If you’re planning out a first date, you have many options for activities that can help each of you get to know each other and have a good time. If you’re going out with your partner, taking them on a fun, relaxing date is one of the best ways to show them you care. We’ve put together a list of six tips for planning a wonderful, romantic night in Panama City, Florida. Read on to get some great ideas and prepare a lovely evening for your date.
Pick Up Flowers At A Local Flower Shop
Image via Unsplash by Alisa Anton
There’s almost nothing more romantic than giving flowers to your crush. Start your date off right by visiting a local flower shop and picking out beautiful bouquets for each other. Supporting local businesses is a superb way to help your community and protect the environment. Not to mention, flower shops can be excellent photo opportunities.
While some flower shops primarily cater to special events like weddings and baby showers, there are some florists, garden centers, and nurseries in the area that are great for in-store shopping. Consider checking out Magnolia’s Flowers on Front Beach Road, a popular spot for both plants and gifts. Plant lovers may also enjoy visiting the Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar at Zen Garden on Richard Jackson Boulevard and enjoying a walk through the gardens instead of buying a bouquet.
Do A Fun Activity
If you’re feeling sporty, Panama City offers plenty of opportunities to engage in a little friendly competition. Access your inner child and play mini-golf at Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf on Front Beach Road. Pick from a variety of fun activities at Rock’it Lanes bowling alley on Richard Jackson Boulevard, which also offers a roller skating rink, arcade, billiards, and a sports bar. Work together to solve a puzzle at the Royal Escape Rooms, which has locations in Pier Park and the Shoppes at Edgewater. Or relieve your joint stress at one of the local axe throwing bars.
Stop For A Predinner Drink
Grabbing a drink at one of the many bars in the city is a great way to explore the neighborhood and take a moment to chat with your date in a relaxed setting. Plus, you definitely won’t have trouble finding one. If it’s before 5 p.m., consider delighting your taste buds with a fruity Florida wine at Panama City Beach Winery. Split a bottle of specialty wine with your date or have a wine slush mix. If it’s later in the evening, you might try Craft 850, a homey tavern with a fireplace and over 65 craft beers on tap.
To enjoy cocktails with a view, No Name Lounge could be a great option with its spacious deck by the water, food trucks, and live bands. If you go to a place like Runaway Island, you could literally step onto the sand from the restaurant. This casual beach bar and grill offer local crab, oysters, sandwiches, and a selection of beers and drinks. Another casual option is Pineapple Willy’s, a popular on-the-sand joint offering frozen drinks and live music.
Make Reservations At A Popular Restaurant
Make your evening extra special by treating your date to dinner at a nice restaurant, of which there’s no shortage in Panama City. Schedule advanced reservations to ensure you get your preferred seating. One wonderful option is Firefly on Richard Jackson Boulevard, a romantic seafood spot with a creative menu and a full bar. Request outdoor seating to enjoy a captivating atmosphere under the restaurant’s iconically twinkling oak tree. If you’re craving Italian, you could try Ferrucci Ristorante, a quaint spot that offers a full menu of Italian dishes and pastas, an extensive wine list, and occasional live music.
Go For A Romantic Stroll Around Town
Taking a walk together gives you and your date time to talk, laugh, and see the sights. Go on a romantic evening or moonlit stroll around the city or along the beach. Try Russell-Fields Pier, a popular lookout for fishing, sea turtle spotting, and enchanting views over the Gulf of Mexico. It’s next to Public Beach Access 54 and Panama City’s dedicated dog beach, so you might even spot some cute puppies to pet. If you time it just right, you may even experience a dramatic, gorgeous, and colorful sunset sky.
Another option could be Rick Seltzer Park, a public swimming beach with restrooms, rinse stations, picnic areas, and a pavilion. If you’ve planned your date for earlier in the evening, you could also try exploring a nature trail or taking a boat tour at St. Andrews State Park. For an extra layer of romance, you might take your date to see an aerial view of the lively beach town by going on the SkyWheel at Panama City Beach. Enjoy picture-perfect scenes of a stunning sunset or the twinkling city lights.
Wrap Up With Ice Cream Or Dessert
End your night perfectly by sharing something sweet with your date. Sink your teeth into a warm, homemade, Southern-style pie or another sugary treat at Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop. If it’s been a warm evening, cool off with ice cream at Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar, Hershey’s Beach Ice Cream Shop, or Kilwins Ice Cream & Fudge of PCB. For an especially photogenic dessert, try a loaded specialty milkshake from The Yard Milkshake Bar. Take your ice cream to go and walk to the beach to enjoy your desserts and an ocean view.
At Panama City Toyota, we enjoy the many great options our city provides for having fun and making memories. Trying new combinations of adventures can lift your spirits and make your date happy. Make sure to map each location out in advance so you can choose a good route, plan transportation and parking, and know exactly where you’re going each step of the way. Do you have any cute first-date ideas or traditions with your partner? Did we miss any prime romantic spots? Let us know at Panama City Toyota so we can add them to our list.
