12 Awesome Tropical Theme Party Ideas (2024)

Looking for a few fun favorite tropical party ideas for your next gathering? At Peerspace, we get it! There’s nothing like a vacation to an island paradise to recharge your batteries. All that gorgeous greenery, warm sunshine, and delicious tropical food are enough to give anyone the itch to travel. But if you live somewhere that’s snowier than it is sunny, you might not have the time or energy to hop on a plane and get away.

Not to worry, though. You can still bring the best of the tropics to your next big party with a little creativity! To help you get started, here are 12 of our favorite tropical party ideas to set the vibe. Crack open a coconut and put your feet up; it’s time to get tropical! 

1. Escape to a tropical retreat venue care of Peerspace

While not everyone has the funds to hop on a plane to a private island, thanks to Peerspace, you can lay claim to your own private sanctuary no matter where you live. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we make it easy to book your own slice of paradise anywhere in the world.

Peerspaces are hosted by locals who list their unique venues on our platform so that party planners like you can discover and book them. You can also reach out to your venue’s host leading up to and during your event if you have any questions or requests and they’d be happy to assist you.

So what types of tropical retreats can you book through Peerspace? Here are just a few ideas:

• This poolside tropical bungalow in Miami, FL (pictured above) with a jungle-like setting, handcrafted swings, ping-pong, a treehouse, A/V equipment, and a kitchenette.
• This Mediterranean loft with a rooftop patio in Manhattan, NY with 8,000 square feet of elegant, lush decor, an open kitchen, A/V equipment, tropical plants, and terracotta tiled floors.
• This tiki Airstream oasis in Atlanta, GA with lush banana trees, a 1956 silver Airstream, a tiki bar, and an outdoor lounge space with a fire pit.
• This tropically-inspired immersive art bar in Charlotte, NC with one-of-a-kind decor, indoor and outdoor seating, swings, lawn games, and delicious drinks

You get the idea! To find the perfect tropical escape near you, head to our platform, input your needs, and search. You can even filter listings by the amenities they offer, like bars, pools, and outdoor gardens if you have a special theme in mind. 

2. Bring the jungle indoors with green decor 

Once you’ve picked out the perfect venue for your tropical party, it’s time to make it even more gorgeous before the big event. Hang lush green streamers to mimic jungle vines, and arrange balloon wreaths like tropical flowers.

And don’t forget the greenery either! Tropical plants like ferns and vibrant flowers like orchids and lilies make the perfect centerpieces for tables. Buy artificial greenery at your local craft store, or put your tropical houseplants on display to set the mood! 

Read our 12 unique outdoor party decoration ideas next for even more inspiration!

3. Host a tropical cookout

For one of our tastiest tropical theme party ideas, fire up your grill and cook some delicious tropical-inspired food in an outdoor cookout. Cook up classic dishes like juicy pineapple chicken or spicy mango salad. You could even get creative and host a DIY kebab party.

Have each guest gets to choose their favorite ingredients to chargrill on a skewer. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved in the cooking process! 

Rely on our lovely garden party ideas to help you set the scene for your tropical cookout!

4. Paint a tropical sunset at an art party

If you’re longing to see a tropical sunset without having to travel, why not capture the view in a painting? Look up Art Party services on Facebook or Instagram and ask about paintings with tropical themes. Don’t have any instructors in your area? Take matters into your own hands with some pre-recorded videos or even follow a classic Bob Ross tutorial.

Your friends will have a blast painting their masterpieces while sipping pina coladas or coconut water. Plus, you’ll all have an amazing souvenir to remember the day by! 

5. Mix up exotic cocktails at a tiki bar

Want to know one of the best things about the sweltering heat in the tropics? Getting to cool off with a delicious drink. Host a tropical cocktail party for your friends and mix up delicious daiquiris, cocktails, pina coladas, and more. For added fun, try decorating your bar like a tiki bar to give greater ambiance.

And of course, you can book such bars on Peerspace!  Here are a handful of our favorites:

• This outdoor space with a poolside tiki bar in Los Angeles, CA for up to 30 guests
• This tiny tiki bar tropical oasis in Washington, D.C. for up to 30 guests
• This Polynesian-inspired basement tiki bar in Nashville, TN for up to 15 guests
• This mid-century home with a tiki bar studio in Atlanta, GA for up to 32 guests
• This magical tiki bar in Holladay, UT for up to 10 guests
• Casa Playita with a custom tiki bar in West Palm Beach, FL for up to 20 guests

When you book a tiki bar-themed venue on Peerspace, you don’t have to worry about putting up and taking down decorations. The space is already set up for your use, making it a whole lot easier to relax and party!

6. Craft your own flower crowns and Leis

This is a fun DIY tropical-theme party idea for crafty types. Put together some gorgeous party accessories to complete the tropical look with your guests. You can find tons of exotic artificial flowers at your local craft store or even craft your own out of paper.

To gamify the experience, try holding a contest to craft the best flower accessories, awarding points for creativity, color schemes, and overall aesthetic. 

7. Take things down a notch with a tiki-torchlit dinner party

For a more sophisticated take on a traditional Luau, hosting a formal dinner with a tropical-inspired menu is an amazing way to wow more discerning guests.

If you’re dining outdoors, then tiki torches make the perfect way to illuminate the night. For indoor occasions, coconut and pineapple-scented candles also provide dreamy illumination.

8. Make waves with indoor surfing

Surfing is one of the most exhilarating activities to do in the tropics. And if you think you have to live by the beach to participate, then think again. Even landlocked surfers can learn the ropes with indoor surfing! It’s called flowriding, and it’s just as amazing as the real thing!

Take your party to your closest Flowriding location and get ready to hang ten. Your whole group can learn to surf without ever setting foot in the sand. It sounds pretty tubular in our book!

9. Hula your heart out at a tropical rave

Do you love to dance? Get ready to shake your grass skirt when you host a tropical rave for all your friends. Neon palm trees and glow-in-the-dark leis will help you set the perfect vibe. You’ll feel like you’re raving in a tropical jungle!

Find the perfect space by checking out our glow party ideas post. Then, all you have to do is ask the host to send over a DJ with the right vibes.

Our unique luau party ideas for adults guide has all the inspiration you need to pull off this suggestion!

10. Chillax by the pool

Nothing says tropical quite like the ocean breeze tussling your hair. While not everyone is lucky enough to live near the ocean, you can recreate the oceanic vibes with an ordinary pool! Imagine how relaxed you’ll be, stretched out on a chaise with your closest friends at your side, sipping from a coconut.

Want something more private than your neighborhood public pool? Then easily book a pool party venue on Peerspace. 

What’s like an Airbnb for pool parties? We tackle that question right here!

11. Watch a tropical movie-thon 

Looking for more low-key tropical party ideas? Then fire up the projector in the backyard and put on your favorite tropical-themed movies, like Lilo and Stitch, Moana, or Elvis in Blue Hawaii. Movies are especially magical with tiki-torches glowing in the backdrop. Try snacking on toasted coconut flakes instead of popcorn for an island-inspired snack.

And if you need more space for the whole party, then book a private movie theater near you through Peerspace. 

12. Bake tropical sweets in a paradise bake-off

The tropics are home to some of the most delicious ingredients for sweets anywhere, like macadamia nuts, dates, pineapples, and coconuts. Grab some of these tropical-inspired ingredients at the grocery store, and bake up some delicious tropical treats with your friends! Think gooey pineapple upside-down cake, chewy white chocolate macadamia cookies, and decadent coconut bars that’ll knock your sandals off. It’s by far our sweetest tropical-themed party idea.

For even more fun, bake your exotic sweets in an aesthetic kitchen rental space. One option we love is this modern home with a tropical outdoor oasis in Santa Clarita, CA. It boasts an indoor and outdoor kitchen, with plenty of beautiful spaces to prepare and serve all your delectable tropical treats to your very grateful loved ones!

Peerspace makes tropical-theme party ideas a reality

We hope these tropical theme party ideas inspire your next get-together! While throwing an epic theme party may seem daunting at first, having Peerspace as a resource makes it a whole lot easier. Use our platform to book amazing indoor and outdoor event spaces that have all the style and amenities you need for your gathering.

After you book your favorite dreamy tropical space, consult your venue’s local host if you have any questions regarding entertainment and catering options. You’ll be hosting your own interactive gathering that transports you and your guests to distant islands in no time!

Find unique tropical party venues on Peerspace