14 Romantic Things for Couples to do in Maryland
Virginia might be for lovers, but Maryland is for romantics. Don’t let the state’s small size fool you. From beaches to mountains and everything in between, there are more romantic things to do in Maryland than you can imagine.
Central Maryland is full of lush, rolling hills perfect for breweries, vineyards, and outdoor recreation of all kinds. Downtown Baltimore provides a plethora of unique, subtly romantic venues and activities. Maryland’s eastern shore is home not just to beaches and amusement parks, but also to quaint, historic locales set against the serenity of a maritime backdrop.
Ready for your couples getaway? Here are 14 romantic things to do in Maryland.
1. Fiore Winery & Distillery
3026 Whiteford Road, Pylesville, MD 21132
Owned and operated by the Fiore family for over thirty years, this winery and distillery is nestled in the beautiful countryside of Harford County. The grounds are full of gardens, arbors, flower beds, and fountains, making Fiore Winery and Distillery the perfect locale for a stroll with a glass of wine in hand, earning it a spot on our list of romantic places in Maryland.
2. The Capital Grille
500 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
This restaurant boasts an atmosphere of comfortable elegance, a menu full of artfully prepared dishes, and a world-class wine list. Steaks are dry-aged for 18 days and hand carved by in-house butchers. The seafood is fresh and delicious. In short, if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Maryland, dinner at the Capital Grille will not disappoint.
3. Waterfront Promenade
Baltimore’s Waterfront Promenade is a seven-mile walkway alongside much of the city’s glittering waterline. Perfect for an afternoon walk, the Promenade will take you past marinas, eateries, and parks. Up the romance factor by meandering the Waterfront Promenade at dusk before stopping to sip a glass of bubbly at one of the many outdoor bars and dining options along the way.
4. Black Ankle Vineyards
14463 Black Ankle Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771
A relatively new vineyard, the scenery at Black Ankle, both indoors and out, invites us to count it among the most romantic spots in Maryland. Settled within the lush rolling hills of a 146-acre farm, you’ll find a rustic tasting room built and filled with material grown or found on Black Ankle land.
5. Assateague Island
National Seashore, MD
Where do nature enthusiasts go when searching for romantic things to do in Maryland? Assateague Island. With white sands, wild ponies, nature cruises, and even a historic lighthouse, Assateague is the perfect location for a relaxing, romantic, outdoor getaway.
6. SPAGnVOLA Chocolatier
360 Main Street, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
What is more romantic than decadent handmade chocolates? Named among the top ten chocolate shops in the world by National Geographic, SPAGnVOLA grows and hand picks their own cacao beans on a Dominican estate to ensure only the finest ingredients make it into their chocolate. They even offer chocolate making classes as well as private wine and chocolate socials, both perfect for a romantic date night with your one and only.
7. Mully’s Brewery
141 Schooner Lane, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Similar to many of the other romantic places in Maryland we’ve listed, this family owned and operated brewery is located near the state’s eastern shore. Wide open spaces, lovely views, and a cozy tap room make Mully’s Brewery the perfect spot for enjoying small batch beer, crafted by hand.
8. Watermark Cruises
Of all the romantic things to do in Maryland, a city lights cruise on a warm summer’s evening is surely at the top of the list. Watermark offers eight different cruise options for you and your date. Regardless of whether you opt for a sun soaked or moonlit cruise, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable journey peppered with iconic city sights such as the Domino Sugar sign, Fort McHenry, and the Key Bridge.
9. Baltimore’s Little Italy
In the late 1800’s, Italian immigrants began to settle just east of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and they quickly got to work building a pocket of the city in the image of their home villages across the Atlantic. Today, the neighborhood, lined with brick walkways, twinkling lights, and delicious authentic eateries, remains one of the most romantic places in Maryland.
10. Hot Air Balloons
12465 Barnard Way, West Friendship, MD 21794
Romance meets adventure when you opt for a hot air balloon ride. Float silently through the air, feel the breeze on your face, and watch as the panorama of the world below comes into view. Friendship Hot Air Balloon Company can make this romantic vision a reality. You’ll want to book this one in advance, though, as availability tends to be limited.
11. National Aquarium
501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
One might not usually think of the National Aquarium in Baltimore as one of the most romantic spots in Maryland, but hear us out before you cross it off your list. The serenity of the ocean combined with colorful aquatic exhibits can definitely make for a romantic daytime date, plus there’s so much to see and do both at the Aquarium and the surrounding Inner Harbor. This one might just be the unique date you’ve been looking for.
12. Top of the World Observation Deck
401 East Pratt Street, 27th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202
You’ll find awe-inspiring views everywhere you turn while you’re on the Top of the World Observation Deck in downtown Baltimore. Thirty stories above the ground, floor to ceiling windows allow you to take in the sights of the Inner Harbor with its historic ships, the Baltimore skyline, and beyond. The Deck closes at 6:00 PM, so to catch a romantic sunset view of Charm City make sure you plan your visit during the cooler months when days are shorter.
13. Ladew Gardens
3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111
Unlike many of the other romantic outdoor spots in Maryland, Ladew Topiary Gardens is located just a few miles from the city of Baltimore. In addition to the beautiful topiaries on display, this romantic hidden gem is home to an all-native butterfly house, a peaceful one-mile nature walk, the historic manor house of Harvey Ladew, and cozy little Ladew Café.
14. Historic Ellicott City
With brick-lined streets, quaint shops housed in historic buildings, and the soothing sounds of the nearby Patapsco River always within earshot, Old Ellicott City is a romantic’s dream. While the easily accessible town certainly lends itself to a visit that lasts just a few hours, there is so much to see and do in Ellicott City that you could easily turn your day trip into a romantic weekend getaway.
Reserve Your Romantic Stay at The Hotel at the University of Maryland
While searching for romantic places in Maryland, don’t forget about The Hotel at the University of Maryland. Our boutique, luxury spa has a full menu of services that will leave you feeling pampered and relaxed. Try a couple’s massage, available with specialty add-ons like hot stones or aromatherapy, before retiring to one of our luxurious guest rooms. Our special offers even include late check-out so you can enjoy every last minute of your romantic getaway without feeling rushed. Contact us today to book your stay!