Romantic Couples Weekend
Plan the perfect romantic getaway. Sunset sails, wine trails, cozy B&Bs, and the most romantic beach towns at the Jersey Shore.
Victorian B&Bs
Charming stays with gourmet breakfast
Sunset Experiences
Sailing, beach walks, rooftop drinks
Wine & Dining
Wine trails and BYOB fine dining
Most Romantic Towns
Cape May
5/5 RomanceVictorian elegance, wine trails, sunset cruises
Stay: Angel of the Sea, Queen Victoria, Congress Hall
Spring Lake
5/5 RomanceQuiet elegance, lake walks, refined dining
Stay: The Breakers, Sea Crest by the Sea
Ocean Grove
4/5 RomanceHistoric Victorian village, Great Auditorium
Stay: The Majestic Hotel, Victorian guesthouses
Stone Harbor
4/5 RomanceUpscale Seven Mile Island, sunset views
Stay: The Reeds at Shelter Haven
Asbury Park
4/5 RomanceHip arts scene, rooftop bars, live music
Stay: The Asbury Hotel
Long Branch
4/5 RomancePier Village, spa resort, oceanfront dining
Stay: Ocean Place Resort & Spa
Romantic Activities
Sunset Sail
Watch the sun set over the bay on a private or group sailing cruise.
Wine Trail
Sample local wines at 6 Cape May wineries. Transport available.
Couples Spa
Side-by-side massages and treatments at shore spas.
Candlelit Dinner
BYOB fine dining at intimate shore restaurants.
Sunrise Beach Walk
Empty beaches at dawn. Watch the sun rise over the Atlantic.
Victorian Trolley Tour
Narrated tour through Cape May's historic district.
Sample Weekend Itineraries
Classic Romantic Weekend
Cape May
- Friday: Arrive, check into B&B, sunset dinner at Ebbitt Room
- Saturday: Beach morning, wine trail afternoon, candlelit BYOB dinner
- Sunday: Trolley tour, brunch, afternoon departure
Quiet Elegance
Spring Lake
- Friday: Arrive, walk around the lake, dinner at The Mill
- Saturday: Beach day, sunset at non-commercial boardwalk, elegant dinner
- Sunday: Brunch, antique shopping in nearby towns
Hip & Artsy
Asbury Park
- Friday: Check into The Asbury, rooftop drinks, live music
- Saturday: Beach club, vintage shopping, dinner and nightlife
- Sunday: Brunch, Silverball Museum, departure
Romance Tips
Book B&B Direct
Many B&Bs offer romance packages with champagne and breakfast in bed.
BYOB for Savings
Bring a nice bottle of wine to BYOB restaurants. No corkage fees.
Visit Off-Season
September-October and May offer romance without summer crowds.
Request Ocean View
Ocean-view rooms cost more but are worth it for morning views.
Make Reservations
Top restaurants book up 2-4 weeks ahead on summer weekends.
Surprise with Details
Ask your hotel to arrange flowers, champagne, or sunset timing.
Romance Trip Budget Guide
Budget Romance
$300-500
Wildwood motel + free beach + BYOB dinner
- Motel (2 nights)$150-250
- Gas/Transit$30-50
- Food (BYOB dinners)$80-150
- Activities$30-50
Classic Romance
$600-900
Cape May B&B + wine trail + nice dinners
- B&B (2 nights)$350-500
- Gas/Transit$30-50
- Fine dining (2 dinners)$150-250
- Wine trail + activities$70-100
Luxury Splurge
$1,200-2,000+
Congress Hall + spa + sunset sail + gourmet
- Luxury hotel (2 nights)$600-1,000
- Couples spa$250-400
- Sunset cruise$100-200
- Fine dining + drinks$250-400
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- ✓ BYOB restaurants save $50-100 per dinner on wine
- ✓ Visit September-October: 30-40% cheaper than July
- ✓ Book midweek for better B&B rates
- ✓ Pack a nice bottle of champagne from home
- ✓ Free beaches at Sandy Hook and Atlantic City
- ✓ Ask B&Bs about romance packages - often include extras
Best Season for Your Romance Style
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Cozy, intimate, uncrowdedBest for: Couples wanting quiet intimacy, holiday magic, or budget luxury
⚠️ Many restaurants close or reduce hours. Check before booking.
Spring (Mar-May)
Blooming, mild, affordableBest for: Nature lovers, wine enthusiasts, those avoiding summer crowds
⚠️ Weather can be unpredictable. Have indoor backup plans.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Vibrant, social, festiveBest for: Couples who love energy, nightlife, and beach time
⚠️ Book 4-6 weeks ahead. Prices peak July/August weekends.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Romantic, colorful, perfectBest for: Photographers, wine lovers, those wanting best weather + value combo
⚠️ September can still be crowded. October is sweet spot.
💍 Planning a Proposal?
Best Proposal Spots
Sunset Sail in Cape May
Private moment on the water as sun sets. Schooner crew can help coordinate.
💡 Book a private charter for intimacy. Tell crew in advance, they'll help with champagne.
Beach at Sunrise
Empty beach, golden light, waves crashing. Just the two of you.
💡 Scout location the day before. Bring blanket, champagne, and a backup ring box (sand!).
Cape May Lighthouse
199 steps up, panoramic views, historic romance.
💡 Go at opening time for fewer crowds. Not good for those with knee issues.
Planning Checklist
- 1
Book 4-6 weeks ahead
B&Bs fill up. Request best room with ocean view.
- 2
Tell the innkeeper/hotel
They can arrange champagne, flowers, even a photographer.
- 3
Scout your spot
Visit the location the day before to check crowds, lighting, logistics.
- 4
Have a backup plan
Weather can change. Know your rainy day alternative spot.
- 5
Pre-book celebration dinner
Call restaurant, explain you're proposing. They may offer special table.
Anniversary Trip Ideas
1st Anniversary
Return to your wedding honeymoon spot, or create new tradition at a romantic B&B
Try: Weekend in Cape May with sunset sail - start your "our spot" tradition
5th Anniversary
Upgrade your original trip. If you started budget, go luxury this time.
Try: Congress Hall or The Reeds - splurge on the suite with ocean view
10th Anniversary
Extended getaway. 3-4 nights exploring multiple shore towns.
Try: Start in Cape May, drive up to Asbury Park, end in Spring Lake
25th Anniversary (Silver)
All-out luxury. Private sunset charter, spa day, finest dining.
Try: Private schooner sail, couples massage, Peter Shields Inn dinner
Packing for Romance
Essentials
- Nice dinner outfit
Most shore dining is casual, but one nice outfit for special dinner
- Your own wine/champagne
BYOB restaurants everywhere - bring the good stuff from home
- Layers
Evenings get cool by the water, even in summer
- Camera
Phone is fine, but real camera for sunset shots is worth it
Romantic Extras
- Candles (battery-operated)
Hotels frown on real candles, but LED creates ambiance
- Bluetooth speaker
Your playlist in the room or on the beach
- Surprise gift
Jewelry, a card, something meaningful for the trip
- Picnic supplies
Romantic beach picnic at sunset is free and unforgettable
Romantic Getaway FAQ
What is the most romantic town at the Jersey Shore?
Cape May is the most romantic shore destination with Victorian B&Bs, fine dining, wine trails, and sunset cruises. Spring Lake offers quiet elegance. Ocean Grove has historic charm. Asbury Park suits couples wanting nightlife and arts.
Where should couples stay at the Jersey Shore?
Victorian B&Bs in Cape May (Angel of the Sea, Queen Victoria) are most romantic. Spring Lake has elegant inns. Ocean Grove offers historic guesthouses. For modern luxury, try Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch or The Asbury in Asbury Park.
What romantic activities are there at the Jersey Shore?
Sunset sailing cruises, wine tasting on Cape May Wine Trail, couples spa treatments, candlelit dinners at BYOB restaurants, beach walks at dawn, and trolley tours through Victorian neighborhoods.
When is the best time for a romantic shore getaway?
September-October offer warm weather, fall foliage, and fewer crowds. May-June has mild weather and lower prices. Winter in Cape May features holiday decorations and intimate atmosphere. Summer weekends are crowded but festive.
How much does a romantic weekend at the shore cost?
Budget varies: Mid-range (Wildwood B&B + dinner): $400-600 total. Upscale (Cape May B&B, wine trail, sunset cruise, fine dining): $800-1,200. Luxury (Congress Hall, spa, private sail): $1,500+. BYOB restaurants save $50-100 on drinks.
What are the best BYOB restaurants for a romantic dinner?
Cape May: Washington Inn, Peter Shields Inn, Ebbitt Room. Asbury Park: Pascal & Sabine, Moonstruck. Spring Lake: The Mill at Spring Lake Heights. Bring a nice bottle from home - no corkage fees at most shore BYOBs.
Should we book a B&B or hotel for a couples trip?
B&Bs offer more romance: gourmet breakfast, personalized service, and Victorian charm. Hotels offer privacy and amenities (pools, spas). For special occasions, B&Bs in Cape May can arrange champagne, flowers, and breakfast in bed.
How do I plan a surprise romantic weekend?
Book 2-4 weeks ahead for B&Bs. Call the innkeeper to arrange surprises (champagne, flowers, cake). Request ocean view or fireplace rooms. Pre-book sunset cruise and dinner reservations. Many B&Bs offer romance packages.
What should we do on a rainy romantic weekend?
Cape May: wine trail, trolley tour, shopping. Asbury Park: Silverball Museum, galleries, bars. Long Branch: Ocean Place spa day. Atlantic City: shows, spa, dining. Many B&Bs have cozy common rooms with fireplaces.
Are there couples spa packages at the Jersey Shore?
Yes! Ocean Place Resort (Long Branch) has a full spa with couples treatments. Borgata Spa in AC offers packages. Cape May Day Spa and many B&Bs arrange in-room couples massages. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend availability.