Romantic Getaways

Romantic Things to Do

First things first: the beach. Find a secluded spot in the sand where the two of you can enjoy hours of sunshine, calm waters and uninterrupted bliss. Step up the romance with a picnic at sunset – it’s a perfect setting for popping the question, or just for celebrating your love. Try Pass-a-Grille Beach, Indian Shores or Honeymoon Island State Park for a romantic backdrop.

For a breezier date-night experience, opt for a sunset sail from Dolphin Landings in St. Pete Beach, John’s Pass in Madeira Beach or the marina at Clearwater Beach.

For a lush setting teeming with gorgeous blooms, head to Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo or Sunken Gardens in St. Pete – both are great spots to propose – and they’re popular wedding venues, too.

Are you up for some activity? Rent a kayak or a pair of paddleboards and paddle your way to pristine Shell Key (Caladesi Island and Weedon Island Preserve are two more great options). Fort De Soto Park is an absolute must for couples – rent a tandem bike or relax on the sand on the park’s popular North Beach. For unforgettable coastline vistas, elevate your romantic getaway with a parasailing adventure in Treasure Island, and take in unforgettable coastal vistas as you soar.

Irresistibly Romantic Restaurants 

No matter what your style, there is a restaurant in St. Pete/Clearwater that’s perfect for date night. Set in the luxe Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach, Caretta on the Gulf has amazing sunset views and a wonderful wine list to match. Black Pearl of Dunedin has an intimate setting and an ever-changing menu of decadent dishes. In quaint Safety Harbor, Parts of Paris will make you want to linger longer with its traditional French fare. (Creme brulee? Yes, please!) Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway in Indian Shores, Salt Rock Grill’s fresh-caught seafood and impressive wine list are a big date-night draw. Downtown St. Pete’s Beach Drive is a gorgeous backdrop, so grab a nightcap at The Canopy, a rooftop bar with stellar waterfront views. On the St. Pete Pier, Teak serves up fresh seafood in a chic modern setting – and the views are phenomenal. Nestled in St. Pete Beach’s iconic Don CeSar, Maritana is an award-winning restaurant with a menu that’ll make you swoon.

Read Our Story on Best Date-Night Restaurants

Romantic Places to Stay

Whether it’s your honeymoon or a couples weekend, you’ll find plenty of options when looking for a romantic hotel or resort. On Clearwater Beach, the Sandpearl Resort and Hyatt Clearwater Beach offer a luxurious resort experience in a gorgeous setting. Steps from a walkable downtown, Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is where you’ll find a relaxing retreat – go for a couples massage, then lounge by the pool beside your partner. Downtown’s Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection is a stellar choice within easy walking distance of the city’s sparkling waterfront, the St. Pete Pier and world-class museums. In fact, the Vinoy was named one of Historic Hotel's of America's Top 25 Most Romantic Hotels in 2024.  For a boutique experience, The Birchwood sits along St. Pete’s lovely Beach Drive. The rooms are gorgeous, as are the views from The Canopy, the hotel’s rooftop bar.

Stylish Hotel Zamora in St. Pete Beach is a wonderful accommodation choice, with sunset views you won’t want to miss from their rooftop bar, plus romantic flamenco-inspired decor and a lauded Mediterranean restaurant, Castile. And it goes without saying: The Don CeSar (The Pink Palace), might be the place for the ultimate couple’s escape. The sprawling beachfront icon exudes romance and is chock-full of amenities. (Note that the Don CeSar is closed for renovations, and expected to reopen in spring or summer 2025.) Nestled in tiny Pass-a-Grille, Coconut Inn promises a quiet couple’s retreat steps from the beach and Historic Eighth Avenue. If you really want to get away from it all, you and your love might find waterfront camping in Fort De Soto Park or on nearby Shell Key.