19 Unique Date Night Ideas | Visit Elizabeth, New Jersey

Whether you're planning a romantic staycation, a fun night out on the town, celebrating Valentine's Day, or getting ready to jet off from Newark for an anniversary getaway, Elizabeth has something special in store.

We've put together a few suggestions to help you plan the perfect date:

People bustle about through the interior of a shopping mall in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens

1. Visit The Mills at Jersey Gardens

Turn a simple shopping trip into a playful date at The Mills. Pick out fun outfits for each other, grab matching snacks, and end the visit with a movie at AMC Theaters.

Cherry blossom trees bloom in the springtime at Warinanco Park.

2. Relax in Nature at Warinanco Park

Stroll along winding trails to admire cherry blossoms in spring or fiery foliage in fall. Pack takeout from a local restaurant for a laid-back picnic by the lake. In summer, rent a pedal boat to paddle across the lake together, and when winter arrives, hold hands as you ice skate at Warinanco Sports Center.

3. Set Out on a Sopranos Road Trip

Did you know many filming locations in the Sopranos are near Elizabeth? Hop in the car and bond over Sopranos trivia while visiting the locations where Tony and the crew made TV history.

A vibrant table scape with a mix of Colombian cuisine at Noches de Colombia, a Colombian restaurant in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

4. Dine Around the World in Elizabeth

No time for a trip abroad? Skip the jet lag and explore new flavors without leaving the city. Split a plate of Peruvian ceviche or toast with Portuguese wine. With restaurants serving dishes from around the world, every meal feels like a date-night getaway.

furniture in living room from Ikea Elizabeth NJ

5. Spend the Day at IKEA

Recreate the IKEA scene from 500 Days of Summer and pretend you live in one of the store displays. Pick out décor for your new home, test out the furniture, or just have fun looking at the paintings. Before leaving, share a plate of Swedish meatballs—because no IKEA date is complete without them.

An audience dancing to a live performance with colorful strobe lights flashing around the room.

6. Dance the Night Away

Turn up the energy with a night of music and dancing. Elizabeth’s trendy nightclubs play everything from salsa to hip-hop. Grab your partner, hit the dance floor, and show off your best moves.

7. Spend a Day Exploring Times Square

Soak in the bright lights, buzzing energy, and endless activity of Times Square. Catch a Broadway show or just wander through the streets filled with performers and giant billboards. After a full day in the city, retreat to your hotel in Elizabeth—just a quick ride away—for a relaxing end to the night.

8. Golf at Galloping Hill Golf Course

Slow things down with a relaxed day on the green. The rolling fairways provide a scenic backdrop for a slow-paced, conversation-filled date. End the round at the clubhouse for drinks and a chance to celebrate—or laugh over—the day’s best and worst shots.

The yellow-painted exterior of Liberty Hall Museum.

9. Take a Historical Walking Tour

Take a romantic stroll through Elizabeth’s storied past. Wander hand-in-hand while following a self-guided tour past centuries-old landmarks. Pause for photos, imagine life in another era, and let history add a unique twist to your time together.

10. Explore The Market at Elizabeth Ave.

Stroll through The Market, where family-owned shops and ethnic groceries line the streets. Pick up fresh produce and ingredients to create dinner together and browse specialty retailers to find a unique gift to remember the day.

11. Soar Over NYC with HeliNY Helicopter Tours

Take your date to new heights with a helicopter ride over New York City. Watch the skyline light up below as you soar past landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Few dates come with a view this breathtaking.

12. Kayak with Urban Paddle Tours

Trade city streets for open water with a kayaking tour that offers a fresh perspective of NYC. Paddle side by side as you take in skyline views from the Hudson River.

An array of dishes, including burgers, grilled cheese, and fries at a restaurant in Elizabeth, NJ.

13.Enjoy Late-Night Eats

Keep the night going with a post-date feast at one of our restaurants serving late-night snacks. Share comfort food, try something new, or grab a quick bite before heading back to your hotel.

14. Attend a Festival

Turn your date into a celebration by exploring one of Elizabeth’s many festivals. Browse street vendors, sample local food, or dance together to live music. There’s always something happening in Elizabeth, check our events calendar for the latest happenings.

15. Catch an Event at Prudential Center

Make date night bigger with a concert, comedy show, or game at the Prudential Center. Cheer on the NJ Devils, root for the Seton Hall Pirates, or sing along with your favorite artist in a packed arena. Whether you’re into sports or music, the energy of a live crowd makes for an unforgettable night.

16. Round1 Bowling & Arcade

Head to Round1–the NEW bowling alley at The Mills at Jersey Gardens–to playfully compete for the highest arcade score, show off your bowling skills or see who can pull off the most ridiculous trick shot. You can even reserve a karaoke room and cheer each other on as you belt out your favorite love songs.

17. Play Mini Golf at Space Adventure Mini Golf

Add a cosmic twist to date night with blacklight mini golf at Space Adventure Mini Golf in Woodbridge. Navigate glowing obstacles, sink tricky putts, and see whose short game is out of this world.

18. Try an Escape Room

Put your teamwork to the test at All In Adventures escape rooms. Search for hidden clues, crack riddles, and race against the clock to solve the mystery before time runs out. Whether you escape or not, working together makes for an exciting and memorable date. Afterwards, unwind at a cafe back in Elizabeth.

19. Play Pool at 1 & 9 Billiards & Entertainment

Break the ice over a game of pool at this lively billiards hall. With 20 tables, plus ping-pong and arcade games, there’s plenty of room for a little friendly competition. Rack ‘em up, take your best shot, and let the playful banter begin.