When planning a destination elopement, we can’t guarantee that a venue will have back-to-back ceremony and reception times available. That means that you may have a little bit of time to kill in-between your ceremony and reception plans. But not to worry! This is actually a fun way to experience all that Tampa Bay has to offer and allows your guests to enjoy more activities during their visit.

Spend the Afternoon at the St. Petersburg Pier

One of the newer additions to Downtown St. Pete, the Pier is a great spot to spend the afternoon by the water! Enjoy a meal at any of the restaurants near and on the pier including Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Driftwood Cafe. Traveling with kids? They’ll love the Splash Pad or family playground while you browse around The Marketplace.

Watch a Hockey, Football or Baseball Game

Any sports fans out there? You’ll love watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning or Rays while you’re visiting! Grab your tickets ahead of time on Ticketmaster or StubHub before game time.

Visit the Florida Aquarium and Sparkman Wharf

Sharks, jellyfish, turtles and more! The Florida Aquarium is a great spot for families or couples — you can book tickets online in advance or buy at the window. You can even grab a bite before or after your visit at Sparkman Wharf along the water. Choose from a number of local food vendors, sip a beer at The Biergarten or throw some strikes at the indoor bowling alley.

Grab a Bite at Armature Works

Satisfy your taste buds at any of the delicious food vendors in Armature Works! Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal or just want to grab and go, there’s plenty of dining spots to choose from. Take in the views along the river from the rooftop bar, M. Bird before heading to Stones Throw for some raw oysters or Steelbach for southern-inspired cuisine.

Catch a Show at the Straz Center

From hit Broadway musicals to seasonal orchestra shows, the Straz Center always offers exciting show options every season. Whether you’re booking tickets for Frozen with your family or securing tickets to Hamilton, be sure to check the upcoming schedule for all showtimes.

Take a Stroll Through Downtown St. Pete

From dog-friendly bars and restaurants to a hidden speakeasy, downtown St. Petersburg boasts an array of delicious spots to enjoy! You’ll also find some of the locals’ favorite shops and salons to visit while you’re in the area. 

Visit a Theme Park

If you’re looking for a little bit of fun and games, there are a few theme parks in the Tampa area where you can act like little kids! Head over to Busch Gardens to grab a front row seat on the rollercoaster of your choice before exploring the safari. Want to beat the heat? Visit Adventure Island, Tampa’s largest water park with water slides, a lazy river and other kid-friendly rides if your little ones are joining in on the fun.

Soak Up the Sun

There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches near the Tampa Bay area! Squish your toes in the sand at St. Pete Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach or Fort Desoto Beach while you sip a margarita and work on that tan.

Shop ‘til You Drop

Whether you’re hunting for the best bargain or shopping for luxury items, you can find it all at International Plaza and Bay Street. With 200 speciality stores and 16 dining options, it’s Tampa’s premier shopping destination. When you need a break from shopping, you can grab a bite at any of the spots in the food court or restaurants right outside like The Capital Grille, Cheesecake Factory, Rocco’s Tacos and Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar.

Bike or Walk the Tampa Riverwalk

Enjoy the sunny weather as you stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk near downtown. Along the way you can grab a drink at the riverfront bars and hotels, have a picnic in Curtis Hixon park or see the current exhibitions at the Tampa Museum of Art. Walk, bike, rollerblade — you can enjoy this path along the waterfront however you’d like, and pets are welcome!