a morning stroll on the River Walk to a dinner of caviar and champagne, couples will be able to fill their day with loads of fun activities.

Ready to start planning your couple’s trip to Tampa? Whether it’s just you and your partner or you’re traveling with other couples, use Troupe to help you easily plan your vacation from start to finish. Once you’re all booked, discover more about what to pack for a vacation to Florida. Tampa is also only a three-hour drive from beautiful Marco Island so it would be easy to combine the city and beach on your Florida trip.

The top 8 things to do in Tampa for couples include:

  1. Stroll on the Riverwalk
  2. Romantic dinner at Bern’s Steakhouse
  3. Hike Honeymoon Island State Park
  4. Visit Ybor City
  5. Chill at Sparkman Wharf
  6. Hang with manatees
  7. Spend a day on the water
  8. Enjoy the rides at Busch Gardens

Things to do in Tampa for couples

1. Take a stroll on the Tampa Riverwalk

The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.4 mile, walkable or bikeable path with plenty of entertaining places to stop along the way. This is a great activity for couples to enjoy in Tampa at any time of the day.

If you start at the south end of the Riverwalk, you’ll first come to the Florida Aquarium. Head in to learn more about the unique ecosystems of the region and get to meet animals like otters, alligators, and sharks.

The next stop along the way is the Tampa Bay Historical Center where you can get to know more about the region’s heritage. Not very interested in museums? You still need to take a quick pit stop here to try a Cuban sandwich from the city’s famous Columbia Cafe.

A mile in, the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park provides the perfect spot to take a load off for a little while. If walking isn’t enough for you and your partner, consider renting a waterbike or kayak and spending some time on the river.

At the end of the Riverwalk, you’ll be able to relax at one of the most beloved restaurants in the area, Ulele. Enjoy beer from their on-site brewery with outdoor dining while you sample from the very Floridian menu of Alligator hush puppies, charbroiled oysters, and plenty of fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.

Tampa Riverwalk sidewalk with trees. One of the best things to do in Tampa for couples

2. Visit the Dessert Room at Bern’s Steakhouse

A local favorite, Bern’s Steakhouse is the ultimate spot for a dinner date. Bern’s has one of the largest wine collections in the world, cut-to-order prime steaks, and a decadent ‘Dessert Room’.

If you’re celebrating, the restaurant even offers a caviar tasting which you can pair with a glass of champagne. With ambient lighting, marble busts, and chandeliers, the ambiance is perfect for date night. Once you reach the dessert room, you’ll even have a privacy booth made out of repurposed wine casks.

3. Take a hike at Honeymoon Island State Park

A 45-minute drive from Tampa, this is one of the best places to enjoy the white sand beaches of the area. As its name suggests, this is one of the most romantic places to enjoy a beach day with your loved one. Take advantage of the wonderful seashell gathering opportunities by the water’s edge or enjoy a peaceful wooded hike.

Aerial view looking over a bay to two vegetations covered islands with white sand beaches in the distance

4. Grab an ice cream and wander historic Ybor City

Wandering the charming streets of Ybor City is one of the best things to do in Tampa for couples. Founded in 1885, historic Ybor City is perfect for an afternoon stroll. Start off by grabbing an ice cream from Chill Bros Scoop Shop. Then, continue down Seventh Avenue, Ybor City’s main street. Here, you’ll find museums, art galleries, and plenty of bars and restaurants.

5. Spend an afternoon at Sparkman Wharf

Right next to the Florida Aquarium, you’ll find Sparkman Wharf. This trendy outdoor entertainment area is perfect for couples looking to spend a laidback afternoon in Tampa. You’ll find plenty of dining options here, along with an open-air Biergarten. They also frequently host events like live music, trivia, and bingo, so be sure to check their event calendar before you go.

6. Hang out with manatees

When in Florida, right? South of Tampa, you’ll find Tampa Electric. The water discharges from this power station are clean, warm, and incredibly welcoming to manatees. So much so that Tampa Electric built a Manatee Viewing Center to give everyone the chance to enjoy these amazing animals.

Wander the boardwalks above the warm waters where the manatees love to gather. In addition, visit the education center to learn more about the manatees. There’s even a gift shop and other animal viewing opportunities.

underwater shot of two manatees close together in turquoise waters

7. Get out on the water

In typical Florida fashion, there are plenty of options for spending time on the water here. Rent a SUP and take a paddleboard tour on the river in downtown Tampa. Charter a fishing boat and spend the day catching grouper on the Gulf of Mexico. Animal lovers will enjoy a dolphin or whale-watching excursion. In the evenings, yacht cruises will take you out on the water to enjoy the sunset.

8. Have fun at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens is Tampa Bay’s beloved African animal-themed amusement park that has won numerous awards. Roller coaster lovers will have their choice of heart-pounding rides to choose from. Not an adrenaline junkie? There are plenty of rides that aren’t so loopy, like the Congo River Rapids whitewater adventure. In addition, the park is home to more than 200 species of animals housed at one of the country’s most highly accredited zoos.

Ready to go to Tampa with your partner? Head over to Troupe and start planning your adventure.

Need more travel inspiration for future trips with your loved one?

Discover the most beautiful cities in Europe, perfect for a romantic getaway. Or if you want something more tropical, book a swim-up suite in Jamaica to enjoy as a couple.