One of the aspects to having a healthy relationship is to keep date night alive. But for many of us, we run into the issue of not having any ideas for what to do in Tampa that will be fun for both you and your significant other. My boyfriend and I have checked out a few places around the Tampa Bay area and I can now bring to you the top ten places to host your date.

1. Top of the Palms
This was where my boyfriend and I had our very first date. It's a small, buffet-style restaurant on the third floor of the Marshall Student Center. You don't even have to leave campus to have a nice date.This cute spot provides a beautiful view of the campus while serving delicious food that so beats the dining halls. The menu changes everyday and they always have a lovely selection of assorted desserts as well. They're only open for a short period of time so reservations are suggested. Their hours are from 11:30 am until 2 pm. For those of you with meal plans, the best part is that they accept dining dollars. It's a great place to spend them.

2. Fun Lan Drive In Theatre

Want to bring back a classic date night style? Then go to Fun Lan and experience their drive-in theatre. Most nights, they'll give you free popcorn with a purchase of a ticket. My boyfriend and I got Chili's to go and enjoyed our meal in the car while we watched a scary movie. It works by tuning into their radio station in your car so you hear the movie through your own speakers. The biggest perk: it's cheap too. Seven dollars per person as opposed to ten at other theaters. It's definitely a cute idea, and worth checking out if movies are your thing.

3. Restaurants near you

There are plenty of restaurants around campus but the best time to go is when they're having promotional deals. You may want to spoil your significant other but let's face it, we're all on a budget here. There's no harm in saving a couple of bucks. It's about the quality of the time spent and not the quantity of the moola spent. Chillis has a 2 for 20 deal, that includes an appetizer, and two entrees. TGIF is currently doing endless appetizers for $12 a person. Gators Dockside hosts endless traditional wing night on Monday and all you can eat boneless wings on Wednesday for $10 person. And you can also participate in trivia and win prizes on top of that.

4. Studio Movie Grill

This theatre brings back the concept of dinner and a show. Its a dine-in movie theatre that provides full service throughout the entire movie. Not only can you get quality food at decent prices but they also provide a full bar and lounge. Student tickets are also only $7 which is cheaper than most other theaters. The seats are comfortable and the staff is very nice.

5. Late night campus walks

I know I am not the only one who finds our campus beautiful. I find late night campus walks to be romantic. Do some exploring, you never know what you'll find. This is a great time to just talk and experience the night life of USF. Usually it's quite peaceful without the sun blaring on you and not to mention, free.

6. Riverfront Park

Riverfront is close to campus and offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities from picnic facilities, and disc golf to kayaking on the Hillsborough River. Its only $5 to rent a kayak with a USF ID. Throw some adventure in with the romance.

7. Moonlight Canoeing

This is hosted at Riverfront Park as well. Its $5 per person with a USF ID and a reservation is needed in advance. Its a very cute idea and is a great way to enjoy your partner's company.

8. Paddle boarding

USF St. Pete offers free paddle boarding at their campus with access to Bayboro Harbor and the Gulf Beaches. Paddle boarding is tons of fun and doesn't require any experience. It's worth the drive over to the St. Pete campus to enjoy this water sport. Yet again, a huge perk of it is that it's free.

9. Tampa Riverwalk

Located in Downtown Tampa, this is a nice palce to walk and enjoy the view of the Hillsborough river. Sometimes, they even host events on the Riverwalk which are nice to enjoy. They also have a dog park, if you have a pet you want to bring along. Yet again, no fee.

10. Ybor City Art Walk

This event takes place on the first Saturday of every month from noon to 6 pm. There are 19 stops on the tour and these include traditional galleries, photo studios, performance venues, museums and more. It provides a very cultured environment of friendly people admiring art.


Next time you're completely lost about what to do with your significant other, think about these locations and activities. "Netflix and chill" is always nice but doing something creative always helps keep a relationship alive. These activities are not only great to do with your significant other but with your friends too. The possibilities are endless.