Whether you’re planning a first date, celebrating an anniversary or simply looking for something to do with your partner, there are plenty of great date ideas near the University of Maryland. From cozy restaurants in College Park to museums and rooftop views in Washington, D.C., you don’t have to travel far to plan a memorable outing.
To make planning easier, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite date spots close to UMD. Whether you’re looking for something casual or a little more special, there’s an option for every vibe.
Read Next: Best Things to Do Near the University of Maryland
Date Night in College Park
1. Burton’s Grill and Bar
Address: 4440 Van Buren Street
Distance from Rambler College Park: 4-minute drive
If you and your date can’t decide what to eat, Burton’s Grill and Bar solves the problem. The restaurant has a variety of food, cocktails and plenty of seating. Their different cuisine offerings from poké bowls to burgers and fries ensure there’s an option for all parties, and Burton’s is also great with food allergies and intolerances. It’s worth checking out if you want a calm, cozy yet lively atmosphere. It’s relaxed enough for a first date while still offering a fun atmosphere to spend an evening together.
2. Lake Artemesia Natural Area
Address: College Park, MD
Distance from Rambler College Park: 10-minute drive
Sometimes the best dates don’t require reservations. Lake Artemesia offers nearly three miles of paved walking trails, scenic water views and plenty of quiet places to sit and talk. Bring coffee, pack a picnic or take an evening walk around the lake during sunset.
3. Milk & Honey Café
Address: 10280 Baltimore Avenue
Distance from Rambler College Park: 15-minute drive
If you’re more of a brunch couple than a dinner couple, Milk & Honey is a great option. Known for its chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and oversized brunch cocktails, it’s a popular weekend destination that’s worth planning ahead for.
4. Rivieras Tapas Bar
Address: 6202 Rhode Island Avenue
Distance from Rambler College Park: 7-minute drive
If you’re looking for a date night that feels a little more elevated, Riviera Tapas Bar is a great choice just outside College Park. The menu features Spanish-inspired small plates that are perfect for sharing, along with craft cocktails, wine and seasonal specials. Its intimate atmosphere makes it ideal for everything from a first date to celebrating an anniversary, while the nearby Riverdale Park Station offers a chance to stroll before or after dinner.
5. The Hotel at the University of Maryland
Address: 7777 Baltimore Avenue
Distance from Rambler College Park: 8-minute walk
Even if you’re not staying overnight, The Hotel at UMD makes for a special date destination. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants inside, grab drinks in the lobby lounge or book a couples spa treatment if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
Read Next: Best Brunch Spots Near UMD
Worth the Drive: Date Ideas in Washington, D.C.
6. The Wharf
Address: 101 District Square SW
Distance from Rambler College Park: 35-minute drive
The Wharf combines waterfront views, restaurants, live music, coffee shops and seasonal events all in one location. Whether you’re splitting appetizers, watching boats pass by or catching a concert, it’s an easy place to spend several hours with your significant other.
7. Union Market
Photo courtesy of The Local Palate. Alt. Union Market in D.C.
Address: 1309 5th Street NE
Distance from Rambler College Park: 24-minute drive
Union Market offers dozens of food vendors, specialty shops and seasonal pop-up events. It’s ideal if both of you want to sample different foods instead of committing to one restaurant. The nearby rooftop at Hi-Lawn is also a great place to grab a drink after dinner.
8. Nationals Park
Address: 1500 South Capitol Street SE
Distance from Rambler College Park: 35-minutes
During baseball season, catching a Nationals game can be a fun alternative to a traditional dinner date. Between the stadium food, waterfront location and lively atmosphere, it’s an easy way to spend an evening together even if you’re not a huge baseball fan.
9. Georgetown Shopping and Waterfront Restaurants
Address: M Street NW
Distance from Rambler College Park: 38-minutes
If you’re looking for a classic date day, Georgetown has just about everything in one neighborhood. Browse national retailers and local boutiques along M Street, stop for coffee, then end the day with dinner overlooking the Georgetown Waterfront. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply spending a Saturday together, Georgetown offers plenty of ways to fill an afternoon.
Popular restaurants include:
- Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers
- Martin’s Tavern
- Clyde’s of Georgetown
- Il Canale
- Filomena Ristorante
10. Eastern Market
Address: 225 7th Street SE
Distance from Rambler College Park: 35-minute drive
For a more relaxed date, head to Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. On weekends, the surrounding streets fill with local artists, vintage vendors, handmade jewelry, antiques and food stands. After browsing the market, grab brunch or coffee nearby and explore one of the D.C.’s most walkable neighborhoods together.
If you’re visiting on a weekday, the historic indoor market remains open with local produce, baked goods and specialty food vendors.
11. See the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin
Address: 1275 K St NW
Distance from Rambler College Park: 40-minute drive
If you’re looking for a date during the Spring Semester, few experiences are more memorable than visiting the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Peak season typically occurs between late March and early April, when thousands of cherry trees surrounding the Tidal Basin burst into bloom.
Take a walk beneath the blossoms, rent a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin or continue exploring nearby monuments like the Jefferson Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Because this is one of Washington’s busiest times of year, visiting early in the morning or on a weekday can help you avoid the largest crowds.
Read Next: Best Weekend Trips Near College Park Maryland
Finding time for a date during the semester isn’t always easy, but there are plenty of places near the University of Maryland that make it worth setting aside an afternoon or evening together. Whether you’re grabbing dinner in College Park, walking around Lake Artemesia or spending the day exploring Washington, D.C., there’s no shortage of memorable date ideas close to campus.
If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to our leasing team at Rambler College Park North or Rambler College Park South. We would be happy to help you transition into your new home away from home.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: August 4, 2026
Last Updated On: August 6, 2026
