17 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’s no shortage of romantic getaways in Maryland to check out.
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, delicious dining 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. These are just a few of the romantic things to do in Maryland that you and your partner should add to your to-do list.
1. Fiore Winery & Distillery
Who doesn’t love a gorgeous winery? Family-owned and operated for over thirty years, the Fiore 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 Spa at the Hotel at the University of Maryland
Spa dates are a perfect opportunity to relax and recharge with your loved one, particularly if you’ve been feeling stressed. The Spa at the Hotel at the University of Maryland is conveniently located in College Park and offers a full menu of treatments. From massages to facials to hair treatments, you can’t go wrong with a day of pampering.
The spa offers plenty of fresh seasonal treatments to choose from as well. For a particularly magical date, you can explore our special deals and book a couple’s massage. Or, upgrade to a full spa day package at the hotel, which includes an early check-in and late check-out for your overnight stay.
3. The Capital Grille
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.
4. 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.
5. Black Ankle Vineyards
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.
6. Assateague Island
Where do nature enthusiasts go on romantic getaways 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.
7. Spagnvola Chocolatier
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.
8. Linganore Winecellars
Nestled in the rolling hills of beautiful Mt. Airy, Linganore Winecellars is an ideal choice for a relaxing yet sophisticated outdoor date. This acclaimed family-owned winery offers guided tours and tastings and hosts exciting events as well. It’s hard to beat the romance of sipping a delicious glass of wine while overlooking the area’s stunning scenery.
9. Mully’s Brewery
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 taproom make Mully’s Brewery the perfect spot for enjoying small-batch beer, crafted by hand.
10. Watermark Cruises
Of all the things to do in Maryland for couples, 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.
11. Baltimore’s Little Italy
In the late 1800s, Italian immigrants began to settle just east of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. 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.
12. Catoctin Mountain Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life with a romantic retreat into the mountains. Catoctin Mountain Park is located just an hour’s drive from Baltimore, near the Maryland/Pennsylvania border. This park has over 25 miles of trails to explore, which is a great way to remove distractions and connect with your partner. If you want to camp overnight, there are historic wood cabins for rent as well.
13. Hot Air Balloons
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.
14. National Aquarium
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.
15. Top-of-the-World Observation Deck
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.
16. Ladew Gardens
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.
17. 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 a Romantic Getaway in Maryland
While searching for romantic things to do in Maryland, don’t forget about The Hotel at the University of Maryland. Explore beautiful College Park and book a romantic local dining experience before retiring to our luxurious guest rooms or suites. 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!