By Julia Train
Summer is here! That means there’s a slew of new activities to enjoy at the shore, with no shortage of wonderful date night options.
Sometimes going to the same dinner spot every week with your significant other can get boring for both of you. Sometimes you need to spice date night up. However, it can get overwhelming during the search for options online.
Luckily for you, I’ve compiled a list of date ideas with something for everybody, whether you’re a local or visiting, whether you like a quiet or more adventurous scene for date night. Here are 20 summer date night ideas at the Southern Jersey Shore.
- Pack a picnic.
This can be a super cheap option, depending on how you go about it. Choose a beach or park (there’s a ton) and pack your blanket and lunch. Either bring your food from home or buy it from a favorite restaurant. Pinterest has a ton of picnic inspiration!
- Visit an amusement park.
This one’s for the thrill-seekers. Wherever you’re located, there’s bound to be an amusement park pretty close – Morey’s Pier, Steel Pier, Playland’s Castaway Cove, etc. You’ll have a blast riding coasters together, and it’ll give you a reason to hold on to your date.
- Walk the boardwalk.
We’re surrounded by boardwalks with tons of activities: food, drinks, shopping, escape rooms, mirror mazes, go-karts and more.
- Play miniature golf.
If you don’t want to go to the boardwalk for mini golf, there are tons in each shore town that stand alone. This is fun for those couples who like to get competitive.
- Go to a winery or brewery.
It’s the season to sit outside and drink at the winery. If that’s not your vibe, go to the brewery! There’s a plethora of options for both!
- Visit a farmers market.
Another classic summer activity, but bring your significant other! This can be just for fun or to pick up some needed produce!
- Have a craft night.
There are a bunch of couple craft ideas on TikTok or Pinterest, like painting each other or making matching bracelets with beads that are the colors of each others’ eyes. If you live together, you can even make some DIY decor!
- Get outdoorsy.
Try hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping, or tubing. We’re close to the Delaware water gap, for example. There are also local options like Birch Grove Park, the EHT Nature Reserve, and Lake Lenape.
- Watch the sun go down at Sunset Beach.
Located in Cape May, it’s arguably one of the best spots to watch the sunset. It’s also super romantic to sit on a blanket and just talk while watching it.
- Visit a museum.
Depending on where and when you go, this can be a fairly cheap (or free!) date.
- Get a sweet treat.
You can’t go wrong with the classic date idea of getting ice cream. This can be a stand-alone date or coupled with another idea.
- Enjoy a concert.
There are several outdoor and free ones, which we share a list of weekly, so check that out!
- Berry picking
Summer is the season for berries! Why go to the market to pick them up when you can turn it into a date?
- Visit a fair.
You’ll see a ton of fairs pop up throughout the summer! Enjoy a night of feeling like a kid again with rides, games and treats with your significant other.
- Go out for breakfast or brunch instead of dinner.
Switch up the time you go out to eat! Bonus points if you dress a little nicer and the restaurant has outdoor seating.
- Enjoy sunrise at the beach with coffee and donuts.
This one’s for the early birds. Grab some coffee and donuts and stroll the beach as the sun rises.
17. Try a new hobby together.
Trying a new hobby together is a great way to bond! Peruse social media sites like Pinterest to discover ideas that sound interesting to you both.
- Visit the Cape May Zoo.
Another classic. Spend a day with the animals while learning about them!
- Spend a day at Cape Square Entertainment Complex.
A one-stop place for bowling, movies and food!
- Go on a food tour.
If you’re a foodie, learn about the current food trends, history and culture in your area.
Now that you’re feeling inspired, it’s time to pick your favorites and enjoy them! Try blending some ideas together for one date night or put your own spin on any on the list.
Did we miss anything that you think would be a great idea? Let us know at shorelocalnews@gmail.com!
