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.
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!
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.
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.
Learn more on our Blog
Explore the South Shore’s Water Trails - Part 1: For Beginners
Photo from the Indiana Dunes National Park. Shallow streams, a great lake, a nationally recognized…
Coffee Shops in Northwest Indiana
If you’re a coffee shop connoisseur, Northwest Indiana is the place to be! Check out this…
Exploring the South Shore's Beach Towns
So you’ve decided to wander away from the beaches along Lake Michigan to explore…
10 Best Fishing Spots in Northwest Indiana
There are a variety of good fishing spots within the Northwest Indiana area, whether you're…
Bonfires, Beaches and Bumper Boats, Oh My! - Camping in Northern Indiana
Break out the sleeping bags, grab the marshmallows, pack your tent or hop in the RV because…
FALLing in Love with the South Shore - Outdoors, Apples, Events and More!
Nothing feels more like fall than walking outside on a cool, crisp morning to find hints of orange…
A Guide to Exploring the South Shore with your Pets
Header photo by margot.ritaaaa on Instagram No matter if you are wanting to grab a bite to eat…
South Shore Getaways: Unique Stays in Northwest Indiana
Everyone can use a getaway or staycation! If you are looking for somewhere unique to stay in…
14 fabulous region restaurants for that perfect Valentine’s Day dinner
Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Need some ideas for a great restaurant in Northwest…
Get Outside This Spring in Northwest Indiana
The snow is melting, the flowers are blooming outside, and the sun is peeking out from the chilly…
Fun Along the South Shore
Tag your adventure #alongthesouthshore
Request More Information
Would you like more information about the South Shore and the Indiana Dunes? Use the links below to request a visitor's guide be mailed to you, download our Indiana Dunes brochure, join our e-newsletter list or sign up for text alerts.
• Sign me up for Email Newsletters