Romantic Getaways in New Jersey
I found romantic getaways in New Jersey to be the perfect mix of coastal beauty, countryside charm, and vibrant city life. Within just a short drive, you can stroll along sandy beaches, sip wine at scenic vineyards, unwind in historic inns, or explore lively towns filled with art, dining, and entertainment. One of the best parts is finding the perfect retreat, whether it’s a cozy bed-and-breakfast, a luxurious seaside resort, or a charming boutique hotel, that sets the stage for a memorable escape together. Here are some unique places to stay that I think you’ll love for your New Jersey adventures.
1. Soaking up seaside charm at The Island Guest House
We drove two hours south from New York City.
There’s something about Long Beach Island that makes everything slow down. The Island Guest House felt like it was made for that kind of pace.
The Island Guest House in Beach Haven, New Jersey is one of my favorite hidden gems for a romantic or family weekend escape.
What I love most is how it exudes a turn-of-the-century beachside charm while keeping things perfectly relaxed and welcoming.
My favorite detail is its oceanside location—just steps from the beach amid the historic resort town vibe of Long Beach Island.
One of the best features for me is the full, homemade breakfast each morning—with fresh-baked breads, garden-picked produce, and so many options that meet a wide range of dietary preferences.
I also love the thoughtful extras that make the stay feel effortlessly convenient and fun—complimentary beach badges, beach chairs, boogie boards, bicycles, and even an outdoor shower for rinsing off after time by the waves.
Another standout for me is the cozy, inviting garden courtyard—the perfect spot to enjoy refreshments, play a little ping-pong, or relax after a day exploring.
My favorite memory was biking down the shoreline at sunrise, then winding back for a cup of coffee prepared by the warm and attentive innkeepers—it felt like being in on a well-kept local secret.
The Island Guest House isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a charming, nostalgic, and underrated jewel that wraps you in comfort, character, and seaside magic, and I can’t wait to return for another getaway.
What I Loved Most: Borrowing beach bikes and riding along the dunes just after sunrise, the world still hushed and golden.
My highlights? I had a cozy breakfast on the porch with baked French toast, crispy bacon, and a bowl of fresh berries. Simple, sweet, and just what we needed after a breezy night walk under the stars.
The Island Guest House At a Glance
- Drive Time from NYC: ~2 hours south
- Vibe: Casual, breezy, nostalgic
2. Victorian elegance at The Whistling Swan Inn
I drove about an hour west from New York City into the quiet town of Stanhope.
Tucked into Stanhope like a secret, The Whistling Swan Inn Bed & Breakfast had an old-world charm that made us feel instantly wrapped in comfort. The creak of the stairs, the lace-curtained windows, the sound of birds outside, it all invited us to exhale.
What I love most is how it blends old-world Victorian elegance with modern comforts—it’s a beautifully restored Queen Anne mansion built in 1905 that perfectly captures timeless charm.
My favorite detail is the gracious wraparound porch overlooking the Victorian garden—ideal for lingering over a morning coffee or enjoying a cozy conversation by the swan fountain.
One of the best features for me is waking each day to a sumptuous gourmet breakfast—homemade breads, fresh pastries, steel-cut oats, and rotating daily selections that make mornings feel both indulgent and thoughtful.
I also love how every room is individually decorated with antiques or period reproductions, and thoughtfully upgraded to include modern comforts like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs in select suites, plush linens, and premium bath amenities.
Another standout is the 24-hour hospitality bar stocked with snacks, beverages, and homemade cookies—a small touch that makes the entire stay feel effortlessly welcoming.
My favorite memory was settling into a plush feather bed in a suite with a fireplace, glass of wine in hand, and hearing nothing but the gentle sounds of the countryside—a moment that felt both enveloping and serene.
For me, The Whistling Swan Inn isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a romantic, historic treasure with heart, comfort, and a soulful ambiance that always leaves me eager to come back for another chapter.
My highlights? Breakfast was homemade and heartfelt, stuffed croissant French toast with strawberries and cream, alongside perfectly brewed coffee. It felt like a love letter from the kitchen.
The Whistling Swan Inn At a Glance
- Drive Time from NYC: ~1.5 hours west
- Vibe: Romantic, vintage, quiet
3. Riverfront luxury at the Molly Pitcher Inn
I drove just over an hour south from New York City to Red Bank.
The view from our balcony at the Molly Pitcher Inn was something I didn’t realize I needed, boats drifting on the Navesink River, the soft hush of the water below, and warm light dancing across the room.
My favorite detail is its rich sense of history and the lasting legacy of Molly Pitcher—the Revolutionary War figure known for courageously taking over a cannon during battle—adding a depth of heritage that truly sets the inn apart.
One of the best features for me is that elegant promenade and ballroom overlooking the water—ideal for weddings, brunches, or intimate gatherings with sweeping river views that feel effortlessly romantic.
I also love the stylish, well-appointed rooms and suites—each thoughtfully designed with contemporary touches like dark espresso furnishings, plush linens, and modern comforts, creating an inviting blend of old-world charm and present-day ease.
Another standout for me is the on-site marina and seasonal outdoor pool—highlighting the hotel’s unique waterfront lifestyle and making it a gem for relaxation, recreation, or a social getaway.
My favorite memory? Waking up in a sunlit room, heading downstairs for coffee overlooking the water, then stepping onto the promenade as river breezes drifted by—it felt like living in a serene retreat, just my own and timeless.
For me, the Molly Pitcher Inn isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a historic, romantic treasure with character, waterfront beauty, and a sense of story that always leaves me longing to return.
What I Loved Most: Sunset cocktails on the patio, wrapped in a light breeze, watching sailboats slide across the river like moving brushstrokes.
My highlights? Dinner at the inn’s restaurant: pan-seared scallops over sweet corn risotto with a glass of chilled Chardonnay. Refined, rich, and made for lingering.
Molly Pitcher Inn At a Glance
- Drive Time from NYC: ~1 hour south
- Vibe: Refined, riverside, timeless
4. Seaside sophistication at ICONA Cape May
I drove about two and a half hours south from New York City to Cape May.
Cape May already feels like romance by design, and ICONA Cape May wrapped that feeling in white linens and ocean air. Our room overlooked the beach, the horizon glowing peach at sunset. We didn’t plan much, just walked, held hands, and soaked up the charm.
My favorite detail is its prime location right along Beach Avenue—just steps from the sand, with panoramic ocean views from many rooms that make waking up here feel like a true retreat.
One of the best features for me is the thoughtfully designed guest rooms—they boast luxe Carrera marble-style bathrooms, custom furnishings, private balconies, and modern amenities that elevate the stay.
I also love the variety of accommodations—everything from oceanfront suites with full kitchens and murphy beds to cozy classic queen rooms, perfect whether you're traveling as a couple or with family.
Another standout is the boutique feel—just 56 rooms in total mean it stays intimate, peaceful, and elegant throughout, a true escape from the hustle of larger resorts.
The amenities are another highlight—an outdoor heated pool, a seasonal shuttle service, and beach chair and umbrella setups courtesy of the hotel make seaside lounging effortlessly enjoyable.
My favorite memory? Stepping out onto the balcony at sunrise as ocean breezes drifted in, the sound of waves mingling with bird calls—then floating by the pool in the morning sun, feeling completely relaxed.
For me, ICONA Cape May isn't just a place to rest—it's a charming seaside retreat where comfort, elegance, and coastal tranquility come together to make every visit feel special.
My highlights? Brunch at the oceanview bar: crab cake eggs Benedict with lemon aioli and roasted potatoes, eaten slowly as gulls circled above and jazz played softly from the speakers.
The negative? Mostly the prices in high season. But off-season, Cape May quiets down and costs are reasonable.
ICONA Cape May At a Glance
- Drive Time from Philadelphia: ~1.5 hours southeast
- Vibe: Beachy, elegant, relaxed
5. European-inspired romance at Carisbrooke Inn
I drove about two hours south from New York City to Ventnor City, just outside Atlantic City.
Tucked along the Atlantic City shoreline, Carisbrooke Inn offered the kind of charm that catches you off guard. The stucco façade, the cozy sitting rooms, the scent of coffee drifting through the hallways, it all had a European feel.
I think the Carisbrooke Inn is one of my favorite choices for a romantic or restful seaside retreat.
What I love most is its rich historic charm—it honors an original 1891 oceanfront inn (the first hotel established in Ventnor), blending Victorian-inspired elegance with modern comfort right by the shore.
My favorite detail is its prime location—just steps from the beach, boardwalk, and Atlantic City, it offers the perfect mix of tranquility and access to local attractions.
One of the best features for me is the elegant architecture and interior—dramatic front doors, high ceilings, ornate moldings, and a welcoming center staircase set a gracious, timeless tone.
I also love the communal warmth—starting the day with a homemade, multi-course breakfast in the parlor, or ending it with evening wine and refreshments by the fireplace or on the ocean-view deck.
Another standout is the “European hospitality”—the innkeeper and staff go the extra mile with cozy baked treats, thoughtful service, and making each guest feel genuinely welcome.
For me, Carisbrooke Inn isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a romantic, historic treasure by the Jersey Shore. With its graceful elegance, heartfelt hospitality, and unbeatable location, it always leaves me eager to return for another peaceful escape.
What I Loved Most: The proximity to the boardwalk, yet the total calm once we stepped through the inn’s front door, like being in two worlds at once.
My highlights? A lovingly prepared breakfast with mushroom and goat cheese omelets, buttery croissants, and house-made jam. We lingered with a second cup of coffee and no place we needed to be.
Carisbrooke Inn At a Glance
- Drive Time from NYC: ~2.5 hours south
- Vibe: Old-world, quiet, coastal
Conclusion
Each of these places reminded me that romance doesn’t always need candlelight and big plans. Sometimes it’s in the way you share a quiet breakfast, how you hold hands walking back from the beach, or just how good it feels to have nothing on the agenda but each other. We left New Jersey with full hearts and soft smiles, grateful for the stillness, the slowness, and the chance to simply be together.
My personal highlights:
Some of my favorite New Jersey romantic getaways include Cape May for its seaside charm and Victorian inns, Lambertville for its unique blend of art, antiques, and riverfront walks, and the underrated vineyards of South Jersey for wine-tasting weekends. Each one offers the best mix of beauty, relaxation, and romance.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
