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| This could be you... just saying. |
Of course you already know that a walk on the beach with your feet in the water and watching the sunset from the sand are non-negotiable. We'd never skip those. But if you're looking for something a little beyond the obvious, we've got you covered — because this area has so much more up its sleeve than most people realize.
A little while back I got a message from a guest staying at our Funshine Sunset Beach property. He was looking for romantic things to do with his partner but mentioned he was vegan — and honestly, he wasn't really looking for restaurant recommendations. He wanted experiences.
I loved that question because it made me think differently about what makes a place feel romantic. And the truth is, this area is absolutely overflowing with it — you just have to know where to look.
Here's exactly what I sent him, plus a few extras I've collected since. And yes — he and his partner came back. So I think we got it right. 😊
Set Sail on Tampa Bay
There's something about being out on the water as the sky turns pink and orange that just does something to you. If your budget allows, booking a private sunset sail is an absolute dream — just the two of you, the water, and that sky. But if you'd rather share the moment with a smaller group, there are plenty of intimate sail options in the area too.
Check out our Sunset Sail Guide for specific options and booking info.
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| Our preferred mode of transportation for the St. Pete waterfront tour. 😄 |
Evan and I have done this walk more times than I can count — and we never get tired of it. Start at the pier and walk all the way to the end, then head up to the third floor for some of the most stunning views of the St. Pete skyline you'll find anywhere. On your way back, browse the cute little touristy shops and booths along the pier — great for picking up a little something to remember the trip. Then stop at Spa Beach for photos — the backdrop is gorgeous.
From there, head up 2nd Ave N to Beach Drive for some window shopping. You can grab a gelato along the way, or if you want to keep the views going, pop into the Canopy Rooftop Bar — you'll be looking right back at the pier you just walked. Straub Park is right there too, and depending on when you visit there are usually seasonal decorations or art installations that make it even more special.
If you really want to have fun with it, do this route on bikes or segways — we've done it both ways and it never gets old.
The Dalí Museum
The Dalí Museum is one of those places that's just genuinely fun to experience with someone you love. The building itself is stunning — it sits right on the waterfront and is worth a look even from the outside. Inside, the collection is world class and a little wonderfully weird, which honestly makes for great conversation.
Even if you're not big art museum people, the Dalí has a way of pulling you in. You'll find yourselves stopping in front of the same painting and trying to figure out what you're even looking at — and that's kind of the whole point.
Check their website for current hours and admission before you go, and keep an eye out for special exhibits.
Sunken Gardens
If you're looking for something a little quieter and more tucked away, Sunken Gardens is a hidden gem. It's one of Florida's oldest living museums — a lush, tropical botanical garden right in the middle of St. Pete that feels like you've stepped into another world. It's peaceful, beautiful, and honestly really romantic in a low-key way.
And yes — there are flamingos. 🦩
Check Groupon before you go — they seem to almost always have discounted tickets available, which makes it an easy yes.
FloridaRama
FloridaRama is one of those places that's just good and weird in the best possible way — very St. Pete. It's a neon museum, so yes it's visually stunning and extremely photogenic, but what makes it really fun for couples is that they've turned the whole experience into a challenging scavenger hunt. The games are an add-on price but honestly they're worth it — you're not just wandering through exhibits, you're actually playing together, which makes for a really fun date energy.
Check Groupon before you go — they're often on there with discounted tickets. And if you happen to spot a celebrity while you're there, well... it's happened. 😄
Paddle Through the Mangroves
If you want to get out on the water in a more active way, Sharkey's Glass Bottom Tours out of St. Pete Beach offers an island and mangrove tunnel adventure that is really special. You'll kayak out to a secluded mangrove island, paddle through a mangrove tunnel, and hang out on a sandbar where you might spot dolphins, ospreys, and all kinds of sea life. It's four hours of pure Florida magic — and it launches right from St. Pete Beach, just minutes from our properties.
And if you want something a little more after-dark and intimate, they also offer a glass bottom LED illuminated night kayak tour — paddling over lit-up water while fish swim below you is as romantic as it sounds.
Ride Into the Sunset
If you really want to create a moment neither of you will ever forget, this is it. C Ponies offers horseback riding through the bay near Anna Maria Island on rescued Gypsy Vanner horses — and their Sunset Platinum Excursion is exactly as magical as it sounds. You're literally riding into a Gulf Coast sunset on a majestic horse. It's a bit of a drive from our properties, but some moments are worth the trip.
Just know that this isn't a last minute thing — this is the kind of romantic experience you have to plan for. Availability is limited and these rides fill up fast, so if you're dreaming of this one, start there first. 🐴🌅
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| Evan taking his mini golf very seriously at ParBar. I still won though. 🏌️😄 |
Not every romantic moment has to be soft and dreamy. Sometimes the best memories come from laughing so hard you can't breathe — and the Grand Central District delivers exactly that, all within about one block on Central Ave.
Start with axe throwing to get warmed up — yes, really, and yes it's as fun as it sounds. Then head next door to Grand Central Brewhouse for a cold beer and some live music (sometimes even dueling pianos). From there, walk across the courtyard to LaLa St. Pete — you can book your own private karaoke room for just the two of you, or if you're feeling bold, join the public karaoke during evening hours. Continue east to The Dog Bar because honestly what's more fun than petting a bunch of happy dogs with your favorite person? And if you still have energy, cap the night with a round of mini golf at ParBar on the corner of 23rd.
Evan and I love this neighborhood — it's the kind of night where you're not sure what you're going to do next and that's exactly the point.
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| The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club at dusk — $10, BYOB, and completely unforgettable. |
Friday Night Shuffle
If you really want to impress your date with something one of a kind, head to the Friday Night Shuffle at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. For just $10 each you can play on one of the oldest shuffleboard courts in the country, every Friday from 7-10pm. It's BYOB and bring your own food too, so pack a little picnic and make a night of it. It's fun, it's cheap, and it is absolutely, unapologetically Florida.
I've played here myself and the sunset views are stunning — trust me on this one.
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| Daniel Childs brought his guitar and left with a song. 🎸 |
A Song Written Just for You
Let's talk about live music for a second — because there is something undeniably romantic about sitting somewhere beautiful, watching the sun go down over the water, and letting someone else's music just wash over you. Maybe you dance a little. Maybe you just sit close and enjoy it. Either way, it's the kind of evening that feels effortless and special at the same time.
Daniel Childs plays every Wednesday from 5-8pm on the waterfront patio at Shrimpy's on St. Pete Beach — and it's the perfect setting for exactly that kind of night. He's one of the Gulf Coast's most beloved singer-songwriters, performing over 250 shows a year right here in Florida, and his music has that warm, beachy Florida soul that just fits the moment perfectly.
Here's the extra special part — Daniel once stayed at our Funshine Sunset Beach property with his wife for their anniversary. He was so inspired by their time reconnecting here that he wrote a song about it. That song is called "Sunset Beach" and you can listen to it on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms.
If you make it to Shrimpy's, tell him you're staying at Funshine Getaway. We have a feeling he'll know just what to play. 🎵
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| This is what love looks like on the Gulf Coast. 🌅 |
Our very first guests ever didn't even know they were staying with us. A couple had just gotten engaged at dinner, and their family had secretly arranged two nights at Funshine Pointe Capri as a surprise. We met the future sister-in-law that afternoon and together we set up balloons, a banner, champagne, flowers, and matching pajamas for the couple. The family had quietly packed toothbrushes and a bag just in case — because that's the kind of people who plan the best surprises.
They arrived not knowing they were staying anywhere.
She said yes, by the way. 🥂
Have You Made Memories Here?
We'd love to hear from you! Have you stayed with us and have a romantic story to tell? Maybe it was a perfect sunset, a spontaneous adventure, or a moment you'll never forget. Drop it in the comments — we genuinely love hearing from our guests.
Ready to start planning your Gulf Coast escape? Browse our Treasure Island properties and find your perfect home base. 😊
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