Things To Do For Couples In Tampa In Our 4-Day Itinerary

If you’re planning a trip and want the best things to do for couples in Tampa, this guide has you covered. We’ve put together a 4-day Tampa itinerary filled with romantic activities, amazing food, cultural highlights, and practical tips to make your getaway smooth and memorable.

Tampa isn’t just a cruise stop—it’s a city full of surprises. Historic Ybor City, manatee encounters, rooftop pools, riverside strolls, and creative dining all make it perfect for couples. Here, every day brings a mix of relaxation and adventure, giving you the chance to slow down, explore, and enjoy time together.

4-Day Tampa Bay Itinerary For Couples

When planning our trip to Tampa Bay with my wife, Chantelle, I was looking for fun things to do as a couple. What we ended up with was a really well-balanced 4 day itinerary that had us exploring, getting active, relaxing, eating great food, and above all else, just enjoying each other’s company.

As a couple that hasn’t spent any time in Tampa before, we were honestly surprised in the best way possible. Most people know it to be a place to board cruise ships, or where you’d jump off to the beaches but it turns out to be an awesome city that blends big attractions with local gems, so every day felt full but never overwhelming.

As we do with all of our itineraries, we delve into the details of how you can spend 4 romantic days in Tampa where you can really slow down and enjoy the best that the city has to offer.

Day 1: Love For Manatees

Your first day in Tampa Bay starts off with spending time with the care of the gentle giants of Florida followed by an incredible meal. Savor every moment of it!

With us based in Toronto, Canada, the beauty of going to Tampa Bay is just how easy the connection is. With numerous flights a day, we hopped on with WestJet early in the morning and got in before noon.

The first order of business was dropping off our things at the hotel. While it was still early to check-in, Element Tampa Midtown was kind enough to provide us a room that was ready.

We simply dropped things off and caught a Lyft to our next destination.

One thing worth noting is that for this trip, we opted to forgo the car rental this time around. Since we knew that we were just focused on the city of Tampa Bay and how everything was going to be quite central, it made sense to use a rideshare. This also had the benefit of avoiding to deal with parking.

You’re going to spend the majority of your afternoon at ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

Typically, we aren’t as gung-ho about seeing animals in captivity but what made this an easy decision was that they are one of the few places that operate a critical care center for Manatees. In addition to being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), they put a heavy focus on conservation and community-based outreach.

While Busch Gardens was certainly on the table, it wasn’t as appealing to be running around and waiting in lines, so ZooTampa seemed like a great place for couples, where we could have a more laid-back afternoon and focus more on the manatees.

In addition to spending time exploring the different zones of the park and getting soaked on Roaring Springs, make sure to set aside time to do the Manatee Critical Care Center Behind-The-Scenes Tour.

Florida is home to the large aquatic mammals that has the nickname “sea cow” but, unfortunately, many get injured due to incidents with boats and cold weather. ZooTampa is one of two places in the state that has a critical care center, or hospital if you will, that has a facility set up with special medical care.

In the 30-minute tour, you’ll be guided around the back-stage area that zoo visitors typically can’t get to and you’ll learn about the process of how the manatees are brought to the zoo, how the medical pools are used to care for injured manatees, and how they are eventually nursed back to health and released back into the wild.

It was heartbreaking to see some of the injuries the manatees under their care had, but also inspiring at the same time with the dedication of the team.

After an afternoon at the zoo, you’re bound to be hungry and probably a little sweaty. Head back to the hotel to freshen up and in the same building as the hotel is the award-winning restaurant, Sunda New Asian.

We were blown away by the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that is inspired by Southeast Asian cuisine. From bulgogi roti tacos, oxtail gyoza, signature crispy rice, Penang beef short rib, unique sushi rolls, and more, every dish was a delight.

Thanks to its convenient location to the hotel, grab a night-cap (or two) before heading back to the hotel room for a much-needed night or rest before Day 2!

Day 2: Museums, Markets, And Making Waves

For your second day in Tampa, you’ll get out to some of the best that the city has to offer.

After breakfast at the Element, catch a Lyft to the first highlight of the day, the Tampa Museum of Art.

It’s located along the banks of the Hillsborough River and the Tampa Riverwalk that you’ll explore afterwards. Before you head in, take a moment to appreciate the architecture of the museum, featuring a perforated aluminum exterior propped above a glass base.

Similar to the zoo, it’s not an overwhelmingly large space to wander through but has a compelling mix of contemporary and classical exhibits of art that range from paintings, sculptures, and also Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities.

Like its architecture, it’s a jewel box of treasures waiting to be discovered.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Address: Cornelia Corbett Center, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
• Hours:
  • Monday – Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
  • Art on the House is on Thursday and it runs from 4 – 8PM. This is when you pay-as-you-will.
• Price: 
  • Adults: $25
  • Adults 65+: $15
  • Military: $15
  • Professional Artist: $15
  • Children 6 & Under: Free
• Parking: No parking on-site due to its location. These are your following options, depending on your transportation type:
  • By car: William F. Poe Parking Garage, Royal Street Regional Lot or metered street parking if available.
  • By bus: HART bus routes have convenient stops within a short walking distance to the Museum.
  • By street car: The TECO Line Street Car‘s stop number 11 at Ft. Brooke Parking Garage is only a short 15-minute walk to the museum.
  • By boat or water taxi: Only museum in the US that’s accessible by boat. They have free dock access on Riverwalk, but limited space, or Pirate Water Taxi service at stop number 12 along the Hillsborough River drops guests off at Curtis Hixon Park right in front of the Tampa Museum of Art.
• Website: Tampa Museum of Art
• Why it’s great for couples: Admittedly, we’re not big art lovers but what we loved about this gallery was that it wasn’t overwhelming to explore, there was quite a variety thanks to exhibitions that feature archeological pieces, and it was great for photos.
• Tips:
  • Backpacks, large bags (over 11×15 inches), luggage, food, drinks, tripods, and umbrellas aren’t allowed in the museum. They luckily have a free cabinet (photo above) which you can use to store your belongings but they are not individual. I had no issues bringing my smaller Peak Design 7L Outdoor Sling into the museum.
  • When visiting, make sure you take advantage of the two outdoor balconies which have great views of Tampa Riverwalk.
  • Personal-use photography and video is allowed except where indicated but your cameras/phones have to be less than 3 lbs. You also can’t use flash, external lights, selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, stands, drones, or other photography accessories.
  • If you’re staying at Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse, you’ll get a free pass to the museum.
  • If you’re an active bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit cardholder, you can take advantage of the Bank of America Museums on Us program which allows for free access on the first weekend of every month.

After soaking in the art and creativity at the museum, it’s time to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air along the popular Tampa Riverwalk. Since you’ll be at the Tampa Museum of Art, the segment between Curtis Hixon Park and Hotel Tampa Riverwalk is our favorite.

The entire stretch follows the Hillsborough River to the Garrison Channel, starting at Armature Works and going all the way down to Sparkman Wharf.

Strolling the scenic waterfront, you can take in city views, watch boats drift by, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that makes this spot a favorite for both locals and visitors.

If you’re looking for a self-guided way to learn more about all of the sights that you can see surrounding the Tampa Riverwalk, consider this audio walking tour that works on your smartphone.

For lunch you can either walk along the Tampa Riverwalk north or call a rideshare to Heights Public Market at Armature Works. This was the site of a former trolley warehouse and now converted into a modern venue and food hall.

With a variety of food vendors and a lively, communal atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to refuel and soak in some local flavor before continuing your adventures. You can decide to either sit indoors, there is a central courtyard with cooling mist machines, or there are seats and tables on the river side.

There are plenty of options here so feel free to pick whatever looks (or smells!) best to you. While we were there, we heard good things about Empamamas, Dolmoros, Muchachas, Fit Bowl Co., and Buddy Brew so that is what we ended up eating for lunch.

After enjoying lunch at Heights Public Market, it was time to get back on the water for our next adventure, a stand-up paddleboarding class with Urban Kai.

Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to enjoy some time on the water, this experience offers a fun way to see Tampa from a new perspective. For the session, we started from Armature Works, paddled all the way to just by Curtis Hixon Park, and then turned back.

All of these years, we never took any lessons for SUP and simply rented and went out on our own. With Mike from Urban Kai, we learned the proper technique for stand-up paddleboarding which was truly game-changing.

If group tours or classes aren’t your style, don’t worry, stand-up paddleboard rentals are also available, giving you the freedom to explore Tampa’s waterways at your own pace and enjoy a little solo adventure on the water.

After our SUP experience, we went back to our hotel to rest and change for a fun night out.

Date night in Tampa begins at the restaurant Ash by Chef Ferrell Alvarez. We weren’t too familiar with his accolades but by the end of the night we were singing his praises.

We can confidently say that after we tried a good selection of their sharable dishes, this was the best meal that we had in Tampa. As an experience, everything was elevated to perfection, whether it be the decor and ambiance, the service, the colorful presentation, and in richness of taste and texture.

While everything we had was excellent, the standout dish was their fried rabbit. In this case, they’ve taken something that is normally prepared in a specific way and turned it on its head by evoking the familiarity of fried chicken but reconstituted in different ways such as with the espuma that tastes like celery and blue cheese dip.

Ash blew us away and is just one of many examples of how hot the culinary scene is in Tampa Bay.

If Ash is a bit out of your budget, you should consider Ferrell’s original restaurant that started it all, Rooster and the Till.

Right next to Ash is the cocktail lounge Alter Ego. When the discrete black doors open up, you’re transported to a svelte speakeasy vibe where the music is good, there are snacks to nibble on, and the song-inspired drinks hit the spot.

It’s a chic romantic spot to end off the perfect night out.

Day 3: Historic Ybor City

Today, you’ll be exploring a city within a city and learning about how Tampa got its status as the Cigar Capital of the World.

Start your day by heading to Oxford Exchange. This is a hidden gem of a spot that’s part bookstore, gift shop, candle making workshop, lounge space, tea shop, coffee bar, and restaurant.

Breakfast is a great time to come or if you end up eating at your hotel, come here to for a cup of coffee or tea.

With our energy fueled, we headed over to the Ybor City, a neighborhood that is rich in history, colorful, and wonderfully unique. Coming here feels like stepping into a different era.

We recommend that you go to the Ybor City Visitor Center which has a lovely short video that you can watch that talks about the formation of Ybor City thanks to Vicente Martinez Ybor.  It’s his entrepreneurship and vision that shaped the city.

From there, step onto Cuban soil by walking into José Martí Park. This park is dedicated to a poet, journalist, and revolutionary leader who fought for Cuba’s independence from Spanish rule.

Across the street you’ll see a large sign for Ybor Square. This was the site of the founder’s original cigar factory.

Head one block south to 7th Avenue. This is the main thoroughfare for Ybor City. Starting from the main gate, as you walk east, you’ll see historic signs, old brick buildings, balconies, cafes, and cigar shops. There are also many modern updates as well, becoming a popular nightlife destination with clubs, bars, and lounges.

It’s one of those places where history and modern culture blend in a way you won’t find anywhere else in Tampa. 

If you have time, we recommend the Ybor City Historic Walking Tour. It delves into the rich tapestry of Ybor City’s past, from its origins as a cigar manufacturing hub to its vibrant immigrant communities. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore notable landmarks, learn about the cultural influences that shaped the area, and hear captivating stories that bring the city’s history to life.

You can’t visit Ybor City without going to the legendary Columbia Restaurant. With over 120 years of history and run by the same family for 5 generations, this is in fact the oldest restaurant in Florida, and the largest Spanish restaurant in the United States.

With impeccable service, authentic Spanish decor, and wonderful Spanish and Cuban inspired family recipes, you come here for the entire experience.

While we were here, our server arranged an order of some of their best including sangria, “1905” salad, empanadas de picadillo, fideua de mariscos, and white chocolate bread pudding.

Before you go, make sure to wander around the multiple sections of the restaurant where you’ll see historic photos, Don Quixote murals, Seville tiles, family heirlooms, and paintings.

Head back to the hotel for a quick change and make your way to downtown Tampa, more specifically, Sparkman Wharf.

By its entrance is the Tampa Sign where you’ll be able to take some fun photos. This sign actually changes throughout the year so by the time you come, it’ll likely look different.

If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to visit Hampton Chocolate Factory.

We originally heard about The Giant Cone, a ludicrously large and tall 5lb soft serve ice cream, but we weren’t hungry enough for one. We also realized that you need to make a reservation if you want one.

Instead, we wanted to see what the hype was all about with Dubai Chocolate so we got one of their special sundaes. It was absolutely divine with their pistachio cream, crunchy kataifi bits, layered soft-serve swirl, and fresh strawberries.

One of the premiere activities you can do in Tampa Bay and perfect for couples is Craft Tampa, a romantic evening that combines a multi-course dining experience with a river cruise that sails through the heart of the city as the sun glows.

Opting for the outdoor seating, we had an awesome view from the stern of the ship. Once the boat leaves the dock, you’ll seamlessly transition from appetizer to main to dessert over the course of the 2 hours. You also aren’t tied to your seats as you can ask your server to have your drinks or even dessert served at the bow where there are additional high tops and loungers to enjoy the passing Tampa skyline.

This is truly something unique and a great way to send off your final night in Tampa.

Day 4: Relax Before You Go

For your final day in Tampa Bay, squeeze every last moment in with your partner with a superb breakfast and soothing spa experience.

Since it won’t make sense to go back and forth between the hotel, check out of the hotel in the morning and bring your luggage with you.

What might seem like a hole in the wall, Supernatural Food & Wine is one of those local secrets that you can’t miss.

Come here for their scrumptious breakfast sandwiches and their fresh cider sourdonuts. While they make a sugary mess, we couldn’t believe how light and fluffy the donuts were. It’s no wonder that they sell out every day.

Since we were taking the afternoon flight back to Toronto, we only had the morning to work with, but that didn’t stop us from making the most of it.

When we looked up good spas in the city, the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street had the best reviews. So, to round out our couple’s trip to Tampa, we booked a 50-minute couple’s massage.

Spa by JW operates within the hotel and lives up to the reputation of the JW Marriott brand with stellar facilities, spacious but private lounge space, an exclusive rooftop jacuzzi, and excellent selection of refreshments and snacks.

Most importantly, we were impressed with how good the masseuses were and the extreme attention to detail with comfort such as the use of hot towels.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Address: 510 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602
• Hours:
  • Mon-Fri: 10AM – 6PM
  • Sat-Sun: 9AM – 6PM
• Price: There are a wide range of treatment options available including the 50-minute massage for $185.
• Parking: There is off-site parking available at Pam Iorio Garage just a half mile away from the hotel, or you can select to do short term valet for $35 at the hotel.
• Website: Spa by JW
• Tips: 
  • Highly recommended to reserve your spa treatment ahead of time.
  • We really appreciated having the over-sized lockers in the change rooms which we actually needed since we were with our suitcases. There is plenty of space in the locker for luggage.
  • Included with your treatment is full-day use of the spa’s facility including their indoor lounge and outdoor rooftop area including jacuzzi. You will also have in-and-out privileges. The pool is separate to the spa, so you won’t have access to that.
  • It’s recommended to use the steam room and sauna before your massage treatment so plan to arrive 1 hour early if possible.

With that, we sadly had to end off our trip here. After we got to enjoy a little extra time using the spa’s facilities, we called a Lyft to take us to the airport.

Tampa Is Full Of Surprises

After four incredible days exploring Tampa with my wife, we are here to tell you that it’s a place that’s absolutely underrated. It’s more than a pitstop before a cruise or heading to St. Pete’s.

From the exotic animals at ZooTampa to the historic streets of Ybor City, and ending with a relaxing couples massage, it’s clear why this city is such a popular Florida destination. Whether you’re visiting for the culture, the food, or the waterfront adventures, Tampa offers something for every type of traveler.

What surprised us the most though was how good the food scene is in Tampa Bay. As a romantic getaway, this was usually the tipping point for what made our trip extra memorable.

Map Of Tampa Itinerary

Use this Google Map to easily navigate all the stops on our 4-day Tampa itinerary.

7 Tampa Travel Tips

Here are a few insights from our trip to Tampa that might help you plan your visit or at least give you an idea of what to expect.

1. Pack for the Weather – Tampa is warm year-round, but summer brings high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Light, breathable clothing and a refillable water bottle are must-haves.
2. Plan Your Parking – Downtown and popular attractions like the Riverwalk can have limited or pricey parking. Check parking maps in advance to save time and stress.
3. Book Tours Early – Experiences such as the Ybor City Walking Tour, paddleboarding classes, and Craft Tampa can fill up quickly, so reserve your spot ahead of time.
4. Mix Indoor and Outdoor Activities -Tampa’s mix of museums, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront adventures makes it easy to balance sun-filled days with indoor escapes when the weather is hot or rainy.
5. Getting Around Tampa – While having a car is convenient for reaching beaches and outlying attractions, rideshares, biking, and walking along areas like the Riverwalk are easy ways to explore the city without worrying about parking.
6. Bank On Clear Summer Mornings – In the summer, you’ll find that the weather is more stable and clear in the morning so outdoor activities such as SUP are better during this time of day.
7. Lyft vs. Uber – As you’ve read, we decided to use ride-share for our trip to Tampa. Something interesting we noticed is that Lyft drivers mostly operate around the airport and Midtown Tampa, however, were near impossible to find downtown. When you’re downtown, Uber is going to work a lot better.

Tampa Itinerary Packing Guide

Before you hit the road, it’s helpful to know what to pack for a Tampa trip. From sunny days exploring the Riverwalk to relaxing evenings after a couples massage, having the right gear can make your adventure more comfortable and enjoyable.

Similar to our Miami itinerary, here’s a quick guide of essentials to bring along for your 4-day Tampa getaway for couples:

• Sunglasses: A good pair of sunglasses go a long way. We’re huge fans of Maui Jim and we pair them with Croakies Arc System eye glass retainer.
• Sun-friendly clothes: You’ll be spending a lot of time in the outdoors whether it’s on the Tampa Riverwalk or out stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll certainly want to bring your best beachwear; you’ll also want to pack clothes that can help you stay cool and covered from the sun such as these short-sleeve shirts or one of these types of rash guards.
• Pack a hat: Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing! When you’re out all day exploring, you’ll need a good hat to protect you from the sun.  For even more protection, consider a good wide-brimmed hat.
• Bring plenty of sunblock: Make sure you have a bottle of sunblock with you at all times. Add it to your daypack when you’re out and about sightseeing and reapply it throughout the day to avoid getting a nasty sunburn. Don’t forget aloe vera gel just in case.
• Comfy walking shoes: This trip involves a lot of walking tours, so make sure you pack Altra Lone Peak shoes which have been a revelation since owning them. You might even want to consider bringing a pair of walking sandals too so you can wear those on extra warm days.
• If you’re visiting from another country, remember you’ll need a travel adapter and a voltage converter. In the US they use plug types A and B, so maybe bring one of each just in case!
  • As the US runs off 120V electricity outlets, if you have electronics that run off 240V it’s worth investing in a voltage converter. They’ll save your electronics from getting destroyed!
• Anyone who isn’t a US national should also be up to date with VISA requirements before organizing a trip to Tampa. You can find out more and check if you need a VISA or ESTA here.

Tampa Frequently Asked Questions

This article was made possible through a partnership with Visit Tampa Bay. That said, all opinions are our own.