Activity	Description
Angelika Film Center	Indie and foreign film screenings, upscale café, cozy seating for movie dates
JW Marriott Spa	Couples massages, hydrotherapy, luxurious amenities
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve	Scenic hiking trails, nature walks, picturesque views
Wine Therapy	Wine tasting, intimate atmosphere, small plates
Sambuca	Live music, dance floor, contemporary American cuisine
Pedal Through Parks	Surrey bike rentals for park exploration
Courtyard Theater	Live performances in an intimate setting
Meandering Path Gallery	Art exhibitions, contemporary artworks, next-door wine or coffee
Urban Crust	Romantic dinners, wood-fired pizza, cozy ambiance
Dude Sweet Chocolate	Artisan chocolates, truffles, chocolate-infused drinks
Sunset at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve	Serene sunset views, nature walks, tranquil setting

For couples planning a romantic getaway or looking for romantic date ideas, here are 12 of the best romantic things to do in Plano.

Cozy Up for a Movie at Angelika Film Center

Name and Location: Angelika Film Center, 50 Boland St, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Plush cinema opened in 2017, part of the upscale Angelika chain. Features first-run and independent films.

What to Expect: Cozy up together in the large reclining seats while enjoying a film. Full-service bar and upscale concessions available.

Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary by showtime. Reserved seating. Validated parking available.

Catch an indie film or foreign flick together at the Angelika Film Center and Cafe. This art house movie theater shows a curated lineup of independent, foreign language and documentary films in its plush screening rooms. You can select seats with loveseats to cuddle up close.

Before or after the movie, enjoy wine, craft beer or a light meal in the theater’s upscale, modern café. The intimate ambiance and thoughtful film selections make the Angelika Film Center ideal for a romantic movie date night.

Relax at the JW Marriott Spa

Name and Location: JW Marriott Spa, 1037 Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Luxury hotel spa opened in 2012 inside the JW Marriott. Offers indulgent body treatments and relaxation.

What to Expect: Pamper yourselves with massages, facials, body wraps and more. Couples packages available.

Visitor Information: Open daily by appointment. Services require booking in advance.

Pamper yourselves with a couples massage, facial or hydrotherapy at the luxurious JW Marriott Plano Legacy West spa. This expansive spa offers over 35,000 square feet of relaxation including a tranquil outdoor garden with cabanas, whirlpools, saunas and lounges.

Opt for side-by-side treatments in the Couples Suite followed by unwinding in the steam room. Take advantage of the spa’s full salon services too. With its extensive amenities and indulgent treatments, the JW Marriott spa sets the scene for romance.

Stroll Hand-in-Hand at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Name and Location: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, 1506 Arbor Hill Way, Vauxhall, NJ

History and Significance: 200-acre woodland preserve with nature trails and a pond. Part of the Essex County park system.

What to Expect: Romantic nature walks along 3 miles of trails. Benches available for resting and taking in the scenery.

Visitor Information: Open daily from dawn to dusk. Free admission. Parking lot onsite.

Nature lovers will adore a romantic stroll at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. This 200-acre wooded area has nearly 7 miles of hiking trails meandering through beautiful Blackland Prairie scenery. Walk hand-in-hand over bridges and along streams, stopping to take in gorgeous views across fields and woodlands.

The most romantic trail leads to a bench at the top of a limestone cliff overlooking the valley – the ideal spot for a kiss. Wander peacefully among the natural beauty with your sweetheart.

Share a Glass of Wine at Wine Therapy

Name and Location: Wine Therapy, 20 Green St, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Cozy wine bar opened in 2008, known for its wine flights and small plates menu.

What to Expect: Sample wines side-by-side while sharing cheese boards and tapas. Intimate, romantic ambiance.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday 3pm-12am. Reservations recommended for tastings.

Wine Therapy offers wine flights, glasses and bottles in a cozy, upscale wine bar setting. Choose from the extensive list of red, white and sparkling varietals – the staff will help you select the perfect pairings. Settle into a private couch or table for two in the softly-lit lounge.

Graze on cheese and charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and other wine-friendly small plates as you sip. Wrapped up in conversation over exceptional wines in an intimate atmosphere, you’ll be wine-ing and dining your way to romance.

Dance the Night Away at Sambuca

Name and Location: Sambuca, 338 Market St, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Lively nightclub and music venue opened in 1998, known for its DJs and dance scene.

What to Expect: Dance and let loose together on the large lighted floor as DJs spin high-energy sets. Full bar and bottle service available.

Visitor Information: Open Wednesday-Saturday nights, hours vary. Cover charge may apply. 21+ only.

Put on your dancing shoes for a sizzling hot date night at Sambuca Plano. This lively restaurant and music lounge has an expansive dance floor where couples can get their groove on. Enjoy dinner featuring contemporary American cuisine in the dining room before moving to the lounge.

Live music and expert DJs turn up the energy. With dim lighting, sexy music and the chance to dance cheek-to-cheek or show off your moves, Sambuca makes for a thrilling night out.

Pedal Through Picturesque Parks

Name and Location: Newark Riverfront Park, Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Waterfront park with bike paths connecting downtown to the Passaic River.

What to Expect: Rent bikes and leisurely pedal along the riverwalk taking in water views and city skyline. Stop for a romantic picnic.

Visitor Information: Open daily 6am-11pm. Bike rentals available onsite.

Rent a surrey bike built for two to explore Plano’s scenic parks and gardens. Glide by lakes and fountains at Haggard Park before traversing the pathways of Russell Creek Park. Or head to the idyllic Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, with over 20 miles of bike trails through prairie lands dotted with wildflowers.

Wherever you pedal, riding a tandem surrey bike lets you enjoy active outdoor time together surrounded by natural beauty.

Catch a Show at Courtyard Theater

Name and Location: Courtyard Theater, 8 Adams St, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Intimate 90-seat black box theater, opened in 2008. Hosts local theater productions.

What to Expect: Take in a provocative play or musical performed in the cozy space. Enjoy a pre-show drink at the onsite bar.

Visitor Information: Showtimes vary. Ticket prices $15-35. Street parking available.

Experience outstanding performing arts together at Courtyard Theater, located downtown. This professional black box theater produces compelling dramas, comedies, musicals and more showcasing incredible local acting talent in an intimate 78-seat performance space.

Enjoy pre-show drinks and mingle at intermission. Take your seats close together in the cozy venue to immerse yourselves in gripping live performances. With its roster of fantastic shows in a small setting, Courtyard Theater makes for a thoroughly entertaining couples night.

Gaze at Art at Meandering Path Gallery

Name and Location: Meandering Path Gallery, 1017 Broad St #100, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Small contemporary art gallery opened in 2003, showcasing local artists. Rotating exhibits every 4-6 weeks.

What to Expect: Wander through the gallery admiring eclectic works by New Jersey artists. Enjoy provocative conversation about the exhibits.

Visitor Information: Open Wednesday-Friday 12pm-5pm, Saturday 12pm-4pm. Free admission.

Spark intimate conversations about art while admiring the latest exhibition at Meandering Path Gallery. Focusing on emerging local and regional artists, this gallery displays diverse contemporary styles from paintings to photography to jewelry.

The bright, open space allows you to freely wander and appreciate the artwork side-by-side. Chat about your interpretations or simply take in beauty. Stop at the gallery’s gift shop after to pick out a memento, then head next door to Particular Palate for a glass of wine or coffee.

Cozy Dinner at Urban Crust

Name and Location: Urban Crust, 1006 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Romantic Italian bistro opened in 2007, known for wood-fired pizza and handmade pastas.

What to Expect: Enjoy an intimate meal of gourmet pizza or pasta dishes by candlelight. Extensive wine list available.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner. Reservations recommended. Valet parking available.

Set the mood with a romantic dinner for two at Urban Crust. This local favorite eatery in downtown Plano offers wood-fired artisan pizza in upscale yet laid-back surroundings. Share a flavorful pie like the fig and prosciutto pizza with arugula. Or sample something indulgent like the lemon mascarpone ravioli.

Dim lighting, candles on the tables, and cozy booth seating makes conversation flow easily. Urban Crust’s gourmet pizzas and pastas coupled with a classy ambiance equal romantic dining success.

Sweet Treats at Dude Sweet Chocolate

Name and Location: Dude Sweet Chocolate, 579 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102

History and Significance: Bean-to-bar chocolate shop and dessert cafe opened in 2013. Handcrafts small-batch chocolates.

What to Expect: Indulge together in artisanal chocolates and creamy gelato. Charming, funky interior with chocolate fountain centerpiece.

Visitor Information: Open Wednesday-Sunday. Custom chocolates available for purchase.

Satisfy your sweet tooth while bonding over decadent artisan confections at Dude Sweet Chocolate. Their selection of handmade chocolates, truffles, caramels and brittles make excellent treats for sharing. Or assemble a custom box of goodies to gift each other – picking favorites becomes a fun experience.

Sip champagne or enjoy their chocolate-infused coffee drinks as you choose. With chocolate’s powers to stimulate endorphin release, Dude Sweet sets the mood for love.

Sunset at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve

Name and Location: Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 2167 Oak Point Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07201

History and Significance: Small nature preserve with views of Newark Bay and the NYC skyline. Wooded trails and meadows.

What to Expect: Watch a romantic sunset over the water while cuddling on a bench overlooking the bay.

Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-dusk. Free admission. Street parking available.

Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve provides a beautiful, peaceful setting to conclude your romantic day. Take a blanket and stroll hand-in-hand to one of the park’s many scenic spots overlooking Rowlett Creek.

Watch the vivid colors stretch across the sky as the sun sets, then snuggle close and exchange sweet kisses. Let the gentle sounds of nature soothe you as day turns to night. You’ll leave feeling deeply connected after this serene, intimate sunset experience.

Conclusion

With its blend of urban sophistication and access to nature, Plano makes an ideal romantic getaway destination for couples. Indulge in pampering spa treatments before an intimate night out at performing arts venues and restaurants with cozy ambiance.

Pedal through picturesque parks and preserves, then capture breathtaking sunsets in scenic spots. Plano brings all the ingredients together for an unforgettable romantic time – beautiful settings, intimate activities, and plenty of opportunities to relax, laugh, explore and simply be in love.