25 Romantic Date Ideas in Washington DC
I know that planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but it's equally important to cherish the moments leading up to your big day. That's why as a DC wedding photographer, I’m here to help you create unforgettable memories with some awesome date ideas. Whether you're looking for romance, adventure, or simply quality time together, I've got you covered.
So, let's ditch the stress for a while and explore a variety of fun and creative date ideas in Washington DC that will make your engagement period even more special. From cozy dinners to exciting outdoor escapades, you can easily find memorable adventures that will bring you closer than ever before.
Looking for date ideas for Valentine’s Day in DC? Check out my list here.
entertaining date in Washington DC
Plan ahead to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival (Late March - Early April): The Cherry Blossom Festival is a beautiful and iconic event in DC, where the city's cherry blossoms bloom and form a stunning location for photos. My tip? Rent a pedal boat and explore the Tidal Bassin, it’s the best way to look at the tree in an intimate setting.
Go see the fireworks for the Fourth of July: Washington DC is known for its spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display on the National Mall. You will have to get down to the Mall in the early afternoon so plan to bring games, and books to spend the afternoon relaxing on the grass with your date.
Go see the National Christmas Tree Lighting (Late November - Early December): The National Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual event that takes place on the White House lawn. It's a joyful and stunning event that's perfect for getting into the holiday mood.
Don’t forget the Smithsonian Folklife Festival (Late June - Early July): The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is a celebration of cultures from around the world, with music, dance, food, and crafts on display. It's a great way to learn about different cultures and enjoy the summer weather.
If you are a book nerd, go to the National Book Festival (Late August - Early September): The National Book Festival is a celebration of literature, with author talks, book signings, and other literary events. It's a great way to meet your favorite authors and discover new books to read.
Romantic Date Night in Washington DC
See the National Mall at Night: The National Mall is captivating at any time of day, but it's quite spectacular at night. Take a walk around the monuments, enjoying the peace and quiet of the evening.
Explore Georgetown: Georgetown is a fascinating neighborhood in DC, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and plenty of restaurants and shops. Take a stroll around the neighborhood and enjoy dinner at one of the many great restaurants, such as Fiola Mare, 1789 Restaurant, or Chez Billy Sud. It’s also a great location for an engagement session.
Go to show: DC has many great locations for live music and theater, like the Kennedy Center, the 9:30 Club, and the Howard Theatre.
Take a Sunset Cruise: The Potomac River is a lovely place to go watch the sunset. You can reserve a sunset cruise on a boat or a kayak and also enjoy the views of DC from the water.
Visit a Museum or Art Gallery: DC has some of the best museums and art galleries in the world, and many of them are free to visit at night (the National Gallery of Art and the Library of Congress are currently doing happy hours). Take a stroll through the galleries, enjoying the art and each other's company. And if you love our DC museum, know that a lot of them can be reserved for your wedding! Check out my blog post: Top DC Museum as Your Wedding Venue.
Best restaurants for a date in dc
But if you are like me, and food is your true passion, here is a list of wonderful and romantic restaurants to try in the DC area.
Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier: This French-Belgian restaurant in the West End is known for its refined ambiance, impeccable service, and appetizing cuisine. It's a great choice for a unique occasion or a romantic date night.
Rose's Luxury: This award-winning restaurant in Capitol Hill serves up creative American cuisine in a casual, intimate vibe. The small plates are ideal for sharing, and the cocktail menu is top-notch.
Fiola: This premier Italian restaurant in Penn Quarter offers a sophisticated, romantic atmosphere and mouthwatering, creative cuisine. Be sure to try the homemade pasta and the excellent wine list.
The Dabney: This Michelin-starred restaurant in Shaw is known for its classic cooking and locally sourced ingredients. The cozy, rustic decor and attentive service make it a great choice for a romantic evening.
Little Serow: This Thai restaurant in Dupont Circle is an excellent option for adventurous foodies. The prix fixe menu changes regularly and features bold, spicy flavors.
A cozy date night in a DC Bar
The Gibson: On U Street, this cozy speakeasy has a romantic, vintage-inspired vibe and offers a list of classic cocktails with a twist.
POV Rooftop Lounge and Terrace: This rooftop bar in the W Hotel has stunning views of the city skyline and offers a refined, exclusive vibe.
Off the Record: This traditional bar in the Hay-Adams Hotel is known for its luxury experience, expertly-made cocktails, and renowned clientele.
Barmini by José Andrés: This trendy cocktail bar in Penn Quarter offers visionary, avant-garde cocktails and a dapper, contemporary decor.
