How to Plan a Romantic Tampa Bay Picnic for Two

Welcome to Tampa Bay picnic season! The air is (slightly) less humid, the sun is shining, and that means it’s time to break out those checkerboard blankets and charcuterie boards.

From Downtown Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Park to St. Petersburg’s Crescent Lake and beyond, plenty of locales exist here for you to enjoy an unforgettable date night. Chill your favorite chardonnay and surprise your significant other with a creative picnic soiree for just the two of you. Here’s how to plan it.

Updated May 2024 by Meghan Roth

CONSIDER THE MENU

Leave picnic packing to the pros and purchase a ready-made spread of jams, cheeses, specialty cured meats, and more. Sure, you could toss some water crackers and a few hunks of cheese into a basket, spread out a blanket, and enjoy. There’s something to be said for luxury convenience, though.

These local experts are ready to elevate your Tampa Bay picnic to phenomenal.

LIFE IS GOUDA

Whether you want a cute little charcuterie to-go box or a full-on grazing table, Life is Gouda has a wide assortment of spreads to meet your needs. They do the cutest seasonal boards as well. Each board and box is made to order, so submit your details on their website for more information.

YUMMY TABLAS

Yummy Tablas bills itself as The Most Elegant and Delicious Grazing Tables & Platters Impressively Delivered with White Gloves. Their featured fall spread is a bright collection of yumminess, from the golden apricots to bright jams and gleaming honey, with generous salami slices and other meats curled in between.

Picnic-friendly options include spreads like The Epicurean ($80), which serves four and comes with a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, jam, honey, and plenty of other accouterments. Or, go for the mini Cheese Lover’s box ($29.50), perfect for 2. Yummy Tablas also offers some amazing grazing table setups if your picnic is more of a party.

Ordering is super easy online. Delivery is available pending date, time, and order size. Pickup is in Wesley Chapel.

GRACIOUS GRAZING

Gracious Grazing features boards and to-go boxes, plus occasional workshops. One of their creative ‘to go’ concoctions is a ‘digital learning assortment’ complete with an encouraging message. Signature ‘Boat day’ boards are covered in antimicrobial plastic wrap and all items are disposable.

Gracious Grazing provides culinary highlights for special events – like that romantic Tampa Bay picnic you’re planning.

Send them a direct message for more information and to order.

GRAZE UNIQUELY

Graze Uniquely provides simple yet elegant experiences for people who love good company and creative food. They offer individual charcuterie boxes filled with various types of meat, cheeses, dried and fresh fruits, sweet treats, and nuts that are perfect for a picnic!

They offer a variety of boxes serving from 2 to 5 people. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available for an additional charge to meet any dietary need.

MAZZARO’S ITALIAN MARKET

2909 22nd Avenue N, St Petersburg, FL 33713

For DIY provisions, stock your own basket with delicacies from Mazzaro’s, the Italian market in St. Pete known for its cheeses (the dairy delights have a room all of their own; varieties number 300+). Watch as prosciutto is sliced perfectly thin and pile your cart with crackers – or order a custom cheese and charcuterie board.

Just don’t forget the famous cannoli for dessert.

Check out our guide to planning a Gourmet Tampa Bay Date Night at Home for more local spots offering picnic-worthy goods.

PERFECT YOUR TAMPA BAY PICNIC SETUP

While you could certainly pack your own picnic basket and blanket, why not leave the whole set up to those who know best? These local Tampa Bay picnic companies specialize in elaborate setups ideal for a romantic picnic.

THE PICNIC SOCIAL

Wine? Check. Cheese? Double check. Ambiance? Triple check. The Picnic Social specializes in luxury Tampa Bay picnics. Their Instagram pictures on @thepicnicsocial showcase beautiful flower arrangements and other inviting ‘picnicscapes.’ The Picnic Social offers a variety of packages from a simple setup with a charcuterie board, pillows and rugs, and a Bluetooth speaker for music to an upgraded setup with a lace canopy, upgraded drinks, or even a professional photographer.
Book via their website.

INSTAPICNIC & CO

If the idea of a luxury Bohemian picnic sounds enticing, InstaPicnic & Co. can make that happen for you. There are an assortment of different options that include a Beer Tasting, Backyard Movie Night and Taco Tuesday. They’ll also set up a Proposal Picnic for when you want something unique for that special moment. Want to do something special for your furry friend? Their “Pup”-nic package lets you throw a party for your pup complete with a Pawchuterie board loaded with gourmet dog treats and water bowls.

Fun Tampa Bay picnic add-ons include a cupcake Ferris wheel, champagne wall, and donut wall.
Book on their website after perusing packages and pricing.

THE PICNIC BOYS

The Picnic Boys provides premiere, pop-up picnics in the Tampa Bay Area. They are committed to creating the perfect, customized setup for any occasion. They have styles and set-ups suitable for many occasions, and optional add-ons to further customize your experience. Packages start at $200 for a two hour picnic.

You won’t need to worry about setting up or cleaning up— simply enjoy your picnic! Everything will be ready upon arrival. They will greet you at your picnic, but you won’t see them again until event time has ended.

PICNIC AVE

Indulge in the epitome of outdoor opulence with their luxury picnic experience. Nestled in the heart of nature, their meticulously curated picnics offer an escape from the ordinary. Relax on plush cushions and throws amidst breathtaking landscapes, with a gourmet spread that tantalizes the taste buds.

From artisanal cheeses to hand-selected wines, their menus are a symphony of flavors designed to elevate your al fresco dining experience. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the great outdoors, enveloped in the comfort of their stylish picnic setups, complete with elegant tableware and personalized touches. Upgrades available include flowers, charcuterie, and even live music!

PICK YOUR TAMPA BAY PICNIC SPOT

Choose your ideal ambiance: Is it a picnic table with sailboats on one side and tiny planes taking off on the other? The Vinoy Park lawn, where people-watching is at its finest? Are you hoping for the respite of nature (and the occasional alligator sighting)?

Picnicking is intimate, creative, and, with the help of the companies shared above, delicious.

Here are some suggestions to start off your ‘must-see’ picnic destinations. Just don’t forget the brie.

ALBERT WHITTED PARK (AKA Airplane Park)

480 Bayshore Dr SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33703

VINOY PARK

701 Bayshore Dr NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

SAWGRASS LAKE PARK

7400 25TH St N
St. Petersburg, FL 33703

FORT DESOTO PARK

3500 Pinellas Bayway S
St. Petersburg, FL 33715

CURTIS HIXON WATERFRONT PARK

600 N Ashley Dr
Tampa, FL

EDGEWATER PARK

51 Main St
Dunedin, FL 34698

SUNKEN GARDENS

1825 4th St N
St. Petersburg, FL 33703

AL LOPEZ PARK

4810 N Himes Ave
Tampa, FL 33614

Refer to our list of Top Tampa Bay Parks for the Perfect Picnic Date for more ideas.