Coming up with date night ideas that aren’t dinner can be tricky, but Asbury Park makes it easy. Asbury Park is the location to take a date because there are options for couples with various interests. Whether it is a first date, an anniversary, or a parents’ night out on the town, Asbury Park has plenty of events to choose from, no matter the status of the relationship. JSG has compiled a list of date night activities, so you don’t have to — keep reading for a guide to spending a date night in Asbury Park.
Play Mini-Golf at Asbury Eighteen Mini-Golf | 1050 Ocean Avenue
Located at 3rd Avenue on Asbury Park’s boardwalk is Asbury Eighteen Mini-Golf. During the summer, this date night activity is a fun option for before or after dinner. It is open on Fridays from 4:00PM to 8:00PM, Saturdays from 11:00AM to 8:00PM, and Sundays from 11:00AM to 6:00PM. This 18-hole course will take about 45 minutes to complete, and couples can expect to get a taste of Asbury Park’s history as the numbered signs at each hole tell a music-themed anecdote from one of the local venues.
Bowl at Asbury Lanes | 209 Fourth Avenue
Asbury Lanes is a vintage bowling alley just a couple of blocks from Asbury Park’s beach. It has a more luxurious bowling experience fitting for a date night. An intimate atmosphere is achieved because only a few lanes are available, and there is dim lighting and classic bowling aesthetics. It is open Monday through Friday from 4:00PM to 11:00PM, but on Saturdays and Sundays, the hours are extended from 2:00PM to 12:00AM. Couples should check the schedule here as Asbury Lanes often closes the bowling alley due to events or concerts.
Bring Your Pup to Asbury Park’s Dog Beach | 1738 Ocean Avenue North
A one-of-a-kind date night activity for couples who are also dog parents is to visit Asbury Park’s Dog Beach. From May 16th to September 14th, supervised and licensed dogs are permitted on the 8th Avenue Asbury Park Dog Beach from 6:00PM until the morning. At 8:30AM, all dogs must be off the beach. JSG tip: Before or after visiting the dog beach, stop by North Eats, a food truck court visible from the dog park, and that is open in the summer until LDW. The benefit of going during the fall and winter seasons is that dogs are allowed at all times from September 15th through May 15th. After the dog beach, check out one of Asbury Park’s dog-friendly restaurants.
Read More: Dog-Friendly Restaurants + Bars in Asbury Park
Play Kickball with Asbury Park’s Kickball Team
For couples looking for a social and athletic date night activity, kickball with other Asbury Park locals is an option. The games take place every Tuesday from May until October at 6:00PM. This inclusive team does not require sign-ups, so couples can just show up in front of the Convention Hall, ready to play and meet new friends. Check its Instagram page linked here and its Facebook group to keep updated on any scheduling changes.
See a Movie at Baronet | 210 Fifth Avenue
Baronet is the rooftop at The Asbury’s hotel; during the summer, it hosts retro-style movies open to the public. The Baronet is a must-try for couples as the atmosphere is cozy, with chairs and beanbags available for first come, first served seating. JSG tip: Bring a beach chair in case all chairs are taken, + remember a blanket for those chillier summer nights. The panoramic ocean views create a picturesque scenery as the sun sets to make the projected movie screen visible. Concessions are sold for snacks and drinks during the movie, and after, be sure to continue the date night at The Salvation, which is (literally) steps away, as it is The Asbury’s chic rooftop bar, known for its fun cocktails and chill vibes.
Go to a Bonfire on Asbury Park’s Beach
Locals know that Asbury Park’s bonfires are a staple feature of its summer season. The bonfires will burn at the beachfront all summer, every Friday at 7:00PM in May + June, Wednesday at 8:00PM in July + August, and back to every Friday at 7:00PM in September. The bonfires are a good date night option for couples looking for a night out that won’t break the bank, as it is a free event for all visitors. The bonfires will be in action at various beach entrances along the boardwalk. Be sure to keep updated on all bonfire notifications, including possible cancellations due to weather, on Asbury Park’s Boardwalk Instagram account linked here.
Drink Wine at Lovesick | 530 Cookman Avenue
Lovesick’s name alone justifies its place on this list of date night activities in Asbury Park. This wine bar, a sister restaurant to Homesick, is the spot for anyone wanting a romantic atmosphere. Lovesick has over 170 wines to choose from, and as expected, the menu is extensive; it is broken down into sparkling, white, red, and orange wines. There is no need to be intimidated by the options, as the bartenders are always super helpful, and if your date doesn’t like wine, there are also sake, beer, and cocktail options. There are interactive features at Lovesick, like the wine-tasting and live DJs, but JSG loves that visitors can write a ‘love note,’ seal it in an envelope, climb up the ladder, + drop it into the wall.
Get dinner at Moonstruck | 517 Lake Avenue
We know we said ideas that aren’t dinner, but Moonstruck is always an exception. Moonstruck is an upscale American-Mediterranean restaurant that sets a romantic vibe with its multi-story Victorian-style building with many windows and a wrap-around porch overlooking Wesley Lake. The first floor has a bar and lounge area if guests want a cocktail and some appetizers. The second floor is the main dining room with its dining bar, but JSG loves the outdoor porch seating option as it creates a charming atmosphere for a date night. The menu includes everything anyone would want on a date night- pasta, seafood, steak, and chicken. The live piano music and extensive wine list make this date night at Moonstruck even better.
See More: Jersey Shore Boutique Hotels to Stay When DTS
Get competitive at Silverball Retro Arcade | 1000 Ocean Avenue North
View this post on Instagram
The Silverball Retro Arcade, located directly on Asbury Park’s boardwalk, has over 150 games couples can play on their night out. This retro arcade has pinball machines from the 1950s, modern favorites, video game classics from the ’80s, air hockey, and skeeball. Silverball Retro Arcade has half-day and all-day pass options, so couples can even come and go as desired, in case there are other date night activities planned for this night out in Asbury.
Play Trivia
There are plenty of options for couples who want to play trivia in Asbury Park. The Asbury has music trivia at The Soundbooth, with Guiseppe, every Monday at 7:00PM. This event is free and open to the public. Wild Air Beerworks, a small craft brewery, has trivia night every Wednesday at 7:00PM, and couples can get food delivered to the brewery or BYOF (bring your own food). Asbury Ale House is also known for its themed trivia, hosted by Robbie Panasuk, every Wednesday at 7:30PM, which couples can look out for on its Instagram account linked here.
