Romantic Getaways Near DC

A romantic getaway doesn't have to involve a long journey or lots of time. If you are near the D.C. area and want to get away for a romantic weekend or even a relaxing evening, there are some great spots along the way to spa, dine and have a great time.

In Middleburg, Virginia, less than an hour’s drive from D.C.'s metro area is a unique resort and spa (500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, VA), themed to the area’s equestrian history. If you are a lover of horses, this is a great spot for a romantic getaway, with colonial décor and plantation-style architecture. Test your horseback riding skills, visit the spa – where treatments are crafted specifically for riders – or have an epic meal at the highly rated in-house restaurant or bar.

St. Michael's, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and less than an hour from D.C., is a mix of marinas, B&B's and restaurants, making it a fun spot for a relaxing and romantic weekend getaway. While there, check out the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (213 North Talbot St., St. Michaels, MD), home to many classic Chesapeake Bay artifacts that tell the social and geological history of the Bay. Enjoy the open sea on one of many cruise options staffed by narrators who share the history of the area. Some nice spots to stay in the area include the Inn at Perry Cabin (308 Watkins Lane, St. Michaels, MD), which offers waterfront luxury lodges, and the St. Michaels Harbour Inn and Spa (101 N. Harbor Rd., St. Michaels, MD), a waterfront spa.

Berkeley Springs is a two-hour drive from metro D.C. or Baltimore, and boasts the nation’s very first spa. This spot has been around for over 200 years. In fact, it’s said that America’s first president, George Washington, would bring his family here for getaways 250 years ago. Berkeley Springs State Park (2 S. Washington St., Berkeley Springs, WV), at the center of town, is a unique natural playground with hot springs and several large stone pools. There’s also Roman-style baths to be enjoyed and free concerts every summer.

Minutes outside D.C. in Oxon Hill, MD, MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, MD) lets you pretend you are in Vegas without getting on a plane. Whether your romantic getaway involves an afternoon of trying your hand at the slot machines and spending your winnings on a special present from the on-location shops, enjoying an intimate cocktail or having a nice dinner, it’s sure to be a good time. If you need some solo relaxation time, there’s also a full-service spa and salon on premises.

Less than a half hour's drive from D.C. is Alexandria, VA, nationally known as a historic district, where George Washington lived in the 1700s. While there, take a stroll on cobblestoned King Street and enjoy its cobblestone streets the houses that tell tales of other centuries. There's also a lot of great shopping and restaurants in this area, and some extraordinary antiques shops that have items as old as this city. Great spots to eat nearby include Restaurant Eve (110 S. Pitt St., Alexandria, VA ), owned by celebrity chef Cathal Armstrong, and Vermilion (1120 King St., Alexandria, VA ), known to be a spot where the Obamas shared at least one Valentine's Day dinner.