Romantic getaways in Maryland? How about in Virginia or Washington DC? Romance may not be the first thing that springs to mind when planning a weekend getaway in the Mid-Atlantic. But these romantic destinations in MD, VA, and the nation’s capital may open your eyes to new places to explore with the one you love.
From snug bed and breakfasts to urban hotels, revitalized cities, and quiet riverside resorts, you’ll find something just perfect for the quirky, fun-loving, luxury-seeking couple.
And for the complete list of our choices from Virginia to Maine, check out our romantic destinations in USA list.
Romantic Getaways In Maryland
Annapolis MD
Even if you didn’t meet at the Naval Academy, bring your “first mate” to “America’s Sailing Capital.” Annapolis is considered a Museum Without Walls as its whole downtown is on the National Historic Register.
Nothing’s more life-affirming than a sunset Electric Boat cruise (that you pilot yourself) around Annapolis Harbor. In fact, that might just be a perfect opportunity to pop the question.
Baltimore MD
They don’t call Baltimore “Charm City” for nothing. It’s got three major Art Museums (two classic, one “visionary”). It was where an impassioned Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner. And, it’s the location of choice for a growing number of young entrepreneurs.
Come with your honey to check out Fells Point, Mount Vernon, and other “transitioning” neighborhoods. Baltimore might just become your go-to-for-the-next-great-thing city. The Getaway Mavens has not one, but two travel itineraries for you. One for the outrageous Baltimore City Arts Trip, another for a historical getaway in Baltimore MD.
Carroll County MD
In contrast to the sometimes frenetic surrounding areas, particularly the District of Columbia, Carroll County MD is “Zen Peaceful” – in only the way that an agricultural region can be.
But what puts this Maryland County on this Best Romantic Escape List is a phenomenal inn. The owners are so humble, they’ve kept news of their superb establishment, Antrim 1844, a secret. At least to regions outside the Mid-Atlantic.
Cecil County
Cecil County, encompassing the towns of Chesapeake City, North East, Elkton, Rising Sun, and Port Depot, is a most quirky Tidewater Getaway.
You can watch freighters glide by on world’s 3rd busiest shipping canal from a charming town’s main street. Walk a tiny burg filled with independently owned boutiques and restaurants. And, tour a historic plantation known for its special flowers.
Dorchester County MD
Couples who swoon at enchanting views and a landscape that was backdrop to one of the most daring escapes and rescues in US History will want to visit Dorchester County before the crowds converge. This was the birthplace of Harriett Tubman. The new Visitor’s Center offers an unflinching look at history set in a serene corner of the Eastern Shore.
Easton MD
Lately, prosperous DC, Baltimore and even NY area retirees have been moving to this tony slice of heaven on the Eastern Shore, seeking peace and quiet, spellbinding sunsets, and neighbors, like them, who have a fondness for fine locally sourced dining, unique shops, and the arts.
The County also includes St. Michaels and Oxford, both with exquisite neighborhoods ripe for house-hunting. Or just daydreaming about. Remember the reception scene from the Wedding Crashers where the boat glides by and you wonder how there could be a real place so fantastically picturesque? It was filmed in St Michaels.
No wonder this is one of our favorite of all the romantic getaways in MD.
Ellicot City MD
Are you feathering your new cozy nest and looking for the kind of quirky, funky, up cycled home goods you won’t find in a “normal” store? This former mill town may be small, but it’s got some extremely unique shops. Nearby, stay in a very romantic colonial-era B&B; The Wayside Inn.
Frederick MD
Don’t have time to get to Venice? Carroll Creek Park – a mile-long linear park encompassing a canal and landscaped brick walkways – is the next best thing. There are tons of independent shops, great restaurants, and a few miles away, the newly renovated Frederick Inn B&B – built for amore.
Havre De Grace MD
If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a Duck Decoy from the Top of the Chesapeake. So, duck-crazy honeys will sure get a bang out of a weekend here. The county’s most well known town, Havre de Grace MD, is the “Duck Decoy Capital of the World.” But you’ll also find towns primed for a growing wedding business. Nearly every inch of river, bay and land here is geared up for Nuptials.
Kent County MD
What makes this tiny region one of our favorite romantic getaways in Maryland? Surprisingly excellent cuisine in a pop. 300 town, a golden sunset river cruise, a soft sand Bay Beach, and world-class music in a shabby-chic venue. If these float your boat, this slow-paced getaway is for you.
Montgomery County MD
Couples who adore fine and performing arts, and/or who’d love to dance the night away in a world-famous ballroom (for peanuts!), should make a beeline to this often overlooked area just outside of Washington DC.
On this romantic getaway in Maryland take a dance or photography class, taught by the greats. You can pop the question over High Tea with Classical Music accompaniment. For optimum artsy-cool romance, stay at the boutique – Canopy Hotel in N. Bethesda. Industrial-chic meets Mid-Century Modern with National Geographic references thrown in.
Queen Anne’s County MD
Get all lovey-dovey while experiencing one of the most dramatic sunsets on the East Coast. For a mellow, quick escape from Baltimore or DC, stop, stay a night at a lovely new boutique hotel, check out one of the region’s last oyster shucking houses, kayak through unusual sea grass, and of course, dine on crab cakes overlooking the Chesapeake Bridge at sunset.
Calvert County MD
If hunting for ancient sharks teeth on wide, inviting Chesapeake Bay beaches turns you on, try Solomons and the beaches of Calvert County.
St. Marys County MD
If you are into kayaking, hauling up crab pots, and staying in one of the most secluted, outrageously romantic B&B’s, check out St. Mary’s. Or do both Calvert and St. Marys. The whole Southern Maryland region is very wallet friendly.
Hagerstown MD
This romantic getaway in Maryland is a find. For certain someones, at least. What could be more dreamy than the tiny mid-Maryland ‘burg where the Queen of the Romance Novel, Nora Roberts, has chosen to live and work? In fact, her family owned Inn Boonsboro, subject of her Inn Boonsboro Trilogy, is as real as can be. Is there any doubt it’s one of the most romantic inns in the region? Nope.
Wicomico County
A premier Wildfowl Art museum, a small but popular zoo, fantastic clam shacks, breweries, and one historic B&B with bewitching views are drawing more and more curiosity seekers to this Chesapeake Bay region. The “Capital of Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” and the “Crossroads of Delmarva” (Routes 13 and 50), Wicomico County, is just a 2 ½ hour drive from DC and Baltimore. To really hide out with your beloved for a few days, make your way to the Whitehaven Hotel, as remote and charming as it gets.
For more info on romantic getaways in Maryland, check out Visit Maryland website.
Weekend Getaways In Washington DC
After perusing the romantic getaways in Maryland above,
Washington DC
I know it’s tough to imagine, but even without the Spring Fever rush of Cherry Blossom season, our Nation’s Capital can be a very sexy place, especially if you book a room at the newly renovated Watergate Hotel. We have two itineraries, one for a first time visit to Washington DC, another for a return trip to savor new and notable things to do.
For more to do in Washington DC, refer to the official DC Tourism website.
Romantic Getaways In Virginia
THE MARTHA HOTEL, ABINGDON VA
Abingdon is one of those charming historic towns with a linchpin attraction – The Barter Theater – established during the depression when NY actors would “barter” their acting chops for pork chops (or food in general). The Martha Hotel has been putting up theatergoers ever since. Formerly a mansion, then with the addition of two wings, a girl’s finishing school, The Martha has been adjusting and settling into boutique hotel status since it was opened in 1932 (and renovated in 2006).
AIRLIE RESORT, WARRENTON VA
Until a couple of years ago, this achingly gorgeous spot was strictly a conference center and retreat. Now, Airlie is gaining ground as a wedding destination (no big surprise, given the spectacular surroundings) and quickie honeymoon spot for time-starved DC careerists.
The new restaurant, Garden Bistro, offers some of the freshest, most innovative cuisine in the Northeast, and another reason to book a cozy room in one of several cottages that dot the grounds.
ALEXANDRIA VA
Feeling amorous, need a quick getaway from Washington DC, and don’t want to leave your doggie behind? Make everyone happy in this incredibly Dog-Friendly town. It’s romantic enough for the Obama’s, who enjoyed anniversary AND Valentines Day dinners here (in two different restaurants. We’ll tell you which ones), and small enough to explore in just two days.
CAPE CHARLES VA
This tip of Delmarva Peninsula town drips with romance. It’s tiny, but abounds with charm. There’s a boutique hotel, beachfront, a long fishing pier, a brewery, distillery, cidery, great ice cream, and plenty of adorable shops (not to mention great restaurants). Surprise your sweetey with a Cape Charles escape.
CHARLOTTESVILLE VA
Everything about Charlottesville is romantic. Everything. The campus of University of Virginia stemmed from the romance-architecture mind of Thomas Jefferson. You could write your own love story strolling the boutique-shop Pedestrian Mall made for handholding, sipping natural wines in a grotto Wine Shop, snacking on burgers made from mash-fed cows and downing bourbon at a ranch-distillery, perusing the art at a remarkable farmland gallery, seeing the Charlottesville that Georgia O’Keefe painted on a self-guided walking tour (she took classes and taught here), tasting the difference between industrial and home-brewed “rice wine” at one of the few sake breweries in the country, and so much more.
CHINCOTEAGUE, VA
This shoreline town in Virginia is pony-territory, so it’s the perfect place to bring your horse-crazy beloved. The 1945 book “Misty of Chincoteague,” brought worldwide fame to the wild ponies on Assateague Island. But while most people know about the horses, many are not aware that this is also a NASA hotspot.
So, for a great “otherworldly” getaway, with down-to-earth appeal, stay at the Channel Bass Inn – a vintage home with antiques, quilted bedding, polished wood floors and a lovingly tended large English Garden out back. It’s airy, friendly, comfy and Victorian-era romantic.
FAIRFAX COUNTY
There are some really unique things to do in Fairfax County, just 20-30 minutes from Washington DC, home to Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington. There’s the historic home, of course, but also George’s recreated distillery, a Civil War era home filled with some very naughty graffiti, an Air and Space Museum that beats the one in DC, an Arts Center in a former prison, a farm where you can watch baby animals being born and/or milk a cow, botanical gardens, great waterfalls, and compact walkable neighborhoods. Sometimes, you find romance where you least expect it.
FREDERICKSBURG VA
If you and your history-loving beau are obsessed with everything George Washington, and want to sleep everywhere that he did, you hit the jackpot here. The Washington family moved to what became known as “Washington Ferry” when George was six years old. He grew up in this town with so much American history you’d need at least a week to unpack it all. A living history town, you’ll find one of the most sensual and best-designed B&B’s right on Main St in the thick of a great shopping and dining district – the 1890 Caroline Inn.
HARRISONBURG VA
Students know this town as home to JMU. But beer brewers, cider-makers, and vintners are attracted to Harrisonburg’s heady reputation for craft beverage production. Crafts extend to the hand-made, art focused, kind at the Quilt Museum, art galleries, and an Etsy-like indie-market. So, if you and your sweetie like to swig some artisanal hard cider, prowl boutiques and galleries for the perfect gift or painting, join fellow foodies at hot new restaurants, and stay in a welcoming B&B, you’ll be well set in this college town.
LEXINGTON VA
For all you goofball duos out there, I propose this central Virginia college town for a highly amusing open-window-feed-the-wildlife drive through “safari,” a Civil-War-with-Dinosaurs theme park, pairs of carriage horses bursting with personality and more.
LOUDOUN COUNTY VA
Let the spirits move you. If your idea of a starry-eyed getaway involves hitting up lots of wineries, distilleries and breweries, come to “DC’s Wine Country,” just outside of our Nation’s Capital. While here, stay at the newly renovated Lansdowne Resort.
LYNCHBURG
Art and poetry in a town called Lynchburg? Yes. And in fact, the husband of Harlem Renaissance poet, Anne Spencer, was so smitten by his wife, he built his family’s stylish, colorful, whimsical home in homage to her. Starry-eyed adventurous couples will find much to love in Lynchburg. This includes, shockingly, a quirky old cemetery that’s become a popular wedding venue. Stay at the Craddock Terry Hotel – a boutique inn carved from a repurposed shoe factory.
MIDDLEBURG VA
Horses, wine, and absinthe – Eros manifest in a little Virginia town. Oh, and one of the oldest inns in the country, The Red Fox with all the sentimental feels that an intimate fire-lit tavern conjures up, and you’ve got yourself one lovey-dovey getaway.
ONANCOCK, VA
Dangling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, life revolves around the water: oysters, crabs, duck-hunting, millions of migratory birds. Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a mere 5 hours drive from New York City, and attractions, food and lodging are surprisingly sophisticated.
ORANGE VA
What world events influenced the Architect of the U.S. Constitution? Where did newly emancipated enslaved go for financial help and legal advice? Where can you get a funky one-of-a-kind upcycled gift? What’s the story behind that naughtily named winery? Where can you get artisanal pizza and wash it down with excellent craft beer? Find all these answers and more in Orange County VA – where history and upscale independent shops coexist in a breathtaking landscape. For all you smitten kittens who like their history with some shopping, sipping, and grand lodging on the side, Orange VA is the perfect getaway.
RICHMOND VA:
Those with a hankering for great food tours, achingly gorgeous Botanical Gardens, and some funky, fun, shopping along with their outdoor adventure exploits (hiking, kayaking) and history on the side will love this burgeoning cusp-of South city. Where else can you find a lipstick-smooch-covered bust of Edgar Allan Poe?
SHENANDOAH COUNTY VA
The ridged mountains of Shenandoah County VA can be moody, whether thick with green foliage, flecked with the colors of autumn, or deep in snow. But there’s no better place to get lost than on these hills, cycling the back roads of the Appalachian Range, especially with an adventurous loved one who’d be just as excited happening upon a great winery as they would exploring mysterious caverns. Munch on Route 6 Potato Chips at their source, investigate Civil War Battlefields, and shop at one of the coolest, eclectic, “old fashioned” General Stores in the USA. Plus – you’ll find a luxury B&B devoted to bicyclists in a tiny, artsy town.
SOUTHWESTERN VA
Couples who relish “Roots” or traditional country music will want to spend some time driving the 330-mile venue-studded Crooked Road, flat-foot clog with the locals on a Saturday night at the Carter Family Fold, and listen to the original Bristol Sessions at the Birth of Country Music Museum (a Smithsonian affiliate) in Bristol VA/TN. This is where that twang began. Stay at the wonderfully chic Bristol Hotel, a boutique where you’d least expect it. Enjoy mesmerizing views from the unexpectedly cool rooftop bar.
STAUNTON
“If music be the food of love, play on.” One of the world’s best known romantics – William Shakespeare penned that phrase, therefore, devoted duos should get thee to a small town in central Virginia that is also Home of the American Shakespeare Center – Blackfriars Playhouse – the “World’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theater.”
The whole town of Staunton is a charming architectural wonder – with plenty for a couple in love to do. There’s a brewery and wine tasting room. And, a glass blowing center, Sunspot Studios where you can sign up to make your first seasonal glass ornaments together.
WINCHESTER VA
There’s plenty of Civil War history in the town that switched allegiances 72 times during the course of the War. And that extends to haunted history as well. Stay at The George Washington Hotel, which has one of the sexiest lounges on this list along with fine, upscale rooms.
Look here to discover more about visiting Virginia.
