It’s not every day you ask someone to marry you, so why not make the location as memorable as the event itself? The Tampa-St. Pete area boasts plenty of incredible locations to suit any couple and any atmosphere, and Florida boasts the added bonus of offering you innumerable ways to celebrate afterwards!
Check out these great options for places to pop the question.
Have a Garden Party (for Two): You don’t have to be a student to appreciate the beauty of the USF Botanical Gardens. You’d never guess that Tampa’s busy downtown area is a stone’s throw from the lush gardenscapes and shaded, peaceful grounds of the place; bird song surrounds visitors throughout the day, and the many fragrant flowering plants attract a multitude of butterflies. Secluded benches are scattered throughout the meandering paths, giving you a restful, quiet place to tell someone special how you feel.
Sail Away: Since Tampa’s one of the few coastlines in America that enjoys a glorious sunset over the ocean, book a chartered sailboat cruise for two. Leave it to the experts at Windsong Charters to help you set the perfect atmosphere… but with a setting like this, there’s little to do but enjoy the ride and your very special company.
Another option is to enroll in a sailing school, where ASA-certified sailing instructors can help you plan the ideal escape. St. Pete’s Charter Service, Sailing School offers courses in seamanship and boat rentals from the lovely Vinoy Resort.
Deliciously Delightful: If the idea of proposing over dessert and drinks at memorable restaurant appeals to you, make a reservation at the historical and famous Colombia Restaurant in Ybor City. For an especially dramatic finish, order the Crema Catalana, a delicious sweet indulgence set aflame tableside by your server with a flourish.
Columbia Restaurant locations are also available in St. Pete; so check out their website for the site that works best for you.
Visit A Private Paradise: Caladesi Island, a pristine and isolated spot on the coast accessible only by ferry or private boat, affords a truly private place to profess your love. Visitors are restricted to a 4-hour visit at Caladesi, which further preserves the integrity of its natural surroundings. Interestingly (and, perhaps, appropriately), its neighbor, Honeymoon Island State Park, offers similar allure.
Taking Flight: Another great way to take advantage of the area’s amazing beaches is to take to the sky. Book a sunset helicopter ride along these same famous beaches, which appear without fail in Dr. Beach’s annual America’s Best Beach report. Companies that offer this service include Sportations and St. Petersburg Helicopter Tours.
You’re lucky if you find yourself in love and in the Tampa/St. Pete area. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the moment on film!