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Need a romantic getaway? Baltimore offers a variety of activities and accommodations for couples looking for charm in Charm City. Check out our couple’s guide to Baltimore to see our favorite hotels, restaurants, and more.

Check into a scenic hotel

Baltimore might be a big city, but it has plenty of cozy accommodations to set the mood for your couple’s trip. The historic Admiral Fell Inn combines classic charm with modern amenities, with the opportunity to opt for a balcony or jacuzzi. The luxury Inn at Henderson’s Wharf is considered the top romantic hotel in the city, with rooms overlooking the harbor. For something more secluded, Rachael’s Dowry Bed and Breakfast, opened in 2010, reflects the furnishing and architectural style of its 18th-century beginnings, with a library and windows overlooking the gardens.

The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf on the Inner Harbor.

Take in the scenery at Patterson Park or Gwynns Falls Trail

Patterson Park is a lovely place to take a romantic stroll any time of year. This 295-acre park features a boating lake, gorgeous greenery, and an ice-skating rink in the winter. Most striking is the four-story Victorian pagoda, with an observatory open on Sunday afternoons that boats amazing views of downtown Baltimore. If you’re a hiking or biking couple, there’s also the Gwynns Falls Trail, a 15-mile trail with a unique combination of forest and cityscapes. It connects 30 neighborhoods, including 10 city parks, and takes you through the Gwynns Falls stream valley. Think about packing a picnic lunch.

Take a stroll past the Patterson Park Pagoda.

Spend a night at the theater

Baltimore is great for a couple’s night at the movies, with beautiful historic theaters such as The Charles and The Senator, or Bengie’s Drive-In, a true throwback to the ’50s. Plus, in the summer, you’ll find outdoor film festivals in Little Italy, Fells Point and more. If you’re into live theater, check out the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center’s Hippodrome Theatre for touring Broadway productions, Center Stage for innovative professional productions, or the Peabody Institute for full-scale operas put on by the talented conservatory students.

Experience Broadway in Baltimore at the Hippodrome Theatre.

Enjoy dinner, drinks, and ambiance at a romantic restaurant

Round out your day with a lovely meal at one of the city’s top romantic restaurants. Baltimore’s Little Italy is packed with restaurants, including La Tavola, that offer fine wine and homemade pasta. Charleston and Wit & Wisdom offer harbor views and chic American cuisine. For art and culture, Tapas Teatro, next door to The Charles, has delicious Spanish tapas and more of a café atmosphere, and Gertrude’s overlooks the Baltimore Museum of Art’s sculpture garden. In addition, Annabel Lee Tavern’s walls are decorated with lines from Edgar Allan Poe’s Annabel Lee, giving the late-night restaurant a literary air.

Feel the passion of Edgar Allan Poe at Annabel Lee Tavern.

Explore Mount Vernon

Once home to Baltimore’s elite, Mount Vernon’s gardens and 19th-century architecture make it a beautiful area for couples to walk around. At its heart is the towering Washington Monument. If you’re up for a 227-step climb, you can go up and take in the view on certain days. Peek inside the area’s historic churches and libraries, and take a walk through the Walters Art Museum. End the day at Magdalena Restaurant, for fine French cuisine, or Sotto Sopra, a contemporary Italian restaurant with weekly jazz performances and a monthly opera night.

Gaze up at the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon.

Hop on a food tour

Walking along the cobblestone streets of Fells Point’s historic seaport already sounds like a nice afternoon. Add in a food tour with fabulous cocktails, local seafood, and other area cuisine? Even better! The 3.5-hour Fells Point Food Tour weaves stories of Fells Point’s past with samplings of the neighborhood’s best. All food and drinks are included in the ticket price.

Tour the scenic waterfront in Fells Point.

Take in the harbor by boat

As a waterfront city, there are plenty of ways for couples to get out on the water. Head to Team Chessie Paddle Boats and take your pick of a traditional couple’s paddle boat, an electric pirate ship, or the signature dragon paddle boat. Book a sightseeing tour or dinner cruise for fantastic views. Or, if you like history, take a tour of one of the historic ships in the harbor, like the grand USS Constellation.

Take a dragon paddle boat out on the Inner Harbor.

Experience the wonder of nature at the National Aquarium

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” This Loren Eiseley quote nicely sums up The National Aquarium in Baltimore. One of the top aquariums in the country, the National Aquarium’s award-winning exhibits set a serene mood for a romantic outing. Buy tickets in advance online and plan to go after 3 p.m. for fewer crowds and more leisure. For a great deal, go Fridays after 5 p.m. for their Half-Price Friday special.

Take in Blacktip Reef at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

About the author

A Long Island native with a love of stories, Kate lived in Baltimore for four years while studying at Johns Hopkins University, where she graduated with a BA from the Writing Seminars program and studied voice at the Peabody Institute. After two years in publishing, she ventured back into writing to help companies and communities tell their stories. She has since worked as a copywriter and content marketer for various New York startups, including American Express's Plenti program. A literature, culture, and theater lover, Kate enjoys writing fiction, exploring, and drinking tea in her spare time.

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