South Shore Romantic Getaway

Come visit the South Shore of Lake Michigan to reconnect with that special someone during a romantic getaway!

Reconnect with each other as you explore the outdoors. In the fall, visit the orchards or ice skate in the winter. Sample wines or craft beers, relax at the spa or enjoy the arts before heading out for a delicious dinner. Have a little fun with activities like bowling, axe-throwing, waterpark slides or a baseball game.

Finally, spend some intimate time together in a secluded cabin or a vacation home near the beach.

Northwest Indiana has plenty of ways to enjoy some time away with your partner!

Where to Stay

If you are looking for a couple’s retreat, Serenity Springs is the perfect spot — away from it all, nestled on 85 private wooded acres. Cabins can include fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and more. Visit our blog post for more unique places to stay, here.

Rent a vacation home close to the beach at Beachwalk Vacation Rentals or Miller Beach Vacation Rentals. Or stay at one of the many hotels throughout the region.

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Outdoor Adventures

Trails, Beaches, Gardens & More

If you both love the outdoors there are plenty of activities in the area couples can enjoy! Watching a sunset is a wonderful addition to a romantic getaway. Read our blog on some of the best places to view a sunset in the area. The beautiful gardens and trails at Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City or Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso are both great locations to reconnect with nature and each other.

Indiana Dunes

The Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park are amazing spots to explore with loved ones. Below are a just a few things to do there. For more, check out 61 Things to Do at the Indiana Dunes.

Miles of trails to hike or bike.
Beaches for sunbathing or wading in the water.
More than 350 different bird species that visit the parks for you to find.
Picnic spots by the lake.
Ranger-led adventures like paddling or cruises on the lake.

Seasonal Activities

Fall Things to Do

During the fall, head out to the orchards and farms for a day of fun. County Line Orchard and Fair Oaks Farms both have a variety of apple trees, pumpkin patches, u-pick sunflowers and markets to enjoy. Harvest Tyme has sunflowers and pumpkins to pick, too.

Don't forget to grab some delicious apple or pumpkin donuts!

Fall Activities

Winter Things to Do

When the weather turns cold, you can still spend some quality time outdoors. There are a number of places to ice skate in Northwest Indiana, most with skate rentals available. When it snows, bundle up and rent some cross-country skis at Oak Ridge Prairie or snowshoes at the Paul H. Douglas Center in the Indiana Dunes. For more fun, grab a sled and fly down the hills at local parks.

Winter Activities

• All Outdoor Things to Do

Unwind

Rejuvenate Body & Soul

In this busy world, sometimes the best way to spend time together is just taking time to relax and be pampered. Book a spa day with massages and maybe even a pedicure at State of Mind Salon and Day Spa in Crown Point. Awaken your senses as you sit back and relax during a halotherapy session at The Salt Cave in St. John. If you both do yoga, there are a number of locations that have regular sessions including wineries and gardens. Check our event page for upcoming yoga classes.

The Arts

Exhibits, Music, Film & Theater

Experiencing the arts can fit into any couple's getaway. Spark conversation as you debate the meaning of artwork in a gallery. Stroll through downtown Rensselaer to see the murals that makeup RenArtWlk. See a play or musical by one of the local theater companies. Rock the night away as you listen to a music performance at a winery or catch a tribute band performing at a nearby venue. Travel back in time with an evening watching movies at 49'er Drive-In Theater.

• All Arts & Culture Activities

All in Good Fun

For the Competitors & Young at Heart

Do you two both have a competitive streak? Or would you just enjoy a day of playing around? At Up Your Alley in Schererville you can not only compete in bowling but they also have axe throwing you can try your skills at. Nearby at JAK's Warehouse, race to the top of rock climbing walls or around the go-kart course. Test your fear of heights on their Sky Trail or play arcade games.

On hot summer days, plan to have some fun splashing around. Deep River Waterpark has waterslides and a lazy river for you to float down together. Or spend the day at Whihala Beach in Whiting and try out WhoaZone, an inflatable obstacle course right on the lake.

A day at the ballpark is always a fun date. Gary SouthShore RailCats games are a good time at an affordable price! Head back to mid-nineteenth-century baseball rules at a Deep River Grinders game. Drive or take the train up to Chicago for the day to check out a major league game with the White Sox or Cubs.

Wine and Dine

Dinner, Drinks & Treats

If you two enjoy wine, cider or mead, follow the South Shore Winery Trail for a delicious variety to sample. Or if you're beer lovers, hop on the South Shore Brewery Trail to experience the region’s finest local craft beers.

If you're looking for a special meal, there are quite a few fine-dining restaurants to visit. Asparagus in Merrillville serves a unique blend of cuisines from Thailand, Vietnam and the Americas with the influence of the French culinary arts. In the summer, sit out on the patio and watch the sunset over Cedar Lake at Lighthouse Restaurant. Find tasty steak and seafood at both Patrick's Grille in Michigan City or Prime Steakhouse in Crown Point.

Northwest Indiana is also home to four casinos, including the new Hard Rock Casino. All of them have a number of different restaurants on-site, from fancy to casual.

How about some dessert? Find some classic candy and fresh-from-the-factory gummies at Albanese, delectable treats at Cute as a Cupcake, or popcorn, ice cream and other delicacies throughout the area here.