From nature lovers to city explorers, Montgomery County offers a romantic getaway for every type of couple. Check out five weekend adventures below, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
P.S. This is part of Today Media’s “Romantic Escapes” series. Find other great getaways along the East Coast by clicking the locations on the map below.
Studio staycation in Germantown
For the cozy couple
You’ll love: A red brick fireplace, an art museum and a slow weekend
Too cold to go out? Then stay in! Enjoy this romantic studio escape in Germantown. With a queen bed, TV and a red brick fireplace, you and your honey can cuddle up indoors for a weekend. For a mid-day adventure to break up the movie marathoning or lounging, head to Glenstone in Potomac, a museum offering walking trails, art exhibits and cultural phenomenon all in one place. The museum is a 25-minute drive from the apartment. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
$99 a night and $70 in fees, Germantown
A modern escape in Silver Spring
For the balanced couple
You’ll love: A beautiful home, good food and fun
This Airbnb in Silver Spring is for city sightseers who still want a good night’s sleep. This Airbnb offers a colorful patio, a cute kitchenette and a large flat screen TV. It is tucked just far enough away in the suburbs to catch your Zs while still being close to downtown Silver Spring and a short drive from Washington, D.C.
There are many activities to do in the surrounding area. For couples who enjoy a drink, Fallen Oak Distilling in Olney has a tasting room, heated porch, speakeasy and more. For a quick nature escape, take a stroll through Brookside Gardens at Wheaton Regional Park. To have a laugh and poke fun at Valentine’s Day, snag tickets to Improbable Comedy’s Sweet & Sour Valentine’s Comedy Show at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre. And you can’t beat the authentic Ethiopian eats at the numerous restaurants in downtown Silver Spring.
$106 a night and a $159 in fees, Silver Spring
Downtown Bethesda
For the city-loving couple
You’ll love: Plenty to do, see and eat
The Washington, D.C., skyline continues outside of city limits, and you and your partner can find it in downtown Bethesda. The Bethesda Marriott hotel offers a luxurious king bed stay. There is much to do in downtown Bethesda without the crowds that flock to D.C.’s attractions. Try a free trial lesson of a salsa or bachata class at Salsa with Silvia. Bowl a few rounds and enjoy dinner and drinks at Pinstripes, or unwind at Woodhouse Spa. For a particularly unusual experience, check out the accordion show by Hanzhi Wang in the Museum at Strathmore, a beloved arts center.
$179 a night, 7707 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda
A home in history
For the history buff couple
You’ll love: Hands-on learning and nature walks
Pretend to be lockkeepers for the night in this antique home that’s been updated with heat, running water and electricity. Maintained by the C&O Canal Trust, Lockhouse 10 is furnished with objects depicting the 1930s and features a screened-in porch and an outdoor picnic table and fire ring. Learn the history of the all-African American Civilian Conservation Corps that performed restoration on the neighboring C&O Canal.
Hike at Cabin John’s Regional Park to get some fresh air, and if you want to reenter the 21st century for a while, head to a honky-tonk at Glen Echo Park, featuring live music from Baltimore Americana musicians.
$175 a night and an $80 cleaning fee, 8250 Clara Barton Parkway, Cabin John
A cozy cabin and nature excursions
For the outdoorsy couple
You’ll love: Beautiful views, calming nature and a good drink
Take a hike, then grab a drink. This romantic escape is ideal for the couple that wants a balance between enjoying nature and letting loose and relaxing. Two options for hiking include scenic Sugarloaf Mountain, which overlooks neighboring Frederick County, and tranquil Little Bennett Campground. Afterward, enjoy drinks at the Vanish Farmwood craft beer garden next to the Comus Inn or wine tasting at Sugarloaf Mountain Winery.
This private apartment with cabin vibes in Dickerson includes a king bed, heated floors, a kitchenette, a private porch and a TV, perfect for cuddling up after a long day of exploring the great outdoors.
Roughly $80 a night and $137 in fees, Dickerson