Date Night Ideas in Jacksonville

By: Lieba Abecassis & Gila Rapoport

Spending quality time with your partner is an important part of keeping a relationship vibrant and healthy. While living in an out of town community can limit options in terms of a fancy kosher dinner at an upscale establishment, there are plenty of other fun and romantic ways of dating your spouse in Jacksonville. 

Walter Jones Park: Just a five minute drive from the eruv is the Walter Jones park. Aside from this park being an amazing place to bring the family for photos, it’s a great place for catching sunset with a picnic. Bring your favorite wine and a charcuterie board, take a stroll on the dock, and witness the most magical sunset in Jacksonville over the St. Johns River. A beautiful sunset never gets old, and watching one with the love of your life is the icing on the cake. 

Downtown Riverwalk: Grab a bite at Gili’s and then take a nice stroll on the riverwalk in Downtown Jacksonville. My husband and I have a lot of steps marked here. Getting some movement in while having deep and meaningful conversations is definitely a date worthy endeavor. The view of the river is sure pretty, and we have such fond memories of every riverwalk date. 

San Marco: San Marco is such a cute and trendy area in Jacksonville nestled in between downtown and Mandarin. The little boutique shops, the lights, the benches, and the overall energy is super zen and romantic. Whether you’re taking a stroll, grabbing some Dreamette ice cream (cholov stam) or making your way onto a rooftop bar, the magic of San Marco is palpable. If you like trivia, Four Score Bar has Trivia nights!

Top Golf: Those of us who send our children to the amazing Ganeinu preschool in Southside are very aware of the Top Golf landmark off of exit 52. It’s a great and fun place to go with a group or just on a date night with you and your significant other. You don’t need to be good at golfing to have fun. Just have a drink and a good laugh as you attempt to hit some of those golf balls in the general vicinity of your targets. 

The Comedy Zone: For a night filled with laughter, connection, and zero kid interruptions! Nothing beats sharing a night of comedy, good drinks, and inside jokes that last long after the show. Because couples who laugh together, stay together!

Splitz: This fun spot is where you go to let your inner child out for a little play. My husband took me here once and we had such a great time playing the arcades while we waited for our bowling lane to open. Sometimes, a date night is somewhere quiet where you can talk and chill, while other times it’s a place that allows you to have fun together with games and banter. 

Jacksonville Symphony: For a date night that feels like a love song, take your spouse to the Jacksonville Symphony, where music and romance come together in perfect harmony. Sit back, relax, and let the orchestra sweep you away with breathtaking melodies, from classical masterpieces to cinematic scores. Whether you're dressed up for a grand night out or simply enjoying a peaceful escape together, this is the kind of date that lingers long after the final note.

Breakout Games: Life can throw a lot at a couple, and it’s always an opportunity to be the team you were meant to be and tackle it together. An escape room is a great place to go with your partner and see what you’re made of when you come out on the other side of some very perplexing problems and riddles to solve. I mean, once you escape, you can escape anything...right? 

Jax Ale Trail: Explore local craft breweries, sip on unique brews, and enjoy some much-needed quality time together. Whether you're beer enthusiasts or just looking for a casual night out, this self-guided tour lets you discover new flavors, collect stamps for prizes, and create lasting memories—one pint at a time. Cheers to love, laughter, and locally brewed goodness!

Jacksonville Beach Boardwalk: For a romantic and breezy date night in Jacksonville, take your spouse to the Jacksonville Beach Boardwalk for the perfect mix of relaxation and fun. Stroll hand-in-hand along the shore, feel the salty breeze, and watch the sunset paint the sky in stunning colors. Whether you're people-watching, listening to the waves, or simply enjoying each other's company, this simple yet meaningful night out is a reminder that the best moments are often the easiest.

Blue Jay Listening Room: Jacksonville’s intimate live music venue where the sound is pure, the vibe is cozy, and the distractions are none. Snuggle up in a candlelit atmosphere, let the music set the mood, and enjoy an evening where conversation flows as easily as the melodies. Whether it's a soulful acoustic set or a night of jazz, this hidden gem is the perfect spot to unwind, reconnect, and let the music bring you even closer.

Florida Theatre: For a date night with timeless charm, take your spouse to the Florida Theatre, where history, romance, and live entertainment come together under one stunning roof. Whether you're catching a classic concert, a comedy show, or a Broadway-style performance, this beautifully restored venue sets the perfect stage for a magical evening.

River & Post: For a romantic date night with a view, take your spouse to River & Post, where the stunning Jacksonville skyline and St. Johns River set the scene for a perfect evening. Sip on cocktails, soak in the breathtaking sunset, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you unwind together. Whether you're cozied up inside or enjoying the open air, this spot creates the perfect setting for deep conversations, laughter, and a night to remember.

Go to a Broadway Show: For a date night filled with culture and excitement, take your spouse to a Broadway show or live performance with the FSCJ Artist Series! Whether you're captivated by a classic musical, a mesmerizing dance performance, or a thought-provoking play, this is the perfect way to escape into a world of storytelling and artistry. Hold hands as the curtain rises, get lost in the magic of live theater, and enjoy a night out that’s as unforgettable as your love story.

There are plenty of ways you can spend date night with your loved one in Jacksonville. Whether it’s getting out some pent up anger in a rage room, or driving up onto the beach for a tranquil sea breeze, there are many ways to build and rebuild upon the foundations of your relationship, your friendship, and your partnership with that special person you do life with. 

Happy dating!