Berkeley Heights is a small township in the hills of New Jersey, part of the gorgeous Union County. Just minutes from New York City, the town is home to over 13,000 residents and features a number of outdoor recreation options, historical attractions, and delicious eateries. With its close proximity to NYC and its picturesque scenery, Berkeley Heights makes for a great first date spot.
1. Berkeley Heights Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
Berkeley Heights has several parks and green spaces to take your date on a romantic walk. The Patriot Path is a beautiful 1.3-mile trail that runs along the Watchung Reservation and offers views of the New York skyline. Another popular spot to take a stroll on a first date is Berkeley Heights Community Park. The park features several different walking paths, a lake, and plenty of outdoor activities like paddleboat rental, playgrounds, and a miniature golf course.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Berkeley Heights
If you prefer a less active date, Berkeley Heights has a few great coffee shops that offer a cozy atmosphere for a first date. Brewed Awakenings Café serves up coffee, tea, smoothies, and pastries to enjoy over conversation, plus they have outdoor seating for nice days. The Grind Café is also a fun spot for coffee, with plenty of coffee and tea specialties to choose from. The Grind also offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, and other light bites.
3. Berkeley Heights Galleries, Museums, and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
Berkeley Heights also boasts a number of galleries, museums, and exhibitions to explore on a date. The Mayors' Gallery at the historic Berkeley Heights Town Hall is a great place to view local art as well as rotating international exhibits. For a fun, hands-on adventure, head to LifeSpace Science Center, which has interactive exhibits and programs designed to engage, educate, and entertain. And everyone can appreciate the beauty of nature at Reeves-Reed Arboretum, with its varied gardens, hiking trails, and programs.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date To in Berkeley Heights
Berkeley Heights has a few great venues for live music and entertainment. The Berkeley Heights YMCA hosts an ongoing lineup of music, theatre, and other events throughout the year, perfect for a first date. The Redwood Palace is another great spot for live performances, with a range of genres from rock to blues to jazz.
5. Berkeley Heights Pubs, Bars, or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
For a casual drink or bite to eat on a first date, Berkeley Heights has plenty of pubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from. The Summit Pub is great for craft beers and pub fare, while the Garden State Ale House serves up classic American fare with a long list of beers on tap. For a fancy dinner out, head to the Encore Bistro, which serves up Mediterranean and American cuisine with a good selection of wines.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Berkeley Heights
Berkeley Heights is full of fun activities and attractions that you can take your date to. The area boasts several movie theatres, including the AMC Mountainside 10, or you can catch a performance at the Paper Mill Playhouse or the Westfield Symphony. The Summit Playhouse also hosts live performances, plus a sister venue for comedy shows. No matter what kind of date you’re looking for, Berkeley Heights has something to offer. From beautiful parks and coffee dates to live music and dinner out, there are plenty of first date ideas to explore in this charming township.
