Top 10 Date Night Ideas Using the SunRunner

All of these date night ideas are so good we couldn’t possibly put one above another. So, this list is in no particular order.

The Library

Just two blocks west from the 6th Ave S SunRunner stop (#8380), The Library hits the spot for those book aesthetic lovers. This George Peabody Library-inspired restaurant captures the impeccable intellectual vibes of the original 1857 Baltimore George Peabody Library, but combined with that easy Florida living we know and love!

Surrounded by tall windows, ornate bookcases, and industrial-yet-cozy lighting, The Library offers a romantic retreat for any literature-loving couple, just steps from a convenient SunRunner stop. On its website, The Library promises “the familiar aroma of coffee, the promise of a delicious meal, and the anticipation of friendly buzz will offer a reprieve from the daily chaos.”

Learn more about The Library in downtown St. Petersburg on their website! 

Hawker’s Asian Street Food

Nestled in St. Petersburg’s EDGE district, known for its restored buildings, public art, and eclectic shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, Hawker’s Asian Street Food offers a casual-yet-sophisticated dining experience.

Hawker’s is tucked within a block of the 13th Street N and 13th Street S stations, making it just a quick hop from the SunRunner. Offering a bold fusion of authentic Asian street food in what was once an underground ballet studio, Hawker’s brings a unique flair to the perfect, casual date night!

Learn more about Hawker’s Asian Street Food in the EDGE district on their website!

Dirty Laundry

Just two blocks west from Hawker’s and the 13th Street SunRunner stations, all is not as it seems at Dirty Laundry. This may seem like a quaint, Instagram-worthy cafe with cute neon signs and vintage washing machines, but you’re just one payphone away from its hidden speakeasy!

After delicious brunch and perfectly-roasted coffee, pick up the payphone, listen for the code to dial in, and a secret door will open to the speakeasy. Hidden away in the moody lighting and comfy furnishings, you and your date can soak in their signature cocktails in the hazy glow of the disco ball. Who knew this hidden gem was just a quick bus ride away?

Learn more about Dirty Laundry in the Grand Central district on their website!

St. Pete Pier

Any St. Pete local will tell you not to skip on the new pier! Just a short, scenic walk from the 5th Street N SunRunner stop, St. Pete Pier is the best all-in-one date-night destination. If you’re looking for good eats, you can choose from fine dining at Teak, the more laid-back and tropical bar Pier Teaki, and the picturesque Driftwood Cafe.

Find beautiful local art at the Marketplace or stick your toes in the sand at Spa Beach. With over 26 beautiful acres to explore, you could do an entire day-date at St. Pete Pier and the surrounding Pier District!

Learn more about St. Pete Pier in the Pier District on their website!

Mammamia Gelato St. Pete

Every date needs something sweet, and Mammamia Gelato is ready to satisfy that craving. Only two blocks from the N and S 13th Street stations (and right around the corner from Dirty Laundry), Mammamia Gelato has all the handcrafted artisan gelatos your heart (and sweetheart) could desire!

Mammamia Gelato comes to our sunny city from Naples, Italy, boasting gelatos and sorbets sustainably crafted with fresh Italian ingredients—no preservatives or chemicals here! Flavors are changed weekly, so you can expect a unique experience every time you go.

Learn more about the Mammamia Gelato in the Grand Central District on their website!

Painting With a Twist

Time to unleash your creative potential (with a little liquid courage)! You won’t have to worry about a designated driver with the St. Pete Painting With a Twist only three blocks from both 22nd Street SunRunner stations.

Sign up ahead of time for the class of your choosing and bring along your favorite libation for a fun painting class that takes all the nerves out of painting. You and your date will have lovely (or unfortunate) souvenirs from your foray into a painting by the end, as well as a convenient and comfortable ride back on the SunRunner.

Learn more about Painting With a Twist in the Historic Kenwood District on their website!

Wild Child

This neighborhood bistro and cocktail bar is the perfect casual spot for good eats and even “good-er” signature drinks. Wild Child is smack in between the 22nd Street and Grand Central stations, making it an easy choice for a night out in the Grand Central District.

This edgy bistro is the perfect date-night spot with indoor or outdoor seating, exotic cocktails to tease your tastebuds, and a wide array of tasty starters, entrees, and vegetarian options to appease any diet. With its geometric salmon paint job and tattoo-inspired decor, Wild Child serves up hip vibes that will elevate any date!

Learn more about Wild Child in the Grand Central District on their website!

The Dog Bar

Who doesn’t love a good dog-parent meet-cute? If you and your date are dog lovers, The Dog Bar is the place where all good things collide—tasty drinks, cute pups, and impeccable chill vibes! Just a mere block or so away from the 22nd Street S SunRunner Station, locals will tell you this bar is a must-see.

The Dog Bar is an off-leash dog park and full-service bar, with frequent visits from the best local food trucks in St. Pete (different ones are featured seven days a week!). Make sure you read up on their rules before you go for maximum safety and fun times. Remember in order to bring your own fur-ever friend on the SunRunner, they must be able to fit into carriers to follow the onboard rules, or they must be a certified service animal.

Learn more about The Dog Bar in the Grand Central District on their website!

RumFish Grill

Looking for a good date spot on St. Pete Beach? Hop off at the 55th Avenue (South) SunRunner stop, and it’s just a short walk northwest to RumFish Grill, where you can enjoy scrumptious seafood and bask in the relaxing deep blue vibes of the 33,500-gallon aquarium lining the restaurant's back wall.

You’ll feel like you’re dining under the sea at this TradeWinds resort grill; in fact, the tank itself has been featured on the reality show Tanked! After your delicious dinner of fresh seafood, you’re just a quick stroll from watching the sunset on the beach before you catch your SunRunner back home.

Learn more about RumFish Grill on St. Pete Beach on their website!

Corey Avenue Sunday Market

With up to 85 vendors selling locally-made art and wares, the Corey Avenue Sunday Market in St. Pete Beach shouldn’t be overlooked! This cute little Sunday market is just a block southeast of the Boca Ciega Dr. SunRunner stations, making it easy as pie to attend.

You and your date can peruse its offerings every Sunday on Corey Avenue and Blind Pass from 10 am – 2 pm, year-round. Whether you and your date are in the mood for handmade goods, organic produce, gourmet treats, or live music, don’t miss your bus to this fun Sunday market!

Learn more about Corey Avenue Sunday Market in St. Pete Beach on their Facebook!