Pinellas County sits on Florida's Gulf Coast and takes in St. Petersburg, Clearwater and plenty of smaller towns. With its parks, waterfront and gentle pace, it is a lovely part of the state to meet someone new.
OAP Dating helps singles over 50 across Florida find friendship, companionship and romance. When you are ready to meet, the ideas below are relaxed, public places that suit a first date.
Opening times, prices and facilities can change, so please check each place's own website
before you travel. Details last checked on 17 October 2026.
Gentle walks
Florida Botanical Gardens Largo
With 150 acres of gardens, landscapes and native habitats to wander through, this is an easy, unhurried place for a first meeting. There is always something to talk about, and you can walk for ten minutes or an hour.
Daily, 7 a.m. to sunset (closed the day after Thanksgiving and on Christmas Day)
Dogs
Leashed pets welcome
Getting there
Entrances at 12520 Ulmerton Road and 12211 Walsingham Road
Best for
A quiet daytime stroll
Sawgrass Lake Park St. Petersburg
A boardwalk through one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast, with an observation tower along the way. Spotting birds and wildlife takes the pressure off the conversation.
Daily, 7 a.m. to sunset (county parks close the day after Thanksgiving and on December 25)
Dogs
County park rules do not allow pets on boardwalks
Good to know
Thousands of birds pass through in spring and autumn
Address
7400 25th Street North
Philippe Park Safety Harbor
The county's oldest park, with big shade trees and the Tocobaga Temple Mound, the largest remaining Native American mound in the Tampa Bay area. A shady walk with a bit of history is a gentle way to get to know someone.
A waterfront pier with cafés and restaurants, open spaces and views across the bay. Meet for a coffee, then take a slow walk out along the water if things are going well.
Opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes at 11 p.m.
Parking
More than 500 paid on-site spaces
Public transport
Served by the Downtown Looper and the Central Avenue Trolley
Accessibility
The Pier map shows an accessible route and restrooms
Best for
A quieter weekday or morning meeting; the Pier says it is busiest on Fridays 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 1 to 8 p.m.
Address
800 2nd Avenue NE
Rainy-day ideas
The Dalí Museum St. Petersburg
Surreal art gives you plenty to talk about, and being indoors means the weather does not matter. Café Gala, inside the museum, serves light Spanish-inspired tapas if you want to sit down afterwards.
