12 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways In New Jersey, USA - Updated 2023

1. Spring Lake (from USD 229)

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Spring Lake, a charming town picturesquely tucked along the stunning New Jersey shoreline, is a renowned holiday spot. Its name comes from a freshwater spring-fed lake in the center of the historic district. In the area surrounding the lake, there is a beautiful park known as Divine Park, where one can take a walk and enjoy the beauty of the birds. While the town’s exquisite beaches are its primary lure, history and architecture buffs are fascinated by the remarkable St. Catherine’s Church.

Dune Doughnuts and Bagels is renowned for its mouthwatering doughnuts and bagels that will surely leave you wanting more. Fresh ground coffee is paired with these to delight your taste buds. If you are fond of sweets and chocolates, Jean Louise Homemade Candies is a must-visit where you can savor homemade jellies, gummies, and chocolate truffles.

2. Ringwood

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A borough in Passaic County, New Jersey, Ringwood has plenty of places to visit that make for a pleasant weekend trip. Nature lovers can walk in the lovely landscaped gardens at Skylands New Jersey Botanical Gardens or have a picnic at Ringwood State Park. You can also hike through the Stairway to Heaven. To add thrill and excitement, you can have fun at Thunder Mountain Skeet & Trap Shooting Center, shooting at moving targets and spending time at gun ranges.

3. Ocean City (from USD 269)

Ocean City is a family resort famous for its beaches. It is also a place where many wedding ceremonies and receptions happen. The bay beaches extend to about 8 miles (13 kilometers), and you are likely to find a secluded space to enjoy the surf. Music Pier at the legendary Boardwalk is an entertainment center that holds performances in an oceanfront setting. There is also an array of restaurants open to serve delicious fare. Ocean City prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places, but there are plenty of other intoxicating diversions for you and your partner. From Trenton, Ocean City is about a 77-mile drive (124 kilometers). The fastest route is along US-206 that usually takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

4. Asbury Park (from USD 275)

Coastal Asbury Park has been a residential resort community since the late 19th century. The restored Paramount Theater and Convention Hall are the top destinations here. Victorian-era hotels harkening the golden days of yore are some of the places you can go to for a romantic ambiance. Dine out in style because Asbury Park has a thriving culinary scene with old establishments and newer names vying for attention. Take on an exciting perspective of romance in this historic seaside city. Asbury Park is an hour’s drive from Atlantic City which is 77.2 miles (124 kilometers) along Garden State Parkway.

5. Jersey City (from USD 287)

Jersey City is conveniently sandwiched between Hudson and Hackensack Rivers. Manhattan is 4.2 miles (6.7 kilometers) away from this city, so it’s going to take a 14-minute drive along I-78 W. Being close to New York City and part of Hudson County makes Jersey City a hub of commerce and industry. While high-rises dominate the skyline, the city’s historical points of interest cannot be ignored, one of which is Liberty Island National Park. You can spend a few hours making memories on Ellis Island and Liberty Island. Liberty State Park itself is a great outdoor venue if you plan to avoid the crowds. Check out the historic Communipaw rail and ferry terminal while you are here.

6. Atlantic City Boardwalk (from USD 109)

Atlantic City Boardwalk is the iconic Wooden Way, the most popular walkway on the East Coast. It was originally built to help hotels keep the sand out of their ritzy carpets. Today, the foot walk has become so much more than a place to wash the sand from the ocean. You can’t leave New Jersey without a stroll on what is arguably Atlantic City’s most romantic spot. You will witness the impressive charisma of this place if you and your sweetheart decide to go here at the right time of day. Boardwalk is Atlantic City’s backbone and will always be a symbol of good times. If you are coming from New York City, you need to spend 2 hours on the road since Atlantic City is about 126 miles (203 kilometers) away.

7. Long Branch (from USD 349)

A Long Branch Repertory Company production is always worth seeing. Performers and artists take their passion seriously, continuing a long tradition that started in the 19th century. At that time, Long Branch was fondly called Hollywood of the East. Former presidents chose Long Branch as a vacation spot, and one of their favorite destinations is aptly named Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park. If you only want to check out Jersey’s north shore, then you are welcome to spend the day surfing or going for a romantic swim. Since Atlantic City is about 82 miles (132 kilometers) away, going to this area usually takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

8. Stockton (from USD 229)

Stockton is a borough alongside Delaware River known for its state park and recreational facilities. If you have something else in mind other than swimming and the beach, you can still head to New Jersey and drive straight from NYC. You will find Stockton just 66 miles (106 kilometers) away or roughly a 1-hour 30-minute cruise along I-78 W from the Big Apple. Make a beeline for Bulls Island Recreation Area with your camping gear and spend a couple of days under towering maples and sycamore trees. What could be more romantic than spending time in the outdoors under trees clad in autumnal colors?

9. Cape May (from USD 273)

Cape May’s architectural and historical treasures are incomparable. You can spend the day on a walking tour around these landmarks and keep discovering marvelous things. You might have to allow a couple of days since “The Jersey Cape” has one of the most numbers of 19th- century framed buildings in the United States. Since Cape May is first and foremost a seashore town, its promenade and beach amenities are top of the line. You are guaranteed to find romantic interludes spending a weekend in Cape May. After all, it is America’s original seaside resort. Since Atlantic City is 48 miles (77 kilometers) away, you will need at least 1 hour on the road to reach Cape May.

10. Morristown (from USD 329)

Morristown’s war memorials are popular among history buffs but it doesn’t mean there are not enough options for a romantic getaway. Morristown has a small-town vibe with establishments you can expect from a big city. It is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) away from Manhattan which you can drive in about 48 minutes. If you want to skip the historical tours, you can decide to explore downtown. There are plenty of steakhouses, Asian restaurants, and old-fashioned Italian eateries to choose from. Take your time in a walkable city with curious landmarks and make new memories with your beloved.

11. Ocean Grove (from USD 184)

Ocean Grove’s tent homes are tantalizing, so much so that the boardwalk and beaches of this shore region community do not draw as much attention. The turreted Great Auditorium is surrounded by tiny tent houses with shady porches and dainty flower beds. Take the opportunity to live in a magical wood and canvas tent house if one is available for rent. Downtown Ocean Grove is worth checking out with its Victorian houses and narrow streets. Ocean Grove is at the very center of Jersey Shore which is an hour from Manhattan. It is going to be a 62-mile drive (99 kilometers) if you plan to take I-95 S and Garden State Parkway.

12. Wildwood (from USD 205)

The wide sandy beaches of Wildwood in the southern shores of New Jersey are accessible to everyone. Wildwood and Wildwood Crest has wide expanses of sand, whereas North Wildwood’s beaches are narrower. They call Wildwood an island paradise because everyone gets to have free access to the best beaches in the state. The 2-mile boardwalk is dominated by a sprawling amusement park with more than 100 rides. If you prefer a more secluded spot, then take a leisurely walk on the sand. Give it a few minutes and you will find that perfect spot for two. Atlantic City is 46 miles away (74 kilometers), but if you take Garden State Parkway, it’s only going to take you 49 minutes on the road.

Expect the unexpected in Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore is all about resort living year-round. You can book a weekend romantic getaway this minute, drive to New Jersey the next day, and still have a great time even without a fixed itinerary. You can also pick your favorite places from our list and plan an exquisite weekend hiatus with the love of your life.