Romantic Jersey Shore Getaways
Skip the crowded boardwalks and discover the Jersey Shore's romantic side. Victorian B&Bs, sunset dinners, quiet beaches, and charming towns perfect for couples seeking quality time together.
Best Time for Romance
September
Warm water, empty beaches, no badge required, shoulder-season rates.
October
Cape May Victorian Weekend, fall colors, cozy B&B season.
May-June
Fewer crowds than summer, pleasant weather, good hotel deals.
Winter Weekends
Cape May stays charming year-round. Cozy fireplaces and empty beaches.
Most Romantic Shore Towns
Cape May
Victorian RomanceAmericas oldest seaside resort with 600+ Victorian buildings
Romantic Features
- ♥Charming B&Bs with period decor
- ♥Fine dining scene
- ♥Sunset cruises
- ♥Wine tasting
Our Picks
Dining: The Ebbitt Room for fine dining
Stay: Virginia Hotel for luxury, Congress Hall for classic
Couples who love history, architecture, and upscale experiences
Spring Lake
The Irish RivieraElegant, quiet beach town with no boardwalk distractions
Romantic Features
- ♥Pristine uncrowded beaches
- ♥Upscale B&Bs and inns
- ♥Beautiful lake for walks
- ♥High-end restaurants
Our Picks
Dining: Whispers for fine dining with ocean views
Stay: The Breakers on the Ocean
Couples seeking peace, quiet, and understated elegance
Ocean Grove
Victorian CharmHistoric camp meeting town with tent colony and Great Auditorium
Romantic Features
- ♥Unique tent cottages
- ♥Historic architecture
- ♥Quiet atmosphere
- ♥Close to Asbury Park nightlife
Our Picks
Dining: Nagle's for casual breakfast
Stay: Rent a tent cottage for unique experience
Couples who love quirky history and vintage vibes
Avalon
Upscale Beach EscapeCooler by a Mile - refined beach town with excellent dining
Romantic Features
- ♥Beautiful clean beaches
- ♥Excellent restaurant scene
- ♥Quiet streets
- ♥Upscale shops
Our Picks
Dining: Circle Tavern for craft cocktails
Stay: Icona Diamond Beach nearby
Couples wanting beach luxury without the crowds
Stone Harbor
Serene SanctuaryBird sanctuary town with natural beauty and quiet charm
Romantic Features
- ♥Wetlands Preserve walks
- ♥Uncrowded beaches
- ♥Local boutiques
- ♥Bird watching
Our Picks
Dining: Fred's Tavern for local flavor
Stay: Reeds at Shelter Haven
Nature-loving couples seeking tranquility
Long Branch
Boardwalk RomancePier Village offers upscale beachfront dining and shopping
Romantic Features
- ♥Pier Village promenade
- ♥Ocean views dining
- ♥Beach bars
- ♥Historic Seven Presidents Park
Our Picks
Dining: Rooney's Oceanfront for sunset dinner
Stay: Ocean Place Resort & Spa
Couples who want beach + nightlife options
Romantic Activities
Sunset Cruise
Watch the sun set over the water from a sailboat or catamaran.
Where: Cape May, Atlantic City, Point Pleasant
Lighthouse Tour
Climb historic lighthouses for panoramic views.
Where: Cape May Point, Barnegat Light, Sandy Hook
Wine Tasting
Sample local wines at shore-area wineries.
Where: Cape May Winery, Willow Creek, Hawk Haven
Dolphin Watching
Spot dolphins and marine life on a boat tour.
Where: Cape May, Wildwood, Belmar
Beach Picnic at Sunset
Pack wine and cheese for a romantic beach dinner.
Where: Any quiet beach - try off-season for privacy
Spa Day
Couples treatments at shore resort spas.
Where: Congress Hall (Cape May), Ocean Place (Long Branch)
♥ #1 Romantic Destination: Cape May
Cape May consistently ranks as one of the most romantic destinations on the East Coast. With over 600 Victorian buildings, world-class dining, charming B&Bs, and beautiful sunsets over the Delaware Bay, it's the Jersey Shore's undisputed romantic capital.
Romantic must-dos: Sunset at Sunset Beach, dinner at The Ebbitt Room, horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district, wine tasting at Cape May Winery, and a climb to the top of the Cape May Lighthouse.
Planning Your Romantic Getaway
Book Ahead
- B&Bs book up months in advance, especially in Cape May
- Request a room with ocean view or private porch
- Ask about romance packages (champagne, breakfast in bed)
- Midweek stays are often cheaper and more private
Dining Tips
- Make reservations for sunset tables
- Many upscale spots are BYOB - bring nice wine
- Ask about tasting menus for special occasions
- Summer weekends book up fast - reserve early
Avoid the Crowds
- September is the most romantic month (warm, empty)
- Skip July 4th and Memorial Day weekends
- Weekday getaways are more intimate than weekends
- Early morning beach walks are magical
Special Touches
- Arrange for flowers to be in your room
- Book a couples massage at a spa
- Rent bikes to explore together
- Pack a picnic for a sunset beach dinner
Find Your Romantic Escape
Use our Town Picker to filter by quietness and find peaceful romantic destinations.
Find Your Perfect Town