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5 Romantic Date Activities in Pensacola

As a recently engaged guy, I am very lucky to live in Pensacola, where romantic locales are virtually around every corner. Of course, romance springs from the heart, but it helps to have a nice backdrop on which for it to spring. As we near closer to Fall in Pensacola, it becomes the perfect time for a date. As the air cools, we have an instinctive need to be closer to people. Sharing a little warmth can be very romantic.

I am very happy to report he said, “Yes.”

So, here are my top five romantic get-a-ways and things to do in the Pensacola area.

Sunset Sailing

Couples looking for a romantic evening can find sunset sailing to be a perfect way to spend quality time together. The natural beauty and serenity of the setting can create a romantic atmosphere that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

There are several sailing opportunities to take advantage of in the Pensacola area. Check out which one works best for you!

Fishing

Why is this romantic? This can be especially romantic if one of you is a little bit of a novice. You may have the opportunity to bait your mate’s hook, or take a fish off it for them. If you catch something to eat, all the better.

The Entertainer in Perdido Key is an awesome fishing charter to go on for your date day. It's a beautiful boat perfect for your next fishing excursion.

Big Lagoon State Park is another spot to fish. The park boasts several ways to do a plethora of activities, from hiking, to camping, to fishing. Fishing in Big Lagoon State Park is open all year round. I'll let you in on a good tip - while you're there, climb to the top of the bird watching tower at Big Lagoon for those scenic sunset views.

For beginner anglers, I suggest the Pensacola Beach Pier. You won’t get sea sick and they have everything you’ll need at the pier shop, including rods to rent.

The same principle applies for windsurfing or renting a Sea Doo. If one of you knows the in’s and out’s, and the other doesn’t, it can be very romantic to share that.

Glow Paddle

Water. A starry sky. Led by kayak… Pretty much the definition of romance.

On select night from late May through October, Glow Paddle on Pensacola Beach is open and ready for date night. A glass bottom kayak awaits you to illuminate the waters as you paddle through and look up at the stars. To enhance the romance, tandem kayaks are available.

Arts & Crafts

My first arts and crafts activity would be Painting with a Twist. The artists there set you up with the canvas, paint and brushes, and even subject matter. Several times a month, they offer couples’ events with scenes designed to hang side-by-side. I did a New Orleans streetscape with a date once. Mine was Bourbon Street and his was Royal. They also frequently offer Pensacola-themed works.

It’s a lot of fun, and it’s A LOT easier than you think. The creative process can be very romantic. You are working together to make art that will always remind you of your time together. And, you can drink wine as you do it – that’s the “Twist” part.

Another great choices would be creating your own candle at In Detail Candle Studio. Who doesn't love to burn a candle they made themselves in their own home? Candlelit dinner anyone?

Pinspiration allows you to get in touch with your creative side and is a fabulous idea for a date night. It's an entire crafting studio offering Paint and Sip, a Splatter Room, individual crafting, and parties and events.

A nighttime stroll on the beach

Drive out to a secluded stretch of beach. Johnson Beach in Perdido Key is a perfect spot for this one. You want to escape as much noise, light, and people as possible. Of course, you’ll want to bring a blanket to share. Another option is Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Santa Rosa area of Pensacola Beach, about 1.5 miles east of Portofino Resort.

You have never seen the stars until you see them from horizon to horizon at the beach. The sea breeze, the crashing of the surf. You might not be able to hear each other, but who needs words?

Dinner under the stars

To me, nothing is more romantic than a simple outdoor dinner. A nice cool breeze helps the mood. Even on a crowded deck, a slight chill makes you feel close – even intimate – with the one you’re eating with.

My favorite local places for such a romantic meal are Flounder’s Chowder House on Pensacola Beach and the Oar House in Downtown Pensacola. The Crab Trap in Perdido Key has great sunset views but if you're looking for a spot on game night, check out the Perdido Key Sports Bar... who says you can't shoot some pool and still have a good date night? Bonelli’s Café Italia in East Hill is great for your Italian cravings.

Another unique option that will definitely make your significant other feel special is a picnic. There are several luxury picnic options, Pensacola Beach Picnic Co as well as the picnic cruise offered by the Flora-Bama. You can't get any better than a sunset cruise with a picnic. How's that for dinner under the stars?

Add the flicker of candlelight, maybe some live music, and the world around you just might dissolve into the eyes of your date.

Louis Cooper

Author

Louis Cooper

Louis Cooper has lived in Northwest Florida since 1997 when work brought him here directly out of college. But he has since come to think of the Pensacola area as his home. He had a career at the Pensacola News Journal and the Northwest Florida Daily News covering local government, business and community. He currently works in freelance marketing and professional writing. He lives with his husband, Craig Webster, and their dogs, Angus and Riley, in Pensacola.

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