UPDATED FOR VALETINE’S DAY 2019 using a piece originally published by Melissa Beveridge on 1/30/2019

Whether you love or hate it, we have something for everyone to make your Jersey Shore Valentine’s Day a bit sweeter! Spend the day pampering yourself with the help of a massage and chocolate or maybe grab a group of friends and check out a dinner and a show.

Not sure what to give your Valentine? We’ve got plenty of chocolate treats to satisfy their cravings. Whether you choose to go out with the family for a night of fun or leave the kids with the sitter to enjoy a romantic dinner out, Valentine’s Day is not just a day – it’s a week long celebration.

So hop on the heart wagon and get ready to enjoy a Jersey Shore Valentine’s Day that’s full of delicious dishes, rich chocolates, bubbly champagne, lots of fun, and plenty of things to do with every one of your Valentines!

Places to Eat, Drink, Play, and Shop This Valentine’s Day at the Jersey Shore

Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to share a romantic candlelight dinner or grab a cocktail with a friend, Rooney’s Oceanfront Dining is the perfect spot. On Valentine’s Day, Rooney’s will be serving their a la carte menu along with innovative specials. Plus, they will have live Jazz music from 6 to 9, complete with an ocean view! 100 Ocean Avenue N, Long Branch 732-870-1200 http://www.rooneysocean.com/

Spend one of the most romantic evenings of the year at one of the Jersey Shore’s most romantic restaurants. Porcini created a special Jersey Shore Valentine’s Day Menu featuring French Kiss Oysters on the Half Shell, Lobster and Black Linguini, and Homemade Red Velvet Cake. Be sure to reserve your special table today! 168 Bay Avenue, Highlands 732-291-3080  https://www.restaurantporcini.com/

With panoramic ocean views, it’s hard to believe there’s anything else Mister C’s Beach Bistro would need for a romantic evening out. Well, all weekend long, they put together a dinner and a show. On February 14th and 15th, Billy Brown will be performing at 7pm and on February 16th, Bobby Vallie (Frankie’s brother) will be crooning through your special dinner for two. Allen Avenue on the Ocean, Allenhurst 732-531-3655 http://www.mistercsbeachbistro.com/

Start the evening off at McDonagh’s Pub for a special Valentine’s Day menu. Featuring starters such as Blackened Steak Bites and Seared Sea Scallops to main dishes like Cod Oreganata, and empting desserts (Red Velvet Cheesecake anyone?) that will have you and your sweetheart enjoying an extra long night out. 2 West Front Street, Keyport 732-264-0999 https://www.mcdonaghs.com/

Fall in Love with the Chef’s Valentine’s Day Menu at Old Glory Kitchen + Spirits. Reserve your table on February 14th from 4-10pm to receive a complimentary rose and champagne for every couple. Dine on dishes like Brie Crostini, Lobster Ravioli, and even a Cotton Candy Milk Shake (because date nights should always end with a shared straw!) 84 Broad Street, Keyport 732-497-5555 https://www.oldglorynj.com/

Live music for dinner and dancing, floor to ceiling waterviews – that’s just your typical night out at Proving Ground. Add on their special Valentine’s Dinner menu featuring sumptuous dishes like Lobster Bisque, Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Crab Cakes, and a Dark Chocolate Brownie and it quickly turns into a love affair. 56 Shrewsbury Avenue, Highlands 732-872-2266 https://www.theprovingground.com/

Don’t stress about what to get your Valentine! At Von Holten’s Chocolates, they have a wide variety of chocolate filled hearts in all sizes and price ranges! During Valentine’s Day week, you can also pick up some chocolate covered strawberries (sold by the pound or pre-boxed). Chocolate… it’s a no brainer! 800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Heights 732-830-2220 https://vanholtenschocolates.com/

Do something a bit different on the day of love and share it with your sweetheart or some friends at Pinot’s Palette . Enjoy some drinks and music while your realize just how good of an artist you are! Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together or your 40th, a couple’s paint night is a departure from the ordinary. (You’ll even enjoy some delicious chocolates from Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe!) 12 Broad Street, 1st Floor, Red Bank 732-219-9222 https://www.pinotspalette.com/redbank

From homemade chocolates to gummy’s, Jean Louise Candies is known for their exceptional dedication to creating the finest chocolate at the Jersey Shore. Pick up some sweet and salty treats like chocolate covered pretzels or fill up a box with an assortment of homemade candies. There’s plenty to make your Valentine’s heart flutter (and their sugar count go way up). 1205 Third Avenue, Spring Lake 732-449-2627 www.jeanlouisecandies.com 

Don’t get stuck giving your significant other an underwhelming box of chocolates from the drugstore. Call ahead for chocolate-covered strawberries from Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe, or if you’re feeling last minute, they’re sure to have some outstanding chocolate, fudge, and even their famous chocolate-covered pretzels ready to be picked up. Suzi’s Sweet Shoppe 1100 Rt 35, Middletown (732) 796-0115

Looking for a gift that will definitely take their breath away? Head to Goldtinker, where local jewelry maker, Joseph Romanowski, has been crafting items that have inspired countless kisses. Take one step in the store and you’ll quickly find something that’s not only high-quality and unique, but with plenty of affordable options that include everything from handcrafted selections to vintage pieces, you’re guaranteed to find something that fits perfectly. 24 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-531-8787 www.goldtinker.com

Forged from equal parts creativity, craft, and curiosity, Poor Cat Designs are handcrafted at the Jersey Shore and are a favorite of locals (including many rock stars, celebrities, and trendsetters.) With plenty of symbols and precious metals to choose from, you can find a truly original piece that represents your Valentine’s true loves (in addition to you of course!) 69 Broad Street, Red Bank 732-842-3121  http://www.poorcatdesigns.com/

Sing along with The Cast of The Jersey Four during iPlay America‘s Jersey Four Valentine’s Dinner Show. They’ll take you on a journey from the very beginning of The Four Season’s #1 Hits from Big Girls Don’t Cry to Walk Like a Man, and Who Loves You. In between songs, you’ll enjoy trivia, narratives, and plenty of humor. Reserve a seat or a table for all your friends! Tickets include admission, buffet dinner, and cocktail service. 110 Schanck Road, Freehold 732-577-8200 www.iplayamerica.com 

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than with all the ones (little ones especially) you love? At Jenkinson’s Boardwalk on February 8th and 9th from 6-9pm, you can get four admission tickets to Jenkinson’s Aquarium, a plain pizza and pitcher of soda at the Pavilion, a $10 PlayCard for the Pavilion Arcade, and four treats from the Sweet Shop for just $54.95. (Add on an extra person for just $10!) 300 Ocean Avenue, Pt. Pleasant Beach 732-892-0600 www.jenkinsons.com