Dylan and I outside of National Portrait Gallery in the Sculpture Garden during COVID

52 Unique Date Ideas in Washington DC For Couples In 2024

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LOOKING FOR DATE IDEAS IN WASHINGTON DC?

Are you wondering about fun and unique date ideas in the US Capital? I lived in DC for two years when I was getting my master’s, and I was in the same spot as you. Luckily, I’ve compiled 52 great date ideas that you can sort through to create the perfect occasion with your loved one.

Dylan and I outside of National Portrait Gallery in the Sculpture Garden during COVID

52 Date Ideas in Washington DC: An Overview

No matter the time of day or year, there is always something to do in Washington DC. There is usually an event, performance, or some festivity happening, and even if there isn’t, plenty of places on this list will keep you and your partner entertained! Here are some fun date ideas in DC to keep the romance rolling!

52 Date Ideas in Washington DC

Eating out at a restaurant can become a mundane date. I’m also aware that every relationship is different, and every couple has unique interests and ways they like to enjoy their time. For those reasons, I’ve included many different date ideas for you to sort through. Date ideas include sightseeing, game nights, live entertainment, getting outside, exploring the city, and yes, dining out.

One of the most unique and fun date ideas in Washington DC is the fun Artechouse Museum

For Art Lovers – Visit a Museum

We couldn’t mention date ideas in Washington DC without mentioning all the fantastic museums! If you’re visiting from out of town or have yet to visit all the museums, they’re a great way to spend a day with your partner without breaking the bank. Let’s go over some of the best museums for a date.

The first on the list is the immersive Artechouse museum. The Artechouse is a great date idea because it is an interactive museum, and each room places you into an all-encompassing setting. After all, it’s arguably more entertaining and visually appealing than a traditional museum.

  • Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

You can easily spend hours exploring the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. Wander through the beautiful gardens and estate before visiting the beautiful indoor art museum. It has plenty of decorative pieces that are great conversation starters.

Photo inside the Hirshorn Museum in Washington DC
  • Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is free in the Penn Quarter. It holds one of the largest collections of American art, dating from the colonial period to the present, in the world. If you and your significant other enjoy looking at art, this is a great date idea!

  • The Glenstone Museum

The Glenstone is a lesser-known art museum in the DC metro area. It’s a private contemporary art collection in Potomac, Maryland. It’s a bit off the beaten path that’s ideal for escaping the crowds. The exhibitions include works from post-World War || artists from around the globe.

  • National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is a historic art museum with images and portraits of famous Americans. They have rotating exhibitions, so even if you’ve visited in the past, there might be something new to see. This museum is a great date idea for couples who are into pop culture!

Photo of appetizers at the Top of the Gate restaurant

For Foodies – Grab a Bite to Eat or Drink

Dining at restaurants seems to be the go-to date idea that is wildly overused and mundane. However, there are ways to take your dining out experience to the next level with unique restaurants and eateries. Let’s check some of them out.

  • Rania

Rania is an exquisite Indian cuisine restaurant in the Penn Quarter. The restaurant has fancy tableware, beautiful chandeliers, and delicious cuisine. Dylan and I dined here on one of our anniversaries and loved the food and the scene.

  • Fiola Mare

If you’ve got a taste for seafood, Fiola Mare is a great restaurant to check out. It’s on the Georgetown waterfront, so you have stunning river views as you eat delicious Italian seafood. There is outdoor seating, and they are open from brunch until dinner.

  • Le Diplomate

Le Diplomate is the cutest French cafe open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. It’s an old-fashioned restaurant with outdoor seating and the best desserts. It’s a Washington DC classic and worth the experience at least once!

Appetizers and drinks at a rooftop bar in DC
  • Ted’s Bulletin

If you and your loved one enjoy breakfast food, head to Ted’s Bulletin. They serve breakfast all day with a focus on American dishes and cocktails. There are seven locations across DC, so head to the one closest to you for some delicious French toast.

  • Michelin-Star Restaurants

To elevate your dining experience, consider checking out one of DC’s 25 Michelin-star restaurants! You can find everything from Japanese to Peruvian to Mediterranean cuisine on the list of these fine restaurants!

  • DC Breweries, Cideries, or Wineries

Instead of getting a whole meal, head to a DC brewery, winery, or cidery to spend a date night with your significant other. There are great options in the DC metro area, including City-State Brewing, District Winery, and Lost Boy Cider.

Photo of a festival on H-street with a bunch of food and art vendors

For Supporting Local – Visit a Market

Another great way to turn an afternoon into a date is to check out one of DC’s farmer’s markets! Shopping at farmer’s markets puts a fun spin on your typical grocery shopping experience, and there are often fun booths to check out while you’re there!

  • Eastern Market

Eastern Market is in the heart of DC in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. During the week, the market has fresh produce and events, and you can find vendors selling homemade art on the weekends!

  • La Cosecha

La Cosecha is in the Union Market district but in a separate building. It’s a Latin American marketplace with restaurants, beverages, and restaurants! There’s also a media studio and second-floor event space. Dylan and I loved checking out La Cosecha!

If you're looking for a fun date idea in Washington DC, head to the top of Union Market for some appetizers and drinks!
  • Union Market

Union Market is a large building that houses over 40 different businesses! They have a ton of restaurants, small markets, and shops to choose from, with great outdoor seating options. If you want something more exclusive, head to the rooftop for some great views with cocktails!

  • Dupont Circle Farmers Market

Last but not least, we have the Dupont Circle Farmers Market! This farmer’s market is only open on Sundays, but you can get everything from fresh produce to smoothies to clothing! This farmers market is part of FreshFarm, which has markets across DC, but the Dupont Circle location is one of a kind.

Picture of The Wharf boardwalk during sunset

For City Lovers – Explore Different Parts of DC

DC is a big city, and there are so many different parts of it to explore. After living there for two years, Dylan and I still didn’t get to see everything! One of the best date ideas is to visit a part of DC you haven’t seen before.

  • Head to The Wharf

Head to The Wharf for some beautiful views along the Potomac. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants, walk along the boardwalk, ice skate the rink in the winter, or see some live entertainment at the concert venue. Head to the Wharf at dusk for a spectacular sunset!

  • Bike around the National Mall

One of the benefits of DC is that it’s very biker-friendly. Spending the day biking around the monuments is a fun way to experience DC! It’s a different experience than walking because you can cover the area much more quickly. It’s also a great way to get some exercise in together!

Sunset over the national monument
  • Find Local Murals

DC has beautiful murals all over the city on local buildings. It can be a fun day scouting out all the visual street art in places like Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and U-Street. Make it even more fun by planning a photoshoot!

  • Visit a Bookstore

DC has some fantastic bookstores around town. Politics and Prose was my favorite, with fun knick-knacks and a coffee shop. Kramers is another fantastic bookstore with a coffee shop and bar attached to one store!

Dylan jumping over rocks at Rock Creek Park

For Nature Lovers – Spend Some Time Outside

Despite being a busy city, there are fantastic opportunities to experience the DC outdoors. DC has phenomenal outdoor attractions and outdoor activities for the perfect romantic outing. If you’re looking for the best hiking near DC, check out my next post here!

  • Head to the National Zoo

First on the list is the Smithsonian National Zoo. They have a ton of animals, it’s open year-round, and it’s free! It’s a great way to spend a few hours, and there are some great dessert shops across the street you can enjoy after a long day outside!

  • Take a Trip to the National Arboretum

The National Arboretum is unlike any I’ve ever been to. The property is HUGE and has plenty to see. It’s beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful. It’s a great way to spend the day with your loved one.

  • Take the Metro to the US Botanic Gardens

The US Botanic Gardens is another great way to incorporate nature into a date. The US Botanic Gardens has indoor and outdoor sections that cover different landscapes, biomes, and plant species. It’s near the National Mall and can be a great escape from the city if you’re in the area.

One of the best date ideas in Washington DC is picnicking at Gravelly Point and watching all the airplanes fly into the airport!
  • Picnic at Gravelly Point

Gravelly Point is a large open field where you can watch the planes fly into the JFK airport. It’s a great open space for a picnic, frisbee, or watching the overhead aircraft. It’s worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime!

  • Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

If you want a fun outdoor activity near DC, consider taking a hot air balloon ride with Valley Ballooning! Valley Ballooning is in Edinburg, Virginia, where you’ll experience sweeping views into the Shenandoah Valley. It’s a bit off the beaten path and pricy, but it’d be worth it for a special occasion.

  • Rent Paddle Boards or Kayaks

Dylan and I rented out kayaks on the Potomac River for his birthday one year, and we had a blast! There are plenty of places you can rent from, but we went with Boating in DC. You can choose from multiple locations to embark on your kayak or paddleboard journey!

For my birthday, Dylan bought us a cruise on the Potomac River, where we got to enjoy the views, sip on some cocktails, and learn about the monuments. A dinner cruise is a fun thing to do in DC at night because it has breathtaking views and a delicious meal!

Book your Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise at Viator here!

Playing TopGolf in Virginia

For Gamers – Plan a Game Night

If you’re a couple who likes to play board games, card games, or interactive games together, DC is a great city to be in! You can find everything from mini golf to axe throwing to skating rinks! I’ll cover some of the popular places to go below.

  • Swingers Mini Golf

Swingers Mini Golf is unlike any mini golf I’ve ever played. It’s an indoor mini golf course, but you can choose your course out of a few options! They also serve food and drinks, and you can order cocktails from servers as you go through the course!

  • Throw Social and Kick Axe Throwing

Throw Social is a fun place to go for a date. They have tropical cocktails, live music and entertainment, axe throwing, darts, board games, cornhole, and light-up ping pong! The two Throw Social locations have differing hours, so check out the hours online!

  • Red Room Bar

The Red Room is the bar attached to the Black Clat Nightclub. The Red Room is open after every show and has a dive-bar feeling to it. It’s perfect if you’re looking for darts, a pinball machine, and classic cocktails. It’s a chill vibe after some live entertainment.

  • Players Club

The Players Club is the spot for classic 70’s and 80’s video games! They have pool tables, foosball, pinball, and vintage arcade games ready to be played. Take your date night to the next level at the Players Club!

Dylan and I loved to go to The Board Room for some drinks and board games when we lived in DC. It's a great idea for date night!
  • Kraken Courts and Skates

Kraken Courts and Skates combines court sports and modern games all into one. You can find axe throwing, rage rooms, pickleball, and rollerskating! Don’t know what activity you’re in the mood for? Just show up and make your decision there!

  • Top Golf

Top Golf is a fun activity for those looking to practice their swing and those who just like to have fun. I’ve never played golf, but I always enjoy the interactive games at TopGolf! Plus, they have delicious appetizers and a bar on site!

  • The Board Room

Want to play some board games but don’t have any at home? Check out one of DC’s The Board Room locations! It’s a casual bar with board games you can check out at the register. Dylan and I spent many date nights here and enjoyed trying new board games.

Dylan and I at a Nationals Game on the Fourth of July. Such a fun date idea in DC!

For Amusement Find Live Entertainment

Next up on the list is to find some live entertainment! For being on the smaller side, DC has a ton of entertainment venues! DC has everything from theatre, performing arts, comedy shows, concerts, and sporting events.

  • Fords Theatre

Ford’s Theatre doubles up as both a museum and a theatre! The theatre shows plays and musicals on Abraham Lincoln’s legacy, the American experience, and more. The shows switch every month, so check their website to see what is playing next!

  • The Kennedy Center of Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center is another fantastic venue. The venue plays over 2,000 performance art shows and events yearly. The Kennedy Center is artistic, stunning, and affordable. Check online for showtimes!

  • Comedy Shows

DC isn’t short on comedy shows if you and your partner want some laughs! DC Improv is a popular comedy show, though there are many others you can find online. Other shows include Capital Laughs and more.

  • Arena Stage

The Arena Stage is an American theatre that puts on shows on the diverse experiences of stories across the United States. They play new works and classics. You can find what is playing on their website.

The Avalon Theatre in DC
  • Shakespeare Theatre Company

Shakespeare Theatre Company also puts on plays on the Shakespeare era and other classical playwrights. It is open every day of the week in the afternoon and evening hours.

  • Blues Alley Jazz

If you like to listen to live jazz, venture no further than Georgetown’s Blues Alley Jazz. This famous jazz venue has hosted all the classics and is a fantastic place to grab a drink and listen to beautiful blues.

  • The Anthem

The Anthem is the concert venue and auditorium on the Southwest Waterfront area of The Wharf. It’s ranked as one of the best live performance venues in the country, and many big-name artists will perform here. Head to one of the fun tiki bars in The Wharf after to continue on the magic of the evening!

  • Attend a Sporting Event

No matter the time of year, you can typically find a sports game to watch in DC, between baseball, basketball, and hockey. The Nationals Stadium and the Capital One Arena are great venues to score sports game tickets.

Dylan and I love to cook together on our date nights!

For Quality Time – Take a Class Together

What’s a better way to spend quality time with your partner than to learn something new together? A fun date idea is to take a class together to develop new skills individually and as a team. Take your relationship to the next level and book a dance or cooking class in the DC area!

  • Dance Classes

Glen Echo Park in Maryland is a center that puts on many different classes, dancing being one of them! Dylan and I always intended to take a dancing class at Glen Echo Park, but we dropped the ball. Don’t be like us! Look into all the different dance class options you can take as a couple!

  • Cooking Classes

If you want to become a better cook for your partner (or you’re hoping they will), La Cosecha offers cooking classes! You can learn how to cook and season Latin American-inspired dishes together to spice up your love life! Pun intended.

Dylan and I in a hotel room during one of our anniversary trips!

For a Getaway – Book Your Staycation

Do you feel you need to get away from your house or apartment but don’t have the time to venture too far? Book a romantic staycation at The Morrison-Clark Inn. It’s a luxurious Victorian mansion downtown that features an elegant restaurant on-site.

Wrapping Up: 52 Date Ideas in DC

There you have it! 52 date ideas for you and your loved one in Washington DC. Hopefully, you’ve found some unique and fun dates that you can choose from this list to keep the romance alive! Have fun!