21 Dazzling Date Ideas in New Jersey for 2024

When most people think of New Jersey they think of the Jersey Shore, boardwalks and maybe even casinos, but there are tons of fun date ideas in New Jersey for you and your partner to enjoy and still beat the crowds.

Making quality time a priority in your relationship is vital to the health and longevity of your partnership, according to Psychology Today. Life gets busy and the longer you’ve been together, it can become increasingly difficult to make time for the little things, but doing so is what makes your relationship last.  

Small yet memorable experiences throughout each day or even week add up to both parties feeling loved and connected. Explore all that the Garden State has to offer with cheap date ideas, last-minute date ideas and even birthday date ideas that will see you exploring all that the state has to offer.

Even with unpredictable weather at times, there are tons of indoor date ideas in New Jersey to help you pass the time. When you’re wondering “what are some lowkey date ideas?” pull up this list to get inspired!

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• Foodie Date Ideas in New Jersey
• Creative Date Ideas in New Jersey
• Unique Date Ideas in New Jersey
• Indoor Date Ideas in New Jersey
• Outdoor Date Ideas in New Jersey
• Free & Cheap Date Ideas in New Jersey

Foodie Date Ideas in New Jersey

1. Take a Cooking Class

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, taking cooking classes in New Jersey will polish up your skills and teach you something new.

The menus will transport your taste buds all over the globe including scratch-made Italian pasta, Vietnamese street food and even hand-rolled sushi. Always wanted to make homemade spicy samosas? Check out online cooking classes that you can enjoy right from your kitchen. 

2. Make Your Own Wine and Cheese

Wine and charcuterie are a match made in heaven, but you can take things a step further and make your own at Grape Escape. This is a great date idea in New Jersey for couples that like to cook or even just like to eat.

You can make your very own cheese, vinegar and even wine by choosing your grapes and crushing them yourself. File this under incredible anniversary date ideas and enjoy the fruits of your labor for months after. 

3. A Weekend of Wine and Chocolate

No matter where you are in the state, there’s probably an incredible, old-school chocolate shop not too far away. Isn’t that sort of comforting? Take a quick drive to the nearest one or pick up the local chocolates as part of your own wine and chocolate night at home or in the park.

It’s all about versatility and this date is what you make it. Popular shops include Rauhauser’s, Barbera’s Chocolates, Aunt Charlotte’s Candies and Nutty Over Sweets. 

4. Dinner at Scarborough Fair

This old farmhouse turned romantic restaurant is a must-visit as a fall date idea in New Jersey. This spot recently won a “Diner’s Choice Award” as one of the top romantic spots, so consider it next time you ask yourself “where should I take my girlfriend on a date?”.

Creative Date Ideas in New Jersey

5. Get Artsy

Paint and sip dates are a classic for a reason — they’re the perfect mix of lowkey and fun, with a glass of wine to take the edge off. This is one of the best first date ideas in New Jersey because it’s super low-pressure and affordable.

Plus, if things go well you can look back at the art you made years later and have fond memories in the form of a physical token.

6. Practice the Arts

If painting isn’t your thing, you can still get in touch with your creative side with pottery classes or dance classes. Next time you’re wondering “what can couples do for a date in New Jersey?” try out something new to get you and your partner connected.

These new date ideas in New Jersey will bring that spark back if things are feeling a bit stagnant — when was the last time you got to salsa dance with your partner? 

7. Just Bead Yourself

Just Bead Yourself is a bead shop that offers classes and a massive selection of beautiful beads and gems. You and your partner can create beautiful pieces of handmade jewelry for yourselves or for one another. This is also a great romantic gift idea. 

Unique Date Ideas in New Jersey

8. Take a Ghost Tour

If you’re in the mood for a bit of a fright, ghost tours are the thing for you. Not only is this the queen of all Halloween date ideas, but you’re sure to have a great time and maybe even learn a little history.

There are options all over the state so this unique New Jersey date idea is suitable for all. There’s even a haunted road trip if you’re interested in a long-haul scare! 

9. Visit a Vineyard

It might not compare to Napa or Sonoma, but East Coast wineries can be pretty incredible if you give them a chance. This is the perfect date idea in New Jersey on a gorgeous summer day so you and your lover can sip wine and bask in the beauty of lush green vines.

Also a fun spot for double date ideas, groups can make the outing more fun and cost-effective. 

10. Board a Train

All aboard the Delaware River Railroad Excursion train for a day full of fun. Offering a variety of super scenic and even themed train rides, this is a unique date idea in New Jersey that you won’t soon forget.

Offerings change with the seasons too, so options like a pumpkin-picking ride in the fall and a winery train ride in the summer are great ways to keep using this fun date idea.

Indoor Date Ideas in New Jersey

11. The Olde Mill Inn

This charming spot is the perfect location for a date idea in New Jersey. With all the amenities you could ask for and a cozy atmosphere to top it off, it deserves a spot on your list of date ideas in New Jersey during winter.

It’s lovely at all times of the year, however, and you can dine outside at their restaurant on a nice summer evening as well.  

12. Head to Atlantic City 

It might not be the type of thing you want to do every weekend, but you can’t think of Jersey without also thinking of casinos.

Head to your favorite one for date night ideas in Jersey City that are sure to create some memories and maybe a bit of chaos. Food and drink are on site and you can stay as long as you like. 

13. Enjoy a Spa Weekend

Few things are more relaxing than a spa, so plan the perfect weekend date idea that your partner will love. Pampered Spirit offers salt rooms, spa services and even saunas, while Island Spa is a full-service Korean Spa.

A great option for winter date ideas in New Jersey, a weekend here will warm you up and send you home feeling rejuvenated. 

Outdoor Date Ideas in New Jersey

14. Visit Echo Lake Stables

Take your partner on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride or a trail ride over at Echo Lake Stables. This outdoorsy date idea could be something new and memorable to both of you. No skills are necessary and you’re sure to bond over the new experience.  

15. Pack a Picnic

It’s not about a date that’s super expensive or lavish, it’s about planning something thoughtful that your partner will enjoy. For a simple first or second date idea, pack up a picnic of your favorite carry-out or snacks from home and head to someplace beautiful in your neighborhood to enjoy the beautiful weather or watch the sunset together.  

16. Rent a Jet Ski

Step aside Jersey Shore, there’s a new destination for jet ski fun: the Hudson River. Climb aboard your watercraft and enjoy unique views of New York City and the Statue of Liberty. Be warned, this fun date idea in New Jersey is a bit pricey, but it’s certainly an experience you’ll never forget.  

17. Sail on Barnegat Bay

Step away from the chaos of life at home and enjoy a romantic day or evening on the water. Head to A Day on the Bay for an incredible boat ride on Barnegat Bay and the opportunity to learn the ropes of sailing, if you’re interested.

Pack a little picnic and a beverage to enjoy with your lover on this sweet summer date idea. Extend your trip by stopping at the neighboring Tiki bar after a few hours out on the water. 

Free & Cheap Date Ideas in New Jersey

18. Have a Romantic Beach Bonfire

If you’re lucky enough to have a bonfire pit in your backyard, it might be time to give it some use. If not, you’re still in luck because Asbury hosts bonfires on the beach from May through September and they’re the perfect cheap date idea in New Jersey.

Roast marshmallows, sip on whiskey or just enjoy some quiet time together while you get cozy near the fire. 

19. Stroll Through the Wetlands

Enjoy the beautiful spring, summer or even fall weather at the Wetlands Institute. This cheap date idea in New Jersey is ideal for new relationships and seasoned ones alike. There’s no pressure, just beautiful indigenous nature and the chance to connect with your date.

This is possibly one of the best first date ideas in New Jersey because while it’s easy and cheap, it makes you look like a dedicated wildlife enthusiast with a passion for conservation and a knack for choosing beautiful yet romantic date settings.  

20. Play Putt-Putt

Head to one of many mini-golf courses scattered across the state for a low-key, fun date idea.  If you’re wondering “what are some lowkey date ideas?” this may or may not fit the bill, depending on how competitive you are. Even with no golf experience, putt-putt is a time-honored favorite date for a reason. 

21. Visit Liberty State Park

There’s no better place to be than the great outdoors when that beautiful East Coast weather hits. Pack your bikes (or rent Citi bikes) and head over to Liberty State Park and enjoy over 1,2000 acres of panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline plus tons of green spaces and walk and bike trails.

You can stroll hand in hand, race around on bikes or just sit and enjoy the views and the company over a packed picnic lunch. This cheap date night idea in Jersey City offers the best of city and country practically at your backdoor. 

With proximity to date ideas in NYC, and all of its amenities including wineries, world-class restaurants and some stunning views of land and sea, New Jersey is a hidden gem.

Whether you’re looking for the most fun date ideas or a relaxing weekend for two, you’ve got a world of opportunity at your fingertips. Even with a mixed climate and potentially harsh winters, there’s no shortage of indoor date ideas in New Jersey to keep you entertained and your love flame alive all year long. 

For even more fun date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!